From the Grand Canyon Track to Bouddi Coastal walk, NSW is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular trails, but few deliver the same combination of dramatic scenery, wildlife encounters and remote wilderness as the Light to Light Walk on the far South Coast. Stretching along a rugged section of coastline near the picturesque town of Eden, this multi-day adventure takes hikers past towering cliffs, secluded beaches and panoramic ocean lookouts, with wild landscapes and glittering water views at just about every turn. While the trail is spectacular year-round, the cooler months are the optimal time to visit, with the annual whale migration offering the chance to spot humpback and southern right whales from the coastal headlands. If you’re looking for a memorable long-distance hike with plenty of rewarding scenery along the way, here’s everything you need to know before setting out.
Light to Light Walk, Beowa National Park
Beginning at the historic Boyds Tower and finishing at Green Cape Lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in NSW, the trail follows the coastline through an ever-changing combination of windswept headlands, coastal heath, sheltered forest and wild turquoise bays. Once used by lighthouse keepers travelling between the two landmarks, the route winds past striking red rock cliffs, secluded beaches and sweeping clifftop lookouts overlooking the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The coastline around Eden is widely considered one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations, and the elevated vantage points along the trail provide excellent opportunities to spot majestic whales during their annual migration around the winter months. Keep an eye on the water as you walk, as seals can often be seen resting on offshore rocks while seabirds soar overhead throughout the year.
For experienced bushwalkers, this trail is typically completed over three days, with two hike-in campgrounds allowing visitors to spend the night immersed in the national park. If the full 32km journey is a daunting task, you can also tackle shorter sections of the track as day walks, making it easier to experience some of the coastline’s standout scenery at your own pace.
Read more about the Light to Light Walk on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Key features
- Location: Beowa National Park, near Eden
- Distance: 32km one-way walk
- Duration: Usually completed over 3 days and 2 nights
- Difficulty: Grade 4 (recommended for experienced bushwalkers)
- Start: Boyds Tower
- Finish: Green Cape Lighthouse
- Camping: Hike-in campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay
- Best time to visit: Winter and spring, when migrating humpback and southern right whales can often be spotted from the coastal headlands
- Closest towns: Merimbula and Eden
Getting there
The Light to Light Walk is located in Beowa National Park on the NSW South Coast, around 6.5 hours’ drive from both Sydney and Melbourne. The nearest gateway towns are Eden and Merimbula, with Merimbula Airport offering the closest commercial flights for visitors travelling from further afield. If you’re planning to complete the full walk, it’s worth organising transport to and from the trailheads before setting out. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
