This hidden walk on the NSW’s South Coast blends nature and culture

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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Here’s why it deserves a spot on your hiking hit list.

There’s a new reason to lace up your hiking boots on the NSW South Coast – and it’s more than just a pretty walk. The recently upgraded Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla blends the region’s beaches and bushland with First Nations’ history and culture, making it the perfect weekend activity.

What to expect of Munjip Trail

Tacked onto a stunning stretch of sand and sea four hours south of Sydney, the Munjip Trail is a scenic hike connecting Batemans Bay to McKenzies Beach. Weaving between ocean and bushland, the refurbished track is the perfect way to experience Eurobodalla’s stunning natural beauty.

The track has two trailheads, making it easy to tackle all at once or explore in bite-sized sections across multiple days. Begin at Observation Point in Batehaven, where a wheelchair-accessible pathway doubles as a canvas for Bronwen Smith and Gavin Chatfield’s Connection to country, land and sea.

Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Start the trail at Observation Point. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; Grand Pacific Drive)

The Munjip Trail then tracks along 15 kilometres of scenic coastline – past towns, along beaches and through bushland. Look out for local wildlife and native flora throughout the walk, from scar trees to dolphins. This part of NSW is also known as one of Australia’s best whale-watching spots, so keep your eyes peeled during migration season! Be sure to pack your cozzies, too, as you’ll pass sandy stretches like Caseys Beach, Sunshine Cove, Denhams Beach, Grandfathers Gully, Malua Bay and McKenzies Beach.

Caseys Beach along the Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Cool off at Caseys Beach. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

If you’re tackling the track over a few days, there are plenty of places to rest overnight. Try NRMA Batemans Bay , Denhams Beach Retreat or the Beachfront Shack in Malua Bay . There’s also a range of local restaurants and cafes along the route that are perfect for lunch or a quick grab-and-go.

History and cultural significance

While the trail itself may not necessarily be new, it definitely offers a fresh perspective. After a series of upgrades between late 2024 and early 2025, which included new steps, footbridges, viewing platforms, fences and signage, it was only fitting that it got a name change, too.

Previously called the Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail, the Munjip Trail was renamed in consultation with Traditional Owners. For the local Walbunja people, ‘Munjip’ means ‘walking together, let’s go’ in the dhurga language.

Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Enjoy sweeping coastal views. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism; Grand Pacific Drive)

The land’s deep cultural significance is reflected along the walk, from yarning circles and sculptural message poles to educational signs and audio posts with stories from Traditional Custodians. Artwork also features heavily along the Munjip Trail, completed by local Indigenous artists Leanne Brook, Reena Slockee, Natalie Bateman and Nigel Stewart.

Other important information

The Munjip Trail can be undertaken from either Batemans Bay in the north or McKenzies Beach in the south. The best way to ensure smooth transportation is a car shuffle – park one car at the end of the walk and use a second vehicle to drive walkers back to the start. There’s parking available at both ends of the track.

Malua Bay on the Munjip Trail in Eurobodalla, NSW
Malua Bay is one of many seaside pit stops. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

While Parks NSW has rated the track as Grade 3 (suitable for most ages and abilities), a few sections feature stairs, as well as loose terrain, steep inclines, rocks and sand. The viewing platform at Observation Point is wheelchair accessible.

Be sure to come prepared! Wear a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes, ensure you have a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and, of course, a thirst for adventure.

Looking for more hikes on NSW’s South Coast? Try the Southern Headlands Walk!

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.