From sunrise beach strolls to breathtaking mountain lookouts, discover some of our favourite walks around Milton, Mollymook and Ulladulla.
There's something about summer on the South Coast that makes you want to get outside.
Maybe it's the early morning light over the ocean, the smell of eucalyptus in the bush or the promise of a swim after a good walk. Whatever it is, we're lucky to have some truly beautiful places to explore right on our doorstep.
And while our beaches get plenty of attention (and rightly so), there's so much more to discover beyond the sand.
From peaceful creekside paths to spectacular views across the Budawang Ranges, here are some of our favourite walks to enjoy this summer.
1. Florence Head Track + Lookout
Location: Morton National Park, north of Milton
Distance: Approximately 6km return
Allow: 2–3 hours
If you love a spectacular view but aren't quite ready to tackle a mountain, Florence Head is a wonderful place to start.
The walk begins along the Little Forest walking track before continuing through heathland and open bushland towards a rocky lookout.
And what a view it is. From the lookout, the Budawang Ranges stretch out before you, with Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain) and The Castle rising from the landscape. It's one of those places that reminds you just how extraordinary this part of the world is.
The track is mostly gentle, although the final approach involves uneven ground and a rocky lookout with unprotected edges.
Our tip: Head out early, take a thermos of coffee and enjoy the morning light over the mountains. Not a great walk after rain as it becomes very muddy.
2. Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail
Location: Warden Head, Ulladulla
Distance: Approximately 2.3km of walking trails
For a beautiful combination of coastal scenery, native bushland and local cultural heritage, the Coomee Nulunga Cultural Trail is well worth exploring.
Winding through the Warden Head area out towards the lighthouse, the walk offers glimpses of the ocean, coastal vegetation and opportunities to appreciate the area's Aboriginal history.
Keep an eye out for birdlife along the way, and take your time enjoying the views.
It's a lovely way to experience a quieter side of Ulladulla's coastline, particularly at sunrise and sunsett as the views are beautiful.
Our tip: Combine your walk with a visit to Warden Head Lighthouse for more beautiful coastal views.
3. Millards Creek
Location: St Vincent St, Ulladulla
Distance: Approximately 1.8km
Not every walk needs to be an adventure. Sometimes a quiet path through the trees is exactly what you're looking for.
Millards Creek Walk and Cycleway is one of Ulladulla's lovely little green spaces, following a reasonably flat path through bushland between the harbour area and Village Drive.
It's an easy way to enjoy some fresh air, listen to the birds and take a break from the busier summer spots.
With plenty of greenery along the way, it offers a different perspective on Ulladulla, away from the beaches and headlands.
Our tip: A good option for a gentle morning walk before grabbing a coffee in town at Native or Treehouse Cafes. Great on hot days as it is covered by beautiful big trees.
4. Mollymook Beach Path
Location: Mollymook - start from the Surf Club
Distance: Approximately 4km along the path, return
There's a reason a morning walk along Mollymook Beach never gets old.
With its long stretch of golden sand, rolling waves and beautiful ocean views, it's one of the simplest pleasures of summer on the South Coast.
Get there early enough and you might catch the first light appearing over the water, with the local ocean swimming group heading out for their morning swim.
Walk as far as you like, turn around when you're ready, or finish with a swim if conditions are suitable. There is usually a coffee van parked halfway along the beach for a pitstop.
Our tip: Sunrise is particularly beautiful here. Bring your swimmers and make a morning of it.
5. Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul)
Location: Morton National Park, west of Milton
Distance: 7.1km return
Allow: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4 – challenging
For those looking for a proper adventure, Didthul is one of the South Coast's most recognisable landmarks.
Rising above the surrounding forest, the mountain holds great cultural significance for the Yuin people and has long been a favourite destination for experienced and adventurous walkers.
The track climbs through forest and sandstone country before becoming steeper towards the summit. The final section includes a series of metal ladders, so you'll need a reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights.
