A stunning new walk has opened on NSW’s South Coast

By Taylah Darnell
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The 20-kilometre track showcases the region’s best beaches, cafes and coastal views.

Stretches of scenic coastline. Seaside towns full of friendly locals. Cosy cafes boasting knockout coffee. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This is the NSW South Coast, an under-the-radar nature playground for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. And it just got even better, thanks to a new 20-kilometre coastal walk.

Where is the Southern Headlands Walk?

Backed by the Shoalhaven City Council with funding from Restart NSW, the new Southern Headlands Walk spans from Narrawallee Inlet in the north to Blackburn Head at Burrill Lake in the south.

Narrawallee Inlet on the NSW South Coast

Narrawallee Inlet marks the northernmost point of the new hike. (Image: Trenny M)

The new trail is mostly made up of existing tracks, including the Narrawallee Foreshore Walk, South Pacific Walk, Gari Bagan, One Track for All and Coomee Nulunga Cultural Walk. The latter two tracks are also both receiving upgrades under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Grant.

This connection to other tracks allows for a new level of versatility, giving hikers the option to extend their walk or cut it short. But it’s not just about linking current South Coast walks – there are a few sections that have new signage and showcase new perspectives.

One Track for All in Ulladulla, NSW

The new trail incorporates many existing walks, including the One Track for All.

What will I see along the new walk?

The Southern Headlands Walk is more than just a way to get your steps up. It grants visitors access to the hidden gems that make this region so special.

It incorporates part of the Sydney Basin’s Bangalay Sand Forest, an endangered ecological area characterised by its sandy forest floor and canopy of eucalyptus botryoides. The native Australian species, commonly known as the bangalay, woollybutt or southern mahogany, is only found in coastal dunes and subcoastal hills along south coastal NSW and eastern Victoria, making it an exciting sight for nature lovers.

South Pacific Walk on the NSW South Coast

Link up with the stunning South Pacific Walk. (Image: Rob King)

Hikers can also marvel at 270-million-year-old marine fossils etched into the coastal rock near Ulladulla Harbour. If spotting them from the track isn’t enough, there are two-hour guided tours along the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk, where you can learn more about these fascinating fossils and the history behind them.

The new Southern Headlands Walk also weaves in some of the South Coast’s best swimming spots; think Narrawallee, Jones, Mollymook, Golf Course Reef, Collers, Ulladulla Harbour, Corcoran Cove, Rennies, Racecourse and Burrill beaches. So even if you’re tackling the 20-kilometre trek in summer, you’ll have a multitude of options when it comes to cooling off along the way.

Narrawallee Beach in Mollymook, NSW

Cool off at Narrawallee Beach along the way. (Image: Andy Hutchinson)

Passing through scenic South Coast towns like Mollymook and Ulladulla, you’ll also have the option to make self-guided pit stops, turning the roughly three-hour day hike into a multi-day adventure. Whether you camp out at Holiday Haven caravan park in Ulladulla or treat yourself to a night of luxury at Mollymook’s Bannisters by the Sea, there are plenty of overnight options to suit all budgets.

Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, NSW

Treat yourself to a post-hike stay at Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook.

How do I find the walk?

Those travelling from Sydney should start the hike at Narrawallee Inlet, the northernmost part of the new Southern Headlands Walk. It’ll take you roughly three hours to get there by car, and you can park for free along Narrawallee Inlet Road. If you’re coming from further down the coast, start at Burrill Lake. There is parking available at the East picnic area and Western Arm picnic area.

Narrawallee Inlet on the NSW South Coast

There is parking available near Narrawallee Inlet. (Image: Andy Hutchinson)

For Sydneysiders, a road trip from the NSW capital is highly recommended. The South Coast is a mecca for all kinds of travellers, with so much to see and do across the region. Thalassophiles should treat themselves to Wollongong’s incredible beaches. Nature lovers can discover countless National Parks. Families with young ones will love Jamberoo Action Park. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Wollongong City Beach on the NSW South Coast

Wollongong City Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches.

But if you’re just heading down for the day, 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.

