Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

9.1 km One way

223 m

Hard track

This walk follows the second main section of the Light to Light walk. The walk joins the two main camping areas of Ben Boyd National Park, by walking along the coast from Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay. The walk explores a few bays, beaches and stunning rock formations on its journey. About half this walk is through open heath or grass lands, allowing plenty of great views out to sea and down the coast. Parts of the walk pass through the taller melaleuca forests providing some shade and interest in the diverse flora of the coast environment.

Day use parking area sign Saltwater Creek camping area

First foot prints of the morning Saltwater Creek Beach

Information sign just above Saltwater Creek Beach

Light to Light track through the forest south of Saltwater Creek

Views down the coast from the open heath land south of Saltwater Creek

Light to Light track through the open grass land north of Hegartys Bay

Light to Light track post near Hegartys Bay

Drift wood seats north of Hegartys Bay camping area

Light to Light Track in the heath south of Hegartys Bay

Looking across Hegartys Bay from the south

Looking across the entrance of Bittangabee Bay from the north

Following white arrows painted on the rocks

Light to Light track near Bittangabee Bay

Light to Light track split near Bittangabee bay

Bittangabee bay camping and day use area

Saltwater Creek campground

Salwater Creek campground is a nice place from which to access the coastal walking track -there is plenty of swimming, fishing and snorkeling to be done as well. There are some rainwater tanks on site, but be prepared for them to be empty.

(0km) Saltwater Creek Campsite Information Sign → Saltwater Creek Beach Nth

180 m

3 mins

-2m Moderate track

From the information signs at Saltwater Creek camping area, the walk heads through the 'Day use' parking area to the far left corner. The track then follows the track-marker through the fenced area and onto the beach between the creek and ocean. The track continues towards the bush on the other side, where there is a signposted intersection.

Saltwater Creek Beach

Saltwater Creek meets the South Pacific Ocean at a beautiful white sand beach in Ben Boyd National park. The beach looks north-east and has a rock shelf at either end. The wide Saltwater Creek forms a lagoon at the northern end, popular for swimming. Woodburn Creek also forms a lagoon on the southern end of the beach. Both creeks have a brown colouration from the tea tree, that forms a beautiful contrast with the white sand and blue ocean. The back of the beach is heavily wooded, providing some shade, and is home to the Saltwater Creek campsite. The beach can be accessed from the Saltwater Creek campsite at the end of the access road from Duck Hole Road.

(0km) Saltwater Creek Beach Nth → Hegartys Bay Camp

4.7 km

1 hr 26 mins climb

109m

-102m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Bittangabee Bay' heading to the far end of the beach, keeping the ocean on the left. This walk tends right, towards the dunes, to meet a signposted intersection just in the bush, on the hill above the creek.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Green Cape Lighthouse' across the hill, keeping the creek below on the right. The track soon turns left up the hill, away from the beach and creek, and then heads up the hill to an open grassland. The track meanders for a considerable time through different vegetation types - grasslands then heath, then melaleuca, and eucalypts/scrub, before reversing the order up the hill to continue around the flat of the grassy headland. The track continues in this way, passing views of Green Cape Lighthouse to the south and the cliffs, to wind down the hill onto Hegartys Bay beach.
Continue straight: From the beach, this walk heads along the rock platform following the arrow markers. The walk winds around the rock features, then turns away from the ocean and lead up stairs into the bush behind the bay. The track winds above the bay (below on the left) for a short time, to then pass a fireplace and seats, before coming to a signposted clearing 'Hegartys Bay Camping Area' with bench seats and a fireplace.

Hegartys Bay

Hegartys Bay is a north-east facing bay, about 2km north of Bittangabee in Ben Boyd National Park. The bay has many small boulders at the apex that then fade to rock shelves at each end. The bay is walled by red cliffs at the entrance and the northern wall has some spectacular examples of rock folding. The bay can be accessed along the Light to Light track and is home to a bush campsite.

Hegartys Bay camping area

Hegartys Bay camping area is a basic bush campsite on the Light to Light walk, about 2km north of Bittangabee. The campsite is signposted and is just north of a small creek that leads to Hegartys Bay. There is another, smaller campsite that is not signposted, about 50m north. The creek is very unreliable and other than some impromptu chairs made from driftwood, there are no facilities provided. The campsite is nestled in a clearing among the tall, dense bush, providing some shade and shelter from winds.

