The Batemans Bay Bushwalkers give us their verdict on the new Murramarang South Coast Walk is southern NSW.
“In late March, seven of us from the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers set out on a 3-day walk along the recently opened Murramarang South Coast Walk. We camped at the three campsites promoted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for the ‘self-guided walk experience’ – Pretty Beach, Depot Beach, and Oaky Beach; the latter with permission, to ‘test out’ and give feedback, before open for bookings.
We carried full packs and while the average age of our group was into the 60s, we coped well. There were of course challenges. Crossing Durras Lake, open to the sea, we thought would be tricky. But at low tide it was a simple boots-off wade. Even at high tide it should be manageable - just much wetter!
The rock platform from Pebbly Beach to Depot Beach is easy walking at low tide. At high tide not so much, as we found out. The wet and slippery rocks require exceptional care and walking on pebbles has its moments. But a hot shower at Depot Beach, thanks to the new facilities was a nice end to the day.
The third night we camped at Oaky Beach Campground, unrecognisable from the old bush campsite once there. Up the hill is the designated area for walk-in campers with tent platforms. That night we had it to ourselves. Nothing could be better - camping in the moonlight amongst the trees listening to the surf. Even if setting up my non-freestanding tent on the platform did take some patience, spare string, and a degree of ingenuity!
We have walked this coastline many times but agreed National Parks did well on the construction of the new trail showcasing the best of the Murramarang. New boardwalks and well-placed sandstone steps just make it that much easier on the ascents and descents. But the new infrastructure is not intrusive. The balance was right to still retain the natural bush walking trail we had along the coast.”
