Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Full Journey	Wharf to Wharf: Merimbula to Tathra
Start	(-36.7951486,149.9375338)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Princes Highway, A1 Turn on to Merimbula Drive then drive for 4.2 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 510 m Turn left onto Sapphire Coast Drive, 9 and drive for another 13.9 km Turn right onto Bournda Road and drive for another 2.9 km Turn slight left and drive for another 500 m Turn left and drive for another 410 m
Finish	(-36.7256716,149.9889788)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Hobart Beach Campground (the 3-way intersection at the end of Bournda Road), head east towards the ocean along the dirt path as you keep Hobart Beach to your left, moving directly away from the campground. Make your way to Bournda Beach through the woodland, then turn left and head along the said beach as you keep the ocean to your right to continue along Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf Track. Keep an eye out for cairns in the gullies for navigation.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the historic Scotts Hut where there's a picnic area as well. Around 40 minutes out & back. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 60 m continue straight. After another 60 m continue straight. After another 80 m continue straight. After another 15 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). After another 25 m come to the "Hobart Beach" (25 m on your right).
	After another 80 m continue straight.
	After another 95 m veer left.
	After another 200 m veer left.
	After another 570 m turn left. After another 1.5 km cross the ford. After another 35 m head up the 33 surface\|gravel steps (about 30 m long) After another 35 m pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This tiny side trip takes you to the beautiful Wallagoot Gap Beach. Keep an eye out for wallabies. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 190 m continue straight, to head along Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the northern foreshore of Wallagoot Lake, where you can do some sailing or paddling if you'd like to. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) added to your hike. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 5 m (at the intersection of Kangarutha walking track & Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks) turn right, to head along Kangarutha walking track. After another 3.8 km (at the intersection of White Rock Road & Kangarutha walking track) continue straight, to head along White Rock Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of White Rock Road & Kangarutha walking track) continue straight, to head along Kangarutha walking track (a walking track).
	After another 1.8 km (at the intersection of Kangarutha walking track & Kangarutha Point Track) continue straight, to head along Kangarutha walking track. After another 940 m find the "Boulder Bay" (25 m on your right). Boulder Bay Boulder Bay is located on the Kangarutha Track, south of Tathra, within Bournda National Park. The bay is sided by two rocky coast lines that funnel the water to the sandy beach. The sand of Boulder Bay is lower on the beach and the area behind this is covered in rounded rocks in a variety of sizes. Boulder Bay Creek runs into the bay but is usually a dry creek bed at the back of the beach. Access to Boulder Bay is by the Kangarutha Track.
	After another 150 m veer right, to head along Kangarutha walking track.
	After another 700 m veer left, to head along Kangarutha walking track. After another 550 m find the "Kianinny Bay Lookout" (10 m on your right). Kianinny Bay Lookout Kianinny Bay Lookout is perched on the hill, just south of Kianinny Bay. The lookout is an unfenced rock platform which has two white nautical markers placed on it. The lookout views the passage of boats into Kianinny Bay as they avoid the rocks near the northern headland. The lookout can be accessed from Kianinny Bay car park in Tathra, using the Kangarutha Track.
	Turn left. After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) After another 15 m pass the playground (15 m on your left). Then pass the sign (on your right). After another 55 m to find the car park. After another 15 m find the "Kianinny Bay picnic area" (on your left). Kianinny Bay picnic area Kianinny Bay picnic area is found at the end of Davidson St in Tathra. The picnic area leads off the boat ramp's parking area. Kianinny Bay picnic area has an electric BBQ hot plate underneath a shelter. The picnic area also boasts a number of tables, grass clearing, toilets and a playground. Kianinny Bay picnic area is at one end of the Kangarutha Track and, with the large car park at the bay, this makes it quite convenient for car shuffles. After another 60 m pass the toilet (30 m on your left).
	Veer right.
	After another 70 m turn left. After another 15 m head up the 27 metal steps (about 9 m long) After another 35 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
	Turn left. After another 6 m head up the 46 surface\|gravel steps (about 5 m long)
	After another 20 m turn right. After another 25 m pass a seat (20 m on your right)., has no backrest. Then come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right)., has no backrest. After another 80 m pass a seat (on your right)., has no backrest. Then head up the earthen steps (about 50 m long) After another 80 m come to the "Chamberlain Lookout" (30 m on your right).
	Turn sharp left, to head along Kianinny Street.
	After another 170 m turn right. After another 1.3 km pass the pay phone (150 m on your left). After another 180 m come to the "Pig and Whistle Lookout" (on your left). After another 45 m pass the water tap (9 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Bega Street & Gordon Street turn right.
	After another 45 m continue straight. After another 10 m pass the water tap (20 m on your left). After another 145 m come to the viewpoint (140 m on your right).
	Veer left. After another 140 m come to "The Wharf Local". The Wharf Local About 35 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the northern foreshore of Wallagoot Lake, where you can do some sailing or paddling if you'd like to. Expect 25-30 minutes (out&back) added to your hike.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks & Kangarutha walking track Start heading along Bournda Coastal Walking Tracks (a walking track). After 245 m pass the sign (10 m on your left). Then pass the toilet (20 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the "Turingal Head Car Park" (35 m on your right).
	Turn left.
	After another 840 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.1 km to the main route.

