The Light to Light walk on the NSW Far South Coast has reopened with new campgrounds and track sections.
One of NSW’s most breathtaking walks has just reopened after a significant upgrade, and it’s offering hikers an unforgettable coastal adventure with spectacular views and wildlife.
Traverse rugged red cliffs. (Image: Remy Brand /DCCEEW)
Part of NSW Great Walks – a network of multi-day walks offering world-class walking experiences – the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund and NPWS poured $14.9 million into the Light to Light walk upgrade. This includes new campgrounds with 10 elevated hardwood sleeping platforms and toilets, and realigned track sections for better views.
The hike ends at Green Cape Lighthouse. (Image: Remy Brand/DCCEEW)
This Grade 4 walk stretches 32 kilometres of the NSW Far South Coast near Edrom, from the historic Boyds Tower to Green Cape Lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in the state. Hikers will traverse diverse landscapes from red cliffs and coves to forests and heathland, being treated to panoramic ocean views along the way.
The newly opened Mowarry campgrounds. (Image: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW)
It’s recommended to enjoy the walk across three days and two nights (one way), stopping at the newly opened campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay. Begin your journey with a nine-kilometre walk on day one, starting at Boyds Tower and ending at Mowarry Point. Day two covers 10 kilometres to Hegartys Bay, and day three is a 13-kilometre walk finishing at Green Cape Lighthouse.
There is also the option to join a guided tour with a local operator like Sapphire Coast Guiding Co., which includes accommodation in the historic Green Cape Lighthouse gear, transfers and meals. Shorter day walks are also available for those not wanting to commit to the full trek.
Spot breaching humpback whales. (Image: Scott Blanch)
The walk presents fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities, including whales, seals and seabirds. The walk has reopened at the perfect time, with the humpback whale migration having kicked off in May and running until November. It’s worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the track.
The weather may have cooled, but this spectacular hike is the perfect excuse to get outdoors, soak up the sunshine and witness these majestic creatures in action.
The Light to Light walk offers hikers an unforgettable coastal adventure. (Image: Remy Brand/DCCEEW)
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.
You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.
All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.
1. Stockton Sand Dunes
Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.
Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)
2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk
A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.
History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)
3. Watch out for whales
You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.
And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.
Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)
5. Diving Port Stephens
Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.
Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.
At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)
6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.
Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)
7. Fish the estuaries
Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.
If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)
8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours
With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.
Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.
Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)
