Summary

There are two aspects to this lovely coastal walk. First, an open boardwalk to lookouts over impressive stoney beaches and Mimosa Rocks. Second, the forested bush track to sandy Aragunnu Beach.

Description

Great for kids, this return walk reflects the diverse land and seascapes of the amazing Sapphire Coast. The views of rocky shores and fine sanded beaches are irresistible.

The boardwalk is accessed by a paved pathway. It is suitable for prams and has open views. The bush track to the pretty sands of Aragunnu Beach is pleasant walking through twisted Bangalay forest with a small rocky hump to cross near the start at Mimosa Rocks car park.

Directional signs from the car park clearly point the way. Interesting interpretive signs mark features along the paths including the largest Aboriginal midden in the National Park.

Other highlights of the boardwalk are the excellent views from lookouts across beaches dense with large wave rounded stones and out towards the off shore, pyramid like island, Mimosa Rock. Like the other headlands you can see on the walk, this rock stack is of volcanic origin.

See if you can spot the remains of the shipwrecked paddle steamer Mimosa on the far shore at low tide. The ship came to grief here in 1863 and gave its name to the National Park.

Local vegetation here is diverse due to sheltered microclimates that support some unlikely discoveries such as rainforest Rosewood and Koda. Bird's nest and Elkhorn ferns can also be found with Burrawang (Cycads) scattered throughout.

And of course, don’t forget to keep an eye on the ocean for whales, particularly in Spring. Right whales and Humpbacks commonly pass by.

Summer is a great time to visit for the forest shade and cooling beaches. However, winter when the canopy is blooming with flowers attracting Honeyeaters and Lorikeets, is also special for birdwatching and beach exploration.

Lyrebirds inhabit the area. Hearing robust choruses of mimicry or sightings are possible if you go quietly.

There are good facilities available amongst the camp sites at Mimosa Rocks and Aragunnu Beach. Car parking, picnic tables, BBQs, fire pits, well spaced sites and public toilets. Provide your own drinking water. Camping fees apply.

Pets and firearms are not permitted in the National Park. Plants and animals are protected.

Other Sapphire Coast walks:
Pambula River Mouth walk
Middle Lagoon & Beach loop walk
Merimbula Boardwalk
Jiguma coastal walk
Lake Street / Djirringanj People's walk
Goodenia Rainforest walk
Pinnacles loop walk
Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon loop walk
Tathra Headland loop walk
Wajurda Point / Moon Bay walk

1752 Views

Points of Interest

1. Directional and interpretive signs

Walking paths are clearly marked and interesting signs explain this natural and cultural wonderland..

2. Picnic tables and BBQs

Both campgrounds include picnic areas with tables and a gas BBQ. Fire pits are available for camp sites.

3. Paved paths, grassy areas and wildlife

Smooth, flat paved paths lead from the Mimosa Rocks car park to the boardwalk. This open grassy area is popular with Swamp wallabies and Eastern grey kangaroos.

4. Lookouts

Lookouts offer great views along the coast. They are fenced with safety rails.

5. Atop the midden

The boardwalk protects the large mound of an ancient midden from foot traffic while also offering a view across to the Mimosa Rocks point.

6. The boardwalk

The boardwalk to Mimosa Rock itself is wide, smooth and flat enough for prams. Mobility aid users would also find it manageable. Paths to the boardwalk from the car park are paved.

7. A stoney beach

Millennia of wave action has tumbled shattered local volcanic rock into masses of smooth rounded stones that make up the beaches of Mimosa Rocks.

8. Mimosa Rock

The huge pyramid of Mimosa Rock stands a short distance off shore.

9. Burrawangs (Cycads)

Burrawang are common in the National Park. Many grow to be quite large and give the National Park an ancient character.

10. Walking track to Aragunnu Beach

The track to Aragunnu Beach is generally flat of firm sand. There is one small rocky hump as you leave the Mimosa Rocks campground. Those unsteady on their feet may choose to drive via Aragunnu Rd.

11. Contorted Bangalays

Twisted by their proximity to the coast, Bangalay eucalypts add a distinctiveness to the walking track past Aragunnu campgrounds.

12. Aragunnu Beach

This deep sandy beach is bounded by rocky headlands shelving out into the ocean. There is a lot to explore.

13. Birdlife

There are plenty of bird observations to make. If you get lucky a Lyrebird might come your way for a sighting. If not, you are almost certain to hear them mimicking all the other sounds of the forest.

14. Toilet access

Both campgrounds have toilets. This elevated one at Aragunnu has steps up this side. However, ramps have been installed on the other for people with mobility aids (park at Aragunnu Beach campground).

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river