Where Forest meets the Ocean!

Embarking on a multi-day hiking adventure is a game-changer, especially for women, passionate about the great outdoors. The Grade 4 Murramarang South Coast Walk is the perfect blend of challenge and remarkable beauty.

So many wonderful wildlife encounters to enjoy - whales, lizards, kangaroos, sea eagles, possums and more.

Join me as I recount our recent women’s hiking expedition on Yuin Country from Pretty Beach to Bateman's Bay along this impressive 38km coastal trail.

Our brief escape from our daily lives epitomized the joy of exploration, the bonds of camaraderie, and the empowering spirit of self-sufficiency. Read about our experiences, insights, and valuable tips for women contemplating this fabulous multi-day hike.

Our journey commenced with a group of intrepid women gearing up for a Nepal trek in April 2024. We craved an experience that would push us physically, immerse us in back-to-back hiking and camping, strengthen team bonds, and provide a fun weekend getaway. The newly established Murramarang South Coast Walk, spanning from Ulladulla to Bateman’s Bay, perfectly fit the bill—proximate to Sydney for convenience and promising an unforgettable adventure.

Booking through National Parks and Wildlife, we opted for the 4-day, 3-night self-guided camping option, each carrying around 15kg on our backs. For those of you desiring a lighter load, strategically placed cabins along the route offer a cozy respite without the need for a full camping setup, catering to hikers of varying skill levels.

FULLY LOADED! Poles are a must when carrying a heavy pack…especially on all that sand!

Our Journey:

Day 1 PRETTY BEACH: Our small group of five adventurous women convened at Pretty Beach Campground after a scenic drive down the coast. This campground, adorned with kangaroos and a short walk to the beach, marked the beginning of our coastal trail adventure.

Despite some Friday night day hiker noise, our designated area amidst the gums provided a tranquil camping spot. Pretty Beach Campground offered a chance to settle into camping with added facilities like hot showers, flushing toilets, electric BBQs, tank water, and a phone charging station.

Day 2 PRETTY BEACH TO DEPOT BEACH: Navigating our first tide-dependent rock platform crossing required a slow morning due to ocean swell and tide forecasts. The day began with an early morning car shuffle, two group members drove the 40 minutes to Maloneys Beach, ensuring our return journey was covered. The rest of us enjoyed a leisurely camp pack-up and breakfast, gaining valuable insights from experienced hikers we encountered. Hiking from Pretty Beach to Depot Beach, spanning 10km and taking around 6 hours, offered diverse landscapes—from palm-filled gullies to towering gums, cliff edges, and secluded beaches.

Our lunch break at Little Pebbly Beach provided a refreshing pause before reaching Depot Beach campground.

Setting up our tents in the NPWS campground just behind the beach, we put the kettle on for a well-earned cuppa. Depot Beach campground, well-serviced with a new shower block, BBQs, and tank water, required caution in tent placement to avoid exposure to high winds.

Dinner became a gourmet affair as each of us prepared a meal in the BBQ shelter, sharing culinary delights from Japanese noodles to Thai dishes. Showers, hot drinks, and securing our food to deter possum visits concluded the night, with one member finding and carefully freezing a tick with ‘tickoff’ from their first aid kit.

Day 3 DEPOT BEACH TO OAKY BEACH: Our longest day unfolded with a mesmerizing hike through a forest of Burrawang cycads and tall gums, covering 16km from Depot Beach to Oaky Beach.

A detour to Point Upright Lookout and a magnificent swim at Calm Corner added to the adventure before tackling the challenging 3km Durras Beach. Crossing the Lake Durras ocean outlet amounted to nothing for us, but it can require a deepwater crossing or even a boat crossing at different times.

Arriving at the little township of Murramarang, we navigated to the NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort for a final water fill-up before our night off-grid. The resort, bustling with holidaymakers, offered a brief indulgence in hot chips and cold drinks before we eagerly returned to our wilderness experience.

The afternoon walk to Oaky Beach was a beautiful blend of cliff edges, small beaches, and winding forest trails with spotted gums and cycads. Despite the heat, the arrival at Oaky Beach and its remote campsite, accessible only by 4-wheel drive, was a welcome relief.

Changes in geology meant changes in colour.

The site, nestled in a beautiful forest, featured a drop toilet and camping platforms, sheltered from coastal winds. A swim at the pristine beach washed away the day's sweat and dirt, though caution was needed due to strong currents.

Is it cheating if a friend drops in with drinks, nibbles, and extra water? We didn't think so.

Day 4 OAKY BEACH TO MALONEYS BEACH: The final 8km stretch from Oakey Beach to Maloney’s Beach, just north of Bateman’s Bay, unfolded along cliffs and undulating forest trails. A morning highlight was a lookout providing an unforgettable whale display.

Yellow Rock Beach and the headland toward the end of the trail offered stunning views of the rock formations and ‘The Bay’. With temperatures forecasted over 30 degrees, the day became our hottest, making us grateful for the shorter journey. A refreshing swim, followed by drinks and chips in the park, topped off the morning.

We did it! The sense of accomplishment and empowerment that comes from shouldering our own backpacks, setting up our own camp, and navigating the trail was immeasurable. The experience has truly added to our hiking confidence and resilience and we will take with us on our upcoming Nepal adventure.

Essential Tips for Women Hikers:

Pack Smartly: Choose lightweight gear, sturdy hiking boots, and weather-appropriate clothing. Gaiters or cuffs to keep the sand out are invaluable. Face nets for the flies!

2. Stay Hydrated: Coastal climates can be deceptive; carry sufficient water and purification options if camping. 3 litres each day is needed as a minimum and be aware of where you can re-fill.

3. Be Prepared for Sand: We estimated that 50% of the trail is on sandy beaches which is extremely challenging carrying a heavy pack and being exposed to the full sun. Take regular breaks to manage fatigue.

Broad Brim Hats! A break in the shade amongst the Burrawangs.

4. Group Dynamics: Hiking with like-minded women fosters camaraderie; share responsibilities and celebrate victories together.

5. Research and Plan: Familiarize yourself with the trail, the weather and accommodation for a better experience.

6. Respect the Environment: Adhere to responsible hiking and camping principles to preserve the natural beauty. Carry out all your rubbish.

Pristine locations need to stay that way.

7. Be prepared to Navigate: Signage along the trail was inconsistent even though the basic principle of keep the ocean on your left makes it hard to really get lost. We found common sense was a valuable tool. Make sure you carry a paper map and use a GPS device if possible to track your distances.

Trail markers weren’t always this clear! Luckily Wendy knew the way.

Conclusion: Our Murramarang Coast Walk adventure left us all with a deeper appreciation for the Australian coastline.

Ready for adventure on this stunning and wild coastline!

Whether camping under the stars or enjoying cabin comforts, this trail is a unique opportunity for women to push boundaries, connect with nature, and create enduring memories. Lace up your hiking boots, gather your gear, and embrace the thrill of the Murramarang South Coast Walk—an experience that promises inspiration and empowerment for every woman who embarks on it.