When Is the Best Time
Steamers Beach is quite a popular beach yet not much crowded. Several trails are leading to this excellent place in the Booderee National Park but it's not accessible by car. We spotted colorful birds along the trail in the late afternoon. Expect more visitors and campers in the summer from December until February and during weekends. March is a pleasant month with warm temps, less crowded and swimming in the sea is still possible. Water temp over 20°C from December to April.
Weather
Rain is common throughout the year, but more precipitation during summer; winter is much drier. Temps in summer on average around 25°C but can be hot as well. Summer is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter the day temps are below 20°C and expect one digit temps during the night.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Boodeere declared as a Nature Reserve in 1971 and established as National Park in 1992. The name originates from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community and means bay of plenty or plenty of fish. Booderee is well known for its spectacular beaches and hikes. The park is popular for camping, especially during the summer. Booking the campsite is essential and possible up to four months in advance. There is much to do like fishing, diving, boating, birding, swimming, hiking or wander inside the botanic garden. Schedule enough time for this stunning National Park.
3 Hikes to Steamers Beach
- The shortest and direct walk takes half an hour to the beach.
- A circular trail of about 11 km combines beautiful beaches and amazing views to the sea.
- Or combine the beach with a day hike including St. Georges Head and Steamers Beach at the end.
We hiked the circular trail early afternoon for fewer people at the beach and bird watching. Amazingly there were kangaroos at several beaches. On our hike back to the car park a kangaroo was following us; what a special experience.
Don’t miss the Booderee Botanic Gardens, the only Aboriginal-owned one in Australia. This is also an excellent place for bird watching. More information about the botanic garden and the opening hours.
Birding in Booderee
We spotted one superb fairy-wren, several white-bellied sea eagles, a group of rainbow lorikeets close to Booderee, a male and female of the beautiful gang-gang cockatoo feeding, an Australian king parrot, a scarlet honeyeater, red-browed finch, an eastern yellow robin, several kookaburras and more. Booderee Bird Guide
