australian bush Archives - Destination's Journey

8 October 2024

Wasp Head Walking Track

Looking over Wasp Head and out to Wasp Island

Wasp Head Walking Track

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.

Coastal casuarina forest — Wasp Head Walking Track

3 October 20245 October 2024

Durras Lake Discovery Trail

Spotted gum forest on the Duras Lake Discovery Trail

Durras Lake Discovery Trail

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.

Ferns and palms Duras Lake Discovery Trail — Lush ferns and palms on the trail

Large tree fallen over the track Duras Lake Discovery Trail — Lush ferns and palms on the trail

Our photos are available for purchase on

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

2 October 20245 October 2024

Depot Beach Rainforest Walk

Depot Beach Rainforest Walk

The Depot Beach Rainforest Walk is a short easy track that runs through littoral rainforest and down to a beautiful sandy beach. As part of Murramarang National Park, it is maintained by NSW National Parks and Wildlife and was in excellent condition during our visit. Almost the entire track has boardwalk, or is paved, so it very easy to walk. The recommended time is 15 to 45 minutes, and we easily made the lower and of the range. Remember, because this is a national park, no dogs are allowed.

Getting There

Car parking is available at a dedicated spot about 250m from Depot Beach and also has a toilet and information board. Alternately, parking at the beach allows you to start and finish there and not need to move your car if you intend to spend time on the sand. Whichever you choose, the track is a loop, so you will end up back where you started.

The Track

The 400m track runs through spotted gum rainforest with a lush undergrowth consisting of cabbage tree palms, cycads and bracken. Information boards along the track describe the different vegetation and animal life.

When we reached the beach, there were kangaroos sleeping in the shade near the carpark. We had lunch at the beach, we had almost to ourselves, with only two other people there.

A fun easy walk, with a great beach to enjoy as well. From here we went to the Burrawang Walking Track which was only a 2-minute drive away.