Nature & parks on the Sapphire Coast

Mimosa Rocks National Park 

Mimosa Rocks National Park is a short drive from Bega or Tathra and day trippers are rewarded with amazing rock formations, gorgeous empty beaches and tranquil lagoons. The park takes its name from the paddle steamer Mimosa, which was shipwrecked in 1863 on jagged rocks at spectacular Aragunnu Beach. You can still see some of the wreckage. Aragunnu is the starting point for the Mimosa Rocks Walking Track, an easy 2km walk. 

The park is a sanctuary for koalas, swamp wallabies, long-nosed potoroos and ringtail possums. For an unforgettable experience, head to Bunga Head at dawn to watch the sun paint the sky pink, creating a striking backdrop for the rocks. 

Couple relaxing at Gillards Campground inside Mimosa Rocks National Park, Tanja

South East Forests National Park

The Goodenia Rainforest is just one highlight of the relatively unknown South East Forests National Park, which has more than 100km of spectacular coastal escarpment, tableland edge and hinterland country to explore. This beautiful, untamed park is also home to several threatened and endangered species. 

For a walk with wow factor head to the Goodenia Rainforest walking track inland from Pambula. This lovely 1.2km track is suitable for children, meandering around a cool temperate rainforest that includes a canopy of lilly pilly and a pretty gully of ferns. Pack lunch to enjoy at the picnic area. 

Road to Myrtle Mountain lookout, South East Forests National Park - Credit: John Yurasek

Beowa National Park  

Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd) is well worth visiting, with its Aboriginal and European history, beautiful coastal scenery and glorious beaches. A great way to see the park is to do the Light to Light Walk near Eden. You can enjoy the three-day trek with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co. who offer self-guided support, fully guided with camping or fully guided with accommodation at the Green Cape Lightstation Keepers Cottage.  

Scenic coastal aerial overlooking Bittangabee Bay at Beowa National Park, Green Cape

Bournda National Park

Bournda National Park to the south of Tathra is a popular spot for water sports like waterskiing or wake boarding thanks to the boat ramp at Wallagoot Lake. There are good surf beaches and kayaking in Bournda Lagoon, which is magnificent.  

Take the challenging Kangarutha walking track along the rugged coastline where you will find pockets of rainforest, sandy beaches and scenic vantage points for whale watching. The smaller Sandy Creek Loop track is also excellent. 

Turingal Head/Kangarutha Walking Track, Bournda National Park

Nadgee Nature Reserve 

This quiet reserve is a is a coastal haven, with unspoilt beaches and pristine lakes. You will find a diverse array of wildlife including wallabies, Eastern ground parrots, Eastern bristlebirds, little terns, potoroos and pygmy possums. There are several walks in the reserve including the epic four day Nadgee Wilderness Walk. 

Newtons Beach, Nadgee Wilderness Walk - Credit: David Rogers

Mount Imlay National Park 

Located 30km south of Eden, Mount Imlay National Park is home to Balawan (Mount Imlay), an 886m high mountain, a place of great spiritual significance to the local Aboriginal people. Hikers can take the Mount Imlay Summit Walking Track, a challenging 3 kilometre walk that rises 600 metres through dry eucalyptus forests and grassy woodlands.   

Mount Imlay Summit Walking Track, Mount Imlay National Park

Wadbilliga National Park  

A remote and rugged wilderness, with steep gorges carved into dramatic ancient granite cliffs, Wadbilliga National Park is a place to get away from it all. Take the 4km Tuross Falls walking track, a medium difficulty walk that offers views of the Tuross Falls and Cascades. Diverse wildlife include swamp wallabies, Eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, possums, platypus, echidnas and more than 122 native bird species including the endangered spotted-tailed quoll.  

Wadbilliga Road drive, Mount Kaputar National Park - Credit: Lucas Boyd/DPE

Biamanga National Park 

Biamanga National Park is jointly managed by the local Yuin Aboriginal people and the NPWS and is a site of great significance. Though only 20km from the town of Bega, Biamanga National Park feels incredibly remote, filled with dramatic landscapes and places to unwind. Don’t miss Mumbulla Falls, a sacred Aboriginal site located within Biamanga Cutural Area. Interpretive signs and an information shelter tell the story of an ancient shield volcano and its Aboriginal heritage. 

Biamanga National Park, Sapphire Coast - Credit: John Spencer/DPE