The Sapphire Coast may be named after it’s shimmering blue waters, however there are also some incredible activities and experiences that can be done on land - particularly walking and hiking through the various trails and National Parks on offer. Here are our five favourite hikes on the Sapphire Coast.
1. PINNACLES LOOP: PAMBULA-HAYCOCK AREA
This gentle loop through part of Beowa National Park does have some stairs and rolling hills but is altogether relatively easy. You’ll see plenty of native plants and trees, and the highlight of the loop 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.
Distance: 1.1 km loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Where to find it: Walking Track, Pinnacles Access Rd, Eden NSW
2. MIMOSA ROCKS WALKING TRACK: WAPENGO
This gentle boardwalk takes you through part of the Mimosa Rocks National Park with the highlight being the stunning views from the lookout at the end of trail before you commence your return - over Mimosa Rocks. On this walk you’ll also find what is the largest Aboriginal “midden” in the park - the remains of meals of shellfish once gathered and eaten by Aboriginal people. Make sure you take your time to stop here and read the signage to learn about the indigenous history of this place.
Distance: 2 km return
Difficulty Level: Easy
Where to find it: Enter via Aragunnu Rd, Wapengo NSW
3. HAYCOCK POINT TO BARMOUTH BEACH: PAMBULA-HAYCOCK AREA
Whilst this is one of the longer and more challenging walks on this list, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and the chance to see all sorts of wildlife. If you’re here from May to November, you may spot whales breaching out in the ocean during migration season. Year round keep your eyes peeled out for echidnas, kangaroos and goannas on land. Barmouth Beach is a great spot for a swim, so if you’re up for it take your swimmers and have a dip before making your return back to Haycock Point.
Distance: 6 km return
Difficulty Level: Medium
Where to find it: Enter via Barmouth Beach Rd, Eden NSW
4. CAMEL ROCK TO MURUNNA POINT: BERMAGUI
This relatively gentle walking track along the coast offers the chance to see two of the key tourist attractions in the area, the Camel Rock and Horse Head Rock formations. These striking formations are both between 450 and 500 million years old, and are believed to have been caused by underwater avalanche activity that took place in the area.
Distance: 1.5 km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Where to find it: Enter via Wallaga Lake Rd, Wallaga Lake NSW
5. KILLER WHALE TRAIL: EDEN
This gentle and well signed trail is a great place to learn about the whaling history of the area, dating back 10,000 years as the indigenous people of the area began hunting Baleen whales through to the arrival of European mariners in the 19th century and the whaling industry that began around them.
Distance: 3.2 km return
Difficulty Level: Easy
Where to find it: Enter via Imlay St, Eden NSW
