Merimbula Light to Light Walk

The Light to Light Walk in Ben Boyd National Park on the Sapphire Coast is a walk linking Green Cape Lighthouse south of Eden with Ben Boyds Tower at Boydtown. The walk is exceedingly scenic, taking in stunning wilderness, spectacular beaches and some beautiful views as well as fascinating indigenous history. Please note that some of the infrastructure of the walk was damaged by the fires of late December 2019 and some areas remain closed.

Whale breaching in front of Ben Boyd's Tower - South Coast

The walk is best done as a three-day hike, and you can do it self-guided, providing all your own gear, food and camping equipment, or do it with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co.

They have three options:

a self-guided walk where they provide the gear, food, accommodation and logistics
a fully-guided walk with tented accommodation
a fully-guided walk with comfortable accommodation in the historic Green Cape Lighthouse

You will walk in small groups with expert guides, enjoy delicious local produce cooked daily by your hosts and your bags are transferred to your accommodation each night. All you need to carry is a light day pack.

National Parks and Wildlife Service also has an app providing information along the trail. Before starting this adventure on the far NSW South Coast check out the bushwalking safety tips, which include bringing plenty of water.

Ben Boyd National Park, Edrom, South Coast

Light to Light Walk three-day itinerary

Day 1 – 13km

Begin the coastal trek from Boyds Tower, built in 1847, where you'll likely spot seals and seabirds all year round and migrating humpback whales during the season from May to November. Head for Saltwater Creek Beach to cool down with a swim and arrive at the secluded Saltwater Creek campground as the sun strikes the headland and colours the trees. Those staying at the Green Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages will be transferred for the night.

Light 2 Light Coastal Walk guide showing walkers points of interest at a stop at Green Cape Lighthouse, Ben Boyd National Park, Sapphire Coast

Day 2 – 9km

Day two starts back at Saltwater Creek. Head off for Bittangabee Bay where you can follow a trail through banksia groves, past sheltered covers and beside russet-red rock shelves. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Bittangabee Bay and then stop to explore the Bittangabee Bay Ruins. As the campground here was destroyed in the fire, Sapphire Coast Guiding Co., will transfer walkers back to Saltwater Creek (if doing the camping hike) or back to Green Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages.

Scenic coastal aerial overlooking Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park, Green Cape.

Day 3 – 8km

From Bittangabee Bay, set out for Green Cape Lighthouse along a trail that was traditionally travelled by lighthouse keepers laden with supplies. Visit the Lye-e-Moon Cemetery that holds 70 of the 71 lives lost when the Lye-e-Moon was shipwrecked off the lighthouse in 1886. The body of the 71st passenger, the mother of Australia’s only Saint, Mary MacKillop, was taken back to Sydney. Stroll along the walkway to the Green Cape lookout to admire the landscape.