Murramarang National Park: Best Beaches, Hikes and Camping

Murramarang National Park is a spectacular yet underrated national park on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia. Located along the breathtaking Eurobodalla Coast, the national park features pristine beaches, which plenty of kangaroos call home! In this article, we’ll talk about the best beaches, coastal walks, mountain bike trails and areas for a picnic. Then, we’ll talk about the best camping and accommodation options in Murramarang National Park.

Why You Should Visit Murramarang National Park

Murramarang National Park is one of the most breathtaking national parks in NSW. Spanning over 440km², the park encompasses a diverse ecosystem from rugged coastlines to lush hinterlands. By exploring the park’s immaculate beaches, coastal trails and natural spaces, you can discover a sanctuary where adventure and tranquility intertwine harmoniously.

In addition, it’s one of the best places in Australia to see kangaroos at the beach. So, the national park is a popular place to visit for tourists and locals alike.

During our visit to the area, Beck and I (as well as my twin sister) were lucky to see loads of kangaroos at several beaches. Other than enjoying seeing kangaroos hop along the beach, we were also simply blown away by the overall natural beauty of the area. Honestly speaking, we think this is one of the best national parks in NSW and deserves higher praise and even more visitors.

So, exactly where is the national park located?

Where Is Murramarang National Park?

Murramarang National Park is located in Eurobodalla on the South Coast of New South Wales. The park is positioned between Kioloa and Maloneys Beach, near Bateman’s Bay. You’ll find the park is around 200km south of Sydney.

What to Do in Murramarang National Park

Murramarang National Park offers a range of fun activities, including swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, coastal walking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and picnicking. For sure, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and families.

With this said, we’re going to break down the best beaches, coastal walks, mountain bike trails and places to picnic. That way, you can experience all of the best places to visit and the best things to do in Murramarang National Park. Exploring the national park means you’re also experiencing some of the best things to do near Bateman’s Bay.

For Sydneysiders and Canberrans, the national park is a great place for a coastal escape, whether it be a weekend away or an extended holiday. With this in mind, we’re going to review the best campgrounds and accommodation with camping options (such as holiday parks) in Murramarang National Park. Undoubtedly, both camping and staying in accommodation at Murramarang National Park is one of the best ways to experience its beauty and peacefulness.

5 Best Murramarang National Park Beaches

First, let’s run through the best beaches in the national park. Undoubtedly, the three most popular beaches include Merry Beach, Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach, where it’s common to see kangaroos frolicking oceanside. For your convenience, we’ve listed the beaches in order from north to south.

1. Merry Beach

If you want an almost guaranteed chance of seeing kangaroos oceanside, make sure you head to Merry Beach. At the beach, it’s common to spot a large mob (group) of kangaroos. Beck and I enjoyed morning tea at Merry Beach, where we were joined by almost a hundred kangaroos! It’s an incredible feeling to see these magnificent animals up close. As we walked by them, most were unfazed and continued grazing without hesitation. There was even an albino kangaroo. It reminded us of our amazing experience on Bruny Island when we saw a rare white wallaby.

In regards to seeing kangaroos, they tend to be more active around dusk and dawn. But when we visited, it seemed as if the kangaroos turned up at Merry Beach late morning. Of course, it’s really all luck of the draw!

Albeit, one of the best ways to guarantee a wildlife experience is to actually stay at Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach. This is the beachfront accommodation at Merry Beach, which is one of the best places to stay in Murramarang National Park. That way, you can monitor the beach for kangaroos as you relax and unwind at the holiday park throughout the day.

2. Pretty Beach

Pretty Beach, in Murramarang National Park, is another popular beach where it’s common to spot kangaroos. Other than having a joyous experience seeing kangaroos by the ocean, the beach itself is stunning and worth a visit in its own right. In addition, there are plenty of great coastal walks starting at Pretty Beach.

Near the beach, you’ll find Pretty Beach Campground, which is one of the best camping areas in Murramarang National Park. Again, to increase your chances of seeing kangaroos at the beach, it may be best to camp at Pretty Beach Campground. That way, you can easily search for kangaroos throughout the day from the convenience of the beachside camping area.

3. Pebbly Beach

Pebbly Beach, in Murramarang National Park, is yet another beach where it’s common to see kangaroos. For this reason, alongside Merry Beach and Pretty Beach, Pebbly Beach is one of the most popular beaches to visit in the area. At the beach, you’ll also find a picnic area and several charming accommodation options – some of the best in Murramarang National Park. These include Pebbly Beach Campground, Pebbly Beach Shacks and Pebbly Beach Escape.

