List of Bushwalks in Royal National Park

This is a smooth and mostly flat walk with a fantastic lookout in the Royal National Park. The concrete path starts at the Area Office car park, passes a pleasant and usually quiet picnic area, then winds gently down through the bush. The path leads to the fenced Bungoona Lookout, where you can enjoy views over the Hacking River and a large part of the Royal National Park. Take your time to read the signs and enjoy the plants and rock formations along the way. There are plenty of bench seats along the way to rest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bungoona Path

990 m return

20 min to 40 min

Environment

Providential Point is a quick and undemanding walk to see some beautiful coastline. The walk passes through the Providential Point campsite and continues out to the fenced cliff edge. These views are complemented by the large cliffs on either side of the lookout on this great short walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Providential Point

1.5 km return

40 min to 45 min

Environment

This short walk starts near the Willow Tree Picnic Area (near Audley). The walk follows a short section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive to a large sandstone overhang called Gibraltar Rock. At the base of the overhang is a rare sandstone cobble section of road. At Gibraltar Rock, there are also good views along the Hacking River. This a nice way to stretch your legs whilst picnicking in the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Gibraltar Rock

1.6 km return

30 min to 45 min

Caves

Environment

Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

1.6 km return

40 min to 45 min

This short return walk starts from the Wattamolla picnic area car park, and winds north along the Coast Track to the Wattamolla Dam. The small dam is nestled below a waterfall on Wattamolla creek and is a great spot for a quiet dip before lunch. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

From the Royal National Park Centre, this walk crosses the Hacking River before rising steeply up onto the ridge to fantastic views of the Hacking River. If you look into the distance you can see Cronulla on the horizon at the highest points. Towards the end of the circuit, with good views of the surrounding bushland, the track descends to the river and back to the visitor centre. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Robertson's Roundabout

2.4 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 15 min

Robertson's Roundabout

Cafe

Environment

On this walk, you will enjoy a stroll along Jibbon Beach and then head through the bush to the Jibbon Head Aboriginal engraving site. The site is a special and historic place, with some clear engravings and others more faded. The site is best viewed in the late afternoon sun, or after rain. Take care not to walk on any of the engravings. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Jibbon Head Engravings

2.6 km return

50 min to 1 h 30 min

Jibbon Head Engravings

Environment

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.5 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, weekend getaway or just a nice stroll during the day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Wattamola Picnic Area to Curracurrang Cove

Wattamola Picnic Area to Curracurrang Cove

3.6 km return

1 h to 1 h 15 min

This return walk starts from the southern car park at the Wattamolla Picnic Area and winds south, further into the Royal National Park. The walk follows the service trail that provides views across the coast and then follows a bush track down into Curracurrang Cove. The cove is a nice narrow nook in the coast line where a number of archaeological findings have been made in the past. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The walk down to Deer Pools takes you through the heath, which is common in Royal National Park. This bush opens out onto Deer Pool, a beautiful little cascade and pool of water. A lovely walk to one of the well known landmarks in the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Deer Pools

3.9 km return

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Environment

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

4.1 km oneway

1 h 30 min, 2 h 15 min to 2 days

4.1 km

1 h 30 min, 2 h 15 min to 2 days

This walk starts at the large Garawarra Farm car park taking the ridge straight down to the coast. Look for the change in vegetation as you descend along the spur to the Coastal Track, before beach hopping your way to Garie Beach. The track is a great way to see some of Sydney's best coast, with plenty of opportunities to cool down, and maybe do a spot of fishing along the way. About half the track is through open grass land, giving panoramic ocean views, with opportunities to wander among some buildings from the depression era. This walk is usually done as a day walk, but if you want to make it an overnight walk you can book and camp at North Era. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This isn't a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Wises Track

4.3 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through a very pretty environment that was definitely worth preserving. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Caves

Environment

Winifred Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Royal National Park. This walk not only goes to the magnificent falls but has the optional side trip down to the beautiful South West Arm Pools. Anice Falls are not as great as Winifred but worth the visit. The walk then continues through the heath to Maianbar Rd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Winifred Falls

