The new Southern Headlands Walk is here, offering 20km of breathtaking coastal views from Narrawallee to Burrill Lake. This adventure takes you through 10 of the Shoalhaven’s most stunning beaches, vibrant wildflowers, and scenic headlands. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots to relax, grab a coffee, or even stay overnight. With everything from fossils to migrating whales, it’s the perfect way to explore the region’s natural beauty. Whether you tackle the full stretch or just a section, it’s a must-do for any nature lover!
QUICK OVERVIEW
Yes, this grade 3 and 4 walk is as coastal and dramatic as the name suggests – delivering around 20 kilometres of breathtaking coastal views starting from Narrawallee in the north to Burrill Lake in the south – via the gorgeous towns of Mollymook and Ulladulla. Along the way, you’ll adventure through no less than 10 (yes TEN) of the Shoalhaven’s most stunning beaches and surround yourself with vibrant wildflowers (in season), stretches of Bangalay sand forest and an ever-changing ocean from those namesake scenic headlands.
Explore fossils, spot migrating whales (May to November) and take well earned breaks at a variety of pit stops, coffee spots or accommodation. Tackle one section or conquer the entire stretch – it’s completely up to you. But however you choose to walk it, there’s simply no denying that it’s a brilliant way to explore the region’s natural beauty and a ‘must-do’ option for all nature lovers!
PLAY AND STAY
This route has cleverly connected and upgraded some existing paths with new sections to provide a seamless link along this fascinating stretch of coast. The funding to complete the project was sourced by Shoalhaven City Council through Restart NSW and the resulting route allows you to walk between ten of Shoalhaven’s best beaches – Narrawallee, Jones, Mollymook, Golf Course Reef, Collers, Ulladulla Harbour, Corcoran Cove (The Bommie), Rennies, Racecourse and Burrill.
Between these sandy stretches – many ideal for swimming or surfing, five headlands feature, providing excellent views of both the landscape and abundant animal-life, including birds, dolphins and whales. Starting at Narrawallee Headland, the walk proceeds to Bannisters Headland (incorporating the existing Bannister Pt Walk), before continuing to Ulladulla Headland and the wonderful existing One Walk For All – home to stunning views, indigenous stories and artworks.
Both Mollymook and Ulladulla provide ample cafes and eateries to replenish your energy or to even pack a picnic. Then on past the working harbour to the township’s southern headland via rock formations that house fossils that are 270 million years old. At Warden Head, the walk takes in Ulladulla Lighthouse and parts of the existing Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail, Gari Bagan Cultural Trail and Warden Head Walk. It also passes by Holiday Haven Ulladulla, with plenty of accommodation options from sites to luxury cabins.
Continuing south, meander through quiet neighbourhoods before reaching the South Pacific Heathland Reserve – a wildflower haven during the spring months. Then on past Racecourse Beach to end at the fifth headland and southern bookend, Blackburn Headland and nearby Holiday Haven Burrill Lake – a true haven at the end of your travels!
HEAD TO THE HEADLANDS
With interactive signage, cultural points of interest and plenty of refreshments, shops, public toilets and easy access places to stay along the way, this is a brilliant natural excursion. Just look for the banksia symbols marking your way!
If you’re planning to take on the entire 20km, we recommend having two vehicles and dropping one car at the finishing end first. Or, for shorter distances suitable for families or a quick hit, simply pick a spot and start there – with the headlands providing ample loops so you’re always encountering something new!
Best Parks to Stay at:
Holiday Haven Ulladulla
Holiday Haven Burrill Lake
