Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf
Yuin Country

4 h to 6 h 30 min

13.5 km
oneway

↑ 479 m
↓ -471 m

Moderate track
Starting from Hobart Beach Campground, Bournda, this walk takes you to Tathra Wharf via the Wharf to Wharf Walk (Section 2), passing by heaps of scenic bays and the Wallagoot Lake along the way. This is the second and final section of the coastal 26km Wharf to Wharf Walk. Get ready to explore the picturesque coastline as you move through sandy beaches and narrow dirt tracks between vegetation. There’ll be lots of chances to stop and enjoy the welcoming waters of the Pacific, but always take extra care in unguarded waters. The campground itself offers swimming in the big Wallagoot Lake, which is a safer way for the kids to cool off. That doesn’t mean the lake is boring though, the northern foreshores are great for sailing, paddling, or anything that has something to do with water. There are BBQs, picnic tables, toilets and even showers at the campground, which makes it one of the best campsites around. 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
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign for Kangarutha Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Seed pod. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Tickbush (Kunzea ambigua) Flower. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Games Bay sign. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Boulder Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Boulder Bay from the north. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Dipodium punctatum (Hyacinth orchid). | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old man Banksia (Banksia serrata). | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Track towards White Horse Bay from Kianiny Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Kianiny picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Stairs up from Kianiny Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sign at Kianiny picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bridge from Kianiny picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Playground in Kianiny Bay picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
BBQ in Kianiny picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Kianiny Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

+
-
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.
+
-
Getting There
Transport options and directions
Full Journey Wharf to Wharf: Merimbula to Tathra
Start (-36.7951486,149.9375338)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Princes Highway, A1
  • Turn on to Merimbula Drive then drive for 4.2 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 510 m
  • Turn left onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 13.9 km
  • Turn right onto Bournda Road and drive for another 2.9 km
  • Turn slight left and drive for another 500 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 410 m
Finish (-36.7256716,149.9889788)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car  
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From Hobart Beach Campground (the 3-way intersection at the end of Bournda Road), head east towards the ocean along the dirt path as you keep Hobart Beach to your left, moving directly away from the campground. Make your way to Bournda Beach through the woodland, then turn left and head along the said beach as you keep the ocean to your right to continue along Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf Track. Keep an eye out for cairns in the gullies for navigation.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the historic Scotts Hut where there's a picnic area as well. Around 40 minutes out & back. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 80 m continue straight.
After another 15 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
After another 25 m come to the "Hobart Beach" (25 m on your right).
After another 80 m continue straight.
After another 95 m veer left.
After another 200 m veer left.
After another 570 m turn left.
After another 1.5 km cross the ford.
After another 35 m head up the 33 surface|gravel steps (about 30 m long)
After another 35 m pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This tiny side trip takes you to the beautiful Wallagoot Gap Beach. Keep an eye out for wallabies. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 190 m continue straight, to head along Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the northern foreshore of Wallagoot Lake, where you can do some sailing or paddling if you'd like to. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) added to your hike. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 5 m (at the intersection of Kangarutha walking track & Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks) turn right, to head along Kangarutha walking track.
After another 3.8 km (at the intersection of White Rock Road & Kangarutha walking track) continue straight, to head along White Rock Road (a vehicle track).
After another 55 m (at the intersection of White Rock Road & Kangarutha walking track) continue straight, to head along Kangarutha walking track (a walking track).
After another 1.8 km (at the intersection of Kangarutha walking track & Kangarutha Point Track) continue straight, to head along Kangarutha walking track.
After another 940 m find the "Boulder Bay" (25 m on your right).
Boulder Bay
Boulder Bay

Boulder Bay is located on the Kangarutha Track, south of Tathra, within Bournda National Park. The bay is sided by two rocky coast lines that funnel the water to the sandy beach. The sand of Boulder Bay is lower on the beach and the area behind this is covered in rounded rocks in a variety of sizes. Boulder Bay Creek runs into the bay but is usually a dry creek bed at the back of the beach. Access to Boulder Bay is by the Kangarutha Track.
+
-
Boulder Bay is located on the Kangarutha Track, south of Tathra, within Bournda National Park. The bay is sided by two rocky coast lines that funnel the water to the sandy beach. The sand of Boulder Bay is lower on the beach and the area behind this is covered in rounded rocks in a variety of sizes. Boulder Bay Creek runs into the bay but is usually a dry creek bed at the back of the beach. Access to Boulder Bay is by the Kangarutha Track.

