Kangarutha Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

8.8 km One way

453 m

Hard track

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 those warmer days. Allow time to rest and enjoy the view from these secluded bays and headlands.

Track towards White Horse Bay from Kianiny Bay

(0km) Kianinny Boat Ramp → Kianinny Park

60 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

From the car park, this walk keeps the water on the left as it heads down the stairs to the grassed area of the park. The track then continues along the creek, below on the left, to a bridge and information sign.

Kianinny Bay picnic area

Kianinny Bay picnic area is found at the end of Davidson St in Tathra. The picnic area leads off the boat ramp's parking area. Kianinny Bay picnic area has an electric BBQ hot plate underneath a shelter. The picnic area also boasts a number of tables, grass clearing, toilets and a playground. Kianinny Bay picnic area is at one end of the Kangarutha Track and, with the large car park at the bay, this makes it quite convenient for car shuffles.

(0km) Kianinny Park → Kianinny Bay Lookout

150 m

5 mins

27m

-5m Hard track

Veer left: From the information sign, this walk crosses the bridge and heads up the hill. The walk soon leads up the logged steps to a rock platform at the top. On the ocean side of the rock platform is a great lookout over Kianinny Bay and the coast.

Kianinny Bay Lookout

Kianinny Bay Lookout is perched on the hill, just south of Kianinny Bay. The lookout is an unfenced rock platform which has two white nautical markers placed on it. The lookout views the passage of boats into Kianinny Bay as they avoid the rocks near the northern headland. The lookout can be accessed from Kianinny Bay car park in Tathra, using the Kangarutha Track.

(0km) Kianinny Bay Lookout → Boulder Bay

1.5 km

35 mins

72m

-93m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk keeps the ocean to the left as it crosses straight over the rock platform to a gap in the heath. The track passes down through the heath to meander and undulate for some time. The track continues past a cleared area on the right before turning into a gully. The track winds out of the gully tending right, up the hill, to an area of low heath with a faint track on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the ocean. The track winds along an area of low heath to soon turn left into taller heath. The track winds and undulates through the cleared passage in the heathland, passing through a few gullies. The walk crosses a large creek with stairs leading down and away from a rock platform. The track then continues up and around the hillside through an area of more open vegetation. This walk then leads down the hill to an arrow post, marking the track on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the track, soon coming into view of the beach. The walk winds down the stairs onto a rock which leads onto the beach. This walk continues to the middle of the beach.

Boulder Bay

Boulder Bay is located on the Kangarutha Track, south of Tathra, within Bournda National Park. The bay is sided by two rocky coast lines that funnel the water to the sandy beach. The sand of Boulder Bay is lower on the beach and the area behind this is covered in rounded rocks in a variety of sizes. Boulder Bay Creek runs into the bay but is usually a dry creek bed at the back of the beach. Access to Boulder Bay is by the Kangarutha Track.

(2km) Boulder Bay → Int Kangarutha Trk Nth and White Rock Rd

2.8 km

1 hr 9 mins climb

186m

-152m Hard track

Continue straight: From the middle of the beach, the walk heads towards the track marker near a tree on the beach, keeping the water to the left. The walk then follows the arrow along a bush track, away from the beach and winds through areas of heath and open bush. After passing a small trail to the left (which accesses the cliffs through the heath), the track continues, keeping the ocean to the left, and arrives at a signposted intersection with an overgrown service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the arrow down the steps, towards the ocean. The track opens out onto the coast and arrives at a white post on the rock platform beside the bay.
Turn right: From the first white post, the walk heads towards the next visible white post, keeping the ocean on the left. The track meanders along the rocky platform then tends away from the bay, turning right, up the hill. As it climbs up the hill, the walk passes an ant mound, to the left, and soon heads over a very rocky area, following the most worn and compacted route through the rocks. The track continues, with the ocean on the left, and follows a track marker down the hill, arriving at the middle of a rocky bay.
Continue straight: From the middle of the rocky bay, the walk follows rock-cut steps up onto the rocky headland, keeping the water on the left. The track then winds its way over the rocks, passing a lookout on the left, and dropping into a U-shaped rock valley (which points out to sea).
Continue straight: From the U-shaped rock valley, the walk climbs the hill, keeping the ocean on the left. The track continues for some time passing many great views of the coast. After passing through more areas of open and closed heath, the track bends right and goes up some stairs to an intersection with a service trail.

