Hobart Beach to Games Bay

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

10.5 km Return

230 m

Hard track

The walk to Games Bay from Hobart Beach camping area is a fantastic walk to this gem of a secluded beach. The turquoise waters of Games Bay tempt many people for a swim, and the bay is a great place for lunch under a shady tree.

Track away from Hobart Beach camping area

Intersection of Hobart Beach and track to camping area

Kangarutha Track sign above Wallagoot Gap

Hobart Beach campground

This is a well-established campsite close to the beach and lake. There are garbage and recycling bins. Each camping space is well-defined and there is a large covered common area. The camp surrounds the stone and timber toilet and laundry facility.

(0km) Hobart Beach large shelter → Ocean beaches carpark Trk

760 m

11 mins

-2m Moderate track

From the shelter, the walk crosses the road (away from the face of the signpost and shelter). The track follows the road into the campsites, turning right immediately through the logs. The track then continues away from the campsites, with the lake and beach coming into view on the left. The track continues to tend left towards the lake, where it comes to a clearing just behind Hobart Beach.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the lake, towards the slight clearing on the left and past the white dot on the tree. The track meanders through the melaleuca for a short time to open out onto a car park, with a signpost pointing back to 'Wallagoot Lake'[1].
Turn left: From the middle of the carpark, this walk follows the sign to 'Wallagoot Beach'[2] away from the carpark (not the 'Wallagoot Lake' sign next to the picnic table). The wide track soon comes to a timber boardwak and a three way intersection maked with a 'Hobart Beach camp' sign[3] point back to the carpark. From this intersection the walk heads along the timber boardwalk following the 'Ocean Beaches' sign[4]. The boardwalk soon end and the track winds through the melaleuca to come to a three way intersection marked with a 'Parking Area' sign[5] pointing back along the track.

(1km) Ocean beaches carpark Trk → Wallagoot Beach

300 m

5 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow on the sign to Wallagoot Beach, towards the sound of the ocean. The walk winds along the sandy track to a set of stairs, climbing the stairs to then drop down the dune on the other side, by erosion control steps in the sand. The track continues across the beach towards the water.

Wallagoot Beach

Wallagoot Beach, is located east of Wallagoot Lake in Bournda National Park, between Tathra and Merimbula. The beach is a large expanse of white sand, with surf conditions created by its south easterly aspect. The beach's northern end sometimes floods, due to Wallagoot Lake breaking through the beach's sand barrier. Alternative access (instead of Wallagoot Lake Rd) is from Bournda Rd, through Hobart Beach camping area.

(1km) Wallagoot Beach → Wallagoot Beach North

1.5 km

25 mins

17m

-9m Moderate track

Turn left: From the bottom of the ladder steps, this walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right. Wallagoot Lake soon appears on the left, behind the dunes. The walk continues along the beach to the end, where there is a set of stairs leading away from the beach. (This track may be impassable in high water, the hillside further down the beach can be used to access the stairs depending on water levels.)

(3km) Wallagoot Beach North → Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks

280 m

6 mins

11m

-12m Moderate track

Veer right: From the beach, this walk heads up the stairs and hill through the melaleuca trees, and soon tends left. The track continues up through the trees to an intersection just beyond the timber platform (on the right), marked with 'Kangarutha Walking Track' signs.

(3km) Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks → Wallagoot Gap

110 m

2 mins

-8m Easy track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk heads to the timber platform then down the timber steps onto Wallagoot Gap Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

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.

(3km) Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks → Games Bay

2.4 km

49 mins

82m

-86m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kangarutha Walking Track' arrow through the trees, keeping the coast to the right. The track winds for some time, with the ocean far below to the right of the track. The track winds back and forth for quite some time, with posts leading the way through areas of open and closed vegetation. The walk then turns left into a Games Bay, a large bay, with many access track leading down to the ocean on the right of the track. This walk leads around the bay to turn right, down to into the sandy Games Bay. The small bushes at the back of the bay hide the signpost for 'Games Bay'.

Games Bay

Games Bay, Bournda National Park, is located along the Kangarutha Track, south of Tathra. The bay is formed by two rocky sides, and backed by a sandy beach. Games Bay Creek runs through the beach out to sea, but flows intermittently. The bay is named after Mr Games, a settler who cleared and used the surrounding area of the bay for dairy farming. Mr Games also made a track from Games Bay to White Rock. The bay is backed by a small fireplace with driftwood seats around it.

Maps for the Hobart Beach to Games Bay 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.

Wolumla	1:25 000 Map Series	88242N WOLUMLA	NSW-88242N
Bega	1:100 000 Map Series	8824 BEGA	8824

Cross sectional view of the Hobart Beach to Games Bay bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hobart Beach to Games Bay

Altitude analysis for Hobart Beach to Games Bay

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	10.5 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2km is flat with no steps. The remaining (330m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

2.4km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 2.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (480m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

2.4km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 2.4km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (480m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

2.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 2.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (480m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hobart Beach to Games Bay walk.

