Sapphire Coast Day Walks?

[trickos]

Early November, I'm visiting an area which I've never really spent any time and I am hoping I could get some suggestions/advice for Day walks in the area.
We are basing ourselves in the Eden - Merimbula area and wondering if theres any "must do" walks that we could sink our teeth into, so to speak.
Walks up to about 15km's in length would be preferable, no overnight stuff as we have young toddlers in our group. (they are fine to carry on our backs for a day at the most)
Any suggestions of destinations would be welcome...even if it doesn't involve walking to get there.
Thanks in advance.

[SteveJ]

Trickos,

My backyard

Merrica river from the Ranger station in Nadgee NP a great day trip to a really lovely estuary.
Newtons Beach from the same car park may be another option though possibly a little far.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Natio ... x?id=N0458

Mt Imlay in the same area is a great day trip from eden.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Natio ... x?id=N0023

Either end of the Lighyhouse to Lighthouse can be done as lovely coastal day walk, a few options there.... There are some other great little walks in Ben Boyd NP.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Natio ... x?id=N0003

Another great day trip is the Kangarutha Track in the Bournda NP down the road from my place May be a little tough with a toddler though? dunno depends on you and the little dude.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/natio ... x?id=N0082

Up Mt Dromadery - leaving from Tilba Tilba is good half day walk with some wicked views.
http//www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0165

Some of the NP beaches north of Tathra in Mimosa Rocks NP (Nelson Beach/lagoon, Gillards, Middle head etc etc) are my favourite places anywhere. Take a big picnic munch and spend a day in this wicked part of the coast.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Natio ... x?id=N0021

Enjoy our lovely part of the world

Steve

[trickos]

Thanks Steve for the suggestions and options,

Bournda NP looks great and plenty of options for enjoyable days out.
Do you or anyone know what the Hobart Beach camping area is like as a basecamp?

[SteveJ]

Pretty nice spot, good fishing around there, nice surf from time to time, good swimming spots, lots of walks, not really busy, more facilities than I am used to but would be good if you want showers BBQ's etc . It is pretty central to Merrimbula and Tathra, and not far from Mimosa NP stuff also. A good central base spot I would think.

[Dazza45]

I agree with Steve - Hobart Beach is a great spot.

[trickos]

thanks for all that - 1st week of Nov. here we come. As you suggested Bournda NP, Mimosa Rocks NP. Mt Imlay walk sounds like a good trek with youngsters as well (For when we get sick of the beach)

[Dazza45]

You might also like to have a look at Bittangabee Bay. We camped there several times when our kids were young as it is a great spot for some of the sections of the "light-to light" walk. It is also not far to Mt Imlay. Our kids always fancied walking to Green Cape and back. It is all part of Ben Boyd National Park.

[SueOfTheSouth]

We camped at Bittangabee campground in Sept and enjoyed the area, nice grassy campsites and a small beach nearby. Also a lovely walk past the ruins to Hegartys Bay, with some nice rocky coastal slabs and an interesting gulch. The wildflowers at that time were really good, especially the orchids. We found the Green Cape lighthouse area interesting and were lucky enough to see a whale. At the northern end of Ben Boyd NP the walk to Haycock Point is good and we continued around the coastline to the Pambula River with its lovely small white beaches. Then we camped further north at Bournda NP, Hobart Beach camp site, lovely spot with nice walks. We walked from camp on the sandy tracks to Bournda Lagoon and then continued on a circuit ascending to Bournda Trig Point with limited views because of the healthy shrubs, and then back to camp. Mt. Imlay was a good leg stretch, climbing most of the way, and quite steeply at times,though the ridge walk was really nice. The views at the top were blocked by the eucalypts and the ugly tower on top wasnt a pretty sight. I think it would be a bit of a long trudge with toddlers.

[trickos]

Thanks for all the pointers here, guys. We ended up walking the Kangarutha Track after a bit of car shuffling. Ive added this into the NSW trip / track notes. A great day out.

[wildwalks]

Great area

My favourite very short walk in the area was
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-an ... t-gap.html


This one is was great to, transport is a bit of a hassle, Unless you are staying at Hobart Beach, that can make it much easier
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-an ... beach.html


Boyd Tower in Ben Boyd NP was pretty cool too.

http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-an ... onal-park/

Some info on campsites in the area
http://www.wildwalks.com/office/office/ ... ional_Park

Sorry to just plug my own website, but I do live the area.

Matt
(I am out walking for a few days so sorry if I don't respond straight away).