A stunning new walk has opened on NSW’s South Coast

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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The 20-kilometre track showcases the region’s best beaches, cafes and coastal views.

Stretches of scenic coastline. Seaside towns full of friendly locals. Cosy cafes boasting knockout coffee. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This is the NSW South Coast, an under-the-radar nature playground for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. And it just got even better, thanks to a new 20-kilometre coastal walk.

Where is the Southern Headlands Walk?

Backed by the Shoalhaven City Council with funding from Restart NSW, the new Southern Headlands Walk spans from Narrawallee Inlet in the north to Blackburn Head at Burrill Lake in the south.

Narrawallee Inlet on the NSW South Coast
Narrawallee Inlet marks the northernmost point of the new hike. (Image: Trenny M)

The new trail is mostly made up of existing tracks, including the Narrawallee Foreshore Walk, South Pacific Walk, Gari Bagan, One Track for All and Coomee Nulunga Cultural Walk. The latter two tracks are also both receiving upgrades under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Grant.

This connection to other tracks allows for a new level of versatility, giving hikers the option to extend their walk or cut it short. But it’s not just about linking current South Coast walks – there are a few sections that have new signage and showcase new perspectives.

One Track for All in Ulladulla, NSW
The new trail incorporates many existing walks, including the One Track for All.

What will I see along the new walk?

The Southern Headlands Walk is more than just a way to get your steps up. It grants visitors access to the hidden gems that make this region so special.

It incorporates part of the Sydney Basin’s Bangalay Sand Forest , an endangered ecological area characterised by its sandy forest floor and canopy of eucalyptus botryoides. The native Australian species, commonly known as the bangalay, woollybutt or southern mahogany, is only found in coastal dunes and subcoastal hills along south coastal NSW and eastern Victoria, making it an exciting sight for nature lovers.

South Pacific Walk on the NSW South Coast
Link up with the stunning South Pacific Walk. (Image: Rob King)

Hikers can also marvel at 270-million-year-old marine fossils etched into the coastal rock near Ulladulla Harbour. If spotting them from the track isn’t enough, there are two-hour guided tours along the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk , where you can learn more about these fascinating fossils and the history behind them.

The new Southern Headlands Walk also weaves in some of the South Coast’s best swimming spots; think Narrawallee, Jones, Mollymook, Golf Course Reef, Collers, Ulladulla Harbour, Corcoran Cove, Rennies, Racecourse and Burrill beaches. So even if you’re tackling the 20-kilometre trek in summer, you’ll have a multitude of options when it comes to cooling off along the way.

Narrawallee Beach in Mollymook, NSW
Cool off at Narrawallee Beach along the way. (Image: Andy Hutchinson)

Passing through scenic South Coast towns like Mollymook and Ulladulla, you’ll also have the option to make self-guided pit stops, turning the roughly three-hour day hike into a multi-day adventure. Whether you camp out at Holiday Haven caravan park in Ulladulla or treat yourself to a night of luxury at Mollymook’s Bannisters by the Sea , there are plenty of overnight options to suit all budgets.

Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, NSW
Treat yourself to a post-hike stay at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook.

How do I find the walk?

Those travelling from Sydney should start the hike at Narrawallee Inlet, the northernmost part of the new Southern Headlands Walk. It’ll take you roughly three hours to get there by car, and you can park for free along Narrawallee Inlet Road. If you’re coming from further down the coast, start at Burrill Lake. There is parking available at the East picnic area and Western Arm picnic area.

Narrawallee Inlet on the NSW South Coast
There is parking available near Narrawallee Inlet. (Image: Andy Hutchinson)

For Sydneysiders, a road trip from the NSW capital is highly recommended. The South Coast is a mecca for all kinds of travellers, with so much to see and do across the region. Thalassophiles should treat themselves to Wollongong’s incredible beaches. Nature lovers can discover countless National Parks. Families with young ones will love Jamberoo Action Park. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Wollongong City Beach on the NSW South Coast
Wollongong City Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches.

But if you’re just heading down for the day, 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.

Stay up to date on the new Southern Headlands Walk via the Shoalhaven City Council .

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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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    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.