Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 15 mins

7.6 km Circuit

70 m

Hard track

The walk to Bournda Island from Hobart Beach camping area is an excellent way to see some of the sights in Bournda National Park. The first half of this picturesque walk is mainly closed in by heath and melaleuca, with closeup views of the local environment. The second half enjoys panoramic views from the beach. The short track up the island gives more great views up and down the coast.

Track south of Hobart Beach camping area

Signposted intersection to Bournda Island

Track away from the dunes to Hobart Beach camping area

Intersection of Hobart Beach and track to camping area

Log markers in Hobart Beach camping area

Hobart Beach campground

This is a well-established campsite close to the beach and lake. There are garbage and recycling bins. Each camping space is well-defined and there is a large covered common area. The camp surrounds the stone and timber toilet and laundry facility.

(0km) Hobart Beach large shelter → Int. near Bournda Rd and Hobart Beach Rd

410 m

7 mins

0m Easy track

From the intersection, this walk follows the path and the sign to the 'Field Study Huts'[1] past the large picnic shelter (on the left). The track soon passes a volleyball court (on the right) and a fire pit (on the left), then follows a track marker through the dense melaleuca. The track soon comes to a three-way intersection marked with several signs, including one pointing back to 'Hobart Beach Camping Area'[2]. From the intersection, the walk continues straight along the track, following the 'Bondi Lake' sign[3] through the melaleuca. The track soon comes to another three-way intersection, marked with another sign pointing back to 'Hobart Beach Camping Area'[4].
Continue straight: From this intersection, this walk heads south along the track, following the 'Bondi Lake' sign[5] through the melaleuca. The track soon comes to then crosses the dirt Bournda Rd to the 'Hobart Beach Camping Area 0.5km'sign[6] on the otherside.

(0km) Int. Bournda Rd and Hobart Beach Rd → Bournda Beach car park

1.7 km

28 mins

12m

-13m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the road, this walk follows the sign to 'Bondi Lake'[7] between the timber posts and along the wide track. The track winds through the tall heath for a while untill passing an old hut (on the left) where the track comes to a three way intersection marked with a 'hobart beach camp' sign[8] pointing back along the track. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'bournda lagoon' sign[9] along with wide track. The track passes along the side of Bondi Lake (not visable on the left) to come to a faint intersection with the signposted 'Field Studies Huts'[10] track (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk leaves the hill and the 'Field Studies Huts' sign behind, on the right of the track, as the track continues through the heath,heading up a slight rise to a signposted intersection in Bournda Beach car park.

(2km) Bournda Beach car park → Int Bournda Rd and Bournda Beach Parking Area

90 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bournda Lagoon' sign up the hill to the signposted intersection with a management trail.

(2km) Bournda Lagoon Carpark → Bournda Lagoon

290 m

5 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn left: From the gate, this walk heads up through the car park following the 'Hobart Beach Camping Area' arrow on the signpost. The trail comes to a signpost for 'Bournda Beach Parking Area'.
Veer left: From the car park, the walk heads past the gate following the sign to 'Bournda Lagoon' past the toilet. The walk heads down the hill, becoming more sandy as it comes to meet the lagoon shore.

Bournda Lagoon

Bournda Lagoon has formed behind Bournda Beach, between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lagoon is deep enough for swimming and is a popular spot for a freshwater swim. The lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Creek, which has been silted up at the southernmost end of Bournda Beach. The lagoon supports a variety of environments, including a rainforest, on its shores. However, the lagoon is subject to environmental issues such as algal blooms. The lagoon can be accessed by bush track from Bournda Lagoon car park, at the end of Bournda Rd. More info.

(2km) Bournda Lagoon → Bournda Bch Sth

460 m

8 mins

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lagoon, this walk heads over the dunes towards the ocean, keeping the lagoon behind on the right. The walk turns right on the beach, keeping the ocean to the left, and follows the beach to the end where there is a signposted intersection.