Again, to keep an eye on the kangaroo spotting situation, you could strategically stay at one of these accommodation options in Murramarang National Park. Otherwise, you’re likely to see kangaroos by simply visiting at dawn or dusk or you may even be lucky to see them during the day.

4. Depot Beach

Although it’s not as common to see kangaroos at Depot Beach, the stunning beach is still worth visiting. The beach is a fairly secluded and quiet area so you might even get it to yourselves. From the beachside street, there’s a tiny walk through some coastal forest to reach the sand. From there, you can walk the entirety of the beach to soak in the ambience and peacefulness. Otherwise, one of the most popular things to do at Depot Beach is the Rock Platform Walk.

5. South Durras Beach

South Durras Beach is located on another sensational stretch of coastline in the national park. Its soft golden sands, amazing rock platforms and clear waters will lure you in for a swim, surf, or simply some time relaxing by the ocean. Surrounded by lush forest, it’s truly a tranquil escape.

FYI – there are some excellent accommodation options in South Durras in Murramarang National Park, including NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort.

Other Murramarang National Park Beaches

Of course, the national park is home to many more beaches worth exploring. Below, you’ll find a list of the other most notable beaches in the national park. Again, for your convenience, we’ve listed them in order from north to south.

• Dark Beach
• Myrtle Beach
• Richmond Beach
• Oaky Beach
• Honeysuckle Beach
• North Head Beach
• Yellow Rock Beach
• Maloneys Beach

FYI – Kioloa Beach is another spectacular beach, which falls just outside of the northern parameter of the national park.

Best Murramarang National Park Walks

There are also plenty of delightful Murramarang National Park hikes to choose from. Below, we’re going to highlight the best walks in the area.

Pretty Beach Walks

• Pretty Beach to Snapper Point Lookout and Merry Beach
• Durras Mountain Walking Track From Pretty Beach
• Pretty Beach to Snake Bay Walking Track
• Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Walking Track

There are quite a few walks that start from Pretty Beach. One of the best things about this is that you can choose a trail to your liking. Want to do a short and easy walk starting from Pretty Beach? You can do the short walk to Snapper Point Lookout and Merry Beach. If you want to do a moderately challenging walk, consider doing the walk from Pretty Beach to Snake Bay. Otherwise, for a harder and more challenging route, we recommend either the Durras Mountain Walking Track or the walk to Pebbly Beach.

Unfortunately, when Beck and I visited, most of the walking trails were closed for various reasons. This meant the only walk we could do from Pretty Beach was the one to Snapper Point Lookout and Merry Beach. For sure, this is one of the best walks in the national park.

During the walk, you’ll enjoy excellent views of the Eurobodalla Coast from Snapper Point Lookout. This lookout is also a great place for whale watching during the migratory season (May to November). Otherwise, one of the best parts of this walk is that you get to explore two beaches with kangaroos – Pretty Beach and Merry Beach.

FYI – you can also walk to Durras Mountain and Snake Bay from Pebbly Beach.

Rock Platform Walk

Taking place at Depot Beach, the Rock Platform Walk is one of the most incredible yet underrated walks in the national park.

After strolling along the secluded Depot Beach, you can check out the rock platform at its southern end. At this end of the beach, you’ll find naturally carved rock pools and unique geological patterns and formations. Expect to see many pipis and periwinkles among the rocks. Try not to crush too many! 

FYI – another great walk to do at Depot Beach is the Depot Beach Rainforest Walk.

Dark Beach and Myrtle Beach Walking Tracks

The Dark Beach Walking Track is a short track leading to another quiet and secluded beach. Split by a rock platform, Dark Beach has two distinct sections. The southern section has the usual white sand whereas the northern section features unique black sand. This darker sand was formed by volcanic rock remnants many moons ago.

While you’re in the area, you can also complete the Myrtle Beach Walking Track. The walk to Myrtle Beach is through what the locals have coined the ‘enchanted forest’. You’ll see forests of stunted spotted gum trees that have been shaped by coastal winds over many years. After exploring the sublime coastal forest, you’ll then arrive at another small yet remote beach, which you may even have to yourselves!

Honeysuckle Beach Walking Track

From North Head Campground, you can complete the short Honeysuckle Beach Walking Track. The trail passes through the stunning North Head Beach and other secluded stretches of the coastline. Along this walking track, you’ll be spoiled with glorious ocean views and lovely coastal forest. Personally, Beck and I enjoyed this walk around sunset as we camped at North Head Campground that evening. It was a lovely walk to do at the end of our day exploring the area.

