This hidden walk on the NSW’s South Coast blends nature and culture

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Here’s why it deserves a spot on your hiking hit list.

There’s a new reason to lace up your hiking boots on the NSW South Coast – and it’s more than just a pretty walk. The recently upgraded Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla blends the region’s beaches and bushland with First Nations’ history and culture, making it the perfect weekend activity.

What to expect of Munjip Trail

Tacked onto a stunning stretch of sand and sea four hours south of Sydney, the Munjip Trail is a scenic hike connecting Batemans Bay to McKenzies Beach. Weaving between ocean and bushland, the refurbished track is the perfect way to experience Eurobodalla’s stunning natural beauty.

The track has two trailheads, making it easy to tackle all at once or explore in bite-sized sections across multiple days. Begin at Observation Point in Batehaven, where a wheelchair-accessible pathway doubles as a canvas for Bronwen Smith and Gavin Chatfield’s Connection to country, land and sea.

Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Start the trail at Observation Point. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; Grand Pacific Drive)

The Munjip Trail then tracks along 15 kilometres of scenic coastline – past towns, along beaches and through bushland. Look out for local wildlife and native flora throughout the walk, from scar trees to dolphins. This part of NSW is also known as one of Australia’s best whale-watching spots, so keep your eyes peeled during migration season! Be sure to pack your cozzies, too, as you’ll pass sandy stretches like Caseys Beach, Sunshine Cove, Denhams Beach, Grandfathers Gully, Malua Bay and McKenzies Beach.

Caseys Beach along the Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Cool off at Caseys Beach. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

If you’re tackling the track over a few days, there are plenty of places to rest overnight. Try NRMA Batemans Bay , Denhams Beach Retreat or the Beachfront Shack in Malua Bay . There’s also a range of local restaurants and cafes along the route that are perfect for lunch or a quick grab-and-go.

History and cultural significance

While the trail itself may not necessarily be new, it definitely offers a fresh perspective. After a series of upgrades between late 2024 and early 2025, which included new steps, footbridges, viewing platforms, fences and signage, it was only fitting that it got a name change, too.

Previously called the Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail, the Munjip Trail was renamed in consultation with Traditional Owners. For the local Walbunja people, ‘Munjip’ means ‘walking together, let’s go’ in the dhurga language.

Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Enjoy sweeping coastal views. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; Grand Pacific Drive)

The land’s deep cultural significance is reflected along the walk, from yarning circles and sculptural message poles to educational signs and audio posts with stories from Traditional Custodians. Artwork also features heavily along the Munjip Trail, completed by local Indigenous artists Leanne Brook, Reena Slockee, Natalie Bateman and Nigel Stewart.

Other important information

The Munjip Trail can be undertaken from either Batemans Bay in the north or McKenzies Beach in the south. The best way to ensure smooth transportation is a car shuffle – park one car at the end of the walk and use a second vehicle to drive walkers back to the start. There’s parking available at both ends of the track.

Malua Bay on the Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Malua Bay is one of many seaside pit stops. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

While Parks NSW has rated the track as Grade 3 (suitable for most ages and abilities), a few sections feature stairs, as well as loose terrain, steep inclines, rocks and sand. The viewing platform at Observation Point is wheelchair accessible.

Be sure to come prepared! Wear a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes, ensure you have a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and, of course, a thirst for adventure.

Looking for more hikes on NSW’s South Coast? Try the Southern Headlands Walk!

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.
Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.