National park · Australia
Bournda National Park
Go for a half day from Merimbula or Tathra: park fees are per vehicle, the Kangarutha track is the walk worth the drive, and the lagoon picnic area fills by 10:00 in January. Skip if you have one Sapphire Coast day only — use it on Beowa instead.Go for a half day from Merimbula or Tathra: park fees are per vehicle, the Kangarutha track is the walk worth the drive, and the lagoon picnic area fills by 10:00 AM in January. Skip if you have one Sapphire Coast day only — use it on Beowa instead.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
26 km² (10 sq mi)10 sq mi (26 km²)
approximate
Established
1992
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 26 km² (10 sq mi)10 sq mi (26 km²)
- Roughly 26 km² of coast, lagoon, woodland and heath between Tura Beach and Wallagoot Lake (check).
- Established
- 1992
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
Bournda National Park is a small coastal park on the Sapphire Coast between Tura Beach and Wallagoot Lake, about 15–20 minutes by road from either Merimbula or Tathra. Its road network is split by Bournda Lagoon and Sandy Creek, so in practice you visit two separate sections: the southern one at the lagoon, and the northern one at Hobart Beach and Wallagoot Lake. The coast between them is walk-in only, which is why the Kangarutha Walking Track — roughly 9 km of cliffs, rock platforms and small beaches — is the reason to come. Day entry is charged per vehicle, camping is limited to one gated campground, and there are no shops, no drinking water and no lifeguards anywhere in the park.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1992.
Size and age
26 km² (10 sq mi)10 sq mi (26 km²) · national park since 1992
Roughly 26 km² of coast, lagoon, woodland and heath between Tura Beach and Wallagoot Lake (check).
Why go
- A quiet stretch of the Sapphire Coast where the highway is out of earshot and the crowds stay at the towns.
- Kangarutha Walking Track: about 9 km (5.6 mi) of cliff-top and rock platform between Tura Head and Wallagoot Lake.Kangarutha Walking Track: about 5.6 mi (9 km) of cliff-top and rock platform between Tura Head and Wallagoot Lake.
- Bournda Lagoon is calm, shallow and good for a kayak or a swim with small children.
- Wallagoot Lake and the lagoon are bird habitat — pelicans, cormorants, swans and seasonal migrants.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecCaution
- JanWarm and busy; lagoon car park full by 10:00Warm and busy; lagoon car park full by 10:00 AM
- FebWarm; school holidays end, beaches quieten
- MarMild, calm sea, few people
- AprClear, dry, comfortable walking
- MayCool nights, empty tracks
- JunCold and wet spells; whales passing offshore
- JulColdest; short daylight, bring a jacket
- AugCold, windy; whale season at its peak
- SepSpring wildflowers, whales, mild days
- OctWarm and dry; best all-round month
- NovWarm; sea warming, still quiet midweek
- DecHoliday crowds and full campgrounds
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humpback whales offshoreJun–Nov · Best from headlands on the Kangarutha track; June–August is the northward run. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Waterbirds on Bournda Lagoon and Wallagoot LakeAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Spring wildflowers in the heathSep–Nov | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies at dawn and duskAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Snakes on warm tracks and heathOct–Mar · Watch your feet and give them room. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Merimbula
North on Sapphire Coast Drive, then right into Widgeram Rd for the southern section or Bournda Rd for the north.
15–20 min
From Tathra
South on Sapphire Coast Drive, same two turn-offs in reverse.
15–20 min
From Sydney
Drive the Princes Highway south, or fly to Merimbula and hire a car.
6–7 h drive
Open the page →
From Canberra
Drive via Cooma and Bega on the Princes Highway.
