Kittys Beach Track

Overview

Kittys Beach Track is the prettiest slice of a larger 14 km circuit in Booderee that links a handful of quiet coves and viewpoints. Expect mostly easy fire trail walking with short, scenic single‑track down to Kittys Beach—the day’s star. Elevation gain is about 400 m total across the loop, so the challenge is distance rather than steepness.

Why go

If you’re chasing a clear‑water swim and a remote feel, Kittys Beach delivers: small, pristine, and usually calm. The circuit also tags Whiting Beach (wild vibe, sometimes weedy), a tiny secret cove beyond Whiting reached by rock‑hopping near low tide, and Blacks Harbour Beach. Brooks Lookout adds big‑sky ocean views and reliable whale‑spotting in season (May–October). Steamers Beach is stunning to visit but not for swimming due to rips and sharks.

Route notes

Start from the Steamers Beach car park and follow the fire trail toward Whiting first—timing the tide early helps. A short rock shelf leads to Whiting Beach, with an optional 500 m rock‑hop to that pocket‑sized cove. Back on the main line, a quick spur dips to Blacks Harbour. The Kittys Beach turnoff arrives soon after, descending a lovely narrow path to the sand. Rejoin the fire trail to continue toward the Brooks Lookout/Steamers junction, with optional side trips before finishing the loop back to the car park. The full circuit is 14 km total; you can shorten by skipping side trips or turning around from Kittys.

Conditions and cautions

Much of the loop is exposed fire trail—bring plenty of water and sun protection. Aim for a few hours either side of low tide for Whiting/Kittys and the secret cove; rock platforms are easiest when dry and swell is low. No swimming at Blacks Waterhole. Do not swim at Steamers Beach due to severe undertows and large sharks.

Wildlife and vibe

Kangaroos are common along the track, and whales are often seen offshore from lookouts in winter and spring. Expect a quiet, back‑to‑nature feel at the beaches, especially Kittys, backed by dense coastal forest.

Best time to hike

Year‑round works, but plan around tides for beach space and rock‑hopping. May–October adds a real chance of whales from Brooks Lookout and the headlands. Start early for cooler temps and softer light on the water.

Essentials

Length: 14 km circuit (total). Allow roughly half a day depending on swims and side trips. Carry sufficient water/food, stay on marked tracks, and build in a buffer for tides and the rock sections.