After another 150 m veer right, to head along Kangarutha walking track.
After another 700 m veer left, to head along Kangarutha walking track.
After another 550 m find the "Kianinny Bay Lookout" (10 m on your right).
Kianinny Bay Lookout
Kianinny Bay Lookout

Kianinny Bay Lookout is perched on the hill, just south of Kianinny Bay. The lookout is an unfenced rock platform which has two white nautical markers placed on it. The lookout views the passage of boats into Kianinny Bay as they avoid the rocks near the northern headland. The lookout can be accessed from Kianinny Bay car park in Tathra, using the Kangarutha Track.
+
-
Kianinny Bay Lookout is perched on the hill, just south of Kianinny Bay. The lookout is an unfenced rock platform which has two white nautical markers placed on it. The lookout views the passage of boats into Kianinny Bay as they avoid the rocks near the northern headland. The lookout can be accessed from Kianinny Bay car park in Tathra, using the Kangarutha Track.

Turn left.
After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 15 m pass the playground (15 m on your left).
Then pass the sign (on your right).
After another 55 m to find the car park.
After another 15 m find the "Kianinny Bay picnic area" (on your left).
Kianinny Bay picnic area
Kianinny Bay picnic area

Kianinny Bay picnic area is found at the end of Davidson St in Tathra. The picnic area leads off the boat ramp's parking area. Kianinny Bay picnic area has an electric BBQ hot plate underneath a shelter. The picnic area also boasts a number of tables, grass clearing, toilets and a playground. Kianinny Bay picnic area is at one end of the Kangarutha Track and, with the large car park at the bay, this makes it quite convenient for car shuffles.
+
-
Kianinny Bay picnic area is found at the end of Davidson St in Tathra. The picnic area leads off the boat ramp's parking area. Kianinny Bay picnic area has an electric BBQ hot plate underneath a shelter. The picnic area also boasts a number of tables, grass clearing, toilets and a playground. Kianinny Bay picnic area is at one end of the Kangarutha Track and, with the large car park at the bay, this makes it quite convenient for car shuffles.

After another 60 m pass the toilet (30 m on your left).
Veer right.
After another 70 m turn left.
After another 15 m head up the 27 metal steps (about 9 m long)
After another 35 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 6 m head up the 46 surface|gravel steps (about 5 m long)
After another 20 m turn right.
After another 25 m pass a seat (20 m on your right)., has no backrest.
Then come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 80 m pass a seat (on your right)., has no backrest.
Then head up the earthen steps (about 50 m long)
After another 80 m come to the "Chamberlain Lookout" (30 m on your right).
Turn sharp left, to head along Kianinny Street.
After another 170 m turn right.
After another 1.3 km pass the pay phone (150 m on your left).
After another 180 m come to the "Pig and Whistle Lookout" (on your left).
After another 45 m pass the water tap (9 m on your left).
At the intersection of Bega Street & Gordon Street turn right.
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the water tap (20 m on your left).
After another 145 m come to the viewpoint (140 m on your right).
Veer left.
After another 140 m come to "The Wharf Local".
The Wharf Local
The Wharf Local

+
-

About 35 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the northern foreshore of Wallagoot Lake, where you can do some sailing or paddling if you'd like to. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) added to your hike.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks & Kangarutha walking track Start heading along Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks (a walking track).
After 245 m pass the sign (10 m on your left).
Then pass the toilet (20 m on your right).
After another 15 m pass the "Turingal Head Car Park" (35 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 840 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.1 km to the main route.

