Christmas is all about indulging, particularly after the year that was 2021.
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But, if you're feeling slightly sluggish from one to many servings of pavlova, luckily there are plenty of places to get your body moving, and enjoy the beautiful nature the South Coast has to offer.
Our spring bushwalking series showcased some of the best walks in the Eurobodalla Shire, with thanks to experts from the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers Club.
Guerilla Bay
Club president Karen MacLatchy shared her recommendation for beginner walkers, or those new to the shire: the gorgeous vistas of Guerilla Bay.
She said while most trails in the shire were unmarked, the Guerilla Bay walk was a good one for beginners as it was "almost impossible to get lost on".
Start at the carpark at the end of Burri Point Road in Guerilla Bay where there's a sign advertising the Banksia Walk. This is a 750m flat walk to the Lighthouse on Burrewarra Point. It passes a concrete bunker and a viewing platform, both signposted.
At the lighthouse the track continues south along the cliffs all the way to a sandy cove (locally known as Franks Beach). Retrace your steps, keeping closer to the back boundaries of the houses on the way back. Turn left at Sandy Place and left at Burri Point Road. Then right at Guerilla Bay Road to the beach.
Follow the beach north to the big rock and picnic tables. You can walk across and explore the big rock at low tide. There is a track at the back of the northern end of the sand which goes over the headland to the north and down to another sandy cove.
Bengello Beach
Club member Gay Samal shared her favourite track to take visitors: Bengello Beach.
The track showcases the forests of Moruya as well as the beach and walkers can often spot skydivers, surfers and a variety of wildlife.
Airport, off George Bass Drive turn left at the sign "Bengello Beach (South)". Follow the gravel road around the airport fence, parking near the windsock.
Head north from the carpark following the track along the back of the dunes. It's a good flat track and watch for the information boards along the way. There are little tracks to the beach or just continue along the forest track for about 3.5kms until you come to a gate and carpark on the right.
This area is known locally as Sand Mines as several decades ago sand was taken for construction purposes. Walk through the carpark to the beach and head south back to the windsock. Best to do the beach walk at low tide or return back via the forest track.
Murramurang National Park
Club member Rob Lees said Durras was one of his favourite spots to visit because it's easy to access and highlights so many of the great features of the region.
We hike inland along old abandoned roads in majestic spotted gum forests. Then we move along the cliff tops with fantastic views of the ocean and beaches.
On the coast we get to explore the interesting geology of this region including stepping over an eroded volcanic intrusion, "the leap of faith". This part of the coastline was under a shallow sea over 250 million years ago with icebergs that carried large rocks that were deposited when the ice melted.
We get to see these boulders called "drop stones" on the shore platform as well as ancient fossils of mussels. Finally we get top see remnants of old timber milling equipment near Durras beach.
This track is medium difficulty which means it has some serious hills and rough tracks so it's important be aware of your ability before embarking.
Gulaga
Club member Donna Garten discovered this hike with friends in the early 2000s, and it's been one of her favourites ever since.
Gulaga and the surrounding landscape have great spiritual significance to the Yuin people, particularly women.
There are tours run from Central Tilba where you learn about the Indigenous history of Gulaga while doing the walk.
It's 7km uphill so you need to have a reasonable level of fitness because it's uphill all the way. It is quite challenging but the track itself is easy to navigate with formed tracks and you're not likely to get lost but it's best done in a group.
When you get to the saddle before you take the track to the summit there is a picnic table and a toilet, the perfect spot for a rest and a snack before you tackle the final bit.
At the summit there are views to the east and south east, worth every step.
Mckenzies Beach to Surf Beach
Club member Brian Mercer calls this track "suburbia's bushwalk" because of it's closeness to town.
This walk is mostly flat, the only real hill is from Grandfathers Gully up to the top of the hill, but otherwise you don't need to be particularly fit.
It will take about three to four hours depending on your pace, and it's a nice one to meander along on an afternoon.
For long sections of the bushwalk it there is an easy, well-worn track to follow but some of the tracks take a little more work to find.
If doing it for the first time it would be good to do it with someone who knows the area, but Google maps can also help you out.