Murramarang South Coast Walk

If you want to explore more of the coastline along the Murramarang National Park, you’ll want to complete the multi-day Murramarang South Coast Walk. As one of the premier long-distance coastal walks in NSW, this should be high on the list of walking enthusiasts. Personally, Beck and I haven’t quite managed to get out there to complete the walk yet. But, having completed small sections of it, we’re confident that completing the walk would be a great experience.

Read about the Tomaree Coastal Walk – another premier multi-day coastal walk in NSW

Other Murramarang National Park Walks

Of course, there are many other great walks to do in the national park. Below, you’ll find a list of the other most renowned walks in the park. For your convenience, we’ve listed the walks in order from north to south.

• Burrawang Walking Track
• Durras Lake Discovery Trail
• Durras Lake Walking Track
• Wasp Head Walk
• Oaky Beach Walking Track
• Maloneys Beach to South Durras Walking Track
• Acheron Ledge Walking Track

Murramarang National Park Mountain Biking

Other than walking tracks, the national park has an outstanding mountain bike trail. The South Durras Course is an easy-to-moderate 24km circuit on mostly flat terrain. Starting in South Durras, the mountain bike trail explores the national park, all the way to North Head Lookout and then back to South Durras. By biking this trail, you’ll explore the spectacular coastal forests and enjoy superb views of the coast at North Head Lookout.

FYI – there are more difficult mountain bike trails in the area that also connect South Durras to North Head Lookout.

Murramarang National Park Picnic Areas

During your exploration of the national park’s beaches and trails, there’s nothing like enjoying a picnic lunch in the area. Throughout the national park, there are several excellent picnic areas. Of course, you’re free to enjoy a picnic wherever you please. But, these formal picnic areas offer picnic tables that are idyllically placed on grassy areas by the beach. Below, we’ve listed the best picnic areas in the national park, which are all beautiful spots to relax and take in the stunning Eurobodalla coastline.

Again, for your convenience, we’ve listed them in order from north to south.

• Pretty Beach Picnic Area
• Pebbly Beach Picnic Area
• Depot Beach Picnic Area
• Wasp Head Picnic Area

Murramarang National Park Camping

Murramarang National Park is known for having exceptional beachside camping areas. Campgrounds nestled among the coastal forests and beaches provide a unique opportunity to experience the serenity of the national park overnight. That’s exactly what Beck and I did and highly recommend it.

When it comes to camping in Murramarang National Park, there are really two options. First, you can choose a campground managed by NSW National Parks. These campgrounds tend to be basic with minimal facilities. Yet, the natural setting is usually unparalleled.

Otherwise, another camping option is to pitch at a holiday park or caravan park accommodation within Murramarang National Park. That way, you have access to better facilities and amenities. By choosing this option, you’ll stay in an environment with far more infrastructure, but you’ll still enjoy a peaceful natural setting.

Murramarang National Park Campgrounds

Alongside Mimosa Rocks National Park, Murramarang National Park is home to some of the best camping spots on the South Coast of NSW. Below, we’ll list all of the basic campgrounds in the national park that are managed by NSW National Parks.

Again, we’ve listed the campgrounds in order from north to south.

Pretty Beach Campground

One of the most popular campgrounds in the national park is Pretty Beach Campground. The campground is conveniently located at Pretty Beach and not far from either Merry Beach or Kioloa Beach. As mentioned, there are also loads of great walks starting from Pretty Beach, so many people choose Pretty Beach Campground as a base for exploring the national park. At the campground, it’s possible to choose a more luxurious camping experience by staying at Pretty Beach Cabins.

For more information and to make a booking, head to the NSW National Parks website.

Pebbly Beach Campground

Pebbly Beach Campground is another popular campground in the national park. Conveniently located at Pebbly Beach, the campground is perfectly located for you to soak in relaxing coastal vibes. Yet, it’s also a great base for exploring the national park as many trails run through or lead away from the beach. Similar to Pretty Beach Campground, you can expect many kangaroos to be chilling out at Pebbly Beach Campground. For a more luxurious and comfortable camping experience, you can stay at the Pebbly Beach Shacks.

Again, for more information about Pebbly Bech Campground and to make a booking, head to the NSW National Parks website.

