The Best Walks on the South Coast for a Scenic Wander

The South Coast is breathtakingly beautiful. Stretching from Sydney’s south to the Victorian border, it’s the definition of untamed beauty with white-sand beaches, rugged rainforests and national parks nestled amongst charming fishing towns. And the best way to soak up the stunning scenery is by foot. From the beach to the bush, from short strolls to all-day hikes, this edit of the best walks on the South Coast promises adventure and beauty, all rolled into one. Pick a path – any path – and start exploring.

White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum, Jervis Bay 

Let’s start with this breezy loop, which follows the white sandy shores of Jervis Bay. It begins at Greenfield Beach’s picnic area and passes by Chinaman’s, Hyams and Seamans Beach (swimwear is a must). As you walk, you’ll be spoilt by postcard-worthy coastal views, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the sea. The return leg along Scribbly Gum Track moves away from the coastline and goes through the lush forests and woodlands, where you’ll spy furry locals like possums and kangaroos. If you’re in the mood for a longer walk, start from Plantation Point a little north of Greenfield Beach.

Length: 2.5km

Time: 1 hour

Light to Light Walk, Eden

This multi-day South Coast walking track hugs the NSW South Coast from Boyds Tower on the far South Coast and finishes up at Green Cape Lightstation. It’s epic in every sense of the word and usually takes a couple of days to complete (one way), but less-seasoned walkers often do it in sections. The trail is well-marked, but some of the terrain is tough, so you’ll want to wear proper hiking boots and bring lots of water. The reward? Stunning red-rock cliffs that tower over secluded bays and beaches, tea tree groves, forests and woodlands. The endpoint, Green Cape, is a hotspot for seals and whales. As for campsites, look into Bittangabee and Saltwater Creek, then rest your head at Telegraph Station Bunkhouse.

Length: 30km one-way

Time: 2-3 days

Note: Segments of the Light-to-Light walk are currently closed until late 2024. 

Coastal Walk, Kiama 

This delightful coastal track is great if you're a fan of shifting terrains. It will have you feeling as though you're wandering the East Coast of England with plenty of lush green hills at every turn and rocky beaches aplenty. The 20km hike will take you past rock formations, hidden beaches and plenty of sweeping coastal vistas. You'll also have the opportunity to explore multiple landmarks of the area including Kiama blowhole, Cathedral Rocks and Little Blowhole. Opportunities to take a dip at secluded beaches along the way abound so be sure to pack your swimmers! 

Length: 20km 

Time: 7.5 hours 

Merimbula to Tathra Walk 

Otherwise known as the Wharf-to-Wharf walk, this mammoth day hike takes you from Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant to Tathra Wharf. You can break this one up into a couple of days should you like to slow things down (which we recommend as there's so much to do along the way!). You'll cover beaches, national park and grassy reserves as you traverse this incredible stretch of coastline. Perfect for nature lovers, there will be ample opportunity to spot birds, wallabies, lizards and other wildlife along the way. 

Sitchu Tip: Head out between September to November for mild weather and some of the best whale watching in the state. 

Length: 27.3km 

Time: 10 hours 

Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track

If you're short on time but are after some 10/10 views, this 3.5-hour hike will deliver. Not for the faint-hearted, the hike ends with some rather steep ladders. If you're an adventure lover, they just add to the fun! It's a sweaty hike to the top but you'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views and the backdrop of your dreams. 

Sitchu Tip: Fuel up at our favourite South Coast Cafe Milk Haus post-hike. 

Length: 5km

Time: 3.5 hours 

Hare Point Walking Track, Jervis Bay 

This South Coast walking track takes in all the beauty of Jervis Bay National Park. It’s a little harder than it looks; it passes through soft sand dunes, which – as anyone who did Nippers as a kid will tell you – can be challenging terrain. Besides those sections, it’s quite flat. It kicks off at the Red Point picnic area and weaves its way through dunes and mangrove forests before ending at Carama Inlet on the northern edge of Jervis Bay National Park. You’ll be shaking sand out of your shoes at the finish line, but trust us when we say you’ll be doing it with a smile.

Length: 6 km

Time: 3 hours

Haycock Beach to Barmouth Point Walk 

We love meandering down this South Coast walking track on the weekends. It begins at the Haycock Beach picnic area and winds its way along the clifftops, woodlands and rugged rock formations of Beowa National Park. You’ll also be treated to views of the pristine beaches below. The track, which takes roughly two hours, is an ideal spot for both bird and whale watching, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. On the ground, you may see echidnas, goannas and even the odd kangaroo. When you reach Barmouth Point, go for a swim or enjoy a siesta in the sun before turning around.

Sitchu Tip: For an easy, breezy walk, try the tranquil Pambula River Walking Track. Also nestled in Beowa National Park, the 1.2km (return) trail passes by rivers and coastal woodlands, and its lookouts are perfect for whale watching. If you like, you can tack this on to the Haycock Beach to Barmouth Point walk.

Length: 6km

Time: 2 hours

Sandy Creek Loop, Bournda National Park

If you’re a fan of birdwatching, you’ll love this South Coast walking track. Based in Bournda National Park, near North Tura, the loop takes you from the lagoon to the lake, passing waterways, rainforests and paperbarks along the way. As you hike, you’ll spot rare and colourful birds like the yellow-tailed black cockatoo and sea eagles soaring above, and maybe even a kangaroo or wallaby hopping around. You can swim and fish in both Sandy Beach Creek and Bournda Lake, which is a godsend on a steamy day. Leave yourself around 2-3 hours for this hike depending on how well you walk on sand.

Length: 6km

Time: 2.5 hours

Three Views Walking Track, Kangaroo Valley 

Close to Kangaroo Valley, this South Coast walking track is a weekender’s dream: it’s easy, flat and wonderfully scenic. As you may have guessed, it’s named after the three unique views it takes in. In a pinch, you can break it up into separate walks, but there’s something special about soaking up all three at once. The track follows the Brooks Plateau and Moolatoo Trig trails through lush woodlands, before hitting the first lookout at Lake Yarraunga. The next is Tallowa Dam and the last is Shoalhaven River and its gorgeous gorges. While you walk, you’ll see vibrant wildlife and wildflowers blooming in winter and spring.

Length: 9.5km

Time: 3-4 hours

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track, Coalcliff 

Stretch it out, because this one’s a bit of a trek! Described as an “extended day walk,” this South Coast walking track is one of the best – and that’s a pretty big call. While it’s mostly flat, there are a couple of sharp ascents so you’ll want to lace up your good hiking boots. Start at the Wodi Wodi Track (Coalcliff) or Sublime Point Track (Austinmer) and then jump on the 11km Forest Walk. You’ll thread through a rare clifftop rainforest and dry eucalypt forest, but don’t forget to look down: the panoramic views of the coast will make your jaw drop. When you reach the Sublime Point lookout, climb down the ladder to Lady Fuller Park and flop over onto the grass for a well-earned BBQ. You can even do what the locals do and ask a friend to meet you there for a ride home!

Length: 14km one-way

Time: 5-6 hours

There is no denying that the South Coast delivers in a big way when it comes to the great outdoors. If you loved our round-up of the best walks on the South Coast, then make sure you jump across to the Best Central Coast Walks and the Hiking Trails to Explore on Sydney's Northern Beaches. 

Please be sure to check local government website for news and alerts before setting out.