This spotted gum coastal walk is NSW’s most underrated trail

Swap screens for dreamy coastal scenes on this little-known, 34-kilometre walk along NSW’s spectacular South Coast.

If New Year’s digital detox resolutions have already been dumped, fear not. NSW is home to a raft of beautiful walks that give you every reason to ditch your devices, from the volcanic Tomaree Coastal Walk to the culturally-charged Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. But the Murramarang South Coast Walk, one of NSW’s ‘Great Walks’, stands apart.

Stretching between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay on the South Coast, the walk is typically completed over three days and is hemmed by spotted gum forests that grow right down to the beach. Rated Grade 4 in terms of difficulty, the reward-to-effort ratio is generous – prepare to traverse sleepy coastal villages that move at blissful snail-paced tempos, pass dramatic rock formations and cross secluded beaches with scintillating waters.

The walk can be tackled independently or via multi-day, self-guided or guided experience packages. These include pre-booked stays at campgrounds or roofed accommodations and the option to add on transfers.

What’s special about Murramarang South Coast Walk?

Point Upright, Murramarang South Coast walk — Hiking through vibrant forest near Point Upright. (Image: DCCEEW/John Spencer)

Murramarang National Park offers a rare natural phenomenon you’ll find in few other places in Australia – majestic burrawangs and spotted gum trees that grow right down to the beach. Every summer, the gums’ dimpled bark sheds to reveal mottled cream and grey spots that give the species its name. These beachside forests bring walkers the best of both worlds – the cool shade and birdwatching opportunities (twitchers, look out for lyrebirds and wonga pigeons) of the gum forests, as well as the swimming perks and serene environments of little-known beaches.

Apart from birds, keep your eyes peeled for abundant local wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos you’ll find grazing and bounding near beaches and picnic areas – especially around Pebbly Beach.

The Murramarang South Coast Walk also holds immense cultural significance for the Indigenous Yuin people, who have rich, continuing connections to the lands and waters. The national park is home to the Murramarang Aboriginal Area, which is scattered with middens (ancient waste deposits of stone and shells) and sacred sites that show signs of life dating back thousands of years.

Murramarang South Coast Walk route

Point Upright lookout, Murramarang — Stunning views from Point Upright lookout. (Image: DCCEEW/John Spencer)

The Murramarang South Coast Walk begins at Pretty Beach near Bawley Point, around three hours’ drive south of Sydney/Warrane or 1.5 hours from Canberra. Hikers trace idyllic, bush-flanked coastline until they reach Pebbly Beach, known for its kangaroos and calm, pristine waters.

From there, it’s around a one-hour stretch before arriving at Depot Beach, another picturesque swimming and camping spot. Boasting views towards North and South Durras, nearby Point Upright lookout is a must.

Murramarang South Coast walk near Wasp head — The track takes walkers past wave rock formations near Wasp Head. (Image: DCCEEW/John Spencer)

Continuing south, highlights include panoramic North Head lookout, along with sheltered Yellow Rock Beach that’s blissfully free from crowds. The walk ends at Maloneys Beach in Batemans Bay, also known for its abundant wildlife.

Of course, it’s possible to complete smaller segments of the walk if you don’t have time to tackle the entire 34 kilometres.

Where to stay along the Murramarang South Coast Walk

a group of friends getting ready to surf with kangaroos surrounding them at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort — Meet furry friends at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need a place to rest your head and regain energy? These campsites and accommodations are located along or near the Murramarang walk.

Pretty Beach campground

Depot Beach campground and cabins

Oaky Beach campground

North Head campground

Yellow Rock Beach House in Murramarang National Park near Batemans Bay has its own private beach and water views from the deck

Judges House is a peaceful coastal cottage with a shady timber deck near Yellow Rock Beach

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort offers a variety of accommodation styles, from cabins and villas to glamping and camping

Pebbly Beach shacks are rustic, self-contained cabins with direct beach access

Self-guided experiences

Murramarang South Coast walk Durras lake — Discover coastal beauty near Durras Lake. (Image: DCCEEW/John Spencer)

From March to November, walkers can book a three-day cabin experience , staying overnight in cabins at Depot Beach and South Durras from $670 for up to four people. Alternatively, a four-day camping experience offers three nights of tented accommodation at Pretty Beach, Depot Beach and Oaky Beach from $160 for two people.

Guided experiences

Those wanting the expertise and company of a guide (along with an extra dose of comfort) can opt for the Region X three-day Murramarang premium journey . The tour includes stays in private villas at Depot Beach and South Durras and starts from $1099 based on a twin share.

Or, join the four-day Women Want Adventure Murramarang hike for female companionship, secluded camps and a true digital detox, with your sleeping gear and clothing transported to the next camp each day for you. Prices start from $2190 per person.

Tips

Before leaving home, always check for alerts and closures in Murramarang National Park .

Check weather forecasts and information on tides from the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Bring plenty of water and fuelling snacks such as muesli bars

Don’t forget your swimmers! There are plenty of picturesque beaches and secluded bays along the way

Don’t leave food lying out in campgrounds – hungry possums will take advantage of the free meal

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.