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 .

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.

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

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

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.

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

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