(5km) Int. Kangarutha Trk Nth and White Rock Rd → White Rock Nth route

230 m

5 mins

-34m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the ocean. The track soon tends right, down to a cul-de-sac in the management trail.
Continue straight: On the side of the car park where the road leads up the hill, this walk follows track around the cliff tops, keeping the small bay below on the left. The track heads around the small hill (above on the right), leading to a point on the white rock which overlooks the sea and surrounding coast. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

White Rock

White Rock, Bournda National Park, as the name suggests, is an area of white coloured rocks, south of Tathra. The rocks form the headland with spectacular views of the coastline both to the North and South, and across the South Pacific Ocean. White Rock car park is backed by an old quarry, which formed the amphitheatre of rock behind it. White Rock can be accessed by White Rock Rd, off the Snowy Mountains Highway.

(5km) Int. Kangarutha Trk Nth and White Rock Rd → Int. White Rock Rd and Kangarutha Trk Sth

40 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill to a bend in the management trail, where a small green track marker indicates the intersection.

(5km) Int. White Rock Rd and Kangarutha Trk Sth → Games Bay

1.6 km

36 mins

69m

-109m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west, away from the management trail and up the slight hill following the track marker. The track meanders for a short time to tend left down the hill, towards the ocean. Here, the track meets a large black termite mound and turns right. The walk passes a number of good views, and a track on the left (which leads down to the ocean). This walk continues along the hillside, and soon tends to the right, heading through the heath to enter an area of trees. The track then heads down the hill into a rocky bay.
Turn right: From the bay, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the ocean on the left of the track. The walk winds up the steps to then meander along the hillside, coming to a track marker at an intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs following the track marker arrow. The track very quickly winds down into the sandy creek bed behind Games Bay. A signpost marking 'Games Bay' is hidden in the low bush at the back of the beach area.

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.

(6km) Games Bay → Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks

2.4 km

49 mins

86m

-82m Hard track

Turn right: From the sandy creek bed, this walk heads up the hill out of Games Bay, keeping the ocean to the left of the track. The walk keeps Games Bay just below on the left for a short time, as it winds up the hill and then tends right with the hill, following posts marking the track. The walk passes many access tracks down to the side of Games Bay. This walk leads through heath and banksia, with the posts still leading the way through large clear areas and areas of thick vegetation. The track continues for quite some time, winding with the ocean far below to the left until coming to the signposted intersection just before the timber platform overlooking Wallagoot Gap.

(9km) Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks → Wallagoot Gap

110 m

2 mins

-8m Easy track

Turn left: 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 Veer left.

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.

(9km) Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks → Wallagoot Beach North

280 m

6 mins

12m

-11m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, keeping the ocean and the wooden platform to the left. The track tends right, down the hill to reveal a great view over Wallagoot Beach. The walk then heads down the hill and a set of stairs onto the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

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.

(9km) Int. Wallagoot Gap and Kangarutha Trks → Wallagoot Beach Carpark

220 m

4 mins

-7m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the coast slightly uphill (that is, away from the face of the sign). The track tends left and dips through a valley, soon leading to a car park. (The car park is found at the end of Wallagoot Lake Rd, off the Sapphire Coast Drive.)

Maps for the Kangarutha Track 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	1:25 000 Map Series	88241S BEGA	NSW-88241S
Bega	1:100 000 Map Series	8824 BEGA	8824

Cross sectional view of the Kangarutha Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kangarutha Track

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	8.8 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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

4.6km of this walk is very steep and another 4km has short steep hills. The remaining (280m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 2.3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (280m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

8km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 500m has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (280m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 430m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (35m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Kangarutha Track walk.

White Rock

194 m Circuit, 10 mins

This is a great short walk to some appropriately named white rocks. The White Rock is not the only attraction of this walk, there are also great views over the surrounding coast. You might even see some locals jumping from the cliffs opposite White Rocks car park.

Total climbing: 12m

Hard track

Kianiny Bay lookout

416 m Return, 15 mins

Kianiny Bay lookout is a quick and fantastic way to view the coast just south of Tathra. There is plenty of parking at Kianiny Bay and a pleasant picnic area to start the journey. The walk follows a well formed path to the informal lookout, where you can sit and enjoy the passing ships and the fasc

Total climbing: 35m

Hard track

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

Kianiny Bay to White Horse Bay lookout

1.8 km Return, 1 Hr

White Horse Bay is not the most spectacular bay in the area but the walk to it is quite nice. The walk takes you from Kianiny Bay and picnic area past the Kianiny lookout, through some of the signature heath of Bournda National Park. The walk heads to the northern point of White Horse Bay where ther

Total climbing: 114m

Hard track

Kianiny Bay to Boulder Bay

3.5 km Return, 2 hrs

Boulder Bay is a fantastic secluded beach backed by many smooth, round rocks (hence the name). The walk is dotted with views of the coast, and the bushland itself is pleasant to walk through. The starting point at Kianiny Bay has great picnic facilities and play equipment to entertain the young, or

Total climbing: 200m

Hard 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

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 to Games Bay

10.5 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

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.

Total climbing: 230m

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 Kangarutha Track walk.

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

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, 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

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 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

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