Merimbula to Hobart Beach: Wharf to Wharf
Yuin Country

3 h 45 min to 6 h

13.9 km
oneway

↑ 195 m
↓ -192 m

Moderate track
Starting from Merimbula Wharf at the end of Lake Street, Merimbula, this walk takes you to Hobart Beach Campground via the Wharf to Wharf Walk (Section 1), visiting Bondi Lake and Bournda Lagoon along with multiple lookouts midway. This is the first section of the coastal 26km Wharf to Wharf Walk. This part of the W2W walk features westerly views as well, along with lagoons and peculiar lookouts. Remember to plan properly and make some time for the side trips, especially the Short Point one as you may be able to spot whales and interesting birdlife from there. The Hobart Beach Campground lets you swim, sail and paddle in the big Wallagoot Lake. The BBQs, showers, toilets combined with the relatively calm waters of the lake makes this place quite suitable for families. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to book your place beforehand. After heavy rainfall the lakes can flow out to sea, so always look out for tides and alternative track options. Let us begin by acknowledging the Yuin people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
North Tura Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Sign pointing along the track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Signpost at North Tura. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Stairs onto North Tura Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Brown snake North Tura. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Fenced track along dunes. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Photo by admin, 2017.
Track off Bournda Beach southern end. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track onto Bournda Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bournda Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Signpost to FIeld Study Huts. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Track parallel to Bondi Lake. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track towards Bournda Lagoon. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Full Journey Wharf to Wharf: Merimbula to Tathra
Start (-36.8988632,149.9274392)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Princes Highway, A1
  • Turn on to Merimbula Drive then drive for 4.2 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Merimbula Drive, 9 and drive for another 400 m
  • Turn left onto Market Street and drive for another 110 m
  • Turn right onto Main Street and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Turn right onto Lake Street and drive for another 1.5 km
  • Keep right onto Lake Street and drive for another 80 m
Finish (-36.7951486,149.9375338)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the end of Lake Street, Merimbula, head back along Lake Street as you keep the ocean to your left. Turn right at the 3-way intersection and head along Wharf Street, then take the second right turn to head along Yarai Street. At the end of the road, turn left and head along Cliff Street as you keep Middle Beach and the ocean to your right to continue along Merimbula to Hobart Beach: Wharf to Wharf Track. Keep an eye out for cairns in the gullies for navigation.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the Aquarium Restaurant at the start.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Clifftop Lookout, visiting Historic Fishermen's Lookout along the way. View the creek mouth over Bar Beach and watch planes take off from the nearby airport. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 170 m (at the intersection of Wharf Street & Lake Street) turn right, to head along Wharf Street.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to Merimbula (Long) Point lookout, where you can get exceptionally panoramic views of the Pacific. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) of moving time added to your hike. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 75 m (at the intersection of Wharf Street & Tasman Street) continue straight, to head along Wharf Street.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Wharf Street & Queen Street) continue straight, to head along Wharf Street.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Yarai Street & Wharf Street) turn right, to head along Yarai Street.
After another 80 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & Yarai Street) turn left, to head along Cliff Street.
After another 180 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & King Street) veer right, to head along Cliff Street.
After another 205 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & George Street) continue straight, to head along Illuka Street.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & Illuka Street) turn right, to head along Cliff Street.
After another 75 m head through the bollard.
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & Apoona Street) veer right, to head along Cliff Street.
After another 290 m turn right.
After another 205 m continue straight, to head along Short Point Road.
After another 470 m to find the car park.
Continue straight, to head along Short Point Road.
After another 50 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Short Point viewpoint, which is a great place to spot whales and rare bird species. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Turn left.
After another 35 m head down the 13 concrete steps (about 7 m long)
Then come to the viewpoint (on your left).
Then head down the 26 concrete steps (about 15 m long)
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 145 m turn right, to head along Mundooi Walk.
After another 120 m pass a seat (6 m on your left)., has no backrest.
After another 235 m pass a seat (5 m on your right)., has no backrest.
Veer left, to head along Mundooi Walk.
After another 195 m turn right, to head along Mundooi Walk.
After another 910 m come to the viewpoint (35 m on your right).
Veer left, to head along Mundooi Walk.
After another 215 m continue straight, to head along Mundooi Walk.
After another 155 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
Turn right.
After another 130 m pass the toilet (9 m on your right)., male.
Then pass the toilet (on your right)., female.
After another 2.2 km turn right.
After another 65 m to find the car park.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the end of Tura Head, visiting Reggie's Lookout and Tura Beach Rockpool along the way. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) of moving time added to your hike. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Turn left.
After another 1 km come to the viewpoint (40 m on your left).
After another 1.8 km continue straight.
After another 70 m find the "North Tura Beach" (90 m on your right).
North Tura Beach
North Tura Beach

