Pros & cons
PROS
- Big scenic payoff for a very short walk—ideal pre‑dawn photo stop
- Low‑tide shoreline lets you approach the U‑shaped sandstone for varied compositions
- Pairs perfectly with a quick snorkel at nearby Scottish Rocks
CONS
- High tide can cut off easy beach access to the formation
- Small, unpaved car park fills quickly on busy days
- No facilities at the trailhead or beach
Small unpaved roadside car park signed "Hole in the Wall" off Jervis Bay Road inside Booderee NP; signed trail starts on the left of the car park.
Plan around tides—water rises toward evening and can block the beach route; rocks and seaweed near the headland are slippery; no lifeguards.
Overview
A short, easy walk delivers you to Hole in the Wall Beach and its distinctive sandstone headland. The original “hole” in the rock collapsed years ago, leaving a dramatic U‑shaped notch that’s still a great photo subject. Expect white sand, calm bay water, and a peaceful vibe rather than a big, rugged hike.
Route and length
From the small roadside car park, it’s about 400 m (0.25 miles) on a flat, well‑graded gravel path to the beach. Plan roughly 0.5 miles total out‑and‑back to the beach itself. Reaching the rock formation requires a further stroll along sand and some rock—distance varies with the tide, and footing can be soft or slippery near the headland.
Difficulty and terrain
This is an easy, family‑friendly walk on mostly level ground. Flip‑flops are doable, but closed‑toe shoes are smarter given sand, rocks, and occasional seaweed. The short bush path is smooth; the beach approach to the formation can feel moderate at higher tides.
Best time to visit
Low tide is best for walking right up to the formation and exploring the shoreline. Sunrise and late‑afternoon light make the U‑shaped notch especially photogenic. Sunset looks fantastic, but water can push higher toward evening—plan your turnaround so you’re not wading back.
What you’ll (and won’t) find
There are no facilities at the beach or car park. Calm conditions often suit a swim or casual snorkel, and nearby Scottish Rocks is a popular add‑on. Keep in mind there are no lifeguards. Look, don’t touch—this intertidal area is rich in marine life.
Logistics and passes
You’ll need a paid Booderee National Park vehicle pass; walkers and cyclists can enter free. There’s no public transport within the park, so driving is the practical option. The car park is small and can fill at peak times.
Wildlife and geology
Keep an eye out for intertidal life and, if you snorkel nearby, you may spot weedy sea dragons, sea stars, stingrays, and sea turtles. The headland is sandstone—the collapsed “hole” now reads as a clean U‑shaped cleft, great for minimalist compositions.
Alternatives and add‑ons
If you want a longer outing, link this stop with Scottish Rocks, Green Patch, or Murrays Beach. For a broader sampler of the park’s coast and stories, consider the Munyunga waraga dhugan loop (moderate, 5.4 km) on a separate outing.
Where it starts
-35.1374, 150.7481Wildlife on this trail
Near Hole in the Wall Walking Track
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayHole in the WallPhotogenic U‑shaped headland on a quiet white-sand beachParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.5 mi awayScottish RocksSecluded cove of white sand, rock pools, and easy snorkelingParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.5 mi awayScottish Rocks Walking TrackShort bush track to a quiet cove of clear water and rocksEasy · 0.4 mi · 18 min
0.8 mi awayMurrays Beach Walking TrackHeadland loop with Bowen Island views and a post walk swimModerate · 3.4 mi · 2.5 hr
0.8 mi awayMunyunga waraga dhugan – Murrays TrailClifftop loop to Governors Head with beach finish and ocean views.Moderate · 3.4 mi · 2 hr
0.8 mi awayGovernor Head Lookout TrackEasy bush walk to big Jervis Bay views and Bowen Island.Easy · 1.4 mi · 1 hr
0.8 mi awayMurrays HeadShort headland walk with bay views and seasonal whale watchingTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayMurrays BeachCalm white-sand bay with Bowen Island views and easy walksParking · Restroom
