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Discover the wild beauty of the NSW Sapphire Coast

The New South Wales coastline is truly gorgeous. Pristine beaches are framed by gum forests, rolling heathland and distinctive cliffs featuring a full palette of ochre tones. Some incredible pockets of this coastline can be traversed on multi-day walks in NSW national parks where the natural beauty of these environments remains untouched. Two walkers at Hegartys Bay on the Light to Light Walk. Photo credit: Daniel Parsons/DCCEEW The Light to Light Walk in Beowa National Park, 6.5 hours south of Sydney, has long been one of these special routes. The 32km, grade 4 trail follows the coastline through Yuin Country, beginning at historic Boyds Tower and ending at Green Cape Lighthouse. Along the way you’ll cross red rock coastal platforms, walk through groves of tea tree and banksia woodland, swim in protected bays and search the ocean for seals and migrating whales. You’ll follow an ancient Aboriginal pathway used to access hunting, fishing and ceremonial sites. [block_green]Did you know? Ben Boyd National Park was officially renamed Beowa National Park in November 2022 due to Boyd’s involvement in the practice of blackbirding, which is a form of slavery. Beowa is the Thaua word for orca, an animal that has strong spiritual and cultural significance for local Aboriginal people who believe that the spirits of their ancestors reside in the orcas.[/block_green] Recent work has made the three-day, two-night walk even better. Anyone who has walked the Light to Light trail before will be thrilled by the new remote campgrounds. They are specifically-made for hikers and promise deeper immersion in this peaceful setting and stunning ocean views. There’s also a new cliff top trail between Pulpit Rock and Green Cape that brings you closer to the ocean on day three. If you’ve never walked this precious part of Far South Coast NSW (also known as the Sapphire Coast) there’s never been a better time to book your campsites, fill your backpack and treat yourself to three days in nature. [block_green]Walk with a guide: If you're new to hiking, or simply after a new experience, a guided walk is the way to go. Let NSW National Parks-certified tour operators take care of the logistics so that you can spend more enjoying the scenery. There's also the added perk of learning from expert guides as you walk.[/block_green]

Must see

  • Friends on a road trip to Mungo National Park. Photo credit: Melissa Findley/OEH

    Road Trips

    Must do itineraries for day trips and multi-day adventures

  • Two people sitting outside a tent preparing a drink on a portable stove in a nsw national park campground. Photo credit: Remy Brand / DPE

    Camping & Cottages

    Sleep under the stars or unwind in a rustic cabin or historic cottage

  • Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk, Warrumbungle National Park. Photo credit: Rob Mulally/DPIE

    Hiking & Bushwalks

    From leisurely strolls to blood pumping hikes, there’s a nature trail just for you.

  • A family in two canoes paddles down the Murray River, Murray Valley National Park. Photo credit: Boen Ferguson/DPIE

    Activities

    Canoeing, kayaking, canyoning or a spot of picnicking, anyone?

  • Person pointing at a small mushroom on a tree, Werrikimbe National Park. Photo credit: Rob Mulally/DPIE

    Nature & Wellness

    Nature makes us feel great. Learn about plants and animals and how you can help us protect them

  • NPWS field officer in light rain. Photo credit: Branden Bodman/OEH

    Ranger Tips

    Essential know-how to get the best out of your visit

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