Guide to hiking the new Light to Light walk

Explore the Light to Light walk

If you’ve been dreaming of a hike where every turn offers ocean views, hidden coves, and wildlife encounters — this is it. The newly upgraded Light to Light walk is now a world-class, multi-day trail that winds through the wild and stunning coastline of Beowa National Park, just south of Eden.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature-loving weekender, this guide will help you plan your walk and make the most of every step.

What's Changed?

NSW National Parks has recently completed a major upgrade to the trail including new campgrounds, a realigned trail that follows the coastline, and new facilities. 

There are two new hikers-only campgrounds at spectacular Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay featuring raised tent platforms, toilets and rainwater tanks, making overnight stays more comfortable for hikers whilst protecting the surrounding environment. With no direct road access or car camping, these new walk-in campgrounds transform the Light to Light hiking experience! There are also new tent platforms available at the existing Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee Bay campgrounds. Campgrounds must be booked in advance via the NSW National Parks website (fees apply).

The walking track itself has been realigned closer to the coastline, providing incredible ocean views, lookout points and whale watching opportunities. The trail has also been improved to provide better access, safety and environmental protection. 

Both trailheads at Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse have been upgraded with new signage, clear trail markers, amenities and better parking access. 

Walk overview

The Light to Light walk stretches 32 kilometres between Boyds Tower (south) and Green Cape Lighthouse (north), along the southern edge of Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park). It’s best walked over three days, spending the first night at Mowarry Point, and night two at Hegartys Bay. However, hikers may instead book the Saltwater Creek and/or Bittangabee Bay campgrounds if they would like to create their own itinerary or walk the track in two days. 

At both Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay there are 10 hardwood tent platforms for multi-day walkers which fit 1-2 hiker’s tents, just bring along guy ropes to attach your tent to the platform. There are also non-flush toilets and a rainwater tank (treat before drinking).

Day 1

The first leg, from Boyds Tower to Mowarry Point, covers nine kilometres, passing through tea tree forest tunnels, red-rock headlands, and stunning turquoise coves. Mowarry Point itself is breathtakingly beautiful with powder-like white sand, Grecian-blue water and a protected northern aspect. Today, while all signs of its pastoral past have disappeared, the headland meadows hint at the land’s former use as a working cattle property.

Day 2

After brekkie and a morning swim (keep your eye out for dolphins), day two takes you south for 10km from Mowarry Point to Hegartys Bay. You’ll pass through coastal heathland, open coastal forests and rugged ocean rock platforms with wildlife-spotting opportunities aplenty. Saltwater Creek is a beautiful spot for lunch and a swim break, either at the beach or in the lagoon, before continuing south to the picturesque inlet of Hegartys Bay. 

Day 3

The final leg, from Hegarty’s Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse, stretches 13 kilometres and opens up into wide expanses of heathland. This section is known for its wildflowers in spring, impressive rock shelves, and mobs of kangaroos grazing along the path. Bittangabee Bay is one of the prettiest little beaches on the Sapphire Coast and a must-swim spot on warm days on the trail. 

As you approach the southern end of the trail, historic Green Cape Lighthouse appears like a sentinel on the headland — a striking end point to one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal hikes.

How to get there

The Light to Light walk begins at Boyds Tower in Beowa National Park, about a 30-minute drive from Eden or 50-minute drive from Merimbula. If you’re driving yourself, you can park at either end of the trail — Boyds Tower or Green Cape. For those hiking independently, it's a good idea to leave one vehicle at each end, or arrange for a lift or transfer back once you've completed the walk.

Navigate Expeditions operates shuttle transfers with several options (including Merimbula Airport pickup) to suit your needs. Just make sure to book in advance, as all transfers operate on demand and minimum number requirements. 

All vehicles entering the national park will require a valid NSW National Parks pass. These can be purchased online in advance or at the Merimbula national parks office. 

Walk with local guides

If you’re new to multi-day hiking or simply like the idea of walking with expert guides, there are a range of excellent experiences on offer with local walking companies including Sapphire Coast Guiding Co and Navigate Expeditions. Enjoy comfortable camping or accommodation options, carry a light daypack, enjoy hot showers, and uncover local stories and knowledge that bring the landscape to life. They also sure know how to whip up a mean camp dinner!

When to walk the light to light?

Every season offers a special walking experience on the Light to Light. Spring is truly spectacular, with wildflowers blooming across the headlands and tens of thousands of humpback whales passing by on their journey south to Antarctica. It’s the perfect time to hike if you love wildlife and want cooler walking temperatures.

Summer brings long days, warm ocean water, and the joy of swimming at every beach and cove you pass. You’ll want to start your walk early to avoid the midday heat, and make sure you’re carrying plenty of drinking water, but the reward is cooling off in some of the most pristine coves on the coast.

Autumn is often hailed as the ideal season for hiking on the Sapphire Coast. The days are mild, the water warm, and the light golden. There are fewer crowds and less humidity, making every step a pleasure.

Then there’s winter — a quiet, reflective time on the trail. Wildlife is active, daytime temperatures are still perfect for walking, and the starry night skies are unforgettable. You may also spy whales on their northern migration between May and August. Just pack some extra layers and a warm sleeping bag, and you’ll be set for a stunning off-season adventure.

Hiking gear, food and gas

For last-minute supplies and gear, the Sapphire Coast has plenty of locally-owned outdoor stores ready to help.

In Merimbula, Boss Outdoor stocks everything from gas cannisters and dehydrated meals to GPS units and dry bags, while Camping Plus Australia carries a wide range of practical camping equipment and brands. Pay a visit to Daytrip Store for fleece and waterproofs from brands like Patagonia and North Face, as well as delicious barista-made coffee and trail yarns.

In Eden, head to Eden Gas & Gear or Pickles Fishing & Outdoors for gas canisters, stoves or hardware, as well as friendly advice. 

You’ll find well-stocked supermarkets in Eden and Merimbula to pick up trail snacks, fresh food, or anything else you may have forgotten to pack.

getting to the sapphire coast

If you’re travelling by car, the drive to Eden takes around six and a half hours from Sydney, seven hours from Melbourne, and just three hours from Canberra. Flying is also a breeze, with daily services to Merimbula Airport from both Sydney and Melbourne. There’s car hire available from the airport, or you can utilise a shuttle service to the start of the walk. If you’re arriving by public transport, services from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne connect to the region.

Find more details here.

More information and bookings

For further information and bookings, head to the NSW National Parks website. You can also give the Merimbula National Parks office a call on 02 6495 5000.

Plan your visit, be safe, and always check with NSW National Parks for the latest updates and alerts before heading into a national park. Please respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.