Photo: Mark Andrews / CC BY-SA 3.0
Mimosa Rocks National Park is a wild and windswept coastal gem on the far south coast of New South Wales, where ancient volcanic headlands plunge into the Tasman Sea. This is a place of raw beauty—think dramatic sea stacks, secluded beaches, and pockets of lush rainforest. It's perfect for travellers seeking solitude, wildlife encounters, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience. The park's name comes from the mimosa-like acacias that bloom here, but the real stars are the rock formations carved by millennia of surf.
Highlights & What to See
- Wapengo Lake – A serene coastal lake ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, or a quiet picnic. Look for black swans and sea eagles.
- Bithry Inlet – A stunning stretch of sand backed by coastal heath. Great for swimming and spotting dolphins.
- Mimosa Rocks walking track – A short but rewarding 2 km loop that weaves through coastal scrub to a lookout over the iconic layered rock platforms.
- Gulaga National Park – Just inland, this park protects Mount Gulaga, a sacred Aboriginal site. Combine a visit for a deeper cultural insight and rainforest walks.
- Mimosa Rocks campground – A basic but beautiful camping spot right near the beach. Wake to the sound of waves and kookaburras.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least half a day to explore the main highlights—walk the coastal track, dip your toes in at Bithry Inlet, and soak up the views from the headlands. If you're camping or want to kayak on Wapengo Lake, stay overnight. For a more relaxed pace, combine with a visit to nearby Tathra or Bermagui for lunch and a wander. The park is compact enough to see in a day, but its tranquility invites you to linger.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tathra – A charming coastal town with a historic wharf, great cafés, and whale-watching in season. Just 15 minutes north.
- Bermagui – A fishing village with a vibrant arts scene, excellent seafood, and access to the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. 20 minutes south.
- Bournda National Park – Another stunning coastal park with longer walks, more secluded beaches, and a different perspective on the Sapphire Coast.
- Eden – About an hour south, this town is famous for its killer whale museum and the stunning Twofold Bay. Worth a day trip.
- Canberra – The nation's capital is a 2.5-hour drive inland. Combine a coastal escape with cultural sights like the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tathra — Cimexus / CC BY 2.0
- Bermagui — (WT-en) AYArktos at English Wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 2.5
- Bournda National Park — Mark Andrews / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eden — Killer_whale_(Old_Tom)_and_whalers_-_original.jpeg : Charles Eden Wellings (1881-1952) derivative work: Avenue ( talk ) / Public domain
- Gulaga National Park — AYArktos / CC BY-SA 2.5
- Sapphire Coast — No machine-readable author provided. Roke~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0