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
Although the Durras Lake Discovery trail is only 1.5 km long, it’s a fun walk, taking around 45 minutes, depending on your pace. Located in the Murramarang National Park it’s only a 30 minute drive from Batemans Bay. It is a good idea to check the weather before going, as the road can become very boggy in wet weather.
The Walk
Although graded at level 3 by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, it is steep in places and rough in others. We hiked here after a storm. A large gum tree had fallen over the track and shattered, completely burying the trail. This added some fun to the walk as we picked our way over the smashed timber. Another tree that must have fallen years ago also crosses the trail, but has a gap under it, or a path around.
The vegetation was very dense because rainfall had been heavy in the previous months. Everything was nice and green.
Not long after starting the walk, there is a bridge over a creek, followed by a sign post. This is the point you would take to the Durras Lake Walking Track (8km and 2-4 hours) or stay on the loop track. You will also found a rough wooden gate near the start of the track and another near the end.
Information boards are placed along the trail, describing the plant and animal life.
At the high point of the climb is a bench seat where we stopped and had a snack before descending from there down into the valley and back to the carpark.
This was a great walk and one of our favorites in the Murramarang National Park. Remember that there are park entry fees (we bought the year long pass which works out cheaper if you visit a lot of parks). As it’s a national park, dogs are not allowed.
Lush ferns and palms on the trailLarge tree fallen over the trackInformation boardBridge over a creekBench seatFallen and broken tree blocking the trailRough wooden gateSpotted gum forest on the Duras Lake Discovery Trail