Depot Beach Campground

Compared with Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach Campgrounds, Depot Beach Campground is less popular but is equally tranquil. Similar to both Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach is a great base for exploring the national park as many trails intersect the Depot Beach Campground. Again, there is a more luxurious option on offer at this campground – Depot Beach Cabins.

To find out more about the facilities and amenities at Depot Beach Campground and to make a booking, head straight to the NSW National Parks website.

Oaky Beach Campground

Compared with the other campgrounds in the national park, Oaky Beach Campground is the only walk-in campground. Without the option to camp by your vehicle, lots of people choose to camp at the other campgrounds in the national park. Perhaps, this could be the exact reason why you choose to camp at Oaky Beach Campground. Given it’s a walk-in campground, it’s one of the quietest campgrounds in the national park. Besides, only a short walk is required to reach the campground to enjoy a peaceful and blissful beach camping experience.

To book Oaky Beach Campground, head to the NSW National Parks website.

North Head Campground

North Head Campground has one of the most basic camping areas in Murramarang National Park. In essence, there is just a drop toilet! Despite the lack of facilities, its remoteness and proximity to North Head Beach make it an excellent place to camp as you feel at one with nature. Beck and I really enjoyed camping at North Head Campground. Although we were only half an hour from Bateman’s Bay, we felt like we were hours away from civilisation. In particular, the star gazing there was phenomenal and there was absolutely no light pollution.

One of the highlights of camping at North Head Campground is watching a brilliant sunset. We guarantee that it’s one of the best sunsets you will see on the South Coast of NSW. There’s just something about a sun setting over the water that gets us every time.

By the way, there is a 10km unsealed dirt road (North Head Road) to get to North Head Campground. Perhaps, this is a major reason why people don’t opt to camp there. Admittedly, we survived the journey in a 2WD, but it was a slow, bumpy and tedious drive. For sure, this road is much easier to navigate in a 4WD. And, after heavy rainfall, it’s almost certain you’ll need a 4WD to be able to drive on this road.

To book this campground, head to the NSW National Parks website.

Murramarang National Park Holiday Parks With Camping

As mentioned, when it comes to camping in Murramarang National Park, another option is to camp at holiday park or caravan park accommodation. Below, we’ve listed the best holiday park and caravan park accommodation options in Murramarang National Park, where both camping and caravanning are possible.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort (AKA Murramarang National Park Caravan Park and Murramarang National Park Resort) is hands-down one of the best resorts on the South Coast of NSW. This holiday resort offers dreamy beachfront accommodation that overlooks the sensational Beagle Bay. Whether you stay in a luxurious villa, pitch a tent or book a caravan site, NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort has some of the best and most comfortable accommodation in Murramarang National Park, perfect for families and groups.

Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach

When it comes to Murramarang camping options, it’s hard to beat Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach. Perched on Merry Beach, this holiday park is a popular option for tourists wanting to see kangaroos lying around on the beach. Whether you stay in a cabin or a luxurious holiday unit or book a caravan or camping site, you’ll enjoy superb beachfront vibes. Other than being able to maximise your time at the beach, this holiday park accommodation is a great base for exploring Murramarang National Park.

Lakesea Park

Located on the shores of Durras Beach, Lakesea Park is another exceptional accommodation option in Murramarang National Park. Featuring rustic beachfront cottages with shared bathrooms, Lakesea Park offers some of the most affordable Murramarang National Park cabins for families and groups. With caravan and camping sites too, this holiday park certainly has accommodation to suit all budgets.

BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park

When it comes to cabins near Bateman’s Bay, BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park has some of the best on offer. Sharing a similar location and vibe to Lakesea Park, BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park offers a serene setting at South Durras Beach, where it’s super easy to relax and unwind.

Compared with other holiday parks in Murramarang National Park, BIG4 South Durras Holiday Park is one of the only accommodation options that offer cabins for couples. So, this holiday park is perfect for couples wanting a coastal getaway. While camping and caravanning there also guarantees an extraordinary experience.

Durras Lake North Holiday Park

Durras Lake North Holiday Park is an excellent holiday park nestled between North Durras Beach and Durras Lake. Offering cabins, cottages and camping, the holiday park provides a coastal retreat for families, groups and couples. Interestingly, this coastal haven has a Kangaroo Guarantee, which means if you don’t see a kangaroo at the holiday park, you’ll get a full refund!

