Seven of the best hikes in Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven

White Sands Walk 

• Distance and time: 2.5km, 30-90 minutes
• Difficulty: Grade 3 - this well-signed walk is considered of moderate difficulty with some short, steep hills.
• Top attractions:  White sand beaches including Greenfield and Hyams beaches.
• Parking: Available on Elizabeth Drive, a short walk from the trailhead at Greenfield Beach picnic area. It can be a busy place on weekends and school holidays, so parking might be limited. 

With 16 stunningly white coastal coves in the Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven region, you’ll visit many of them on the White Sands Walk through Jervis Bay National Park. The 90-minute return walk begins at Greenfield Beach picnic area in Vincentia and weaves along the coastline. Take a dip at any number of beaches before the walk concludes at the incredible Hyams Beach. Retrace your steps or return via the Scribbly Gum track to see wildlife in tall forest and woodland habitat. 

Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay

Murramarang South Coast Walk 

• Distance and time: 34km, 3 days
• Difficulty: Grade 4 - while much of the walk is flat, there are short, steep climbs, rocky beaches, slippery rock platforms and tidal crossings.
• Top attractions: Coastal forests, secluded bays and coves, and bird-watching opportunities.
• Parking: Available at the start and end of the trail at Pretty Beach and Maloneys Beach. To walk a section of the trail, you can also park at Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach and South Durras. 

For a longer challenge, beach hop on the multi-day Murramarang South Coast Walk, which weaves past Depot Beach and Durras Beach before finishing at Maloneys Beach. Each day, stop for a swim, explore coastal forest trails, and keep an eye out for local birdlife including lyrebirds and wonga pigeons. Pre-book your stays at picturesque campgrounds or beachside cabins, or join a guided hike with an expert leader, villa accommodation and delicious meals. 

Murramarang South Coast Walk, Pretty Beach - Credit: Remy Brand | DPE

Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Walking Track 

• Distance and time: 8km one way, 3-5 hours
• Difficulty: Grade 4 - this walk has a rough track and includes rock platforms, sand, occasional steps and hills.
• Top attractions: Turquoise-water beaches and kangaroos.
• Parking: Available at Pretty Beach picnic area. 

In Murramarang National Park, the Pretty Beach to Pebbly Beach Walking Track connects two of the region’s popular beaches via an unspoilt forest pathway. The grasslands near the trailhead and end are popular with kangaroos. See spotted gum, coachwood and lillypilly as you climb up Durras Mountain. You'll be rewarded with coastal views and a great swimming spot at Pebbly Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way back via the picturesque Snake Bay and Clear Point. 

Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park

Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk 

• Distance and time: 1.4km, 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy - a flat, short walk with rails and seating.
• Top attractions: Mangroves, mudflats and birdlife.
• Parking: Available off both Dent Street and Woollamia Road. 

Stroll along this elevated path to see grey and river mangroves as well as a sensitive ecosystem of mudflats. Keep an eye out for local water birds as you wander over Currambene Creek on the Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk, stopping to read the signs that explain the ecological and cultural significance of the area along the way. The boardwalk is 1.8m wide and suitable for prams, wheelchairs and walkers. 

Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk, Huskisson - Credit: Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk

Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track 

• Distance and time: 5km return, 2.5-3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Grade 4 - this formed track is very steep and requires hikers to climb ladders.
• Top attractions:  Sweeping views over the Budawang wilderness.
• Parking: Available at the beginning of the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track, next to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul picnic area. 

One of the most popular walks in Morton National Park, hikers flock to Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track for its breathtaking views. To get to the famed lookout, you’ll need to tackle steep terrain, culminating in a series of ladders to get to the summit. At the top, look out over the Budawang wilderness, carved by the Clyde River. On clear days, you may be able to see as far as Jervis Bay and Bermagui.

Pigeon House Mountain Didthul Walking Track, Morton National Park

Munyunga Waraga Dhugan Walking Trail 

• Distance and time: 5.4km loop, 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate - this well-maintained and accessible trail has some gentle inclines, steps and sandy patches.
• Top attractions:  Local wildlife including seabirds, seals and dolphins.
• Parking: Available at Murrays Beach carpark.

Meaning ‘white-bellied sea eagle’s home camp’ in Dhurga language, hikers on the Munyunga Waraga Dhugan Walking Trail may be lucky enough to see the majestic bird soar overhead. This loop walk is best described as a self-guided tour of Booderee National Park’s wildlife, with seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales often visible along the way. Parks Australia works hand in hand with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community to manage this area - make time to drop by the beautiful Murrays Beach and Aboriginal-owned Booderee Botanic Gardens. 

Murrays Beach, Jervis Bay - Credit: Alexandra Adoncello