Ben Boyd National Park

Stretching along the wild Sapphire Coast of southern New South Wales, Ben Boyd National Park is a dramatic collision of sea and land. Named after a 19th-century entrepreneur, this park offers a raw, windswept beauty with towering sea stacks, ancient forests, and pristine beaches. It's a paradise for hikers, wildlife watchers, and anyone seeking solitude far from the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Light to Light Walk – This multi-day coastal trek (or shorter day walks) passes the historic Boyd's Tower, an unfinished stone lighthouse built as a landmark for whalers. Keep an eye out for migrating whales (May–November) and sea eagles soaring above the cliffs.
• Green Cape Lighthouse – Australia's second-oldest lighthouse still stands on a dramatic headland. The views are breathtaking, and the nearby platforms offer superb whale-watching spots.
• Pinnacles Loop – A short walk to a viewpoint over the Pinnacles, a series of orange-and-white sand formations carved by wind and rain. The colours are most striking in late afternoon light.
• Bittangabee Bay – A sheltered cove with a historic campsite and the ruins of an early European settlement. It's a great spot for a swim or a picnic, with clear waters and a pebble beach.
• Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd's northern section) – While the park is now managed as two separate areas, the northern section (Beowa) offers the famous Pinnacles and is easily combined.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully appreciate Ben Boyd National Park, plan for at least one full day. If you're only doing the highlights (Green Cape, Pinnacles, and a short walk), half a day is enough. For the Light to Light Walk, allow 2–3 days – there are campgrounds along the route, and you can arrange a car shuttle. The park is best visited between spring and autumn; winter can be wet and windy, but offers prime whale watching.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eden – A charming fishing town just north of the park, famous for its Killer Whale Museum and fresh seafood. It's a great base for exploring the coast.
• Merimbula – A popular holiday destination with stunning lakes, oyster farms, and the Magic Mountain theme park. About 30 minutes north.
• Nadgee Nature Reserve – A wild, remote reserve south of the park, offering excellent surfing beaches and Aboriginal cultural sites.
• Bournda National Park – A smaller park north of Merimbula with beautiful coastal walks and camping spots, ideal for a day trip.

Please check official sources for current details.