wharf to wharf walk Faqs

Total direct walking distance from Merimbula to Tathra Wharf is approximately 27km. This does not include any of the headland walks (Long Point, Short Point or Tura Headland), nor other trails in Bournda National Park. 

Wharf to Wharf Walk is located in the south-east corner of New South Wales. If you look at a map of Australia, the walk is on the bottom-right corner of the east coast of Australia. The track runs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean between Merimbula Wharf and Tathra Wharf.

Walking on any part of the track is completely free. However, day use fees and overnight camping fees apply for Bournda National Park.  Accommodation is readily available at privately owned facilities near the Walk.  Details can be found here. 

The track runs mostly along the coast. It makes use of constructed paths, natural beach sections, which are mostly sand, and some roads. There are easy sections, which make excellent short walks, but the rocky and undulating Kangarutha section and longer beach sections can be hard going if you are carrying a full pack. The full walk is well within the capability of anyone who is moderately fit.

Wharf to Wharf Walk can be walked fairly comfortably in 2 or 3 days, walking 10 - 15km per day, which allows for some rest time and swims. It is possible to walk it in one day if you are very fit and up for a challenge.

There is no easy answer to this question. Strong winds can blow from the north-east in summer, and from the south-east in winter; walking north to south keeps the sun at your back. The south is generally more accessible than the north, and is more populated. The choice is yours.

It depends on the season. Temperatures rarely vary much beyond 10-30 degrees Celsius. Summers are mostly hot and dry, while winters are wet and cool. However, conditions change rapidly on the coast - storms can blow up in mid-summer, but there are often bright, sunny days in winter. Be prepared to experience all four seasons during the course of your walk! Because the walk is mostly along the coast, it is exposed. There is little shade in summer and you are exposed to storms and fronts approaching over the sea, so it is important to carry appropriate clothing. However, the south east coast very rarely experiences frosts. 

There is no specific guidebook for the Walk, but detailed information and basic map are available on the Walk website. Topographical maps are available for free on NSW Government Six Maps 1:25,000 (Bega, Wolumla and Pambula). Apps such as Wild Walks, Trail Hiking Australia and All Trails also provide maps and walk information.

There is a free online Herbarium for the Flora available from Bournda Environmental Education Centre.

You can also check out the following:

Local Native Plants database

A Far South Coast Bird List and Publication

Native Trees and Shrubs of South-Eastern Australia, by Leon Costermans

You can access the Walk by vehicle at either Wharf, or many other locations including Short Point, Tura Beach car park, Tura Headland carpark, North Tura car park, Bournda Lagoon, Hobart campground, Turingal Head car park and Kianinny Bay.  This makes it easy to undertake the Walk in day-long sections and stay off the track in local accommodation.

Car parking is limited at both Merimbula and Tathra Wharf. Walkers are encouraged to walk to the start of the walk, or arrange transport. There is some parking at Merimbula near the wharf at Long Point, Middle Beach and Bar Beach and at Tathra on the headland and opposite the hotel.  Cars are left at the owners risk.

No. There is no public transport right to the Walk. There is a scheduled weekday bus service between Tathra and Merimbula and taxis or transport services can be arranged (find on Plan Your Walk).

Camping is only permitted at Hobart Campground in Bournda National Park midway along the walk. Bookings are required through National Parks here.

You should carry at least 2 litres for a day walk on a cool day, 3 - 4 litres on a hot day and if camping overnight. NB. Several small, non-breakable containers are preferable to one large container, as they are easier to refill, and you can spread the load more evenly in your pack.

There is reasonable coverage along the southern half of the Walk, but you may need to go to high ground. Bournda National Park through to Kianinny Bay can have poor or no mobile phone coverage.

Fires are only allowed at Hobart Campground in Bournda National Park in designated fire areas, when conditions permit. Campers are encouraged to use fuel stoves. On some days in summer there is a Total Fire Ban and any kind of burning or activities that might spark a fire are banned. 

The walk is primarily through National Park so dogs are not permitted. 

No, the trail is not made for, or suited to bike riding.

The best advice is simply "Don't be". If there is a bushfire threat, move to, or stay on the coast until the fire danger has passed, and then either retreat or walk on, depending on the  circumstances.

Checking with Bournda National Park and NSW Fires Near Me services on the day of your walk, will provide you with comprehensive information about fires (if any).

Please visit Sapphire Coast to discover more walks in the area.