Murramarang South Coast Walk: Cabin package self guided
Murramarang National Park
Overview
Experience this spectacular 3 day walk that traces 34km of the Murramarang coastline. Walk it at your own pace and relax overnight in cabins along the way.
- Where
- Murramarang National Park in South Coast
3 days 2 nights
34km Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended
Overnight in cabins at Depot Beach and South Durras
From $949 for up to 4 people, including accommodation, welcome tour and transfers
Available March to November, Sunday to Wednesday
Pretty Beach to Depot Beach
10km
Start at the trailhead at Pretty Beach. Today you’ll hear the Singing Stones caused by waves crashing through stones in a small inlet, walk along rock shelfs and stop for a rest at the secluded Snake Bay. End your day with a swim and a relaxing overnight stay at Depot Beach cabins.
Depot Beach to South Durras
8km
Day 2 rewards you with magnificent coastal views. Journey along the beach and cross Durras Lake to South Durras. Drop your gear off at your overnight accommodation in NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort, then relax and enjoy your view of the evening surf.
South Durras to Maloneys Beach
16km
Day 3 is your longest day, but it’s worth it. Return to the forest, pass secluded bays and beaches, and take in the stunning views from North Head lookout. Then push on to North Head and Yellow Rock. As you reach the trail end at Maloneys Beach, be welcomed back to civilisation by the resident kangaroos. From here, meet your transfer to Pretty Beach.
Where you stay
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Pretty Beach to Depot Beach
Distance: 10km
Time suggested: 3 to 6 hours
Toilets at: Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach and Depot Beach
Join your welcome tour, then check tides before you set out as it's best to start the walk leading into low tide. Tidal information is available at the Pretty Beach camp office and the Bureau of Meteorology website. Start at the trail head and make your way down to Pretty Beach and south towards your first rock shelf. The park's famous beach kangaroos might be there to see you off. Shortly after you start you will reach a small inlet and you may be lucky to hear the Singing Stones caused by waves pushing through pebbles before going back out to the ocean.
You'll walk up over the inlet and pass a small bench where you can take the entire coast in. The track undulates along the coast in and out of spotted gums with views of the ocean. Have a break for morning tea when you reach Snake Bay, an isolated cobbled beach. Then it's back on the trail through more spotted gum forests with that beautiful ocean on your left and a nice view of where you’ve just walked from.
Arrive at Pebbly Beach for lunch or a swim if you’re keen. Pebbly Beach picnic area has facilities before continuing to your final stop for today—Depot Beach. The track from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach is around 1 hour along the beach and headlands. In parts you’ll be walking on rock shelf and it can get very slippery so please take extreme caution. If the rock shelf causes concern, there’s an alternative route from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach over the headland. Details can be found at the information board. The hardest climb of the day is the stairs from the beach to Depot Beach cabins.
Go to the office and check-in before heading to your overnight accommodation. Have a well-deserved hot shower, relax on your porch, and watch the night roll in.
Day 2: Depot Beach to South Durras
Distance: 8km
Time suggested: 3 to 4 hours
Toilets at: NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort
Day 2 starts with a beautiful stroll through spotted gums, burrawangs and impressive termite mounds. Check tides before you set out, and then after a short walk up the headland you'll reach Point Upright lookout.
From the viewing platform you can see day 2 and day 3 stretch out in front of you. You can also see if the Durras Lake crossing is safe to cross. If the lake crossing is under water and you can't cross, head back to Depot Beach cabins. There's phone reception at the top near the lookout or you can go back down and use the Telstra pay phone on Fairley Street, but the staff at Depot Beach office are there to help.
From Point Upright make your way down the stairs and onto the beach for the lake crossing. It's then around 3km of beach walking or you can choose to avoid the beach and walk along the road if you prefer.
After the beach, your walk for the day ends at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort and you have the afternoon free to explore South Durras.
The resort has a bistro for meals and drinks, and if you’re keen you can go for a swim in the pool or ocean.
Day 3: South Durras to Maloneys Beach
Distance: 16km
Time suggested: 5 to 7 hours
Toilets at: Oaky Beach, North Head campground and Yellow Rock Beach
Day 3 is your longest day, but worth the effort. You’ll start by heading back into the bush for more spotted gums, burrawangs and beautiful bays. The trail will lead you from South Durras along the coastline and down into Oaky Beach.
From Oaky Beach, it's less than 2km to North Head lookout where you can see what you’ve accomplished so far. You might be lucky to spot migrating whales. Once you’re done taking in the views, continue around to North Head Beach and then on to Yellow Rock Beach where there are toilets and picnic benches to enjoy.
The final section is about an hour's walk from Yellow Rock to Maloneys Beach. As you reach the trail end going down the stairs at Maloneys Beach, be welcomed back to civilisation by the resident kangaroos.
From here, your transfer will drive you back to Pretty Beach.
If you’re ready to extend your trip in the national park or surrounding coastal towns, try booking Yellow Rock Beach House or Judges House.
Is this walk right for you
This is a Grade 4 walk but the terrain is mostly flat and gentle, with some short, steep hills. In a few small sections you’ll be walking on slippery rock platforms and cobbled beaches, and depending on tides and rainfall may need to cross Durras Lake. This trail can be walked by first time multi-day walkers and families with older children. A good level of fitness is required because you'll be walking 3 to 8 hours per day carrying a backpack with food, water and safety supplies.
Price and inclusions
3 days 2 nights accommodation with transfer
From $949 for up to 4 people. Sunday to Wednesday. Includes:
- 2 nights cabin accommodation with 4 separate beds, sheets and towels, bathroom and kitchenette
- 1 hour guided tour on day of arrival, exploring Murramarang's geological history and cultural significance
- Transfer back to Pretty Beach at the end of your walk
What to bring
This is a 3 day self guided walk so you'll need to carry a waterproof backpack and a dry bag with enough food for 3 days and 2 nights, at least 2 litres of water and safety supplies. Water is available to fill up at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach, but it's tank water so you'll need to boil it before drinking. On day 2 you'll stay at NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort where there's a bistro for meals. After leaving the NRMA Resort there is no water until you reach Maloneys Beach (around 16km). You’ll need plenty of water for this last section of the walk.
Check our bushwalking safety tips to make sure you pack all the essentials and are wearing the right gear. You should also download the NSW National Parks app and take a map of the walk with you.
Wheelchair access
This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Weather and seasons
Spring: The track comes alive with wildflowers and birdlife. Daytime temperatures generally reach 24 to 27 degrees.
Autumn: You’re likely to spot humpback whales, especially from May to June. The days are generally dry and crisp with an average maximum temperature of 21 degrees.
Winter: Temperatures are perfect for hiking with milder weather during the day and nights being somewhat colder so bring warm clothes. The beaches, campgrounds and villages will be quieter and you will get to experience the area as a local.
See the Bureau of Meteorology website for more detailed information on the weather and tides.
For more information
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/murramarang-south-coast-walk-cabin-package/local-alerts
Park info
- in Murramarang National Park in the South Coast region
Murramarang National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines - cash and credit cards accepted. Card only at Pretty Beach.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Murramarang South Coast Walk: Cabin package self guided.
Track grading
Features of this track
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended