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Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail Bushwalking

View over the Hawkesbury River From Warrah Lookout

How to Get There

The Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail can be started at either end, but we chose Pearl Beach, which has a carpark at the Crommelin Arboretum. Driving through Pearl Beach is interesting, because all of the streets are named after gemstones. A short walk back down the road from the carpark takes you to the start of the track.

The Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail

The Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail is a 4.4km well defined track taking around one hour to complete, one-way. It is well maintained and sign posted, because it it a fire trail. Bike riders also use the trail, so be careful to keep out of their way. The track passes through red gum forest, which provides a great backdrop to the walk.

Pearl Caves

About 300m into the walk, the hillside on the left becomes steeper and you will notice rock overhangs at the base. These become quite large and form sandstone caves under the cliff. We decided not to walk though the bush to go inside as the undergrowth was very dense. Instead, we looked at them from the track.

Pearl Caves
Pearl Caves

Warrah Lookout

Located a further 1.4km past Pearl Caves is Warrah Lookout, with spectacular views over the Hawkesbury River. If you look carefully, Barrenjoey Lighthouse is visible on the far side.

What Did We Think?

This was a great walk, with wonderful views from the lookout surrounded by eucalypt forest. We thought it was a good walk because of the scenery and amazing coastal views.

Caves Beach Amazing Beautiful Views

Looking Out of the Cave

Caves Beach

Located only 40 minutes south of Newcastle, Caves Beach is a relaxed southern suburb of Lake Macquarie.  Named after the network of sea caves to the south of the beach, it is a great place to relax and explore the coast. If you want to explore the cave, make sure you go at low tide because at high tide, the cave is flooded, and access is cut off.  You can check this on the internet.  During the week we have found it to be quiet, but on a sunny weekend, it will be crowded, with people swimming and exploring the cave.

If you want to swim in the ocean, check that a lifeguard is on duty in the tower and swim between the flags to be safe.

Near the lifeguard tower is a steel sculpture, Norfolk 2019 by Kelly-Ann Lees, which reflects the seed cones dropped by the Norfolk Pines which are found in the area.

The Caves

Entering the cave is not dangerous.  There are no warning signs and access is free. You can walk through the cave and out the other side to a rock platform.  The cliff here also has some smaller caves to look at.  The platform itself is quite interesting, with rock pools with algae growing in them.  Be careful of your footing because the rocks can be slippery. Remember to check the tides, because the cave and rock platform are flooded at high tide.

Food and Refreshments

There is a kiosk next to the beach selling snacks and cold drinks during the week.  Not far before the entrance to the carpark, you will find cafes and restaurants, if you want something more substantial. The beach area near the surf house also has barbecues and picnic area, along with a change house and toilets.

Caves Beach to Pinny Beach The Wallarah Coastal Walk

For some excellent views of the coast and to see some nice beaches, there is a walking trail from Caves Beach to Pinny Beach. The trails are rough in places and there are steps to climb, but it is generally an easy three kilometer one way walk. Along the way, lookouts let you look over beaches and rock platforms. Small trails also allow access to the beaches, which is a great way to extend your exploring of the area.

Spoon Rocks

Originally built by a mining company for coal transportation, the breakwater’s shape is how this Spoon Rocks received its name. The spoon shape is visible on your way down the track to the beach.

The mining venture, with Silver Valley Minerals, didn’t proceed after it’s construction. However, the breakwater remains and provides protection from the swell at the beach. Although the water looks inviting, Spoon Rocks Beach is not patrolled, so swimming is not advised.

Pinny Beach

Located in Wallarah National Park, the Coastal Walk passes through locked vehicle gates. Designed to stop cars accessing the National Park, not people on foot, it’s safe to go past them. The views over the beach are amazing, but this was the end of our walk, so after a break for a snack, we returned to Caves Beach.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Jervis Bay

Shady Trees at Murrays Beach Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay

Located a three-hour drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. The abundance of white sandy beaches, bush and accommodation makes it a great place to enjoy a relaxing break. With two national parks, there’s plenty of places for nature lovers to explore.

Beecroft Peninsula

Forming the northern headland of Jervis Bay, the Beecroft Peninsula has some excellent beaches, walking tracks, rock pools, spectacular views, a lighthouse and a shipwreck. This should be more than enough to keep you occupied for a few days.

