Rock Arch

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

1.1 km Return

47 m

Moderate track

The arched rock is just off the headland north-east of Barmouth Beach and is an interesting rock formation. The walk winds along the hillside above Barmouth Beach, which is a worthy side trip, and continues to the unfenced clearing that looks down to the arched rock. This walk will inspire the geologist in us all as we try to figure out how the rock arch was made.

Signpost at the intersection with Barmouth Beach

Arched rock with Pambula Beach in background

(0km) Barmouth Beach car park → Int. Barmouth Beach and Haycock Point Trks

40 m

1 mins

-5m Moderate track

From the car park, this walk heads down the hill, following the path made by the cut logs. The track soon comes to a signposted intersection.

(0km) Int. Barmouth Beach and Haycock Point Trks → Barmouth Beach

140 m

3 mins

-24m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Barmouth Beach 150m' down the hill. The walk leads down steps which are in sight of the beach, passing an information sign and coming to the southern end of Barmouth Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Barmouth Beach

Barmouth Beach is in Ben Boyd National Park, at the mouth of Pambula River. The beach is opposite the township of Pambula Beach and can be access from inside the national park via a small track, not too far from Haycock Point. The beach is a small north-facing, yellow sand beach with no facilities (no Surf Life Saving patrols). The beach has some bright red rock platforms at either end that are worth exploring. Exploration is a part of Barmouth Beach's history, with George Bass escaping the winds, landing on the beach in 1797. He explored the area and named Barmouth River, today Pambula River.

(0km) Int. Barmouth Beach and Haycock Point Trks → Arched Rock Lookout

490 m

10 mins

17m

-25m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Haycock Point 2.4km'. The track heads down a gully then continues further across the hillside to a 'Haycock Point' sign. The walk follows this sign across a wooden bridge and up some stairs, then continues up the hillside (beach below on the left. The walk then heads along the flat hilltop, winding through the bush, before leading nearer the cliff edge on the left, to a small track and clearing to the left (leading to a view of a rock arch.)

Arched rock lookout

This is an informal, unnamed, and unfenced lookout, on the southern side of the headland forming the mouth of the Pambula River. The lookout is in Ben Boyd National Park and can be accessed by walking track to Haycock Point. There is a great view out to sea and up the coast as far as Merimbula. The view is memorable for the unusual rock arch, formed from the eroding force of the ocean.

Maps for the Rock Arch walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Pambula	1:25 000 Map Series	88242S PAMBULA	NSW-88242S
Bega	1:100 000 Map Series	8824 BEGA	8824

Cross sectional view of the Rock Arch bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rock Arch

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.1 km
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 530m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 530m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 530m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 530m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 530m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 530m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Rock Arch walk.

Barmouth Beach

360 m Return, 15 mins

Barmouth Beach is a historically significant beach that is nestled on the southern mouth of the Pambula River, opposite Pambula Beach. The beach is a great place for a relaxing swim. From the beach you can see across to Pambula Beach and as far as Merimbula. There is plenty of parking above the beac

Total climbing: 29m

Hard track

Haycock Point

4.8 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to Haycock Point is a great one, with Barmouth Beach as an optional side trip, there is also an interesting arched rock formation and great panoramic views from Haycock Point. The walk passes through a few different vegetation types which splits the walk into sections, including open grassy

Total climbing: 119m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Rock Arch walk.

Severs Beach

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

Severs Beach is a fantastic spot on the Pambula River with its crystal clear waters and sandy beach. The beach is backed by Aboriginal sites of significance, with many middens in the area. The beach also boasts two wood fired BBQ settings in a nice grassy area. A great spot for a picnic and to wet

Total climbing: 26m

Easy track

Pinnacles car park to Long Beach

702 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk takes you straight down to Long Beach, which is a popular fishing spot. The beach itself is a large expanse of sand with strong surf conditions. The walk provides direct access to this great beach and heads through a pass, down through a steep gully with red and white rock walls.

