Visit Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve to paddle, hike or swim in a scenic spot. The reserve occupies a tidal flat at the northern end of Batemans Bay and consists of two parts separated by Cullendulla Creek.
One entrance to the reserve is just beyond the Hawks Nest Headland at Surfside in Batemans Bay. If you are coming from that end, simply follow the Callendulla Track into the reserve, which meets the Murramang National Park in the north and east. Clyde River National Park is just a short drive to the west.
If you are coming from Long Beach and Bateman at the eastern side of Cullendulla Creek, hike down from Square Head at low tide to do the Mangrove walk. This popular walk takes less than an hour to complete and is very scenic. You can spot a wide range of birdlife by the creek as well as lots of smaller coastal creatures below the elevated boardwalk in this marine park sanctuary zone. Keep watch for the tiny southern emu wren, which is endemic to this region.
The flora and fauna of the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve is very diverse. There are “sand dunes,” which are more like beach ridges with shelly layers, estuarine wetlands, a salt marsh, mangrove forests and even two smaller sections with rainforest for you to explore.
The reserve spans 126 hectares (311 acres), but walkers are asked to stick to the trails to protect its precious ecosystems and Aboriginal sites.
“Cullendulla” is the local Dhurga word for the creek but its origin is unclear. There are ancient Aboriginal mound middens in the reserve, giving testimony to a long history of human activity in Batemans Bay.
Cullendulla Creek is situated along Batemans Bay, on the edge of the townships of Surfside and Long Beach along the South Coast of New South Wales. You can drive here in a regular vehicle and park on site. Both parts of the Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve can be reached by public bus as well, which is great for hikers without their own transportation.
Since this mangrove area is a good breeding ground for insects, it is recommended to bring mosquito repellent, especially if visiting around dusk or dawn. Also bring your own fresh water to drink and good sun protection.
