The Munjip Trail takes in some spectacular coastal scenery. Photo: Coastrek.
The South Coast will host its first Coastrek event on its newest and most spectacular coastal walking tracks, the Munjip Trail.
Set for 14 August, Coastrek South Coast NSW invites teams of two or more to take on a 20 km or 30 km coastal hike from Corrigans Beach or Malua Bay through Surf Beach to Batemans Bay, finishing in Batehaven.
Coastrek has been holding its team hiking and fundraising challenge across Australia since 2009, traversing some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal trails in Sydney, the Mornington Peninsula, the Sunshine Coast, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Margaret River.
This year, its charity partner is mental health group Beyond Blue, reinforcing Coastrek’s mission to promote wellbeing through movement, nature and connection.
The event will shine a national spotlight on the award-winning Munjip Trail, which was officially opened last year.
It is a 15 km Grade 3 coastal headland walk through the Eurobodalla Shire. The trail name means “walking together, let’s go” in the local Dhurga language.
Winding through hidden bays, bushland tracks and rugged headlands, walkers are often joined by whales and dolphins offshore.
The Munjip Trail is not only a natural showcase of the South Coast’s beauty, but also a powerful cultural journey through Walbunja Yuin Country.
Along the trail, walkers can encounter Indigenous art, interpretive signage, audio posts, murals and carved timber message poles that share stories of Country, culture and connection.
The installations feature works from Walbunja artists and Batemans Bay High School students.
Organisers are expecting a big turnout to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health support services while experiencing the physical and mental benefits of hiking in nature.
Founder Di Westaway says the South Coast walk is a milestone for Coastrek.
Coastrek founder Di Westaway said the expansion into the South Coast represented an exciting new chapter for the movement.
“This is one of the most untouched and breathtaking coastal environments in Australia, and we are incredibly excited to bring Coastrek participants here for the first time,” she said.
She said the South Coast expansion reflected a growing movement of women seeking connection through nature and shared experience.
“We are seeing more women realise that getting outdoors and moving in nature isn’t just good for you, it’s transformative,” she said.
“Time in nature, walking with others, is one of the most powerful ways to reset mentally and physically. It really is the best medicine.”
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher welcomed Coastrek, noting it will shine a national spotlight on the region and encourage more people to experience the Munjip Trail in an active and meaningful way.
“Events like Coastrek bring important benefits to the local community, supporting tourism, local businesses and showcasing the Shire as a premier destination for outdoor adventure and wellbeing.
“It is a place where every walk reveals something new – whether that’s stories of culture, public art, sweeping coastal views or simply the opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply and truly connect with the landscape.”
Since the first event was held in 2009, over 90,000 trekkers have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge, improving their own health and wellbeing and raising over $58 million for charity.
Registrations for the South Coast event close on 5 July. To learn more, visit Coastrek.
