Steuart Island

Steuart Island is a remote, rugged gem off the south coast of New South Wales, accessible only by boat or light aircraft. This wild, windswept island offers a true off-the-grid escape, with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a rich Aboriginal and maritime history. It's a place where you can hike through untouched bushland, spot seabirds and seals, and feel the raw power of the Southern Ocean. For travellers seeking solitude and unspoiled nature, Steuart Island delivers an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Walks: Tackle the island's network of walking trails, from the clifftop path to the lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views, to the sheltered beach track through coastal heath.
• Seal and Seabird Colonies: Observe Australian fur seals basking on rocky platforms and colonies of gannets, shearwaters, and penguins nesting along the cliffs.
• Historic Lighthouse: Visit the 19th-century lighthouse and keeper's cottages, which tell stories of shipwrecks and the island's role in maritime navigation.
• Snorkelling and Kayaking: Explore clear waters around sheltered coves, home to colourful reef fish and, in season, migrating whales passing offshore.
• Aboriginal Cultural Sites: Discover middens and stone arrangements that attest to the island's significance to local Indigenous communities over thousands of years.

Suggested Time to Spend

Steuart Island is best experienced as a multi-day trip. Plan for at least two to three nights to fully appreciate its isolation and natural beauty. A day trip is possible but rushed, limiting you to a short walk and a quick look at the lighthouse. For hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, four or five days allow you to explore the island's diverse habitats and truly disconnect. Keep in mind that weather can change rapidly, so build in flexibility.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Batemans Bay – a popular coastal town with excellent seafood, beaches, and the Clyde River estuary, ideal for kayaking and fishing.
• Murramarang National Park – offers stunning coastal walks, rock platforms, and more opportunities to see kangaroos and birdlife.
• Narooma – famous for its iconic 'Australia Rock' and the Montague Island Nature Reserve, another haven for seabirds and seals.
• Eurobodalla National Park – a stretch of protected coastline with pristine beaches, lagoons, and abundant wildlife, perfect for a self-drive itinerary.
• Canberra – the nation's capital, about two hours inland, offers museums, galleries, and a vibrant food scene, a good contrast to the coastal wilderness.

Please check official sources for current details.