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 .

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

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