This tiny side trip takes you to the beautiful Wallagoot Gap Beach. Keep an eye out for wallabies.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the viewpoint at the start. Find the Wallagoot Gap at the start. Wallagoot Gap Wallagoot Gap is situated south of Tathra, facing east out onto the South Pacific Ocean. The gap is created by two headlands that protect the main beach from the wind. A second beach can be found around the corner of Wallagoot Gap, by following the right-hand side wall. Wallagoot Gap is an excellent place for a swim or a play in the sand. The gap can be accessed from Wallagoot Beach car park at the end of Wallagoot Lake Rd or the Kangarutha Track.
	After another 1 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Find the viewpoint at the start.

Find the Wallagoot Gap at the start.

Wallagoot Gap

Wallagoot Gap is situated south of Tathra, facing east out onto the South Pacific Ocean. The gap is created by two headlands that protect the main beach from the wind. A second beach can be found around the corner of Wallagoot Gap, by following the right-hand side wall. Wallagoot Gap is an excellent place for a swim or a play in the sand. The gap can be accessed from Wallagoot Beach car park at the end of Wallagoot Lake Rd or the Kangarutha Track.

After another 1 m come to the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the historic Scotts Hut where there's a picnic area as well. Around 40 minutes out & back.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 1.4 km find the "Scotts Bay picnic area" (9 m on your right). Scotts Bay picnic area Scotts Bay picnic area, Bournda National Park, is situated on the southern banks of Wallagoot Lake, at Scotts Bay. The picnic area has a large grassed area with a few shady areas closer to the water. An electric BBQ plate, toilets and picnic tables are scattered in the shade. The picnic area surrounds the historic Scotts Hut building. The facilities can be accessed from Bournda Rd.
	After another 10 m turn right.
	After another 75 m turn left. About 75 m past the end is "Scotts Hut". Scotts Hut Scotts Hut is situated on the south-western banks of Wallagoot Lake, halfway between Merimbula and Tathra, in Bournda National Park. The reconstructed hut (completed in 1988) was built in a slab cottage style. This cottage has a corrugated iron roof, and wooden walls and floorings. The cottage has been fitted with gutters which feed a water tank at the southern end of the hut. The hut has an open fireplace and its interiors are painted white. The builder of the hut was Thomas Scott, originally a resident of Cooma and a father of twelve, to two wives. The hut is thought to have been built in 1890 on one of many pieces of land Mr Scott owned around the Wallagoot Lake. The hut can be accessed via the Sapphire Highway and Bournda Rd. Surrounding the hut is a picnic area and adjacent, Hobart Beach.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.5 km to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Hobart Beach to Tathra: Wharf to Wharf

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	13.5 km
Time	4 h to 6 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 245 m from the start.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.8 km apart with the largest gap of 8.5 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 3.4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.6 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	220 m	[toilet]
Camp site	245 m	Hobart Beach
Seat	2.8 km	[seat]
Toilet	3 km + 245 m	[toilet]
Toilet	11.2 km	[toilet]
Seat	11.3 km	[seat]
Seat	11.4 km	[seat]
Toilet	13.5 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Bega Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
  
  Thursday 10 October
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h tending southeast to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
  
  Friday 11 October
  
  5°C → 21°C
  Becoming cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog about the coastal ranges in the early morning. Medium chance of showers in the north, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 23.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:30am to 4:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 7 [High]
  
  Saturday 12 October
  
  6°C → 20°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the north in the morning. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 20.
  
  Sunday 13 October
  
  4°C → 22°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Patches of morning frost about the coastal ranges. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 23.
  
  Monday 14 October
  
  8°C → 25°C
  Possible shower developing.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then tending south to southeasterly during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching 20 to 25.
  
  Tuesday 15 October
  
  8°C → 19°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Wednesday 16 October
  
  6°C → 21°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Thursday 17 October
  
  8°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Bournda National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Wallagoot Lake Rd
  Wallagoot Lake Road from Wallagoot Boat Club to Turingal Head will be closed from Monday the 21st October - Friday 1st November 2024 for road surface repair works. There will be no public access to Turingal Head via Wallagoot Lake Road during this time. Road will temporarily be open on the weekend from Friday the 25th October 5pm - Monday 28th October 7am. For further information contact Merimbula office on 6495 5000.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 30 September 2024 to Monday 31 March 2025 . The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and/or foxes.
  The program will take place in:
  
  Araluen Nature Reserve
  
  Badja Swamps Nature Reserve
  
  Beowa National Park
  
  Berlang State Conservation Area
  
  Bondi Gulf Nature Reserve
  
  Bournda National Park
  
  Bournda Nature Reserve
  
  Coolumbooka Nature Reserve
  
  Deua National Park
  
  Eurobodalla National Park
  
  Kooraban National Park
  
  Majors Creek State Conservation Area
  
  Mimosa Rocks National Park
  
  Monga National Park and State Conservation Area
  
  South East Forest National Park
  
  Wadbilliga National Park
  
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.
  Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information call the NPWS Merimbula area office on 02 6495 5000.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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