(3km) Bournda Bch Sth → Bournda Island

450 m

8 mins

16m

-8m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Island' and 'North Tura Beach' up the hill, passing a grassy platform on the left (which has great views over Bournda Island). The walk leads along the top of the dunes, along the fenced track to an intersection with a sign pointing back to 'Bournda Island' and 'Bournda Lagoon'.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Bournda Island' over the dune and down some stairs onto the beach.
Veer left: From the bottom of the steps, this walk heads away from the stairs and across the beach towards Bournda Island. The walk continues along the sand to a small cave feature at the base of the island.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk keeps the cave feature on the right and climbs up the ridge of rock. The track winds along the left-hand side of the island, with the ocean below on the left. The walk heads up onto the hill with views of both North Tura and Bournda Beaches.

Bournda Island

Bournda Island separates Bournda and North Tura beaches, and is located between Tathra and Merimbula. The island is joined to the mainland by a tombola beach, which can be submerged by the tide to form a real island. Bournda Island is covered in low dune shrub vegetation species that are perched on top of the rocky island. Access to the island is at low tide from Bournda or North Tura beaches. Bournda Island can also be accessed from the Bournda Lagoon via Headland Track.

(3km) Bournda Island → Bournda Island Trk

60 m

1 mins

-3m Hard track

Turn around: From the top of Bournda Island, the walk heads towards the mainland, tending closer to the ocean on the right side. The walk then heads down a steep, vegetated track and follows a rocky ridge onto the sand below.

(3km) Bournda Bch Sth → Bournda Bch Sth

890 m

15 mins

10m

-13m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads towards the ocean, across the end of the beach, then crosses the rocky headland to continue along a shorter beach, keeping the ocean to the left, to an island like feature. The intersection is marked by a cave feature at the bottom of the island. (This route is only possible at low tide).
Turn right: From the intersection at the southern end of the beach, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right, and the dunes to the left. The walk continues past views of Bournda Lagoon to a spot opposite a set of stairs (going up the taller dunes on the left).

Bournda Beach

Bournda Beach, Bournda National Park, lies between Tathra and Merimbula, and forms the southern end of Wallagoot Beach. The beach provides some good surf conditions with a south-easterly aspect (not patrolled). At the southern end of the beach is Bournda Island, attached to the beach by a rocky headland and tombola (sand joining the island to mainland). The dunes backing the beach are undergoing rehabilitation. Bournda Beach is accessed by Bournda Rd at either Hobart Beach camping area, Bournda Lagoon or Wallagoot Gap parking areas.

(4km) Bournda Beach → Ocean beaches carpark Trk

2.5 km

39 mins

19m

-14m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the middle of the beach, opposite a set of erosion control steps, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk continues along the beach until it comes opposite a set of erosion control steps to the left.
Continue straight: From the middle of the beach, across from a set of erosion control steps, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk continues along the beach for quite some time to a point opposite a set of erosion control steps going up the dunes to the left.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the beach and up the erosion control stairs. The walk then heads down the stairs onto a sandy clear trail which winds through the bush. The track soon meets a signposted intersection.

(7km) Ocean beaches carpark Trk → Wallagoot Lake Shore (Hobart Beach)

430 m

6 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to the 'Parking Area'[11] along the sandy track, towards the distant hills. The walk winds though the melaleuca, some of which are on the track. The soon comes to a timber boardwalk and a three way intersection with a 'Ocean Beaches' sign[12] pointing back along the track. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Hobart Beach camp' sign[13] off the end of the board walk to the come to a car park a short distance later. A the carpark the walk turns right to find a signposted intersection next to the picnic table.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow on the sign to 'Wallagoot Lake'[14], away from the car park and picnic table. The track tends right, down the hill, for approximately 50m to an intersection on the shore of Wallagoot Lake.

Hobart Beach

Hobart Beach is located on the southern shores of Wallagoot Lake, between Tathra and Merimbula. Hobart Beach extends from the sand dunes to Scotts Bay, on Wallagoot Lake. The beach is a thin slice of white sand between the treeline and the lake, and provides plenty of opportunity to go for a swim and enjoy the water. Access to the beach is through Hobart Beach camping area, off Bournda Rd in Bournda National Park.

(7km) Wallagoot Lake Shore (Hobart Beach) → Hobart Beach large shelter

330 m

5 mins

0m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk heads away from Wallagoot Lake, keeping it a bit to the right for a short time, passing a post with a red reflective marker[15]. The track tends right, away from the lake and the beach, to come into view of a clearing, the campsite, on the left. The track continues to an area with cut logs on the ground. The walk passes these logs, continuing to the main road, to the right of large triangular shelter where there is a signpost.