Total climbing: 49m

Hard track

The Pinnacles Loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

The Pinnacles are an amazing brightly coloured rock feature, and the centre piece of this walk. The reds and white of the rock contrasts with the green heath and blue sea creating a fantastic sight. The smaller lookout, one without a sign, is a better lookout than the larger area. However, both look

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

North Tura Lookout

124 m Return, 5 mins

The lookout at North Tura is not far from the car park and is well placed above the heath. From the end of this short walk you can see up and down the remote beach, both to the north and south, although views are limited by some taller vegetation. Bournda Island can also be clearly seen to the north

Total climbing: 2m

Very easy

North Tura Beach

316 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route from North Tura car park onto North Tura Beach. The walk has a viewing platform nearby which is well worth a visit for great views of the coast. The beach is not patrolled but is still a popular place for people wanting to body surf or swim. A great place for a qu

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

North Tura Beach loop

471 m Circuit, 15 mins

This is a wonderful short loop down from the car park and onto North Tura Beach. The walk explores the beach, giving the chance to get sand between the toes, before returning to the car. The optional side trip to the lookout is well worth the effort with its great view of the coast.

Total climbing: 7m

Moderate track

North Tura Beach to Bournda Lagoon

3.5 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk from North Tura car park to Bournda Lagoon takes the inland route, away from the coast. The heath protects the walk as it winds through numerous vegetation types and then down across Sandy Beach Creek. The walk then follows the beautiful lagoon before heading up to the car park for the car

Total climbing: 83m

Hard track

North Tura car park to Bournda Island

2.3 km Return, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views from the lookout on Bournda Island. The views extend north up Bournda Beach and south all the way along North Tura beach. The walk mainly follows the beach, giving you a chance to feel the sand between the toes and get the feet wet when playing

Total climbing: 31m

Hard track

Bournda Lagoon

286 m Return, 5 mins

The wide and shady track to Bournda Lagoon slowly winds down to the edge of this wonderful lagoon. The Lagoon is fed by Sandy Beach Ck and is separated from Bournda Beach by a small sand dune. There are limited shaded spots once on the lagoon bank, but if you bring your own shade this is a great pla

Total climbing: 3m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon car park to Bournda Island

2.1 km Return, 45 mins

This walk passes Bournda Lagoon and crosses Bournda Beach to follow the headland to the island. Bournda Island divides North Tura and Bournda beaches. The island is exposed to the elements and provides stunning views along both beaches. The cave at the bottom of the island is interesting to explore

Total climbing: 35m

Hard track

Bournda Lagoon to North Tura

1.8 km One way, 45 mins

The walk from Bournda Lagoon to North Tura passes a lagoon, two beaches, a tombola headland, dunes, heath land and stunning views of the coast. With all the different scenery there is plenty to do along this walk, so leave some extra time to thoroughly enjoy all that is on offer.

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Bournda Lagoon lookout

482 m Return, 12 mins

This is a short walk that showcases Bournda Lagoon from a beautiful angle. The start of the walk is found at the Bournda Lagoon car park. The halfway point of the walk is the lookout above the lagoon, giving a great view across most of the lagoon and out to sea. After the walk you may want to head

Total climbing: 14m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rock Arch walk starts and ends at the Barmouth Beach car park (gps: -36.948050, 149.92376)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the South Coast weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ben Boyd National Park

Ben Boyd National park is on the NSW South Coast, near Eden. The park was named and established in 1971, in the honour of Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). Ben Boyd National park protects a wonderful section of coast line from Pambula to Green Cape, split into two distinct sections, one north of Eden and the other south. The park is well known for its contrasting red rocks, whale sighting, Boyd Tower, Green Cape Lighthouse and associated history. Ben Boyd National park offers some great insights into recent European history, Indigenous occupation and natural history. The park provides two campsites some other great recreational experiences.

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