Darby River to Darby Saddle via Tongue Point

This 9.4 km (5.8 mile) point-to-point walk runs one way from Darby River Carpark to Darby Saddle. Allow about 4.5 hours, and arrange a car shuttle between the two trailheads. It links an open, dune-backed valley with Tongue Point’s granite coast and the forested saddle approach; it’s a good pick if you want the longer coastal traverse rather than a short visit to the headland.

The track climbs an old sand dune above Darby River, opening views toward the Vereker Range. A stepped spur drops to Fairy Cove, but access depends on the tide. At Tongue Point, weathered granite stacks sit beside a boulder-covered, semi-detached island; stop at the end of the track and don’t try to cross to it. From there the route climbs steeply through low heath to Lookout Rocks, then enters stringybark and casuarina forest. A 300 m side track reaches Sparkes Lookout, with views toward Rodondo Island and Shallow Inlet. At Tongue Point, frame the boulders and water together for the clearest sense of the headland.

This is a moderate-to-hard walk with steep climbs and unprotected cliff edges. Start at the southern end of Darby River Carpark, where toilets are available, and leave a second vehicle at Darby Saddle Carpark; there’s no route shuttle. Dogs aren’t allowed. If you only have one car, either approach can be walked as its own out-and-back instead.