Maps for the Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop 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.

Wolumla	1:25 000 Map Series	88242N WOLUMLA	NSW-88242N
Bega	1:100 000 Map Series	8824 BEGA	8824

Cross sectional view of the Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop

Altitude analysis for Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop

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	7.6 km
		Time	2 hrs 15 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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		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

3.3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.7km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 1.1km has short steep hills and the remaining 480m is very steep.

Quality of track

4.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (480m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 890m is clearly signposted. The remaining (430m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 430m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 320m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (280m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 2.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (170m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop walk.

Bournda Lagoon

286 m Return, 5 mins

The wide and shady track to Bournda Lagoon slowly winds down to the edge of this wonderful lagoon. The Lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Ck and is separated from Bournda Beach by a small sand dune. There are limited shaded spots once on the lagoon bank, but if you bring your own shade this is a great pla

Total climbing: 3m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach loop

1.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore Hobart Beach as it leaves the popular camping area to follow along the shore of Wallagoot Lake. The track is soft underfoot with most of the walk on sand. This is great way to enjoy the shore of Wallagoot Lake.

Total climbing: 1m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon to North Tura

1.8 km One way, 45 mins

The walk from Bournda Lagoon to North Tura passes a lagoon, two beaches, a tombola headland, dunes, heath land and stunning views of the coast. With all the different scenery there is plenty to do along this walk, so leave some extra time to thoroughly enjoy all that is on offer.

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon car park to Bournda Island

2.1 km Return, 45 mins

This walk passes Bournda Lagoon and crosses Bournda Beach to follow the headland to the island. Bournda Island divides North Tura and Bournda beaches. The island is exposed to the elements and provides stunning views along both beaches. The cave at the bottom of the island is interesting to explore

Total climbing: 35m

Hard track

North Tura car park to Bournda Island

2.3 km Return, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views from the lookout on Bournda Island. The views extend north up Bournda Beach and south all the way along North Tura beach. The walk mainly follows the beach, giving you a chance to feel the sand between the toes and get the feet wet when playing

Total climbing: 31m

Hard track

North Tura Beach to Bournda Lagoon

3.5 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk from North Tura car park to Bournda Lagoon takes the inland route, away from the coast. The heath protects the walk as it winds through numerous vegetation types and then down across Sandy Beach Creek. The walk then follows the beautiful lagoon before heading up to the car park for the car

Total climbing: 83m

Hard track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Lagoon

5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Hobart Beach camping area, this walk passes the hidden Bondi Lake to come to Bournda Lagoon. The lagoon is a wonderful oasis with the deep pool and sandy, shaded edges making a really pleasant area. The proximity to Bournda Beach also creates the opportunity to have a body surf. The track to Bo

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake

5 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake is an interesting one, mostly running parallel to the lake, which you can't see, till the very end. The walk is shaded for most of the way due to the thick heath surrounding the track until it opens out onto Bondi Lake (dry when we walked it).

Total climbing: 42m

Experienced only

Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

The Bournda Lagoon track is a wonderful walk around the Lagoon, exploring the surrounding area. Bournda Lagoon and Sandy Beach Creek support some lush vegetation, including a rain forest, on their shores. The walk is well signposted with the option to miss the North Tura section of the walk and head

Total climbing: 107m

Hard track

Hobart Beach to Wallagoot Gap

6 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This is a wonderful beach walk, to a more secluded beach. The walk crosses the dunes from Hobart Beach camping area and follows Wallagoot Beach north to Wallagoot Gap, just over the headland to the north. The Gap hides a small solitary beach which is a popular place for locals to swim or enjoy a qui

Total climbing: 70m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig loop

8 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig is a long walk, heading up the biggest hill in the area. The view from the top is shrouded by trees, giving visitors water glimpses and views of the ranges to the east. The walk is great exercise and explores a diverse range of environments in

Total climbing: 251m

Experienced only

Hobart Beach to Games Bay

10.5 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk to Games Bay from Hobart Beach camping area is a fantastic walk to this gem of a secluded beach. The turquoise waters of Games Bay tempt many people for a swim, and the bay is a great place for lunch under a shady tree.

