Experience Australia’s coastal wilderness on the Light to Light walk & explore hidden gems of the Sapphire Coast.
You're in for a real treat on this one girls, as we take in three different national parks along the Sapphire Coast, each one serving up a unique experience! We'll walk, wine, dine and kayak, mixing things up a little with some sightseeing and an adventure or two in true AW style! We'll be staying at the iconic lighthouse cottages for a couple of nights, comfort camping (we actually think it's worthy of the 'glamping' title) with all the touches you could wish for for two nights, then finish out the tour with comfortable overnight accommodation in Merimbula.
The first couple of days we have some spectacular walking experiences in store for you! We explore beautiful beaches, lagoons, a variety of forest including spotted gum and melaleuca, we will see plenty of water birds and hopefully some Gippsland Water Dragons sunning themselves .....as well as a little adventure, crossing the lagoon! The following day heading into Mimosa Rocks National Park, walking to historic Moon Bay and onwards to Wajurda Point lookout, taking in the stunning Nelsons Bay.
We then break the hiking up with a guided kayaking tour to enjoy this spectacular area from a different perspective, before exploring one of New South Wales' best kept secrets, the Light to Light Walk, hugging the coastline between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Light Station in the Ben Boyd National Park. The views are stunning and ever changing - from heathland to forest, tea tree groves to banksia woodlands and sheltered coves to towering red-rock platforms. Also, with so many seafront vantage points keep an eye out, as hundreds and thousands of Humpback Whales begin to migrate during this time of the year. Apart from these gentle giants there's a good variety of marine life including seals & dolphins and an abundance of wildlife along parts of this section too.
Walking Distance - 52km
Fitness Level - Medium Grade, suited to those with a moderate level of fitness and can walk 10k or more in any one outing. Preparation will make this experience more enjoyable. The kayaking tour on the Bega River is included in this package, however it's your choice as to whether or not you participate.
Limited to 9 Ladies Only & 1 AW Host
Accommodation: Twin Share with another lady in the group. Many of our guests come along solo, so if you're a bit hesitant, please don't be - we're supportive, inclusive, fun loving and you'll be made to feel very welcome.
● Getting to know three Sapphire Coast National Parks, each one providing a unique experience
● Mimosa Rocks - stunning sanctuary for koalas, swamp wallabies and long-nosed potoroos, to name a few!
● Secluded beaches and breathtaking views
● Whale watching from headlands in national parks and from vantage points
● Staying in the beautifully-restored quality heritage Lighthouse cottages
● Remote and intimate camping, far from the crowds
● Kayaking on the Bega River
● Wining & Dining on Local Produce
This morning we are met by our guides, meet our fellow travellers and head off on our first walk on The Sandy Creek Loop.
This trail, although short and sweet, is a moderately challenging hike, however we pass through various natural habitats and points of interest along the way so there’s plenty to distract you. We follow the creek, head through coastal Melaleuca forest and pockets of rainforest, walk along the beach to Bournda Lagoon, spotting plenty of water birds and hopefully come across some Gippsland Water Dragons sunning themselves.
At the end of today’s hike, we are transferred to our gorgeous beachside camp where we stay in pre-erected ‘quality’ tented accommodation, including all the comforts of home. Everything has been set up for us so when we arrive, we can just settle in, kick back and relax. Local refreshments will be served for our enjoyment, followed by a yummy dinner and social time around the campfire. As we retire to bed, we’ll enjoy the beautiful sounds of the ocean - bliss!
Meals: Morning Tea, Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Accommodation: Quality Pre-erected Tents with all the comforts of home (Twin Share)
Enjoy a cooked or continental breakfast at camp to get you energised for another day of exploring. After a quick transfer to Mogareeka (20 mins), you will begin your walk north passing around Fords Headland, an old farming property that was given to Parks in the 1970s.
From here you will then head down to historic Moon Bay and onwards to Wajurda Point lookout taking in the stunning Nelsons Bay after descending down to the bay through distinctly different vegetation to the previous day. Here you will prepare to cross the lagoon (waist deep, we have kayaks to help with the crossing if required).
After the crossing and drying off, walk the deserted Cowdroys beach, with a short section back through the spotted gum forest and onwards through the sand dunes to Middle Lagoon and Middle beach, here we enter the forest again following the coast north to Bithry Inlet where you can explore the ruins of an old property with links to the Myer department store.
Afterwards a transfer back to our beachside camp to relax around the campfire and enjoy another wholesome meal, this time prepared on the open fire (subject to fire bans) with local, seasonal produce.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Accommodation: Quality Pre-erected Tents (Twin Share)
Today we’re changing things up a little and heading out on a water based adventure where we gain a different perspective to soak up the beauty of this area.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we pack our bags and get kitted out for kayaking. We’re led on a fabulous guided kayak tour of the Bega River (location dependent upon weather).
After our kayaking experience we will be picked up by our bus and transported to our accommodation at the historic Green Cape Light Station. The stunning Green Cape Lighthouse is Australia’s 2nd tallest, built in 1883.