Part of the peninsula is owned by the Department of Defense, so you will need to go through a checkpoint. This is a simple process, and the guard will take a note of your car registration, number of people and a mobile phone contact. In return, you will get some brochures on the area and safety advice. If the Department of Defence has operatins in progress, this area will be closed. To avoid disappointment, and refused entry, check beforehand by calling 0244483248.

The beaches here are unpatrolled, so be careful when entering the water. Supervise children to ensure their safety.

Currarong

Currarong is a great base to use to explore the area as it has several excellent caravan parks where you can stay. If you are just passing through to explore the peninsula it’s a good place to stop for a meal or purchase snacks. Everything is so easy to find and reasonably priced.

Abrahams Bosom Reserve

We parked at Abrahams Bosom Reserve as it was close to the walking tricks we wanted to take as well as the nearby beaches. Our first walk was to the rock pools nearby and then we looked at the creek flows past the reserve to the ocean. From here we walked to MS Merimbula shipwreck and then on to Gosang’s Tunnel. when walking to the shipwreck, it is good to wear sensible shoes e.g. crocks, or old sneakers, the rocks are sharp!, also check for tides. there are also bits of metal sticking up around in and about what is left of the wrecks!

Abrahams Bosom Creek
Abrahams Bosom Creek

Currarong Rock Pools

Located between Currarong and Abraham’s Bosom Reserve these interesting rock pools are great to see and easy to get to. When exposed at low tide the pools have waves breaking around them are fun to watch. A close-up look will allow you to see shellfish that inhabit the pools. Sometimes fish become trapped, along with the odd crab, so have a look to see what you can find.

Currarong Rock Pools Beecroft Peninsula New South Wales Australia
Currarong Rock Pools
Currarong Rock Pools Beecroft Peninsula New South Wales Australia
Currarong Rock Pools

SS Merimbula Wreck

Although not much of the SS Merimbula Wreck is visible what’s there makes an interesting visit. At low tide you can walk out onto Whale Point where you can get very close to the remaining wreckage.

The SS Merimbula, a large twin screw steamship ran its bows onto Whale Point on the night of 27 March, 1928, later breaking up on the steeply shelving reef. The rear portion of the vessel fell into deep water, so that only the remains of the bow can be seen at low tide.

To get there, park at Abraham’s Bosom Reserve and then take the marked trails until you reach the beach from here it’s a simple walk over the rocks to the scattered remains of the wreck.

Wreck of the SS Merimbula
Wreck of the SS Merimbula
Wreck of the SS Merimbula
Wreck of the SS Merimbula

Gosangs Tunnel

The excellent signage erected by Parks and Wildlife make Gosangs Tunnel easy to find. Ranges keep the walkways in the area clear of vegetation and overhanging branches making the walk very easy. The walk was very easy, along sandy tracks, where there was a great opportunity to see the local coastal vegetation.

Because we left very early, there was no-one else at the tunnel. The tunnel is small which means you need to be on your hands and knees and be very careful not to hit your head on the roof. If there was a crowd of people here it would be very uncomfortable getting in and out because you would get in each other’s way.

On reaching the other side of the tunnel you exit onto a small rock platform which gives you great views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. On a stormy day like the one we visited on your able to see the waves crashing against the rocks. Be very careful as the unprotected cliff edge has big drop to the ocean below.

Young children should not take this walk due to the height of the unprotected cliffs.

Gosangs Tunnel Track
Gosangs Tunnel Track
Gosangs Tunnel Track
Gosangs Tunnel Track
Typical Signpost on the Track
Typical Signpost on the Track
Gosangs Tunnel Entrance
Gosangs Tunnel Entrance
Inside Gosangs Tunnel
Inside Gosangs Tunnel
View From the Gosangs Tunnel Exit
View From the Gosangs Tunnel Exit
The View From the Rock Platform at the Tunnel Exit
The View From the Rock Platform at the Tunnel Exit

Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

Accessed via a military security checkpoint because of the live weapons range in the area, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is a 15-minute drive from Currarong. During the drive to the lighthouse, numerous signs warn not to enter the military zones, but as long as you stay on the road, you’re in no danger.

The security guard will take a note of your car registration, the number of people and a mobile phone contact for emergencies.

The lighthouse is a beautiful heritage listed building, set high above the cliffs. Beautifully preserved and painted it makes an excellent scene for photographs because of its location.

A fence protects falls from the 75m high cliffs, making the views along the coastline safe to enjoy.