But the reward is extraordinary. From the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views across the Budawang Wilderness, with its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys and seemingly endless bushland.
This is definitely one to plan ahead for, particularly during summer.
Our tip: Start very early on a cool, dry day, carry plenty of water and allow time for the drive from Milton. Avoid the climb during extreme heat or wet conditions.
6. Mount Bushwalker
Location: Morton National Park
Distance: 7km return
Allow: 2.5 hours return
If you love getting away from the crowds, Mount Bushwalker offers a wonderful sense of space and wilderness.
The track crosses heathland and rugged bushland before opening onto spectacular views of the Budawang Ranges.
Unlike the steep climb up Didthul, much of this walk follows relatively gentle terrain, with much of the walk now on elevated boardwalk to make the views even better (and keep your feet dry).
The views towards The Castle are some of the most memorable in the region.
It's a beautiful reminder that the South Coast is about much more than beaches.
Our tip: Take a picnic to have on the elevated platform at the end as you soak up the views.
7. Narrawallee Inlet Walking Track
Location: Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve, near Lake Conjola
Distance: 9km loop
Allow: 2.5–3.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 – moderate
If you're looking for a longer walk without a mountain climb, Narrawallee Inlet is a lovely choice.
The track winds through coastal forest and wetlands, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and enjoy the quieter natural surroundings.
Keep an eye out for burrawang palms, tall eucalypts and the birdlife that makes its home around the waterways.
It's a different experience from the open coastal headlands, with a wonderful feeling of being immersed in nature.
Our tip: Bring your binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
8. Southern Headlands Walk
Location: Narrawallee to Burrill Lake
Distance: 20km one way, or shorter sections
One of the wonderful additions to our local walking options is the Southern Headlands Walk, connecting some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline between Narrawallee and Burrill Lake.
The full route links ten beaches, coastal headlands, local streets and existing walking tracks, including Coomee Nulunga.
But you don't need to tackle all 20 kilometres to enjoy it.
Choose a shorter section around Mollymook, Ulladulla Harbour or Warden Head, and spend an hour or two exploring at your own pace.
Along the way, you'll find ocean views, coastal vegetation, beautiful beaches and plenty of places to stop for a coffee.
Our tip: Starting the trail in the South means you can start with a pastry and coffee from Lagom bakery.
A Few Tips for Summer Walking
Summer is a beautiful time to explore the South Coast, but it's worth planning around the warmer weather.
- Start early. Sunrise and early morning are often the most comfortable times for walking, particularly on exposed trails.
- Bring plenty of water. Don't assume there will be drinking water available, especially in national parks.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Beach walks and bushwalks call for very different shoes.
- Watch where you step. Snakes are more active during the warmer months, so keep an eye on the path ahead, stick to marked tracks and avoid stepping into long grass or over logs where you can't see what's on the other side. If you spot a snake, give it plenty of space and let it move away undisturbed.
- Check conditions. National park tracks can close due to fire danger, flooding and storms or maintenance. Always check current alerts before heading out.
- Respect the environment. Stay on marked tracks, take your rubbish home and follow local signage.
- Know your limits. The mountain walks are more demanding than coastal strolls and shouldn't be attempted in extreme summer heat.
For up-to-date track information, visit NSW National Parks before setting out.
After the Walk, Take Your Time
One of the best things about exploring the South Coast is that there's no need to rush through the rest of your day.
After an early morning on the beach or a few hours in the bush, there's something particularly satisfying about sitting down to a good lunch, a cold drink and a beautiful view.
At Cupitt's Estate, just outside Ulladulla, our Wine Garden and Dining Room are lovely places to settle in after a morning exploring. Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyard, discover a new favourite wine at the Cellar Door or simply take a little time to enjoy the countryside.
And if one day isn't enough, our luxury villas and four-bedroom Farmhouse make a comfortable base for a few days exploring Milton, Mollymook, Ulladulla and beyond.
Because sometimes the best summer days are the ones that begin with a walk and end with nowhere else you need to be.