Wallagoot Gap

648 m Return, 15 mins

Wallagoot Gap is a spectacular gorge, cut into the rock by the ocean. The Gap is a popular swimming spot where the water is channeled over a small reef and through the tall rock walls. The seclusion created by the tall walls of the beach give some protection from the wind and waves, but there is no

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Wallagoot Beach

1 km Return, 30 mins

This walk is a short route onto Wallagoot Beach. On the walk down to the beach you are rewarded with views across Wallagoot Lake as well as the long Wallagoot and Bournda Beaches. The beach is a popular place for swimming and in good conditions the rocks on the northern end of the beach provide some

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach loop

1.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore Hobart Beach as it leaves the popular camping area to follow along the shore of Wallagoot Lake. The track is soft underfoot with most of the walk on sand. This is great way to enjoy the shore of Wallagoot Lake.

Total climbing: 1m

Moderate track

Wallagoot car park to Games Bay

5.2 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to Games Bay from Wallagoot car park follows the picturesque coastline north. The walk is well signposted and the turquoise blue water is right next to the track as it winds onto the sandy beach of the bay. The secluded beach is a great place to spend a few hours splashing in the water and

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Hobart Beach to Wallagoot Gap

6 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This is a wonderful beach walk, to a more secluded beach. The walk crosses the dunes from Hobart Beach camping area and follows Wallagoot Beach north to Wallagoot Gap, just over the headland to the north. The Gap hides a small solitary beach which is a popular place for locals to swim or enjoy a qui

Total climbing: 70m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach to Bournda Island Loop

7.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

The walk to Bournda Island from Hobart Beach camping area is an excellent way to see some of the sights in Bournda National Park. The first half of this picturesque walk is mainly closed in by heath and melaleuca, with closeup views of the local environment. The second half enjoys panoramic views fr

Total climbing: 70m

Hard track

Kangarutha Track

8.8 km One way, 4 hrs

The Kangarutha Track takes walkers from Tathra south to near Wallagoot Gap. The walk explores about half of the Bournda National Park coast line. This coastline has many beautiful bays and scenic ocean views. There are a few bays where you would be able to have a splash to cool yourself down on tho

Total climbing: 453m

Hard track

Wallagoot Gap to White Rock

9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk to White Rock from Wallagoot Gap is an excellent way to experience the Bournda National Park coastline. The walk is scattered with many views of the coastline, with Games Bay, about halfway, a nice spot to cool down. The White Rocks provide a great picnic area (no facilities) for lunch befo

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

Hobart Beach, Bournda Lagoon and Beach loop

10.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is an expansive walk out from Hobart Beach camping area taking in some of the best sights of Bournda National Park. The walk explores the area from the campsite, and around Bournda Lagoon, before following the beautiful North Tura and Bournda beaches back to the start. There is plenty of opport

Total climbing: 139m

Hard track

Kangarutha Track to Hobart Beach

11.5 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk extends the Kangarutha Track, starting from Kianiny Bay in Tathra and following the coast to Hobart Beach camping area. This coastal walk is dotted with many secluded beaches and bays, great places to watch the waves roll in, or to get the toes wet. The walk along the sandy Wallagoot Beach

Total climbing: 476m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Hobart Beach to Games Bay walk.

Scotts Hut

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

The track to the historic Scotts Hut is a great walk along the shores of Wallagoot Lake and Scotts Bay. The walk is well signposted as it leads into the open grass area of Scotts Hut picnic area. The hut itself is well worth an explore and a peek through the windows of this once pioneer home.

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Lagoon

5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Hobart Beach camping area, this walk passes the hidden Bondi Lake to come to Bournda Lagoon. The lagoon is a wonderful oasis with the deep pool and sandy, shaded edges making a really pleasant area. The proximity to Bournda Beach also creates the opportunity to have a body surf. The track to Bo

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig loop

8 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bournda Trig is a long walk, heading up the biggest hill in the area. The view from the top is shrouded by trees, giving visitors water glimpses and views of the ranges to the east. The walk is great exercise and explores a diverse range of environments in

Total climbing: 251m

Experienced only

Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake

5 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk from Hobart Beach camping area to Bondi Lake is an interesting one, mostly running parallel to the lake, which you can't see, till the very end. The walk is shaded for most of the way due to the thick heath surrounding the track until it opens out onto Bondi Lake (dry when we walked it).

Total climbing: 42m

Experienced only

Bournda Beach car park to Beach

464 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is the most direct route onto Bournda Beach. The walk heads from the car park through the shaded heath to climb over the dunes and onto the beach. This places you on the beach just north of Bournda Lagoon and Island.

Total climbing: 10m

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

Bournda Lagoon via North Tura Lookout

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

The Bournda Lagoon track is a wonderful walk around the Lagoon, exploring the surrounding area. Bournda Lagoon and Sandy Beach Creek support some lush vegetation, including a rain forest, on their shores. The walk is well signposted with the option to miss the North Tura section of the walk and head

Total climbing: 107m

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

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