(5km) Hegartys Bay Camp → Black cliffs north

1.7 km

30 mins

33m

-28m Hard track

Continue straight: From the camp area, this walk keeps the camp on the right and ocean far on the left. The track heads down hill and over a creek, then winds up and out of the creek to meander across the headland. The track continues to wind through heath and melaleucas on the headland for some time, to go down the stairs onto the rock platform.

(7km) Black cliffs north → Black cliffs south

280 m

5 mins

-12m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the cairns and track markers along the rock, with the ocean to the left. The walk follows the rockshelf down to an area where it starts to slope down into the sea - this is marked by numerous cairns and an arrow on a boulder.

Black cliffs

The black cliffs of Ben Boyd National Park provide a great vantage point. The headland on the north side of Bittangabee has a fairly large clearing on a rock platform, high above the ocean. There are great views out to sea and into the mouth of Bittangabee Bay. There are no fences or facilities at this informal lookout. Being dark in colour, this rock platform can get very uncomfortable on hot days - trees on the south side provide some respite with shade. The rock slopes into the sea on the south side, but would be too dangerous for swimming.

(7km) Black cliffs south → Bittangabee Creek

1.4 km

29 mins

50m

-51m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the ocean, behind, and bay, on the left of the rock shelf, leading up into the bush where a cairn is placed. The track winds along the hillside, following the track markers bolted to the trees. The track tends right, up the hill, then veers left down into a gully, with a rocky creek bed at the bottom. The track continues down to cross the creek.

Bittangabee Creek

Bittangabee Creek is a small creek feeding Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. The creek enters the bay and is crossed by the Light to Light track about 800m north-west of Bittangabee Campsite. The creek provides a quiet place for people to paddle and relax.

(8km) Bittangabee Creek → Imlay House Ruins

580 m

12 mins

23m

-10m Moderate track

Continue straight: From above the creek, the walk winds above the gully (below on your left). The track veers right, and soon meets a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign 'Via Ruins' up the hill. The track tends right as it climbs, soon winding up to a large black wooden platform. This platform overlooks the ruins.

Imlay House

Imlay House ruins still show the foundations of a house built by the Imlay brothers in 1844. The ruins are found in Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park, along the Light to Light track. The house was to be a station for the Imlay family to further their grazing and whaling in the area. It appears the stone house was never completed, with the brothers dying in 1846 (George) and 1847 (Alexander). Soon after the Imlay brothers died, Benjamin Boyd began using the bay for his own whaling company in 1848. More info.

(9km) Imlay House Ruins → Bittangabee Bay Picnic area

300 m

6 mins

-15m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the black platform, this walk keeps the platform and ruins on the left of the track, heading down the hill. The track winds quickly down to a signposted intersection with views of a beach below.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill towards the water. The track goes across a rocky creek bed to rise up the other side of the gully. The walk continues up the hill to soon find formed log road barriers on the right and then a signposted intersection and picnic area.

Bittangabee Bay Beach

Bittangabee Bay Beach, Ben Boyd National Park, is a small beach at the south-western corner of the bay. The beach can be accessed by a short walk from Bittangabee picnic area in Ben Boyd National Park. The yellow sand beach has a small creek and lagoon behind. The beach also has rock platforms at each end and is fairly well-protected from swells, being tucked away in the bay. The historic storehouse is visible on the shore to the right.

Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area

Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area is near Bittangabee Bay and camp area in Ben Boyd National Park. The picnic area is a day-use only area with a few picnic tables, an electric BBQ and a pit toilet. There is a reasonable amount of natural shade, and is close to a car park. There is short walk to the beach and ruins at Bittangabee Bay. The picnic area is well signposted on the loop road near the Bittangabee camping area.

Maps for the Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Kiah	1:25 000 Map Series	88231S KIAH	NSW-88231S
Green Cape	1:100 000 Map Series	8923 GREEN CAPE	8923

Cross sectional view of the Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay

Altitude analysis for Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	9.1 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.7km is very steep. The remaining (770m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 6km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

6km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 2.9km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (380m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 470m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 1.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.1km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay walk.

