The Nadgee Wilderness Walk is an eye-boggler of a coastal hike that spans two states and 55km. The Nadgee Nature Reserve runs through the only remaining coastal wilderness in NSW before it crosses into a tucked-away corner of coastal Victoria.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Yuin and Bidawal Nations, the traditional Countries of the Yuin and Bidawal people who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Nadgee Wilderness Walk is a 55 km one way, grade 5 hike that runs from the Nadgee Nature Reserve in New South Wales to Mallacoota in Victoria. The hike should take around 3-4 days to complete.

Quick Facts Nadgee Wilderness Walk

Distance: 55km
Duration: 3-4 days
Elevation gain: Approximately 600m
Nearest town: Eden

About Nadgee Wilderness Walk

Even at just 55km in length, the incredible Nadgee Wilderness Walk from Merrica River to Mallacoota traverses some of the most scenic coastlines and remote beaches that VIC and NSW have to offer. It’s easily achievable in three days but, if you have the time, making the trip over four days will reward you with a better chance to really explore the beautiful Nadgee Wilderness.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

nadgee Wilderness Walk Nadgee Nature Reserve VIC NSW Lachie Thomas, sand, rocks, horizon, water, walker, hiker, ocean

How To Get There

Nadgee Nature Reserve is approximately halfway between Melbourne and Sydney and takes about 6.5 hours on the Princess Highway to reach from either state capital.

Doing a car shuffle by leaving one car at Mallacoota and another at Merrica River Crossing will make your life significantly easier.

Otherwise, you’ll have to try your luck at hitchhiking from Mallacoota but bear in mind that if you get dropped off on the Princes Highway turnoff to Wonboyn it’ll still be a 20km walk on dirt roads to your car at Merrica River Crossing.

Skill Level

Intermediate – Advanced 

While beautiful, this rugged coastline walk is not for the faint hearted and is most suited to experienced hikers. Walkers staying overnight need to be prepared to be in an environment where reception isn’t guaranteed. Taking a PLB is a must.

The biggest challenge for hikers doing this track is often finding fresh drinking water, so make sure you bring purification tablets and call the Merimbula Parks Office before you walk to get an update on water sources.

Read more: How To Purify Water in the Bush

Nearby Accommodation

Essential Gear Nadgee Wilderness Walk

Read more: How To Pack A Backpack Like A Boss

What It’s Like To Hike the Nadgee Wilderness Walk

Day 1 – Merrica River Crossing to Little Creek

Distance: 14km

Starting at Merrica River Crossing near Wonboyn NSW, follow the fire track for roughly 10km through open forested hills, down to the sparkling emerald waters of Newtons Beach. Here you can enjoy one of the many pristine swims on the hike.

Continuing on, stroll through the lush rainforests and woodlands for a few kilometres to Little Creek, an epic campsite beside the water and only 200m from possibly the most incredible beach you’ve ever seen.

Read more: How To Poo in The Bush

 

nadgee Wilderness Walk Nadgee Wilderness VIC NSW Lachie Thomas, clouds, sand, rocks, horizon, water, walker, hiker, ocean

Day 2 – Little Creek to Cape Howe

Distance: 14km

The next day will take you through flowering heathlands of the Nadgee Nature Reserve, over rolling hills overlooking the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and down to the impressive sand dunes of Cape Howe on the state border.

Day 3 – Cape Howe to Lake Barracoota

Distance: 14km

Crossing into Victoria marks the start of long beach walks that will take you to the final campsite of the Nadgee Wilderness Walk: Lake Barracoota, Victoria’s largest inland freshwater lake.

Day 4 – Lake Barracoota to Mallacoota

Distance: 12km

The final day will then bring you to Mallacoota where you can either organize a ferry transfer across the inlet or you can wait for low tide and swim/walk across the inlet (making for a much better story).

Read more: How To Use a PLB

Tips For Hiking Nadgee Wilderness Walk

  • There’s a limit of 30 hikers at a time on the Nadgee Wilderness Walk so if you’re keen to hike during a peak season, best to organise yourself early!
  • This is a wilderness walk so you need to be prepared to lose reception and be self-sufficient. It’s not an ideal hike for beginners unless you’re accompanied by an experience hiker
  • Let a mate or family member know your estimated return date so they can sound the alarm if you’re not back as planned
  • If you haven’t hiked on sand before, definitely do some training with your hiking pack along a beach before you go. It’s a brutal awakening if you don’t! Plus it means you’re more likely to enjoy the Nadgee wilderness without being distracted by aches and pains resulting from a lack of preparation

 

nadgee Wilderness Walk Nadgee Nature Reserve VIC NSW Lachie Thomas, hero, waves, dunes, person horizon

FAQs Nadgee Wilderness Walk

What’s the best time of year to do the Nadgee Wilderness Walk?

Walking in spring means water is more available along the track. It’s also the best time of year to see many flowers coming into blossom, as well as the migration of whales heading southwards.

What are the highlights of the Nadgee Wilderness Walk?

Aside from getting to walk through a spectacular environment, walkers will discover remote beaches, visit tranquil lagoons, traipse across shifting sand dunes, and stay at stunning Nadgee River campgrounds.

Will birdwatchers enjoy the Nadgee Wilderness Walk?

Absolutely! There are plenty of species of birds to see along the trail. Keen twitchers can expect to spot short tailed shearwaters on their annual migration between September and November too.

Is the Nadgee Wilderness Walk the best hike in New South Wales?

Maybe! It’s definitely up there as one of the best on the south coast! Why don’t you give it a go and let us know in the comments! We have some great lists of the best walks along the New South Wales coastline as well as some of the best overnight hikes in the state.

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.