Pretty Beach & Kioloa

Why the northern end matters

Pretty Beach is where many Murramarang multi-day stories begin: the MSCW is often described as running from Pretty Beach in the north to Maloneys Beach in the south, about 34 km of Grade 4 coastal walking typically taken over three days (or longer with more nights). Day visitors still use Pretty Beach as a beach and forest destination in its own right.

Kioloa sits as the handy village twin — stays, basic services and a place to reset without living entirely inside a campground booking. Treat the pair as a logistics unit: park day-use + village recovery.

Yuin Country. NPWS-managed park. Unofficial guide — confirm alerts before every trip.

Starting the Murramarang South Coast Walk

If you are walking the full MSCW, research official experience pages for recommended overnight stops (e.g. Pretty Beach, Depot Beach, Oaky Beach and related stays when offered), guided package options, and self-guided logistics. Book campgrounds and cabins only through NPWS. Carry real multi-day kit: water strategy, tide awareness, first aid, navigation, and weather contingency.

Day-walkers can sample northern stretches only — for example Pretty Beach toward Pebbly Beach when tides allow, or the Durras Mountain return — without committing to the full 34 km. Agree the plan the night before so nobody invents a full traverse after a late start.

Live distance, grade, open status and package pricing change — [VERIFY] on NPWS. Never rely on a single social media reel for tide windows.

Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain

The Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain walking track is a solid half-day when open: often listed as about 10 km return, 3–5 hours, Grade 4. Expect coastal and forest climbing to viewpoints — [VERIFY] live metrics and hazards on the official track page.

Start early, carry more water than the kilometre number suggests, and reverse as a group if heat, storms or injury appear. Summit views are optional; safe descent is the pass mark.

Add a short beach session only if you still have energy — do not try to cram a hard mountain return with a long rock-platform coastal push the same afternoon.

Fees, parking and village logistics

Vehicle entry fees commonly apply (~$8 per vehicle per day often cited — [VERIFY]). Public NPWS visitor info has noted card-only payment at Pretty Beach — plan payment methods accordingly. Annual passes: official pass portal only.

Multi-day walkers need honest car logistics: second car at Maloneys, commercial transfer, or friend pick-up. Do not abandon vehicles illegally or block campground roads.

Kioloa, Bawley Point and Ulladulla are the practical northern service ladder. Fuel and major shops are easier in larger towns — top up before you enter holiday peak queues.

Highlights at a glance

• Official northern end / start context for the Murramarang South Coast Walk (~34 km to Maloneys Beach — [VERIFY])
• Pretty Beach campground and cabins (NPWS bookable stays)
• Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain walking track — ~10 km return Grade 4 when open ([VERIFY])
• Coastal forest and beach scenery with less “midday kangaroo queue” intensity than Pebbly on some days
• Kioloa village base for meals and non-park accommodation
• Tide-aware links south toward Pebbly on MSCW day-walk segments

Walks & lookouts nearby

Grades, times and open/closed status change — open each guide and verify on NSW National Parks before you go.

Itineraries that use this area

Map

Orientation only — confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

FAQ — Pretty Beach