Bittangabee Bay Imlay House loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

This walk takes a look at the historical ruins of the Imlay brothers house. The ruins reveal the outline of what would have been a great house, in a quiet and scenic bay. The walk returns by the coast with views through the trees of the turquoise waters. This is an interesting trip to help understa

Total climbing: 29m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay to Bittangabee Creek

1.8 km Return, 45 mins

This walk winds into the beautiful Bittangabee Bay, after passing the historic Imlay House ruins. Starting from Bittangabee picnic area, the walk heads to the creek feeding Bittangabee Bay on its north west corner. The tracknotes mention an alternate route, running closer to the coast, potentially

Total climbing: 51m

Moderate track

Saltwater Beach to Red Cliffs

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts from Saltwater Creek camping area and heads north around the bay to the red cliffs. The walk gives an opportunity to explore the end of Saltwater Creek, the beach and the varied bushland on it's journey to the bald rock platform. From the rock platform, there are awesome views and

Total climbing: 67m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay picnic area to black cliffs

5.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a great way to explore the less visited areas of the popular Bittangabee Bay. The walk winds around the northern side of the bay to explore the cliff top views. The black cliffs are unfenced, and give great views over the entrance of Bittangabee Bay and out to sea. On the way there is

Total climbing: 169m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek campsite to Mowarry Point

8.5 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon out from Saltwater Creek camping area. The walk passes the red cliffs that create a dramatic contrast against the intense blue of the sea and green of the heath. The walk also passes through a bay with a large red rock platform which is a grea

Total climbing: 193m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek to Mowarry Point

8.5 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk starts from the Saltwater Creek camping area, passing through some varied vegetation groups on its way to Mowarry Point Lookout. The walk passes the great view from the red cliffs before heading into a red platform bay, with an opportunity to see the rock formations up close. This great wa

Total climbing: 193m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Hegartys Bay

9.1 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This is a pleasant walk which wanders around the coast from Bittangabee Bay to the rocky Hegartys Bay. The walk is an excellent outing from Bittangabee Bay camping and picnic areas, and it passes a few good places for a swim. The walk is well marked and explores the coast north of Bittangabee Bay.

Total climbing: 248m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek to Hegartys Bay

9.8 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk, from Saltwater Creek camping area, heads south along the coast and around the headlands to Hegartys Bay. The walk passes over a large expanse of low heath along the headland between the bays, providing great panoramic views of the coast. There is a small campsite at Hegartys Bay w

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

Boyd Tower to Saltwater Creek

13.4 km One way, 5 hrs

This is the first of the three main sections that form the Light to Light walk. You can start the walk with an optional sidetrip to the historic and interesting Boyd Tower. From here, the walk starts its southward journey to Saltwater Creek. The walk explores a number of picturesque bays with bri

Total climbing: 382m

Hard track

Light to Light Walk 2 days

30.9 km One way, 2 Days

Over two days, this classic walk explores the coast from Boyd Tower to the Green Cape Lighthouse in the south. Hegartys Bay Camp is over halfway and is the quietest campsite in the park (alternative camp at Saltwater creek). The walk explores many of the scenic and historic highlights of Ben Boyd Na

Total climbing: 794m

Hard track

Light to Light Walk 3 days

30.9 km One way, 3 Days

This classic walk explores the coast from Boyd Tower to the Green Cape Lighthouse in the south, with overnight stops at the well established Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee Bay campsites (bookings required). The walk explores many of the scenic and historic highlights of Ben Boyd National Park. It

Total climbing: 794m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay walk.

