Southern Headlands Walk is NSW's newest coastal walk

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.

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 .

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.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — 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.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — 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.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — 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.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — 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.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — 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.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — 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.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — 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.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

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