Ben Boyd National Park

Stretching along the wild Sapphire Coast of southern New South Wales, Ben Boyd National Park is a rugged coastal wilderness that feels a world away from the beaten track. Named after a 19th-century entrepreneur, this park is a haven for dramatic sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and ancient forests. It's the kind of place where you can hike through eucalypt groves in the morning, spot migrating whales from a clifftop lookout at lunch, and have a deserted beach all to yourself by afternoon. For self-drive travellers, it's an essential detour between Sydney and Melbourne or a highlight of a Sapphire Coast itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Light to Light Walk – A multi-day coastal trek (or shorter day walks) passing the iconic Boyd’s Tower, an 1840s stone lighthouse lookout built by Ben Boyd himself. The views of the ocean and eroded sandstone cliffs are spectacular.
• Pulpit Rock – A dramatic rock platform jutting into the sea, offering heart-stopping views and a prime spot for whale watching (May–November).
• Green Cape Lighthouse – Australia’s second-oldest lighthouse, built in 1883, surrounded by windswept heath and coastal scrub. The keeper’s cottages now offer basic accommodation.
• Saltwater Creek & Bittangabee Bay – Two gorgeous, sheltered coves ideal for a swim or a picnic. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and black swans.
• Ancient Forest Walk – A short loop through a remnant rainforest of towering cabbage tree palms and tree ferns, a cool green contrast to the coastal bluffs.
• Beaches & Surf – Disappointment Beach and Haycock Point are uncrowded and wild, perfect for long walks or a bracing dip.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to explore the park’s main sights. Start early at the northern end near Eden, walk the Light to Light section to Boyd’s Tower (allow 2–3 hours return), then drive south to Green Cape Lighthouse and Pulpit Rock. If you’re a keen hiker, consider two days to tackle the entire Light to Light Walk (30 km) and stay overnight at one of the park’s remote campsites. For a quick visit, concentrate on the southern section around Green Cape and Pulpit Rock, which can be covered in half a day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eden – A historic whaling town turned whale-watching hub, just 20 minutes north. Visit the Killer Whale Museum and join a cruise.
• Merimbula – A lively coastal resort with excellent restaurants, a boardwalk over oyster leases, and Pambula Beach for surfers.
• Bega Valley – Inland dairy country famous for Bega cheese; tour the heritage-listed cheese factory and sample the goods.
• Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre – In Eden, a hands-on aquarium perfect for families.
• Nadgee Nature Reserve – A rugged, roadless wilderness just south of the park, accessible only by 4WD or on foot – for true adventurers.
• Bournda National Park – Another coastal gem north of Merimbula, with a lovely lagoon and walking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.