Mowarry Bay to Red Cliffs

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Mowarry Point to Red Cliffs is an interesting trip through quite a few distinct vegetation types, with a few money shots of the coast line. The grass, heaths, and melaleuca along the way break up the walk to Red Cliffs, which are absolutely stunning. Spend time at the Red Cliffs to see

Total climbing: 232m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay picnic area to the storehouse

715 m Circuit, 20 mins

The walk to the old storehouse is an opportunity to explore some history of the region and see some fantastic rock platforms. The storehouse and wharf are perched just above the water, on the red rock of the bay. The view across the bay, with the contrast of the red rock, can be magical on sunny da

Total climbing: 32m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Pulpit Rock

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk from Bittangabee Bay is a magnificent way to view the coastline of Ben Boyd National Park. The low heath for much of this walk allows great views out across the ocean and across the flora of the park. The walk finishes with a longish section of service trail leading down to Pulpit Rock, wh

Total climbing: 140m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

8.5 km One way, 3 hrs

This is the final of the three formal sections of the classic Light to Light track. This walk starts at Bittangabee Bay, where walkers can explore the ruins and and the scenic beach. The walk follows the coast through a variety of environments, mostly in open heath, taking full advantage of the co

Total climbing: 191m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Southern point lookout

954 m Return, 30 mins

The walk from Bittangabee Bay to the southern point of the bay, is a walk to a nice lookout. The walk is well marked, however the informal lookout is not signposted. The lookout is a large gap in the bush along a section of the Light to Light track. The lookout gives a great view across to the black

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay carpark to beach

180 m Return, 5 mins

This is a short walk onto the lovely, sandy Bittangabee Beach. The walk heads down from the car park, through the picnic area and onto the beach. There is generally no surf at the beach as it tucked into the bay. The walk is very well signposted and along a well defined track.

Total climbing: 6m

Moderate track

Disaster Bay Lookout

52 m Return, 10 mins

This is a very short walk to a spectacular lookout. If you are in the area heading to Green Cape, then you really must stop off and soak up the view. Disaster Bay is named in memory of all the ships that have run aground in the region. On a sunny day, the views of the ocean, long beach and Nadgee Na

Total climbing: 11m

Easy track

Pulpit Rock

110 m Return, 10 mins

This is a fantastic short walk, with views of the waves crashing into the spectacular red rock of the coast. The short walk down to Pulpit Rock goes straight down stairs onto the rock platform. The rock platform is popular with fishermen with fixed rod holders near the seas edge.

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track

Boyd Tower

582 m Return, 15 mins

This walk in Ben Boyd National Park is a magnificent way to explore the heritage of Boyd Tower. There are plenty of information signs that enrich the story of the stunning structure and history of the area. Boyd Tower is the centre piece of this walk and is well worth a visit. The bottom of the tow

Total climbing: 15m

Very easy

Twofold Bay Lookout via Boyd Tower

764 m Return, 20 mins

This walk is a fantastic way to see some of Ben Boyd National Park's heritage and spectacular coastline. The walk passes the iconic sandstone Boyd Tower and continues on to the wide views from the lookout over Twofold Bay. The side trip to Red Point lookout is well worth it to see the dramatic rock

Total climbing: 25m

Very easy

Boyd Tower to Leather Jacket Bay

9.3 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Leather Jacket Bay is a rocky and wonderful bay. The walk through Ben Boyd National Park starts at Boyd Tower car park and passes through Red Sands bay with its stunning contrast of colour. The walk not only passes some beautiful coast line to Leather Jacket Bay but some superb examples of geologica

Total climbing: 274m

Hard track

Boyd Tower to Mowarry Point Lookout

18.3 km Return, 7 hrs

This longer day walk starts near Boyd Tower and heads to Mowarry Point, meandering down the coast of Ben Boyd National Park. On the way there are plenty of picturesque coastline views, with the stark red rock forming a great contrast. Views of Boyd Tower and of the coastal rocks are common along th

Total climbing: 601m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay walk starts at the Saltwater Creek Campsite Information Sign (gps: -37.169036, 150.00069)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay ends at the Bittangabee Bay Picnic area (gps: -37.216820, 150.01486)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the South Coast weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ben Boyd National Park

Ben Boyd National park is on the NSW South Coast, near Eden. The park was named and established in 1971, in the honour of Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). Ben Boyd National park protects a wonderful section of coast line from Pambula to Green Cape, split into two distinct sections, one north of Eden and the other south. The park is well known for its contrasting red rocks, whale sighting, Boyd Tower, Green Cape Lighthouse and associated history. Ben Boyd National park offers some great insights into recent European history, Indigenous occupation and natural history. The park provides two campsites some other great recreational experiences.

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