Mimosa Rocks National Park

Mimosa Rocks National Park is located on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia, about 20 kilometers north of the town of Bega and around 450 kilometers south of Sydney. The park stretches along the coastline, with nearby towns such as Tathra and Bermagui offering access to its scenic beauty. Established in 1973, the park is named after the SS Mimosa, a shipwreck that occurred off the coast in 1863. The park’s creation was aimed at preserving its unique coastal ecosystems and the historical shipwreck site. It also protects Aboriginal cultural heritage, with evidence of the Yuin people’s longstanding connection to the land found in middens, campsites, and tool-making areas. Mimosa Rocks National Park provides multiple parking areas at key locations such as Aragunnu, Bithry Inlet, and Picnic Point. Parking is free, though spaces can be limited, especially during holiday periods. Visitors are encouraged to park responsibly to preserve the natural environment. The park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, and common wombats. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting species like sea eagles, pied oystercatchers, and the powerful owl. The park’s coastal waters are also known to attract dolphins, and whales can be seen during migration seasons. The flora of Mimosa Rocks National Park includes coastal eucalypt forests, banksias, and heathlands. The sheltered rainforest pockets feature species like cabbage tree palms and ferns, while wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring, adding to the park’s beauty. Notable features of the park include the striking rock formations at Mimosa Rocks, Nelson Lagoon, and the scenic Aragunnu Beach. Public transport to the park is limited, so most visitors drive from nearby towns. The closest bus services run to Bega or Tathra, from where the park is a short drive away. Photo Credit: David Finnegan