Tasman Holiday Parks Kioloa Beach

Sure, Tasman Holiday Parks Kioloa Beach accommodation falls just outside of the northern parameter of Murramarang National Park, but it’s still worth a mention given its closeness to the national park. Located near Merry Beach and Pretty Beach, Tasman Holiday Parks Kioloa Beach offer splendid one- and two-bedroom beachfront cabins as well as two-bedroom holiday units. So, these cabins are great for both couples and families wanting to holiday on the Eurobodalla Coast near the national park.

Similar to the other holiday parks in Murramarang National Park, Tasman Holiday Parks Kioloa Beach also offer lovely beachfront caravan and camping sites.

Other Murramarang National Park Accommodation

There are also accommodation options to consider in the national park without any options to camp. Both Yellow Rock Beach House and Judges House are superb beachfront accommodation options that are managed by NSW National Parks. Otherwise, Pebbly Beach Escape offers extraordinary bungalows, studios and villas on the doorstep of Pebbly Beach. For more information about these accommodation options, without camping, in Murramarang National Park, click on the links below.

• Pebbly Beach Escape
• Yellow Rock Beach House
• Judges House

Bateman’s Bay Accommodation

Of course, visiting the national park on a day trip from Bateman’s Bay is a popular option. With this in mind, we’ve handpicked the best places to stay in Bateman’s Bay.

• Mariners on the Waterfront
• Corrigans Cove
• Quays Hotel
• The Esplanade Motel
• Zorba Waterfront Motel
• Batemans Bay Marina Resort
• Batemans Bay Lodge
• Lincoln Downs Resort Batemans Bay

How to Get to Murramarang National Park

To explore the national park, you’ll need to drive there. Unfortunately, you can’t use public transport to get around the park. From Sydney, it takes around four hours to drive to Murramarang. You can access the main attractions in the national park comfortably with a 2WD. But, if you’re looking to scope out hidden gems and reach untouched corners, where you know you’ll drive along a lot of unsealed roads, a 4WD is more appropriate. Indeed, some roads in the park aren’t 2WD-accessible.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Murramarang National Park Facilities and Accessibility

The national park has some of the best facilities of any national park on the South Coast of NSW. Given the numerous campgrounds, accommodation options and picnic areas in the national park, overall, it has great facilities and amenities.

Regarding accessibility, you’ll find both Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach have wheelchair-accessible facilities. The disability access level at Pretty Beach is rated moderate and the level at Pebbly Beach is rated easy. Head to the NSW National National Parks website for more information about accessibility in the park.

Hiking Gear For Murramarang National Park

Here are some hiking gear essentials to help you explore the coastal trails in the national park.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Camping Gear For Murramarang National Park

Here are some gear essentials for a comfortable camping experience in the national park.

Bonus Tips About Visiting Murramarang National Park

• Check the NSW National Parks website: before visiting, check the local alerts for the national park to check for any closures.
• Consider a 4WD: we were able to visit most places in the national park with a 2WD. But, there are some unsealed roads where a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is necessary.

Murramarang National Park FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the national park.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Murramarang National Park?

The park entry fees are $8 per vehicle. But, if you have a NSW National Parks Annual Pass, you don’t have to pay any entry fees. Indeed, if you explore NSW National Parks often, we highly recommend buying an annual pass. That way, you don’t have to pay for parking when you visit NSW National Parks where parking fees apply.

Can You Fish in Murramarang National Park?

Yes, fishing at Murramarang National Park is not only allowed but it’s one of the most popular activities. Although, you’re not allowed to fish in the Murramarang Special Purpose Zone of the Batemans Marine Park.

Other South Coast NSW Guides

Are you looking to explore more of the scintillating South Coast of NSW? Read our guides below to discover more beautiful destinations along the South Coast.

• 13 Best Wollongong Lookouts Including Lesser-Known Viewpoints
• The 23 BEST Southern Highlands Waterfalls Near Kangaroo Valley
• Macquarie Pass National Park: The 5 Best Waterfalls and Walks
• Minnamurra Falls: How to Find This Epic Waterfall
• Kiama Day Trip From Sydney: The Ultimate Guide
• 10 Epic Kiama Beaches (With Parking, Surfing & Patrol Details)
• Kiama Coastal Walk: Everything You Need to Know
• Seven Mile Beach Gerroa: 5 Best Things to Do
• 12 Best Beaches In Jervis Bay That Will Blow You Away
• How To Get From Sydney To Jervis Bay: The Complete Guide
• Booderee National Park: 12 Must-See Attractions
• Sapphire Coast NSW: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

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