Murramarang National Park is located on the southern coast of New South Wales between Bateman’s Bay and Ulladulla.  The park is almost 30,000 acres of coastal woodland that features numerous secluded beaches, the 928′ Durras ‘Mountain’, wildlife, heritage sites, tidal pools, and a few short walking tracks.  In addition to the walking tracks, there are well over ten miles of coastline for walking and exploring.

Facilities and development at the park are minimal.  There are some campgrounds, cabin rentals, and restrooms.  There is no office or visitors center (this is typical of Australian national parks, which tend to be more natural and uncommercialized compared to American national parks.  The entrance fee at Murramarang is $7.00 per day per vehicle, payable with exact change only at scattered vending machines, a small price considering the park size and outdoor opportunities.

There were a few people at the more developed areas and accessible beaches; most places I explored were devoid of any other visitors.

In a full June day I was able to explore three locations, Pebbly Beach to Clear Point, North Head, and Depot Beach.  On a previous visit to the region I walked the interpretive track and beach line at the Murramarang Aboriginal Area.  To fully explore the park, including the entire coast line with all of it’s beaches and all of the walking tracks, I estimate it would take 5 days or longer.  I look forward to visiting the park again and seeing some of the areas I have so far missed.

I had one slight navigational difficulty in the park.  Beginning in the community of Durras North is supposedly a forest walk loop to Durras Lake.  I was unable to locate this track and did not see any signs directing the way.

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Pebbly Beach – Clear Point

From the Pebbly Beach car park it is only a few meters to the main beach.  From here it’s possible to explore north or south along the coast, or take the walking track to Clear Point and beyond to Durras Mountain and Snake Bay.  Pressed for time, I was unable to climb the mountain and spent most of the morning exploring the beaches and rocky coast.

An aboriginal artifact found on the ground near Clear Point.  Of course all artifacts within the park are protected and this flake was returned to it’s original location after being photographed.

Small isolated beaches are ubiquitous along the coast, like this cobble beach visible from the walking track.

The main ocean front at Pebbly Beach, only meters from the car park and suffering from typical Australian crowds.

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North Head Beach

This area is perfect for solitary coastal walks.

Typical Australian crowds on a June weekday.

A whale vertebrae is washed onto the rocky shore.

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Depot Beach

With dusk approaching, why not take the short Rainforest Walk to the beach?

Dusk is the best time for viewing wildlife, especially kangaroos munching on the grass at the beachfront.

Supposedly a threatened species, according to signs at the park, these birds were active at several beach locations throughout the day.

There’s no reason to return to the car park until the last light has faded.

Then a walk back through the forest…