Stay up to date on the new Southern Headlands Walk via the Shoalhaven City Council.

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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Is this ultimate way to welcome spring?

    By Taylah Darnell
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    Your job? Eat, sip, stroll, repeat.

    The Shoalhaven region on NSW’s South Coast is a place of abundance. A sun-drenched haven where bush meets sea, local towns are abuzz and seasonal produce thrives. Bringing it altogether is Coastal Forage, a weekend celebration of food and wine that takes place at one of the region’s biggest drawcards – the beach.

    The festival

    Emerging as one of Jervis Bay’s best experiences, Coastal Forage is an annual festival that pairs the region’s natural beauty with its fresh produce and culinary excellence. Unfolding across just one weekend each year, the program is packed with mouth-watering events, inviting locals and tourists alike to get a true taste of the region. But while food is the star of the show, Coastal Forage is more than just a long lunch.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Stroll between 10 beachfront degustation stations.

    Beginning at Moona Moona Creek Reserve in Huskisson, groups of 20–25 guests make their way along six picturesque kilometres of coastline, where 10 different degustation stations await in intervals. Part gourmet trail, part beachside bushwalk, it’s an opportunity for people to take a breath, enjoy the moment and feel the sand between their toes – literally.

    “Coastal Forage is about slowing down and savouring the connection between place, produce and people,” said Amanda Fry, founder of Experience Nature, the local tourism brand behind the event. “There’s nowhere else in Australia where you can enjoy a ten-course meal with your feet in the sand, whales offshore and a local chef plating up what was caught or harvested fresh locally. It’s pure Shoalhaven.”

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Dine on fresh produce prepared by local producers.

    Meander along the shore with friends and other festival-goers, paddle your feet in the cool ocean and devour delicious fare cooked up and served by local producers. Afterwards, sun-warmed and satisfied, guests will be transferred back to the start of the trail by boat with Jervis Bay Wild.

    The local cruise company also offers wildlife tours, and with migration season peaking, you’re perfectly positioned to spot whales along the coast. There’s no better way to end an already magical day.

    Moona Moona Creek on the South Coast, NSW

    Guests will be dropped back at Moona Moona Creek Reserve by boat.

    The program

    This year marks six years of Coastal Forage, with a program that speaks to the festival’s steady growth and evolution. It’s part of a wider trend that has seen foodie festivals across NSW ranking among Australia’s top emerging experiences.

    In 2025, the event holds fast to its primary goal – providing an immersive nature-based dining experience for guests while platforming local chefs and producers. While newcomers like Cupitt’s Estate will join the line-up this year, the cast remains mostly the same – much to the delight of attendees.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Coastal Forage brings foodies together on the NSW South Coast.

    Returning favourites include Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp, Appellation Oysters & John Harley Seafood, Old Salt Distillery, Blackhen Kitchen, Caterina and Trolley’d. All are preparing to plate up everything from sea-foraged delicacies and fire-grilled native ingredients to cool-climate wines and artisan spirits. You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

    The details

    Occurring over the second weekend of spring, Coastal Forage is a wonderful way to welcome the new season. It will run for two days only, from 13 to 14 September, with start times staggered every 15 minutes between 10am–3pm.

    With many guests travelling from interstate, Coastal Forage is the perfect excuse for a scenic Sydney to South Coast road trip. The drive takes around three hours, with onsite parking available at Moona Moona Creek Reserve.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Groups of up to 25 taste their way along the trail at intervals.

    If you’re making the trek, why not turn it into a memorable weekend away? Jervis Bay is dotted with peaceful places to stay, from cosy farmer cottages to beachfront shacks. Or you can treat yourself to the exclusive Stay Package, which includes two nights at Bangalay Luxury Villas, breakfast and two Coastal Forage tickets, priced at $1680.

    Bookings for Saturday are available now, but are selling fast. Reservations for Sunday are on sale from 8 August – with both days priced at $225 per person. Each ticket includes a 10-course degustation, paired beverages, tasting glass, event booklet and return boat transfer. Coastal Forage is an 18+ event and dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.