One of the really special things in Murramarang is the forest of majestic spotted gums and burrawangs that grow right down to the beach. It’s one of the rare spots in Australia where this happens. You’ll easily recognise the spotted gums – they have a smooth, dimpled bark which is shed in summer to produce a mottled cream and grey ‘spotted’ appearance.

Murramarang National Park has very high cultural significance for Aboriginal communities of the south coast who have a deep and continuing connection to the lands and waters. The park contains a diverse range of sites and values of cultural significance. The walk adjoins Murramarang Aboriginal Area which has one of the largest and most important Aboriginal sites on the NSW coast.

There's no shortage of native wildlife in Murramarang. Spot eastern grey kangaroos dozing and grazing near the beaches and picnic areas. Pebbly Beach in particular is known for its friendly kangaroos that graze on the grassy areas above the beach.

You'll start and end your walk at popular beaches but you'll discover many spectacular secluded bays and coves on the way. Stop for lunch with an enviable view and you may even spot a whale or two during their annual migration.

Twitchers are in for a treat. In the moist forests you might see lyrebirds fossicking in leaf litter. Look for the stately, strutting wonga pigeon with its pastel blue-grey back feathers and black-dotted stomach. If you don’t see it, you may well hear its repetitive, deep ‘whoop, whoop’ call that carries through the forest.