Surrounded by stunning waterways, lush bushland and coastal landscapes, Cudmirrah, Berrara and Sussex Inlet all offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, swimming and immersing yourself in nature.
Some of our favourite local walks and hiking trails below, including a couple of pet friendly hikes also!
John Clarke Bruce Memorial Cycleway – along Sussex Inlet River
Explore this 3.7-km out-and-back trail near Sussex Inlet, New South Wales. Rated as an easy route, it typically takes around 43 minutes to complete.
Enjoy a family-friendly walk along the Sussex Inlet waterfront. Starting at the Sussex Boat Ramp on River Road, you’ll find ample parking.
The John Clarke Bruce Memorial Cycleway is shared by cyclists and pedestrians. Follow the water’s edge all the way to the bridge and back. It’s a great spot for walking your dog!
Berrara Creek Trail
A scenic trail winding through Conjola National Park, this 6.6km out-and-back route starts and ends at the parking area of Berrara Lagoon Reserve, located on Lakeland Avenue in the quaint coastal town of Berrara.
The trail is mostly flat, guiding you through a brief section of bushland until you reach the end of Berrara Creek, which marks the turnaround point of the hike. No pets allowed on this one.
Berrara Waterfall Trail (Continuation of Berrara creek Trail)
A semi groomed 9.9km out and back track with boardwalks along Berrara Creek, starts off fairly easy and increases in intensity as you move across rocks and the flow on from the waterfall. Great for most ages, perhaps not the littlest of legs though, reward yourself with a dip in the pool beneath the waterfall at the end. No pups allowed on this track unfortunately as it is national park.
Cudmirrah to Swanhaven along Swan Lake- pet friendly
Explore this 5.1-km out-and-back trail near Sussex Inlet, New South Wales. Typically rated as an easy route, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. Ideal for biking, hiking, and running, it’s a peaceful spot where you’re unlikely to encounter many others. The walk is beautiful all year round but the Autumn sunsets along the lake during March, April and May are particularly breathtaking.
Swan Lake also has some designated pet friendly off leash time, check the Shoalhaven council website for updated times.
Starting at Errol Bond Reserve, the paved trail follows Springs Road before curving toward the shoreline just past the car park. The path then continues toward Swanhaven.
Walk along Berrara Creek to Mermaid Pools via Berrara Beach
An easy walk the whole family can enjoy. Make sure you check your tides as this walk is best done at low tide to make the most of the hard sand and ample room to move. Mermaid pool is a stunning natural rock pool with turquoise water and is hidden behind the surrounding rocks, making it a secluded (if no one else is around) place to relax, perfect for a dip too!
Berrara beach is a nesting place for many coastal birds and as such, dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Didthull Pigeon House Walk – further afield
Didthull Pigeon House mountain can be seen from Cudmirrah beach if you look north along the beach and out to the mountain, it almost looks like a little hut in the distance.
The start of the trail is 26km from the highway around half way between Cudmirrah and Ulladulla so while slightly further away at around an hour’s drive from Surfside Cudmirrah Beach, the drive is well worth it though. The hike is a 5.6km round trip and the views of the south coast you will see at the top are some of the best in NSW.
Best undertaken on a clear, dry day due to the terrain and the ladders leading to the summit. The walk is rated a ‘4’ on Australian Hiking websites however this is mainly due to the summit, the middle part of the walk is quite easy.
Again – no pets due to it being in the national park.
Hell Hole Trail – further afield
This 4.5km trail, with some off-track sections, is located near Jerrawangala National Park on the South Coast of New South Wales, just inland from Jervis Bay.
It’s a less-travelled path that leads to a series of plunge pools and a small waterfall, nestled in lush green bushland. Perfect for those eager to explore off the beaten path and discover a hidden gem. Probably best for the regular bush bashers due to the ungroomed nature of the tracks. Around a 30 minute drive north from Surfside Cudmirrah Beach, be sure to check your GPS as the entry can be easy to miss.
Granite Falls Morton Park Walking Track – slightly further afield
An easy 1.1 Km out and back or around 20 minute trail, good for even the little legs, with exceptional views at the turn around point, take a picnic and enjoy the sites before heading back. The falls are particularly epic after a bit of rainfall. The start of the trial has ample parking and the drive from Surfside Cudmirrah Beach is around 30 minutes, involving a turn off the Highway. You can’t take your pup on this one.
More information regarding local walks can be found here and on the Shoalhaven Council website and of course, All Trails, for a comprehensive review of all local walks.
