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Walkers on the Pambula River
White sands, blue skies and sapphire waters – it really is hard to beat the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, for beautiful places to explore!
Not thirty minutes north – or south – of my home, I can be in Beowa National Park.
This 8,900 ha (22,000 acres) park was established in 1971, and consists of two coastal sections running north-south alongside the South Pacific Ocean, on either side of Twofold Bay and the town of Eden. It was originally called Ben Boyd National Park, for a sometimes-resident Scots entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). His complicated history included blackbirding cheap labour. After extensive community consultation, in 2022 the park was renamed Beowa, which means ‘orca’ or ‘killer whale’ in local Thaua language.
It is a park I have visited often (eg: Haycock Point; Short Walks; The Pinnacles), but usually only when someone else suggests it, or I have the excuse of out-of town visitors.
The walk pictured here was organised by my local branch of the National Parks Association of NSW. We found parking near Pambula Beach, and followed the beach and rocks around the corner to the mouth of Pambula River and up into magnificent coastal bushland.
Join us:
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Coastal Waters
It’s a beautiful summer day on the Sapphire Coast. Our walk starts near the south end of Pambula Beach.
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Pambula Beach
It’s a steep climb up to the trail – as you can see from the view back down over the beach behind us. That is probably what give the otherwise-easy walk its Grade 4 listing.
Coastal Cliffs
We are looking out over Merimbula Bay and the South Pacific Ocean; next stop: New Zealand.
Crashing Waves
I love watching the waves on the rocky outcrops.
Paddle Board
This is where the river meets the sea, and rip currents are not uncommon here. Haycock Point – on the other side from us – protects the estuarine river mouth from weather coming up from the south.
Memorial Bench
This is a community park: we haven’t yet reached the actual National Park boundary. Whale watching – and just water-watching – is popular here.
Rocks Below
Unlike the the sandstone common around here, the dark, red ironstone stands up against the waves.
People on the Beach
A makeshift staircase leads down to the beach near the mouth of the river.
“Jiguma Walking Track”
Our track stays high over the water below …
Over Merimbula Bay
… and allows us occasional views through the trees.
Sea Kayak
Into the Pambula River
The red rocks – rich in iron oxide – stand out against the blue waters.
Patterns and Colours
I find the patterns and shapes endlessly fascinating.
Wading in the Pambula River
Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum Undulatum) on the Edge
Our path takes us back uphill to follow the river, where we are finally in the National Park. The river waters below us are clear, …
Through the Trees
… and the colours everywhere are incredible!
White Sand
Stairs through the Trees
It’s an out-and-back track: after we reach the beach, we turn around and climb back up the hill.
Strange Fungus
A colourful fungus – scarlet bracket (Pycnoporus coccineus) I think – gives me an excuse to stop and catch my breath.
Tidal River Mouth
With the tide coming in, the shoreline narrows and we could lose some of our path back around to Merimbula Bay.
Fisherman on the Edge
The estuarine waters are fairly sheltered and safe, making them a good place for fishing …
Splash!
… as long as you are prepared to get wet!
Goanna on the Move
When we arrive at the carpark, a mid-sized monitor lizard makes its way back into the scrub.
This short and relatively-easy walk is so delightful – and so close to home – that I can’t believe I haven’t done it before.
Or, that I haven’t done it since!
Happy Walking.
Photos: 14January2017
