Dark Beach – an interesting dark sand and white sand beach

Summary: Dark Beach is split by a rock outcrop into two bays: one has white sand, and the other black sand and pebbles. The secluded beach is south of Durras in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast.

How to get there: Access via a walking track from Old Coast Road
Walking distance to swimming spot: 0.5km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Type of Swim: Beach (ocean)
Facilties: None
Features: Shaded areas, Fishing
Cost: National Park entry fee
Dog Friendly? No Dogs
Unpatrolled
Topographic map/s: 8926-1S DURRAS - Buy / Download
Bushwalking trail: Emily Miller, Dark and Myrtle Beaches Loop

Dark Beach in Murramarang National Park on the NSW south coast is actually two beaches, which are divided into two by a central rock outcrop. The southern section is much bigger, with the beach consisting of dark sand and pebbles. This is the easiest one to get via the walking track.

The northern bay is much smaller, and is surrounded by high cliffs. The beach here is reflective white quartz sand – in sharp contrast to the southern beach.

Both beaches are suitable for swimming, being fairly sheltered and having small waves.

Getting to Dark Beach

The larger beach is reached via a bushwalking track from Old Coast Road, south of South Durras on the NSW south coast (about 3.5 hours drive from Sydney). You can scramble over the dividing rock wall to reach the smaller beach. You can also visit the beach as part of a longer Emilly Miller, Dark and Myrtle Beaches loop walk.