Located a 25-minute drive north of Batemans Bay, North Durras Beach is a popular spot for surfers. Apart from two surfers, it was deserted when we visited. We parked on North Durras Road, where Google Maps says there is a car park. It’s really just a gravel patch on the side of the road, but does have a path down to the beach.
After an easy five-minute walk along the track, we got to the beach. It was beautiful, with some cliffs off to the right and a headland and rock platform to the left. This headland is Point Upright, with the Burrawang Track which we had walked earlier and looked down on the beach.
The weathered cliffs made an interesting addition to the beach, with lots of interesting patterns in the rocks.
If you are in the area and like surfing or just enjoy relaxing on a beach this is a great one to visit.
Track from the road down to the beachTrack down to North Duras Beach through coastal scrubSteps down to the beachLooking north towards Point UprightLooking south along the beachThe Caves cliff wallThe Caves cliff wallSteps up from the beach
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
