North Tura car park to Bournda Island

Download & Print Map and Notes

45 mins

2.3 km Return

31 m

Hard track

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 games with the incoming waves.

View of Bournda Beach from Bournda Island

(0km) Nth Tura Lookout int. → Nth Tura Lookout

30 m

1 mins

-1m Very easy

From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Viewing Platform' sign[1], towards the lookout. The walk leads along the gravel path, around the timber bollard[2] then up the fiberglass ramp (1.5m wide), keeping a timber fence either side.

North Tura Lookout

North Tura Beach Lookout is between Tathra and Merimbula in Bournda National Park. The lookout platform (4.6x4.6m) has stunning views[3] over North Tura Beach, all the way south to Tura Headland[4] and out to sea. The lookout is also a perfect viewing point for Turingal Head[5] and Bournda Island. The fence[6] is 91cm high and the ramp leading up is 1.5m wide[7].

(0km) Nth Tura Lookout int. → Nth Tura Beach

130 m

3 mins

-5m Moderate track

Turn around: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking tracks' arrow[8] along the wide gravel path keeping the car park to the left. The path leads behind the large 'Welcome to North Tura Beach' information sign[9], and toilet

[Toilet]

(on your left) to lead gently downhill alongside the timber fence to come to an intersection with two picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

(on your left). The intersection is marked with a 'North Tura Beach' sign[10].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Steps to Beach 80m' down the hill. The walk winds down through the melaleuca trees to an unsignposted intersection with a set of stairs.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs down the hill and through the heath and then onto the beach.

North Tura Beach

North Tura Beach is located north of Merimbula and Tura Heads. The beach is a beautiful expanse of sand of nearly 2.5km, stretching from Tura Heads to Bournda Island in the north. North Tura is an easterly-facing beach which is accessed by Widgeram Rd off the Sapphire Coast Drive.

(0km) Nth Tura Beach → Bournda Island Trk

950 m

16 mins

12m

-11m Moderate track

Turn left: From the staircase, this walk heads north along the beach towards Bournda Island, keeping the ocean to the right. Just before the rocky Bournda Island, there is a small but distinct track on the left through the heath.
Turn right: 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.

(1km) Bournda Island Trk → Bournda Island

60 m

1 mins

0m Hard track

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.

Maps for the North Tura car park to Bournda Island 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 North Tura car park to Bournda Island bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the North Tura car park to Bournda Island

Altitude analysis for North Tura car park to Bournda Island

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	2.3 km
		Time	45 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	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

850m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 170m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 60m has short steep hills and the remaining 55m is very steep.

Quality of track

1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 55m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (30m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 55m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (30m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 55m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 910m of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 220m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 65m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (55m) 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 North Tura car park to Bournda Island walk.

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

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

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 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

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 Bournda Island Loop

7.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

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 fr

Total climbing: 70m

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the North Tura car park to Bournda Island 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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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 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

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