Total climbing: 230m

Hard track

Hobart Beach, Bournda Lagoon and Beach loop

10.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is an expansive walk out from Hobart Beach camping area taking in some of the best sights of Bournda National Park. The walk explores the area from the campsite, and around Bournda Lagoon, before following the beautiful North Tura and Bournda beaches back to the start. There is plenty of opport

Total climbing: 139m

Hard track

Kangarutha Track to Hobart Beach

11.5 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk extends the Kangarutha Track, starting from Kianiny Bay in Tathra and following the coast to Hobart Beach camping area. This coastal walk is dotted with many secluded beaches and bays, great places to watch the waves roll in, or to get the toes wet. The walk along the sandy Wallagoot Beach

Total climbing: 476m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop walk.

Scotts Hut

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

The track to the historic Scotts Hut is a great walk along the shores of Wallagoot Lake and Scotts Bay. The walk is well signposted as it leads into the open grass area of Scotts Hut picnic area. The hut itself is well worth an explore and a peek through the windows of this once pioneer home.

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

Bournda Beach car park to Beach

464 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route onto Bournda Beach. The walk heads from the car park through the shaded heath to climb over the dunes and onto the beach. This places you on the beach just north of Bournda Lagoon and Island.

Total climbing: 10m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon lookout

482 m Return, 12 mins

This is a short walk that showcases Bournda Lagoon from a beautiful angle. The start of the walk is found at the Bournda Lagoon car park. The halfway point of the walk is the lookout above the lagoon, giving a great view across most of the lagoon and out to sea. After the walk you may want to head

Total climbing: 14m

Hard track

Wallagoot Beach

1 km Return, 30 mins

This walk is a short route onto Wallagoot Beach. On the walk down to the beach you are rewarded with views across Wallagoot Lake as well as the long Wallagoot and Bournda Beaches. The beach is a popular place for swimming and in good conditions the rocks on the northern end of the beach provide some

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Wallagoot car park to Games Bay

5.2 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to Games Bay from Wallagoot car park follows the picturesque coastline north. The walk is well signposted and the turquoise blue water is right next to the track as it winds onto the sandy beach of the bay. The secluded beach is a great place to spend a few hours splashing in the water and

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Wallagoot Gap

648 m Return, 15 mins

Wallagoot Gap is a spectacular gorge, cut into the rock by the ocean. The Gap is a popular swimming spot where the water is channeled over a small reef and through the tall rock walls. The seclusion created by the tall walls of the beach give some protection from the wind and waves, but there is no

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Wallagoot Gap to White Rock

9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk to White Rock from Wallagoot Gap is an excellent way to experience the Bournda National Park coastline. The walk is scattered with many views of the coastline, with Games Bay, about halfway, a nice spot to cool down. The White Rocks provide a great picnic area (no facilities) for lunch befo

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

North Tura Beach

316 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route from North Tura car park onto North Tura Beach. The walk has a viewing platform nearby which is well worth a visit for great views of the coast. The beach is not patrolled but is still a popular place for people wanting to body surf or swim. A great place for a qu

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

North Tura Beach loop

471 m Circuit, 15 mins

This is a wonderful short loop down from the car park and onto North Tura Beach. The walk explores the beach, giving the chance to get sand between the toes, before returning to the car. The optional side trip to the lookout is well worth the effort with its great view of the coast.

Total climbing: 7m

Moderate track

North Tura Lookout

124 m Return, 5 mins

The lookout at North Tura is not far from the car park and is well placed above the heath. From the end of this short walk you can see up and down the remote beach, both to the north and south, although views are limited by some taller vegetation. Bournda Island can also be clearly seen to the north

Total climbing: 2m

Very easy

White Rock

194 m Circuit, 10 mins

This is a great short walk to some appropriately named white rocks. The White Rock is not the only attraction of this walk, there are also great views over the surrounding coast. You might even see some locals jumping from the cliffs opposite White Rocks car park.

Total climbing: 12m

Hard track

Kianiny Bay lookout

416 m Return, 15 mins

Kianiny Bay lookout is a quick and fantastic way to view the coast just south of Tathra. There is plenty of parking at Kianiny Bay and a pleasant picnic area to start the journey. The walk follows a well formed path to the informal lookout, where you can sit and enjoy the passing ships and the fasc

Total climbing: 35m

Hard track