Photo: Pascal Vuylsteker from Paris, France - Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0
Stretching along the South Coast of New South Wales, Murramarang National Park is a wild and beautiful stretch of coastline where dense eucalypt forests meet pristine beaches and rocky headlands. This is a place for those who love the ocean, the bush, and the simple pleasure of a coastal walk without the crowds. The park is named after the Aboriginal word for 'living water' and it's easy to see why—crystal-clear creeks and lagoons dot the landscape, while the Pacific Ocean crashes against ancient rock platforms. Whether you're a keen birdwatcher, a surfer chasing a wave, or a family looking for a peaceful beachside escape, Murramarang delivers an authentic slice of the Australian coast.
Highlights & What to See
- Durras Lake & North Durras Beach – A stunning lagoon perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding; the adjacent beach is one of the park's finest for a long walk or a surf.
- Myrtle Beach – A sheltered, family-friendly beach with clear water and a picnic area, ideal for a relaxed day by the sea.
- Murramarang Aboriginal Area – Explore significant cultural sites, including shell middens and art sites that tell the story of the Yuin people's connection to this land.
- Pebbly Beach – Famous for its friendly eastern grey kangaroos that often laze on the sand at sunrise and sunset; a photographer's dream.
- Depot Beach – A lovely spot for swimming and fishing, with a campground that puts you right among the trees and the surf.
- Coastal walking tracks – The Murramarang South Coast Walk offers spectacular cliff-top views, with opportunities to spot whales (May–November) and seabirds.
Suggested Time to Spend
To truly appreciate Murramarang's diverse landscapes, plan for at least two full days. Spend your first day exploring the northern beaches and Durras Lake, then drive south to hike part of the coastal walk and visit Pebbly Beach. A second day allows you to discover the quieter southern coves and the Aboriginal area. If you're short on time, a single day can still give you a taste—focus on Pebbly Beach and a short walk to a lookout—but you'll leave wanting more. The park is also a fantastic stopover on a South Coast road trip between Sydney and Melbourne.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Batemans Bay – Just north of the park, this lively town offers oyster farms, seafood restaurants, and the Clyde River estuary for boating and fishing.
- Mogo – A historic gold-mining village with a zoo, artisan shops, and a charming main street; about 20 minutes' drive from the park.
- Ulladulla & Milton – South of the park, these towns boast a scenic harbour, a coastal walk, and a thriving café culture.
- Budawang National Park – For adventurous hikers, this rugged wilderness area features dramatic sandstone cliffs and remote bushwalking trails.
- Jervis Bay – A bit further north, famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day trip or an extended stay.
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
- Batemans Bay — MrMosely / CC0
- Ulladulla — Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- South Coast Road Trip — denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0