The Wasp Head walking track is a short, scenic walk in Murramarang National Park, south of Durras Lake on the New South Wales south coast. Rated at grade 3, it is unpaved but was very well maintained during our visit. NSW National Parks and Wildlife are responsible for the area and there is an entrance fee. As a National Park, no dogs are allowed.
Getting There
We drove from Batemans Bay, only 20 minutes away. Although the last section of the drive on Wasp Head Road is gravel it was in good condition when we went. A warning sign at the start of the trail warns of unstable sea cliffs and to only stay on the designated tracks.
The Track
Sloping gently uphill on the outward walk, we found it very easy and at only 1km very short. Most of the track is through casuarina forest, although there is a cleared area towards the end. The views over the ocean and out towards Wasp Island are beautiful and even more so as we arrived just after sunrise.
This was a nice, easy walk to start the day with great ocean views.
Wasp Head Walking TrackCoastal casuarina forestLooking over Wasp Head and out to Wasp IslandLooking over Wasp Head and out to Wasp IslandCasuarina forest
Horsehead Rock Wallaga Lake New South Wales Australia
As one of Australia’s most distinctive coastal rock formations, Horsehead Rock at Wallaga Lake is a must see if in the area. As a bonus, there are several other interesting rock formations on the same stretch of the coast.
Getting There
Located 240 km from Canberra on the New South Wales south coast, Horsehead Rock can be accessed from the Camel Rock carpark. We left out car here and walked the short distance to the beach.
Safety
There are two ways to view Horsehead Rock, either from the beach or the cliff top. It is important to only walk to Horsehead Rock from the beach at low tide, otherwise you may get stranded on the far side. Check the tide times be here.
When taking the cliff top track, be aware that it is not fenced. With soft edges and steep cliffs make it important to stay back while keeping any children well supervised.
Camel Rock and Haywards Beach
One track from the carpark takes you down to Haywards Beach. This is a beautiful sandy beach, where several people were surfing during our visit. As you step onto the beach, there is a large rock formation to your left. This is Camel Rock. We walked around it and then a little further around the headland where there are some other interesting formations. Horsehead rock can be accessed from here, but only at low tide. Unfortunately the tide was coming in, so we couldn’t get to it.
Haywards BeachCamel RockHaywards Beach viewed from the carpark
Cliff Top Track
Walking back from the beach to the carpark, we took the cliff top track. Several spots along the track provide great views over the beach. From here you can see why it’s called Horsehead Rock because it looks like one that is drinking with its head in the water.
Also from the cliff top, if you look left there is another formation. Called Dragon Tail rock, it looks like the tail of a huge mythical monster.
Cliff top trailLooking at Horsehead rock from the rear towards Pebbly BeachHorsehead RockHorsehead RockDragons Tail Rock
Starting at Depot Beach, the Burrawang Walking Track takes you through spotted gum and cycad forest to Upright Point with views towards North Durras Beach. Access is easy, with parking at the trail head on Carr Street in Depot Beach. As this is part of Murramarang National Park, no dogs are allowed.
The Walk
Graded as a 4 by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the track is mostly uphill on the outward leg. The track itself was well maintained and sign posted during our visit.
Not far from the start, a huge fire damaged spotted gum, continues to re-grow; it is hollowed reminding us of the fires from 2020 that caused significant damage in the area. Time has healed most of the damage and Australian trees regenerate fast after a fire, as we saw while we walked through the headland. The forest is composed of the largest preserved stand of spotted gums in coastal NSW with a Burrawang cycad understory. The gum trees are impressive but it’s the Burrawangs that make the walk special.
Along the track, numerous signs warn about the cliff edges and soft surfaces. So, although fences are in place, don’t risk climbing over them for that perfect photo, it’s not worth it. The viewing platform provides the best views that you would want.
What Did We Think?
At 2km return this is a short walk, but being steep still took us 90 minutes to complete. However, this was not all walking as we stopped for photos and to admire the forest and views. We really enjoyed this walk, especially the views and the cycads.
The Burrawang Walking TrackBushfire damaged gum treeSpotted gum trees and burrawang fernsSpotted gum trees and burrawang fernsBurrawang fern seedsView from Point Upright to North Durras BeachView from Upright Point
