Like so many of us, Steph loves searching out quiet swimming spots — but she’s rarely stumbled on a place as beautiful as Haycock Point in (soon-to-be-renamed) Ben Boyd National Park.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yuin people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Pristine ocean rock pools  
  • Options to hike or drive in  
  • Striking rock formations 

Hello Haycock Point!

The deep red rock formations of Haycock Point jut into the sea along the jagged coast south of  Pambula on Yuin country. A ten-minute walk from the car park through lush coastal greenery ends at a steep, sloping rock face down to the natural ocean pools at Haycock Point.  

 

 

Dark red boulders separate the sand-bottomed pools whose depth and accessibility changes with the tides. We spent two or three blissful hours here in December — and didn’t see another soul! 

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

 

 

Spot the birds that watch from atop Haystack Rock, the furthest extremity of the thin headland.  Expansive views of the coastline further south are also available on a clear day. 

If you prefer to work up a sweat and earn your swim, take on the 3km hike to Haycock Point from Barmouth Beach on the south side of the Pambula River mouth. Barmouth Beach is another cute swimming spot (there’s no shortage here), with impressive views of the park’s gum forests. 

 

 

Though small, Barmouth is much more like a typical surf beach than the sheltered waters of Haycock Point. The good news is that regardless of the direction you choose for this hike, there’ll be a refreshing and scenic swim waiting for you at the end. 

How To Get There

Turn off the Princes Highway south of Pambula onto Haycock Road, an unsealed route through this part of the National Park. Various signposted turn-offs indicate the car parks for attractions including Barmouth Beach and Haycock Point (ample parking is available at both).

Essential Gear

  • Sturdy walking shoes 
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunnies
  • Swimmers and towel 
  • At least 2L water per person if you’re hiking between the beach and the point 
  • Optional: snacks and a good book if you’re keen to luxuriate for a while

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Skill Level

Beginner

Whether you walk from the car park at Haycock Point or hike from Barmouth Beach, the path is well-formed and the gradient is gentle. However, there are occasional stairs on the hike and the rock face down to the pools at the point is quite steep.

Distance / Duration

From car park to Haycock Point: 500m / 10 mins  

From Barmouth Beach to Haycock Point: 3km / 1-1.5 hours