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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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .