5 July 2021

Canberra Day Trips: Walk in the footsteps of the Brinja-Yuin people on The Bingi Dreaming Track

| Canberra Day Trips
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Bingie Beach. Photo Alex Rea.

If your idea of the perfect day trip involves a coastal walk through some awesome scenery, then here’s one that you’ll love. The Bingi Dreaming Track is a 14 km trail on the South Coast from the beautiful village of Tuross Head to Congo. As it winds its way through Eurobodalla National Park you’ll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Brinja-Yuin people and see stone artefacts or patches of shell middens as you walk along the coast.

But that’s not all! Birdwatching? Tick. Kangaroos and wallabies? Tick. And if you’re doing the walk during whale watching season, there are some excellent vantage points to see the magnificent creatures on their way along the coast for their annual migration.

Dreaming Tracks were traditionally links between every place visited by local Aboriginal people. Eventually, they were extended to connect more broadly. You may have heard Dreaming Tracks referred to as song lines, because the people who used them had to know the songs to navigate the area successfully.

Why you’ll love it

  • You’re guaranteed panoramic views of the rugged ocean as you walk along.
  • Bingi Bingi Point has a scenic lookout and plenty to explore.
  • Between Congo and Tuross there are some excellent views. You’ll be able to see across to Gulaga and Baranguba (Montague Island) and take in the spectacular vistas.
  • Aside from kangaroos and wallabies, keep an eye out for the possums and echidnas that inhabit the scrub.
  • The Bingi Dreaming track links what once were Aboriginal campsites, ceremonial and trade sites, fresh water and plentiful coastal food sources.
  • In spring, wildflowers are at their colourful best along the track and in the area.
  • There’s a wide variety of bird species to be spotted all year round.
  • If you finish your walk at Tuross Head, there are several fabulous spots to grab a coffee or a meal. Here’s our Canberra Day Trips article about Tuross, which is packed with useful information.

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Getting there

  • Follow the Kings Highway to Batemans Bay, turning right at the major roundabout on the intersection with the Princes Highway. Drive south for around 30 minutes.
  • Once you’ve passed through Moruya, take a left turn into Bingie Road. Follow it to the end, where you’ll find a car park and a good information board, but no amenities. Alternatively, you can pick up the track at Coila Beach, which is at the north end of Tuross Head. There’s parking and public toilets available on Tuross Boulevard.
  • There’s a handy map of the walk
  • The track itself is well signposted.

When to go

If you’re up for a spot of fishing before or after your walk, autumn is a great time to tackle the track. Winter is a fine time for whale watching, while spring sees the coastal banksias and other wildflowers put on a lovely display.

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Key details

  • Allow 4-6 hours for the walk if you’re doing the full stretch.
  • Be aware the inland track can become overgrown at times.
  • The walk can include some sections along sandy beaches depending on lake levels.
  • It’s a long walk of medium difficulty, so this walk is best planned on a day when you’re already at the coast.
  • When Coila Lake is too high the alternative route follows the seashore.
  • Recommended for: experienced walkers with good fitness.
  • More information: Bingie Dreaming Track

Do you know of any other memorable coastal walks Canberra Day Trips should review?

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