Cape Perpendicular Lighthouse
Cape Perpendicular Lighthouse

Honeymoon Bay

Located on the west coast of Beecroft Peninsula, Honeymoon Bay is a beautiful area for camping or a day trip because of excluded and tranquil surroundings. The bay has trees growing down to the sand, providing shade from the sun. The bay is a great place to swim, but is not patrolled, so take care swimming. it was very popular when we visited, but you can still grab your own little spot to sit and enjoy yourself with such a great spot.

Although permitted, camping is restricted due to the limited space available, so it is important that you book ahead.

Honeymoon Bay Beecroft Peninsula NSW Australia
Honeymoon Bay
Honeymoon Bay Beecroft Peninsula NSW Australia
Honeymoon Bay Beecroft

Huskisson

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Huskisson Beach Motel, because of its central location and access to the beach. The rooms were clean, and we enjoyed our stay here. Limited parking means that if the motel is full, you may need to park your car on the street outside. which appears safe and easy.

Where to Eat

Owen St was only a few minutes walk from our motel, with a huge variety of places to eat from cafes to pubs and the local RSL. We ate at both the Huskisson Hotel and Club Huskisson (an RSL) and enjoyed both. The food was good, the beer was cold and the great views made it more enjoyable.

HMAS Voyager Memorial

The local war memorial is also a tribute to HMAS Voyager which was sunk off the coast by HMAS Melbourne during a collision. The memorial is of etched granite and depicts Voyager, lists her the crew and the victims of the collision while explaining what happened. The entire foreshore from the memorial to the Hutchison docks commemorates this tragedy.

HMAS Voyager Memorial Huskisson NSW Australia
HMAS Voyager Memorial Huskisson

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum features a collection of maritime artefacts and navigational and surveying instruments. The Museum exhibits a range of nautical equipment, models, photographs, paintings, drawings and objects relating to the history and heritage of the Jervis Bay area.

The Museum is home to the historic Lady Denman Ferry, which we thought as the highlight of the museum visit

 Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Sydney Ferry Lady Denman

Designed by Walter Reeks and built by Joseph Dent, Huskisson for Sydney Ferries Limited, the Lady Denman was launched in 1912. The hull was built in Huskisson from local timber, launched then floated to Sydney where machinery was installed and upper works completed. It operated on Sydney Harbour until 1979, when is was donated to Huskisson.

The Lady Denman Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

Jervis Bay National Park

Cape St. George Lighthouse

In stark contrast to the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse the Cape St George Lighthouse is in ruins, although this does not detract from its interest. Most of the tower has collapsed into a pile of sandstone blocks, as have most of the outbuildings. The immediate area and the buildings are fenced off, but this has been done in such a way that you can still see inside part of the building.

Several of the buildings associated with the lighthouse are still standing and their sandstone block construction makes them very interesting to see. There is a huge carpark, which was great.

Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
Cape St. George Lighthouse
Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
Cape St. George Lighthouse
Sandstone Building next to Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
Sandstone Building next to Cape St. George Lighthouse

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall refers to a rock formation seen from this beach. Part of the rock spur has been eroded, leaving a hole. The beach was empty when we visited, but had a lot of washed up seaweed, so we didn’t stay very long. The surrounding trees provide great shade and are a great place to set up for a day here. The tide was coming in when we visited so did not get right up to it.

The Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall
Beach at the Hole in the Wall
Beach at the Hole in the Wall
Beach at the Hole in the Wall  Jervis Bay
Beach at the Hole in the Wall

Murrays Beach

A very popular area for holiday makers, Murray’s Beach offers fantastic stretches of sand and great water to swim in. Due to its popularity a large car park is not far away. There is also a boat ramp for anyone who wants to get out onto the water. There is also huge toilet/change room facilitities.

The trees from the surrounding national park go right up to the sand which gives you some great places to set up in the shade.

Murray's Beach
Murray’s Beach

Scottish Rocks

Visit this area at low tide if you are interested in unusual rock formations. Accessed through Bristol Point Camping Ground, Scottish Rocks are one of several interesting geological formations in the area. The erosion of the rocks in here has formed interesting patterns highlighted by the different colours of the rocks. A small beach nearby allows access to the water without climbing over the rocks if you want to go for a swim.

Scottish Rocks Jervis Bay
Scottish Rocks Jervis Bay

What Did We Think of Jervis Bay?

We had a great time here and wish we had more time to spend exploring all of the walking tracks and beaches. Whether you like camping, or hotel accommodation, swimming, bushwalking or just relaxing at a beach, there’s something here for everyone. When travelling on some of the roads in these areas there are so many turn offs to something different, you are only limited by your time! We loved it!

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on