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Murramarang South Coast Walk: Cabin package self guided

Murramarang National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

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.

Grey icon of a clock face, representing time or duration. Image: DPE  3 days 2 nights

Grey icon of a walker on a map routeline, representing distance. Image: DPE  34km Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended

Grey icon of a hut, representing accommodation. Image: DPE  Overnight in cabins at Depot Beach and South Durras

Grey icon of a dollar symbol, representing price. Image: DPE  From $949 for up to 4 people, including accommodation, welcome tour and transfers

Grey icon of a calendar, representing availability. Image: DPE  Available March to November, 7 days a week

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
Drinking water at:
Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach and Depot Beach

Check the tides before you set out. It's best to start the walk leading into low tide, as you will be walking across several rock platforms over the course of the day. You should always avoid walking on rock platforms if waves are breaking over them. If you are setting off at high tide, the rock shelf can be slippery and exposed to waves. You can take an alternative route via Mt Durras Track near the start of the walk. This will add 1 hour. 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 that can get very slippery and exposed to waves, so please take extreme caution. A protruding rock a short distance south of Pebbly Beach may affect your ability to pass at mid to high tide. An alternate route is via the access road coming into Pebbly Beach campground (Mount Agony Road). Turn left at Parkview Road Fire Trail, left at North Durras Road and left at Depot Beach Road. This will add 1 hour.

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.

Credit: John Spencer. <HTML>© DPIE

Day 2: Depot Beach to South Durras

Distance: 8km
Time suggested: 3 to 4 hours 
Toilets at: NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort
Drinking water 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. When you set off in the morning, head back to the campground entrance, turn right on to Depot Beach Rd, then right on to Carr St. Walk to the top of Carr St, which hooks around to the left. You’ll come to a sign that says ‘Burrawang walking track’. Continue here to 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 the entrance to Durras Lake. Durras Lake can flow in to the ocean at times of high rainfall and then closes naturally by large seas. When the lake flows to the ocean, the safest way to cross is by pre-booking a kayak transfer with Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours.

Some walkers choose to cross Durras Lake on foot. If crossing on foot, we recommend doing this away from the ocean front. Pick a shallow area (typically this is the widest part of the channel). Make sure you loosen your pack and undo the waist and chest straps. Use walking sticks if you have them to help with crossing. If crossing with a group, cross together interlocking arms. The water may be above your waist and the sandy bottom is soft and uneven. You need to be able to swim.

After Durras Lake, it’s around 3km of beach walking or you can choose to avoid the beach and walk along the road if you prefer.

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.

Credit: John Spencer. <HTML>© DPIE

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
Drinking water not available until the end of the walk at Maloneys 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, including Myrtle Beach. You will need to cross the rock platform at the end of Myrtle Beach – you should aim to do this around low tide, and avoid the rock platform if waves are breaking over it.

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 between August and November when they're closer to shore. 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.

Credit: John Spencer. <HTML>© DPIE

Is this walk right for you

This is a Grade 4 walk with undulating terrain, sand stretches, slippery rocks and loose pebbles. In a few small sections you’ll be walking on slippery rock platforms and cobbled beaches. Depending on tides and rainfall you may need to cross Durras Lake. A good level of fitness is required because you'll be walking 3 to 8 hours per day carrying a backpack with camping equipment, food, water and safety supplies.

Price and inclusions

3 days 2 nights accommodation with transfer

From $949 for up to 4 people. 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 from Maloneys Beach back to Pretty Beach at the end of your walk.

Transfer

You need to make your own way to Pretty Beach campground by car, taxi or Uber. It's a 30 min drive from Ulladulla and a 45 min drive from Batemans Bay. Get there before your welcome tour and safety briefing which starts at 10am. At the end of your walk, a shuttle bus will take you back to Pretty Beach campground. It's best to start the final section of the walk on day 3 before 9am. The shuttle bus leaves Maloneys Beach carpark at 3.30pm.

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, 2 nights and safety supplies. Make sure you have containers to carry at least 5 litres of water. Water is available to fill up at Pretty Beach and Depot Beach, but it's tank water so you 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.

Crossing Durras Lake safely

Durras Lake can flow into the ocean at times of high rainfall and then closes naturally by large seas. When the lake flows to the ocean, the safest way to cross is by pre-booking a kayak transfer with Bay and Beyond Sea Kayak Tours.

Some walkers choose to cross Durras Lake on foot. If crossing on foot, we recommend doing this away from the ocean front. Pick a shallow area (typically this is the widest part of the channel). Make sure you loosen your pack and undo the waist and chest straps. Use walking sticks if you have them to help with crossing. If crossing with a group, cross together interlocking arms. The water may be above your waist and the sandy bottom is soft and uneven. You need to be able to swim.

Safety

Beaches within Murramarang National Park are not patrolled. Most beaches have dangerous rips. Our beach safety tips will help you stay safe in the water, as well as on the sand and rock platforms. Check our bushwalking safety tips to make sure you pack all the essentials and are wearing the right gear.

It’s best to start the walk leading into low tide. Before you leave, check the Bureau of Meterology website for detailed information on tides.

Pretty Beach: At high tide the rock shelf can be slippery and exposed to waves. You can take an alternate route via Mt Durras Track near the start of the walk. This will add 1 hour.

Pebbly Beach: A protruding rock a short distance south of Pebbly Beach may affect your ability to pass at mid to high tide. You can take an alternate route via the access road coming into Pebbly Beach campground (Mount Agony Road). Turn left at Parkview Road Fire Trail, left at North Durras Road and left at Depot Beach Road. This will add 1 hour.

Maps

Download the NSW National Parks app before you leave home, and make sure you download Murramarang National Park in the app. This will show you where you are on a map of the walk, even when you have no mobile reception. Consider taking a portable charger for your phone. You can also print and take a PDF 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