Spring Trails & Whale Tails

sapphire coast walking trails

One of our favourite ways to experience spring on the Sapphire Coast is on foot, chasing sunshine, wide-open views and whales along the way. From August to November, tens of thousands of humpbacks travel south along the ‘Humpback Highway’ towards Antarctica, and our coastal walks offer some of the best seats in the house.

From easy short walks to spectacular day hikes and multi-day adventures, there are plenty of ways to follow the migration from the trail. Or, make more of the experience with a guided walk from Sapphire Coast Guiding Co or Navigate Expeditions.

wharf to wharf walk, 27km

Wharf to Wharf Walk is a new epic coastal walk along some of the most remote and rugged headlands, beaches and forested gullies between Merimbula and Tathra. If you'd like to set a brisk pace you can do this walk in a day, but most walkers choose to camp overnight at Hobart Beach Campground, or to do the walk in stages. The 9km Kangarutha walking track from Tathra to Wallagoot is a wonderful section to try, with stunning vistas great for whale watching along the way.

haycock point to bar mouth beach, 3km

A stunning coastal walk from epic headland to pristine river mouth in Beowa National Park. The trail is an easy grade walk that takes about two hours return and will immerse you in a vibrant landscape home to wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and goannas. Haycock Point is just south of Merimbula, and is a favourite point for whales to rest and play and the trail and beaches offer excellent protection from southerly winds.

Wallaga Lake to bermagui coastal walk, 9km

This track takes you through spectacular coastal landscapes between Wallaga Lake, the largest lake in southern New South Wales, and the boutique fishing village of Bermagui. Explore local icons like Wallaga Lake Bridge (which featured in the movie ‘Unbroken’), Horse Head Rock, Camel Rock, Horseshoe Bay (where a southern right whale calf was born in 2014) and Dickinson Point at the mouth of the Bermagui Harbour. There are several track heads that allow for shorter walks, or you can take your adventure to a full 18 kilometres by staying in Bermagui overnight and continuing 9km south to Cuttagee Beach the next day.

LIGHT TO LIGHT WALK, 32km

Considered the jewel in the crown of Sapphire Coast walks, Light to Light Walk hugs the spectacular coastline between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation. It’s one of the best walks on the far south coast of NSW. The views are stunning and ever-changing – from heathland to forest, tea tree groves to banksia woodlands, and sheltered coves to towering red-rock platforms. Plus, with so many seafront vantage points, you can spot seals, seabirds and of course whales. Enjoy a small section of the walk – most sections of this walk are easy - or embark on a self-guided or guided multi-day hike, stop overnight and have a swim at the beach campgrounds.

wajurda point walking track, 1km return

The short walk to Wajurda Point Lookout is a great way to experience the iconic spotted gums, burrawang cycads and abundant wildlife of Mimosa Rocks National Park near Tathra. The track begins at Moon Bay car park and leads you through the forest and coastal heath to a breathtaking lookout. The panoramic views of the coast and Nelson Beach are quite a treat.

tura headland walking track, 2km return

An easy round trip, the track lures you through tall coastal heath before you reach the geological wonder that is Tura Beach Headland. This narrow, long headland and sprawling rocky platforms offer spectacular views to the north and south. This is a great walk for kids and pets, and nearby Dolphin Cove is a wonderful spot for a spring splash in the sea.

Green Cape Lighthouse to Pulpit Rock, 4km

Step out on a section of the Light to Light Walk along the long arm of Green Cape Peninsula. The whales come so close to shore that you can hear them breathe as they feed and splash about. The walk takes you from the splendid lighthouse to the cliffs of Pulpit Rock, giving you incredible views along the wild coastline. Pack a picnic for this one, Green Cape is about 45 kilometres south of Eden and you won’t want to leave in a hurry. There are also tours of the light house, and accommodation in the refurbished keeper’s cottages.

bundian Way story trail, 1.8km

Follow the ancient steps of the Bundian Way in Eden, and learn about the enduring relationship between the traditional Aboriginal people, the Katungal, and the Beowas (Killer Whales). The 1.8km Story Trail leads from Cocora Beach to Quarantine Bay, offering more insight into the stories of the people who have walked this trail for tens of thousands of years. The walk leads to lookout points and secluded beaches, with interpretive signs along the way.