As people look to spend more time purposefully disconnected, "Eco-Tourism" has been rising in popularity. This special edition itinerary focuses on the beautiful adventures to be had in nature on the South Coast of NSW, and the best Holiday Parks to base yourself at as you explore all this incredible region.
Distance: 3 Stops, 417 km total drive distance
📍 STOP 1: MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST
Where to stay near Minnamurra Rainforest?
A short and easy 25 minute drive from the national park you’ll find the charming and well supplied town of Gerringong. When we’re visiting here, we love to stay at Werri Beach Holiday Park, which occupies some prime real estate right on the famed Werri Beach. This is a spacious and family friendly park and if you’re not taking the van, we can highly recommend the cabins on the beach side. For those who like to swim but prefer a pool to the ocean, you’re at the right place and no doubt will be spending plenty of time in the resort style swimming pool.
What you’ll find at Minnamurra Rainforest?
This subtropical rainforest covered in lush greenery and vines can at times feel otherworldly and is home to a wide variety of native animals including wallabies and platypuses. The highlight of the park is the Minnamurra Falls, the walk there from the reception area is an incredible adventure through lush rainforest where you’ll likely see lots of butterflies and even the occasional lyrebird strutting about before ending at a viewing platform looking over these impressive 28m waterfalls. If you’re keen to learn a bit more, there is an educational visitor centre, offering insights into the local plant and animal life as well as the significance of rainforest ecosystems.
What's the onward drive?
166km and just under two and a half hours in the car and you'll be at the beautiful Murramarang National Park.
📍 STOP 2: MURRAMARANG NATIONAL PARK
Where to stay near Murramarang National Park?
Just 35 minutes drive away is the beautiful Dolphin Point Tourist Park. You’d be hard pressed to find a more idyllic location with absolute beach frontage on shallow turquoise waters, this fits right in theme with the eco-tourism itinerary given its feeling of seclusion, surrounded by nature. Campsites are spacious and the waterfront cabins are brand new and well worth giving a go.
What you’ll find at Murramarang National Park?
A stunning national park stretching over 44 kilometres of coastline, you're spoiled for choice when exploring here. If you love the water, be sure to bring your bathers as these sparkling blue waters look particularly inviting after you've worked up a sweat on your walk. You may even see kangaroos grazing on the sand. Beyond kangaroos, this ecosystem is home to a wide variety of animals, and bird lovers will enjoy spotting both peregrine falcons and sea eagles above at various times. This location is among the few in Australia where spotted gums extend all the way to the ocean, providing ample shade during the warmer months and serving as a beautiful backdrop for a year-round nature retreat.
What's the onward drive?
Another three and a half hours on the road and you'll get to Beowa National Park.
📍 STOP 3: BEOWA NATIONAL PARK
Where to stay near Beowa National Park?
25 minutes drive away you’ll find the classic fishing town turned beach holiday destination of Eden, known for being a prominent part of Australia’s whaling history. We love Reflections Eden for its picture-perfect location and large, spacious sites. If you’re willing to forgo connecting to the park's power and use an unpowered site instead, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the park on the edge of the water. There are also multiple cabin options available, sleeping between two and six people.
What you’ll find at Beowa National Park?
Formerly known as Ben Boyd National Park, this park is split into two different areas either side of the gorgeous twofold bay. This park is particularly known for its walking routes along the coast where you can enjoy the beauty of several natural rock formations, a highlight of which is “The Pinnacles” - a spectacular natural rock feature that has been formed by erosion over time and combines soft white sand with vibrant red gravelly clay. During migration season from May to November, there are various platforms within the park that offer a great chance to spot whales breaching out in the ocean.
What's the onward drive?
This is the end of our itinerary but if you want to continue your Eco-Tourism adventure, keeping heading south where you'll find the Cape Howe Marine Park and then the Croajingolong National Park.