This tiny side trip takes you to the beautiful Wallagoot Gap Beach. Keep an eye out for wallabies.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the viewpoint at the start.
Find the Wallagoot Gap at the start.
Wallagoot Gap
Wallagoot Gap

Wallagoot Gap is situated south of Tathra, facing east out onto the South Pacific Ocean. The gap is created by two headlands that protect the main beach from the wind. A second beach can be found around the corner of Wallagoot Gap, by following the right-hand side wall. Wallagoot Gap is an excellent place for a swim or a play in the sand. The gap can be accessed from Wallagoot Beach car park at the end of Wallagoot Lake Rd or the Kangarutha Track.
+
-
Wallagoot Gap is situated south of Tathra, facing east out onto the South Pacific Ocean. The gap is created by two headlands that protect the main beach from the wind. A second beach can be found around the corner of Wallagoot Gap, by following the right-hand side wall. Wallagoot Gap is an excellent place for a swim or a play in the sand. The gap can be accessed from Wallagoot Beach car park at the end of Wallagoot Lake Rd or the Kangarutha Track.

After another 1 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the historic Scotts Hut where there's a picnic area as well. Around 40 minutes out & back.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 1.4 km find the "Scotts Bay picnic area" (9 m on your right).
Scotts Bay picnic area
Scotts Bay picnic area

Scotts Bay picnic area, Bournda National Park, is situated on the southern banks of Wallagoot Lake, at Scotts Bay. The picnic area has a large grassed area with a few shady areas closer to the water. An electric BBQ plate, toilets and picnic tables are scattered in the shade. The picnic area surrounds the historic Scotts Hut building. The facilities can be accessed from Bournda Rd.
+
-
Scotts Bay picnic area, Bournda National Park, is situated on the southern banks of Wallagoot Lake, at Scotts Bay. The picnic area has a large grassed area with a few shady areas closer to the water. An electric BBQ plate, toilets and picnic tables are scattered in the shade. The picnic area surrounds the historic Scotts Hut building. The facilities can be accessed from Bournda Rd.

After another 10 m turn right.
After another 75 m turn left.
About 75 m past the end is "Scotts Hut".
Scotts Hut
Scotts Hut

Scotts Hut is situated on the south-western banks of Wallagoot Lake, halfway between Merimbula and Tathra, in Bournda National Park. The reconstructed hut (completed in 1988) was built in a slab cottage style. This cottage has a corrugated iron roof, and wooden walls and floorings. The cottage has been fitted with gutters which feed a water tank at the southern end of the hut. The hut has an open fireplace and its interiors are painted white. The builder of the hut was Thomas Scott, originally a resident of Cooma and a father of twelve, to two wives. The hut is thought to have been built in 1890 on one of many pieces of land Mr Scott owned around the Wallagoot Lake. The hut can be accessed via the Sapphire Highway and Bournda Rd. Surrounding the hut is a picnic area and adjacent, Hobart Beach.
+
-
Scotts Hut is situated on the south-western banks of Wallagoot Lake, halfway between Merimbula and Tathra, in Bournda National Park. The reconstructed hut (completed in 1988) was built in a slab cottage style. This cottage has a corrugated iron roof, and wooden walls and floorings. The cottage has been fitted with gutters which feed a water tank at the southern end of the hut. The hut has an open fireplace and its interiors are painted white. The builder of the hut was Thomas Scott, originally a resident of Cooma and a father of twelve, to two wives. The hut is thought to have been built in 1890 on one of many pieces of land Mr Scott owned around the Wallagoot Lake. The hut can be accessed via the Sapphire Highway and Bournda Rd. Surrounding the hut is a picnic area and adjacent, Hobart Beach.

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.5 km to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 13.5 km
Time 4 h to 6 h 30 min
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 245 m from the start.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.8 km apart with the largest gap of 8.5 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 3.4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.6 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
220 m[toilet]
Camp site
245 mHobart Beach
Seat
2.8 km[seat]
Toilet
3 km + 245 m[toilet]
Toilet
11.2 km[toilet]
Seat
11.3 km[seat]
Seat
11.4 km[seat]
Toilet
13.5 km[toilet]
+
-
Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
+
-
Weather & Alerts
Check forecasts & closures
Show Full Weather
Alerts and Closures
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
+
-
Other Journeys
Discover nearby and similar journeys
Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.