We will have time to relax or maybe spot some migrating whales before a scrumptious dinner is prepared for us using local seasonal produce.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Accommodation: Green Cape Lighthouse Cottages
After breakfast today we head off to Ben Boyd National Park. Our walk begins at Boyds Tower where we marvel at the sandstone structure that was never officially used as a lighthouse, instead Benjamin Boyd relied on it as a spotting tower for his whaling fleet. Here at Boyds Tower we begin our hike along this breath-taking Coastal Wilderness. The rest of the day is spent exploring one of Australia’s most iconic walking trails, arriving at stunning Saltwater Creek in the afternoon.
Walk from Green Cape Lighthouse to Saltwater Creek via Bittangabee Bay (17km). Drop off at accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Accommodation: Green Cape Lighthouse Cottages
We begin our day with a hearty breakfast before our bus delivers us back to Saltwater Creek to continue our trek along this amazing coastline, with picturesque scenery and an abundance of wildlife. We will witness the regeneration of the bush post fire, observing how different vegetation types have responded to fire. Continuing South we will enjoy lunch at Bittangabee Bay. From here we enter the open forest and some unique areas before emerging out onto the coastal heath where we will get glimpses of the lighthouse. We will check out the Ly-ee-moon cemetery before arriving back at the lighthouse.
At the end of today’s hike our guides will transfer us to our comfortable motel accommodation located right in the heart of Merimbula. After we freshen up we'll head out to a nearby pub or restaurant to enjoy a final meal together (guest own expense) and reminisce about our fabulous week.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch
Time to say goodbye to our new found friends ... hoorah for another Adventurous Women Adventure!!
Airport Transfers are not included, however depending upon flight times, taxi sharing will be an option. (Our host will discuss options)
Meals: None included
Knowledgeable & Experienced Local Guide fully trained in Wilderness First Aid
Adventurous Women Host
Evening meals all prepared by your Guide - focus is on fresh local seasonal produce and includes local wine tastings.
Mix of cooked and continental breakfasts
Lunch and morning/afternoon tea and snacks
5 Nights Twin share accommodation - Lighthouse Cottages for two nights, Camping for two nights & motel one night
Quality Camping Equipment including - Roomy canvas tent that you can stand in (no crouching), stretcher bed with insulated mat, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, pillow and head torch, camp chairs, hot showers & drop toilet at campgrounds.
National park fees.
Emergency communications & Full first Aid Kit
Pick up from accommodation or airport on day 1 / drop off at accommodation on day 5
5 Morning Teas
5 Lunches
4 Snacks
4 Dinners
4 Breakfasts
Flights to/from Merimbula
Travel Insurance
Items of a Personal Nature
Meals not noted in the itinerary
- Water bottles or hydration bladder – at least 2 litre capacity
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Towel
- Walking boots or shoes – good quality runners with decent grip will suffice
- Walking poles if you use them (we have spares)
- Waterproof jacket
- Water shoes for kayaking (compulsory)
- Bathers/clothes that can get wet for lagoon crossing
- Comfortable walking clothes
- Warm jacket
- Sun hat
- Beanie for cool weather/evenings
- Optional – bathers, camera, binoculars, mobile phone (reception is patchy along the walk), alcoholic beverages
ONLY TWO SINGLE SUPPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS TOUR - FIRST IN, FIRST SERVED
You can either fly with Qantas or Rex to Merimbula arriving the day prior, or drive (we can put out the word if you would like to car-pool with other ladies in the group depending upon where you're coming from)
You will need to book your own pre tour accommodation in Merimbula for the evening prior to the departure if you are flying in the day before. Our AW Host will be arriving the day prior and we are happy to provide you with the details of where she will be staying, should you wish to book a room at the same place or somewhere nearby.
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
As of the 19th September 2019 Unfortunately PayPal have changed their policy to now retain fees even when we issue a refund. Due to this change both partial and full refunds will now be less the full fee charged by PayPal at the time of booking
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
Beautiful hike, lovely company and yummy morning tea 👍
A really lovely walk down to the falls and across the bridge. Great spot for a Beautiful morning tea, made and carried in by our AWesome guides. A really lovely Sunday.
A really enjoyable experience! The ladies were so welcoming and helpful. I really felt part of the group straight away even though it was my first walk.
I love having the gorgeous photos from the day to look back on from the talented photographers in the group! The guides were helpful for so knowledgeable. I will be back for more!
Beautiful hike, lovely company and yummy morning tea 👍
GREAT TOUR, there were so many highlights and they were well organised. Well worth the early rises to get to the special places early to enjoy the serenity without too many other tourist.
Excellent from start to finish. I loved it.
What a lovely day out. The weather was just about perfect. Cool (not hot) and no rain.
I have done this walk before and I enjoyed the second time just as much as the first time. Jazzy had so much info about the places we were passing. She definitely puts the effort in to keep us informed about our own “Backyard”…..
Very much enjoyed my first walk with Adventurous Women. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
