Pebbly Beach is one of the attractions along the coastal walk – but the trek will be off-limits for several weeks. Photo: Karyn Starmer.
A South Coast tourist attraction is facing a closure of up to two months after it received a battering during recent storms.
The 34 km, three-day Murramarang South Coast Walk runs from Pretty Beach (near Kioloa) to Maloneys Beach (near Batemans Bay) and opened in 2023.
The route is popular for its views of the Murramarang National Park, attracting kangaroo watchers, campers and tourists.
In recent weeks, damaging winds and heavy rainfall lashed large parts of southeast Australia, which brought flooding, road closures and knocked out power for nearly 30,000 homes and businesses.
A spokesperson from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) said the wild weather meant repairs to the track were in order.
“Damage to the Murramarang South Coast Walk is extensive with numerous tree falls, debris on the track, significant beach erosion and broken steps and elevated platforms at various points along the track.”
According to the NSW NPWS, early clean-up work has begun so repair crews can work in safety.
“The focus now is on mapping the damage by inspecting the entire length of the track, campgrounds and all other visitor infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
“This will take some time due to the track’s remote location.”
The damage means bookings for the Murramarang South Coast Walk are closed, while campgrounds along the track remain open (rangers have found they only sustained minor damage).
Heavy, sustained wind and rain have damaged a popular tourist attraction along the NSW South Coast. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
An earlier statement from Saturday (19 July) flagged the coastal walk being closed until at least the end of August.
The NSW NPWS spokesperson told Region the closure could be longer.
“We expect to be able to reopen the walk by the start of the next school holidays [starting in late September], weather permitting,” they said.
During the closure, NPWS is urging walkers and campers to double-check that campsites and other visitor areas are open before they travel to them.
People can also book campsites and other accommodation online.
Park closure updates are posted to the NSW National Parks alerts page, while road closures can be found on Live Traffic NSW.
The NSW Government provided $3.64 million for the Murramarang South Coast Walk.
It is one of the 13 NSW Great Walks, which cover more than 630 kilometres, and explore the coast, alpine summits and ancient rainforests.
