Discover the wild beauty of the NSW Sapphire Coast

• New remote campgrounds at Mowarry Point and Hegartys Bay with hardwood camping platforms, amenities buildings and rainwater tanks.
• Swimming in the protected waters of Mowarry Point, Bittangabee Bay and Saltwater Creek.
• Enjoying the rugged red rock platforms and sapphire blue water.
• Walking a brand new cliff top trail between Pulpit Rock and Green Cape.
• Searching for migrating southern right and humpback whales between September and November.
• Learning of the area’s wild maritime history at Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse.
• Spotting kangaroos, migrating ocean birds, sea eagles seals and lace monitors.

The Light to Light Walk is best hiked over three days to really immerse yourself and allow the salty air to soak into your skin. The ocean feels more raw here, large cities are a distant memory and wildlife thrives along the coast.

I’ve spent many days on this trail and it never ceases to delight. If you’re not already convinced, this day-by-day itinerary is sure to have you packing.

To guarantee a great trip, make sure you allow time to travel safely to the trailhead, check the weather and park alerts for trail conditions (it’s best to tackle the walk in dry conditions and be aware of high tides), and ensure you have everything you need, including food for all three days. Mobile reception is limited along the route.

While the campgrounds along the trail have rainwater tanks, the sources can be unreliable and you’ll need to bring a way to treat water. Make sure you check ahead by calling the NSW National Parks Merimbula Office and be prepared to carry 4-5 litres of water if needed in warmer conditions.

This is a one-way walk, so you’ll need to organise a car shuffle or pre-book a transfer service for the end of your walk.

Distance: 9km | Time suggested: 3 hours | Toilets: Boyds Tower, Mowarry Point

The drive into Boyds Tower car park takes you along well-formed dirt roads that are 2WD accessible, but avoid taking a car with low clearance and call ahead to check road conditions with the park office if the weather has been wet. There are large new car parks at Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse, so leaving a car at each end is an option, or you can organise transport back to the start of the trail.

Got everything? Great! Shoulder your pack and head down Boyds Tower walking track for sweeping views of Twofold Bay and Eden to the north, and the windswept coastline you’re about to walk to the south.

You’ll be stinging to start walking but take some time to read the signs and learn about the history of the area, including the imposing Boyds Tower itself which was built in 1847 but never finished.

The walk itself begins by meandering through dense bushland with glimpses of a steep drop to the ocean on your left. Soon you’ll find yourself encountering the famous red rock platforms that are so distinctive on this part of the South Coast.

This section of the hike is slightly more protected, and there’s opportunities to cool off along the trail if you’re hiking in the warmer months. In spring, you’ll be spoiled with flowering tea trees and bottle brush.

Keep an eye out for terns, cormorants and white-bellied sea eagles above, but watch your step on the uneven rock platforms and keep away from cliff edges.

Coming down from the cliffline you’ll pass Leather Jacket Bay, with its red boulders and white sand, and hear the crash of the waves from sea level.

Your destination is Mowarry Point, which might be one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever swum. The protected waters are crystal clear and your hardwood tent platform is close by on a protected headland. Wash off the day and settle in for a gorgeous sunset.

Distance: 10km | Time suggested: 3.5 hours | Toilets: Mowarry Point campground, Saltwater Creek campground, Hegartys Bay campground

You’re in for a beautiful day on the Light to Light Walk as you hike from one campground to the other, completely immersed in life on the trail. Enjoy sunrise over the ocean if you’re an early bird or take it easy in this picturesque brekkie spot, you’ve got all day to hike the 10km ahead of you.

After winding in and out of undulating bushland you’ll make your way onto a high rock platform. Pounding waves have eroded deep caves into the cliffs and the waves funnel and crash below, sending spray high into the air. It’s wonderfully dramatic, but make sure you don’t get too close to the edge while enjoying the show.

You’ll pass the adorable little beach of Saltwater Creek North, before potentially having to make a river crossing to reach the drive-in campground of Saltwater Creek, where you can use the bathroom facilities (or even the BBQs!). Use your judgement when crossing the creek, especially if it’s been raining, and don’t try to cross if conditions aren’t safe.

There’s another creek crossing at the southern end of this beach, Woodburn Creek, so some hikers prefer to leave their boots hanging around their neck while they enjoy some barefoot time on the sand.

The next section is fairly open, with sweeping views over heathland to the ocean. Keep an eye out for small bird species flittering around the bushes, you might even see a rare ground parrot with its green and black streaked feathers.

You’ll end the day at the brand new Hegartys campground, a delightful quiet spot in the bay.  Set up on one of the ten camping platforms and settle in for a dose of the quiet life.

Distance: 13km | Time suggested: 4-5 hours | Toilets: Hegartys Bay campground, Bittangabee Bay campground, Green Cape Lighthouse

The final leg of your walk is exciting, as much of it takes you along a brand new trail. While the original Light to Light Walk pulled further away from the coast, the new route from Pulpit Rock to Green Cape follows a rarely-explored part of the cliffline.

First things first, if you’re after a morning dip, plan to swim at Bittangabee Bay, a 1-1.5 hour walk from Hegartys campground. It’s a safer spot with calm waters, which is exactly what you want when the beaches are unpatrolled.

Swim or no swim, you’ll then walk through some denser forest as you tackle the largest climb of the hike, getting to a whopping 65m above sea level. Yet another reason why coastal hiking is the best – it’s pretty flat!

Descending while picking your way over small creeks and hanging vines, you’ll find yourself heading back toward the ocean. A short detour and a staircase takes you all the way down to Pulpit Rock, a striking cliff that juts out above red rock platforms far below. Look north to see how far you’ve come already.

Now it’s on to the new trail and some of the best views of the entire walk. You’ll stay high above the ocean here catching glimpses of your destination, Green Cape Lighthouse, as you walk. Take time to savour the moment as you finish your Light to Light adventure. Don’t worry though, if you’re anything like me you’ll be back again before too long.

At Green Cape Lighthouse you can book a tour on request or, if you really like the lighthouse life, book a stay in the Telegraph Station bunkhouse. The cute historic building has simple facilities and hot showers for up to three guests. If you’re after something a bit more luxe, you can rest those weary legs in one of the beautifully restored Green Cape Lightstation Keepers’ Cottages which come with private patios to take in the views.

The Light to Light Walk is a remote hike that doesn’t pass through any towns. If you need any last minute supplies, stop into the nearby towns of Eden or Merimbula on your way to the park. Once you arrive, you’ll have to be self-sufficient and confident in the gear you’re hiking with. That being said, the navigation is simple and there are relatively few challenging sections.

In the warmer months or dry periods water can be the biggest challenge – a good method of filtering or treating your water is essential.

The Light to Light walk requires all the standard multi-day hike essentials, like a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack and sturdy shoes. If you’re unsure, visit your local hiking and camping store for expert advice.

Light to Light Walk essentials:

• Broad brim hat or bucket hat (particularly in summer).
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Swimwear.
• Lightweight hiking towel (good for cleaning sandy feet before they go back into boots).
• Fleece or insulated jacket (it can get cold at night).
• Waterproof rain jacket.
• Beanie or warm hat.
• Twine or string to attach to the tent platform.
• Fishbone tent pegs for tent platform.
• A freestanding hiking tent.
• Water purification tablets or filter.
• Storage to carry large amounts of drinking water.
• Food.
• Hand sanitiser (which doubles as a leech remover).
• First aid kit.
• Physical map and compass or GPS.
• Mobile phone.
• NSW Parks app.
• Emergency Plus app.