3.5–4 h drive
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Southern section (Bournda Lagoon) | Lagoon, picnic area, Sandy Creek loop and the southern end of the Kangarutha track. | Open with a park entry fee; sealed road to the car park. |
| Northern section (Hobart Beach) | Campground, Hobart Beach, Wallagoot Lake and the northern end of the Kangarutha track. | Open; campground gated and booked online. |
| Coastal strip | Cliffs, rock platforms and small beaches between Tura Head and Wallagoot Lake. | Walk-in only; no road along the coast. |
Sketch map
- 1Bournda Lagoon picnic area · Beach≈-36.819, 149.937Map ↗
- 2Southern entrance (Widgeram Rd) · Gate≈-36.840, 149.924Map ↗
- 3Northern entrance (Bournda Rd) · Gate≈-36.793, 149.924Map ↗
- 4Hobart Beach Campground · Sleep≈-36.797, 149.939Map ↗
- 5Wallagoot Lake · Beach≈-36.783, 149.950Map ↗
- 6Kangarutha Walking Track (midpoint) · Trail≈-36.810, 149.950Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from the park entrances to the lagoon and campground, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (vehicle, day) | AUD 8 (≈ US$6) | vehicle | NSW park entry fee; annual pass holders pay nothing (check current rate). |
| Hobart Beach Campground | AUD 24.6 (≈ US$17) | night | Per site, two adults; book online before you drive in. |
| NSW annual multi-park pass | AUD 65–190 (≈ US$45–130) | year | Worth it only if you visit several NSW parks on the trip (check tiers). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping at Hobart Beach permit or guide
Guided walks and workshops no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- A$8≈ US$6
- A$24.60≈ US$17
- A$65–190≈ US$45–130
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NSW National Parks — Bournda National Park before you go.
Park rules
- Park entry fee
- Pay per vehicle at the entrance station or online; the fee covers day use of the park.
- Dogs
- Not allowed in the park, including on the beaches and tracks; leave them at your accommodation.
- Fires and firewood
- Fires only in the campground fire rings when no total fire ban is in force; do not collect wood in the park.
- Camping
- Only at Hobart Beach Campground; no bush camping along the coast.
- Fishing
- Line fishing is allowed from the beaches and rocks; check NSW rules and marine park zones before you cast.
- Litter and wildlife
- Take all rubbish out; do not feed birds or leave food at the campsite.
Where to stay
In the park
Hobart Beach Campground
The park's only campground: 66 sites, check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00, book online.The park's only campground: 66 sites, check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM, book online.
Near the park
Merimbula and Tura Beach
Motels, apartments and holiday parks 15–20 min south; the widest choice of beds.
Near the park
Tathra
Small coastal town 15–20 min north with guesthouses and a pub.
Safety
Cliff edges and rock platforms high
Rips and unpatrolled beaches medium
Bushfire high
Heat and lack of water medium
Snakes and ticks low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Bournda Lagoon picnic area has a sealed car park, toilets and short level paths to the water.
- The Hobart Beach campground has vehicle access and flat ground around the amenities block.
- The Kangarutha and Sandy Creek tracks are rough, sandy and stepped; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on the formed tracks; the heath and dunes recover slowly from shortcutting.
- Keep to the lagoon and patrolled town beaches rather than trampling the lake edges.
- Book the campground online so numbers are capped, and take every scrap of rubbish home.
- Give whales and shorebirds distance; do not drive along the beach.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Bournda National Park?
Park entry is charged per vehicle per day — about A$8 in 2026 (check the current NSW rate) — paid at the entrance station or online. Camping at Hobart Beach is separate at about A$24.60 per site per night and must be booked in advance. If you plan to visit several NSW parks, an annual multi-park pass can work out cheaper.
What are the best hikes in Bournda National Park?
The Kangarutha Walking Track is the standout: about 9 km one way along cliffs and rock platforms, 3–4 hours, moderate. The Sandy Creek Loop is a 6 km circuit through forest and heath, 1.5–2 hours, with steep sections. Both start from the southern section near the lagoon.
When is the best time to visit Bournda National Park?
March to May and September to November give mild, mostly dry weather and quiet tracks. December and January are warm but crowded, with the lagoon car park filling by mid-morning. June to August is cold and wet but is the best window for watching humpback whales from the headlands.
Do I need a pass or booking to visit?
You need to pay the vehicle entry fee for day use. Camping requires an online booking. There is no timed-entry or shuttle system here, so you can simply drive in and park.
Can I swim at Bournda?
Yes — the lagoon is calm and shallow and is the safest spot. The ocean beaches in the park are unpatrolled, so swim between the flags at Merimbula or Tathra if you want lifeguards.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
No. Dogs are not permitted in Bournda National Park, including on the beaches and walking tracks. Leave them at your accommodation or in a town park.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNSW National Parks — Bournda National Park
- officialNSW National Parks — Kangarutha Walking Track
- officialNSW National Parks — Sandy Creek Loop Track
- officialNSW National Parks — Hobart Beach Campground
- officialNSW National Parks — Bournda Lagoon picnic area
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bournda National Park, revision 4924100 (CC BY-SA 4.0)