North Tura Beach is located north of Merimbula and Tura Heads. The beach is a beautiful expanse of sand of nearly 2.5km, stretching from Tura Heads to Bournda Island in the north. North Tura is an easterly-facing beach which is accessed by Widgeram Rd off the Sapphire Coast Drive.
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North Tura Beach is located north of Merimbula and Tura Heads. The beach is a beautiful expanse of sand of nearly 2.5km, stretching from Tura Heads to Bournda Island in the north. North Tura is an easterly-facing beach which is accessed by Widgeram Rd off the Sapphire Coast Drive.

After another 30 m find the "Parking" (45 m on your left).
Parking
Parking

A large gravel carpark with no formally marked parking bays. The ground is well packed and drains quickly after rain.
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A large gravel carpark with no formally marked parking bays. The ground is well packed and drains quickly after rain.

Veer right, to head along North Tura Road.
After another 15 m find the "Pinch Point" (20 m on your left).
Pinch Point
Pinch Point

Timber bollards at end of carpark. Gap of 1.3m (0.5m high) provides access to picnic area, toilet and walking tracks.
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Timber bollards at end of carpark. Gap of 1.3m (0.5m high) provides access to picnic area, toilet and walking tracks.

After another 15 m find the "North Tura Lookout" (30 m on your right).
North Tura Lookout
North Tura Lookout

North Tura Beach Lookout is between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lookout platform (4.6x4.6m) has stunning views over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head and Bournda Island. The fence is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide.
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North Tura Beach Lookout is between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lookout platform (4.6x4.6m) has stunning views over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head and Bournda Island. The fence is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide.

After another 8 m find the "Toilet" (25 m on your left).
Toilet
Toilet

Unisex single pit toilet. Entrance is 90cm wide, toilet seat 38cm high (57cm to back wall). Simple handrail is 82cm high. Floor space is about 110cm by 230cm. A 4cm step into the toilet. Tap (no basin) outside 74cm from ground.
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Unisex single pit toilet. Entrance is 90cm wide, toilet seat 38cm high (57cm to back wall). Simple handrail is 82cm high. Floor space is about 110cm by 230cm. A 4cm step into the toilet. Tap (no basin) outside 74cm from ground.

Continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 20 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

Two timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 78cm high, 91cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 42cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on paved area.
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Two timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 78cm high, 91cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 42cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide (no backrest). The table is on paved area.

Then pass a seat (20 m on your left).
After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 620 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 70 m veer left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 205 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 160 m veer left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 6 m head down the 26 earthen steps (about 15 m long)
After another 25 m cross the ford.
After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 340 m turn left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 150 m find the "Bournda Lagoon" (50 m on your left).
Bournda Lagoon
Bournda Lagoon

Bournda Lagoon has formed behind Bournda Beach, between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lagoon is deep enough for swimming and is a popular spot for a freshwater swim. The lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Creek, which has been silted up at the southernmost end of Bournda Beach. The lagoon supports a variety of environments, including a rainforest, on its shores. However, the lagoon is subject to environmental issues such as algal blooms. The lagoon can be accessed by bush track from Bournda Lagoon car park, at the end of Bournda Rd.
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Bournda Lagoon has formed behind Bournda Beach, between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lagoon is deep enough for swimming and is a popular spot for a freshwater swim. The lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Creek, which has been silted up at the southernmost end of Bournda Beach. The lagoon supports a variety of environments, including a rainforest, on its shores. However, the lagoon is subject to environmental issues such as algal blooms. The lagoon can be accessed by bush track from Bournda Lagoon car park, at the end of Bournda Rd.

