How to Find the Secret Glasshouse Rocks Lookout in Narooma

The Eurobodalla coastline along South Coast NSW is jam-packed with stunning sea stacks. Just one of the amazing rock formations on display is the Glasshouse Rocks in Narooma.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yuin people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Facts

Distance: 3km return
Duration: 1.5 hours
Closest town: Narooma

About Glasshouse Rocks

The Geological Society of Australia dates the extraordinary Glasshouse Rocks to be around 440-510 million years old. So read ‘em and weep Twelve Apostles (a mere 20 million years old). The age of the rocks is certainly mind-boggling. But their sheer size is also awe-inspiring.

Among these incredible rocks is also pillow lava. This was formed by undersea volcanic eruptions many moons ago. Plus, the unique colours and patterns of all the surrounding rocks on the beach are just as eye-catching and memorable. All of which, you’ll see on this adventure!

Glasshouse Rocks History

The geological wonder of Glasshouse Rocks is located on Yuin Country. Stretching from the Shoalhaven River all the way to the Victorian border, Yuin Country is made up of numerous language groups including the Dharumba, Djirringanj, Dhawa, and Dhurga people. We certainly felt blessed to explore this beautiful region that’s been inhabited for up to 20,000 years!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to the Glasshouse Rocks

Glasshouse Rocks are located in Narooma, which is a 4 hour and 50 minute drive from Sydney, heading south along the Princes Highway. Once in Narooma, head to the Narooma Cemetery near the south of Narooma Surf Beach. The trail starts from the cemetery car park.

Skill Level

Beginner-Intermediate

The beach walking’s easy, but the walk’s not well signposted. The path leading to the beach from the coastal bushland is steep. Plus there’s some rock scrambling at the end of the walk, depending on how far you choose to explore once you pass the Glasshouse Rocks.

Essential Gear

• Hiking boots
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Sunnies
• Hat
• Day backpack
• Camera
• Waterproof/windproof jacket, fleece jacket & waterproof bag cover in winter

What It’s Like to Visit the Glasshouse Rocks

Accessing the Glasshouse Rocks isn’t so straightforward. You’ll find there’s limited information online and no visible signage for this natural attraction when you visit. So exploring these majestic rocks can be a tad tricky.

When attempting to find the beach they’re located on, Beck and I missed the all-important turnoff. But in doing so, it led us to an epic lookout of the Glasshouse Rocks that we would’ve otherwise missed.

To explore the Glasshouse Rocks in all their glory, we recommend taking them in from the secret lookout and then walking down onto the beach to see them up, close and personal.

To start your adventure, make your way to the Narooma Cemetery and park there.

Head inland past the cemetery towards a small white fence, then walk around the fence and enter a small area of coastal bushland. There’s a fairly obvious track to follow from this point heading towards the rocks. After a few minutes, there’s a trail off to the left down a fairly steep dirt track. This is the correct way to go. Once you’re on the sand, follow the coast roughly 1km to reach the Glasshouse Rocks. Along the way, there’ll be other sensational geology to check out.

For the secret lookout, ignore the initial turnoff down to the beach and keep following the trail. After another few minutes, you’ll reach the end of this section of headland. From here, exercise caution as you’ll be approaching a cliff edge. The Glasshouse Rocks can be seen here, unimpeded, at a safe distance from the edge. We enjoyed this unique photography opportunity which we only encountered by mistake!

Glasshouse Rocks Tips

• Don’t follow ‘Glasshouse Rocks’ on Google Maps as you’ll be sent up a random private road when approaching the coast
• Make sure you take this coastal walk at low tide. This’ll ensure safety and ease of access to the amazing rocks on the beach. Check the BOM for tide times

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

Glasshouse Rocks FAQs

How do I get to the Glasshouse Rocks?

The Glasshouse Rocks are found at the south of Narooma’s Surf Beach. To access the trail, head to the Narooma Cemetery and follow the trail down the headland and onto the beach.

What is the geology of Glasshouse Rocks Narooma?

The Glasshouse Rocks are estimated to be around 440 million years old! They’re a mix of both sedimentary chert and shale and feature chevron-shaped folds, caused by the squeezing of the sedimentary layers into unique zig zags.

Follow more of Dan and Beck over at Travel Made Me Do It 

Find More Treasures on NSW’s South Coast

• Termeil Point Campground is Idyllic for a Weekend in Nature on NSW’s South Coast
• Haycock Point is a Jewel Among South Coast Swim Spots
• Mt Gulaga – Climbing the Sacred and Steep South Coast Summit
• Kayaking the Lower Bhundoo / Clyde River on NSW’s South Coast