The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the northernmost foreshore of Sandy Creek, visiting Bournda Lagoon Lookout along the way. You can come back from this point or continue along the creek and do the full loop if you'd like to. Keep in mind that if you do so, you'll be walking in a counterclockwise direction (constantly veering left) and rejoin the main route south of Bournda Headland. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Turn sharp right, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 120 m turn right.
After another 35 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
After another 15 m find the "Bournda Beach picnic area" (on your right).
Bournda Beach picnic area
Bournda Beach picnic area

Bournda Beach picnic area is found next to Bournda Lagoon car park, in Bournda National Park. The picnic area is shaded by the trees behind Bournda Beach, which is between Tathra and Merimbula. The picnic area has modest facilities with a few picnic tables, BBQ pit and a toilet nearby. The picnic area is a great place to eat lunch before heading down to Bournda Beach or Lagoon, which are only a stroll away through the bush.
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Bournda Beach picnic area is found next to Bournda Lagoon car park, in Bournda National Park. The picnic area is shaded by the trees behind Bournda Beach, which is between Tathra and Merimbula. The picnic area has modest facilities with a few picnic tables, BBQ pit and a toilet nearby. The picnic area is a great place to eat lunch before heading down to Bournda Beach or Lagoon, which are only a stroll away through the bush.

Veer left.
After another 120 m veer right, to head along Bournda Lagon Road.
After another 100 m turn left.
After another 400 m continue straight.
After another 1.3 km continue straight.
After another 50 m continue straight.
After another 370 m turn left.
After another 165 m come to the "Hobart Beach" (25 m on your left).
Then pass the toilet (25 m on your right).
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 70 m continue straight.
After another 60 m come to the end.

This optional side trip takes you to the end of Tura Head, visiting Reggie's Lookout and Tura Beach Rockpool along the way. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) of moving time added to your hike.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 860 m come to a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 860 m to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to the Short Point viewpoint, which is a great place to spot whales and rare bird species.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the picnic table at the start.
Find the seat at the start.
After another 20 m continue straight.
Continue another 260 m to find Short Point at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 330 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to Merimbula (Long) Point lookout, where you can get exceptionally panoramic views of the Pacific. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) of moving time added to your hike.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Wharf Street & Tasman Street Start heading along Tasman Street (a residential road).
After 280 m to find the car park.
At the intersection of Long Point Track & Tasman Street turn right, to head along Long Point Track (a vehicle track).
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Long Point Track.
After another 15 m head through/around the gate.
After another 520 m pass a seat (8 m on your right)., has a backrest.
After another 370 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your right).
After another 6 m head down the 16 surface|compacted steps (about 8 m long)
After another 50 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.2 km to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to the Clifftop Lookout, visiting Historic Fishermen's Lookout along the way. View the creek mouth over Bar Beach and watch planes take off from the nearby airport.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Wharf Street & Lake Street Start heading along Lake Street (a residential road).
After another 160 m turn left.
After another 20 m come to the "Historic Fishermens Lookout".
After another 25 m veer left.
After another 35 m come to "Cliff Top Lookout".
Continue another 0 m to find Cliff Top Lookout at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 240 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the northernmost foreshore of Sandy Creek, visiting Bournda Lagoon Lookout along the way. You can come back from this point or continue along the creek and do the full loop if you'd like to. Keep in mind that if you do so, you'll be walking in a counterclockwise direction (constantly veering left) and rejoin the main route south of Bournda Headland.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 100 m turn left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 125 m find the "Bournda Lagoon Lookout" (40 m on your left).
Bournda Lagoon Lookout
Bournda Lagoon Lookout

Bournda Lagoon lookout is a small unfenced rock platform perched above Bournda Lagoon, in Bournda National Park. The views to the south, over the lake, reveal how close the lagoon is to the beach. The angle of the lookout onto the water gives a look through the water to the bottom of the lagoon.
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Bournda Lagoon lookout is a small unfenced rock platform perched above Bournda Lagoon, in Bournda National Park. The views to the south, over the lake, reveal how close the lagoon is to the beach. The angle of the lookout onto the water gives a look through the water to the bottom of the lagoon.

Turn right, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 110 m veer left, to head along Sandy Creek Walking Track.
After another 130 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 450 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Merimbula to Hobart Beach: Wharf to Wharf


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 13.9 km
Time 3 h 45 min to 6 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one 13.7 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 6 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 5.2 km.

Seat: There are 5 on route, on average they are 2.5 km apart with the largest gap of 6.8 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
285 m + 800 m[seat]
Seat
2 km + 50 m[seat]
Toilet
2 km[toilet]
Seat
2.4 km[seat]
Seat
2.7 km[seat]
Toilet
4.2 km[toilet]
Toilet
4.2 km[toilet]
Entity|toilet
9.4 kmToilet
Seat
9.4 km[seat]
Toilet
11.2 km[toilet]
Toilet
13.7 km[toilet]
Camp site
13.7 kmHobart Beach
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