4.5 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

Environment

Garie Beach via Curra Moors

Garie Beach via Curra Moors

4.5 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 2 h

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track's tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kiosk and is an excellent spot for a swim (when patrolled) and a picnic. This walk is good for those who can get dropped off at the top and meet their driver at the bottom, or you may choose to do a car shuffle, or retrace your steps back to Curra Moors car park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Wallumarra Track to Bola Creek

The Wallumarra Track to Bola Creek

4.7 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

4.7 km

This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

This walk is an enjoyable way of exploring Jibbon Head and its beaches. From the township on Bundeena, walk through the streets and then along the beautiful Jibbon Beach. At the northern end of Jibbon Beach, a track leads through the bush to an Aboriginal engraving site, then to the point of Jibbon Head. You will enjoy many grand water vistas across Port Hacking along this stretch. From the point, the walk heads along the eastern coastline to Shelley Beach before leading you back through the bush to Jibbon Beach, and then retracing your steps back to Bundeena. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Jibbon Loop Track

5.1 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Ferry

From Engadine Railway Station, this walk ventures into the centre of the Royal National Park, through light scrub. Highlights include Tuckawa Rill Creek, where the cascading water and small rock pools contrast beautifully with the surrounding dry bushland. On from here, there are great views of the Hacking River from the Robertson's Roundabout. The walk then descends into the park lands surrounding the visitor centre at Audley. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Engadine to Audley

5.7 km oneway

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Cafe

Environment

Garawarra Farm carpark to Figure Eight Pools

Garawarra Farm carpark to Figure Eight Pools

6.1 km return

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

6.1 km

Return

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct environments and gives a great cross section of what the park has to offer. The Figure Eight pools are on an ocean rock platform. Rock platforms can be very dangerous places, especially at high tide and during high seas. Only plan to visit the rock platform at low tide and low seas (see BOM website for forecast). Please also wear appropriate footwear for the walk and rock platforms. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit

Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit

6.7 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

6.7 km

Circuit

On this loop walk you will enjoy some grand ocean views, a few secluded beaches, rock shelves and some Aboriginal engravings. The walk starts in the community of Bundeena and follows the roads to Jibbon Beach then along the track to Jibbon Head and Shelley beach, then a long stretch of sandy management trail through the heath. The walk also describes a side trip to Bundeena Lookout. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Ferry

Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Lookout

Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Lookout

7.3 km return

2 h 45 min to 3 h

The walk from Wattamolla picnic area to Eagle Rock is an excellent way to see the the Royal coastline and the Eagle Rock formation. This walk heads south from Wattamolla, following the Coast Track, leaving the sea cliffs for a while to pass through some beautiful heath, then back to the coast, to the Eagle Rock Lookout. The walk returns to Wattamolla the same way, for a bite to eat and a swim. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment

Wattamolla to Garie Beach

Wattamolla to Garie Beach

7.6 km oneway

2 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

7.6 km

The Wattamolla to Garie Beach walk is a scenic coastal stroll which takes you along the top of the coastal cliffs, before dropping down to the fantastic Garie Beach. The coastal cliffs give views out to sea, with many ledges also giving views down onto the waves crashing into the rock. The descent onto Garie Beach has some of the best views of coastline in the Royal National Park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Garie Beach to Eagle Rock

Garie Beach to Eagle Rock

8 km return

3 h to 6 h

This walk, from Garie Beach to Eagle Rock, is another great way to explore the Royal National Park coastline. Eagle Rock is an iconic rock formation in the park, and this lookout provides a great view of it. The walk then returns to the expansive Garie Beach, offering more great views as you head down the hill. Enjoy the beach before jumping back in the car. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

Burning Palms Loop from Garawarra

8.3 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.3 km

Circuit

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest. From the beach the walk heads back up to Garawarra via an open grassy ridge, then through a nice shady forest track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

This walk is the most direct route down to Big and Little Marley. The beaches are fantastic, secluded areas with Big Marley hosting a large sand dune and lagoon. The beaches are not patrolled and can have dangerous surf conditions, so take care. Deer Pool, and it's waterfall, is also a highlight on the walk in. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bundeena Drive to Marley

8.6 km return

3 h to 3 h 30 min

Bundeena Drive to Marley

Environment

Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

9.2 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 4 h

This walk is an excellent loop which takes in both the coast and the heathy inland of Royal National Park. Nearly the whole walk has views of the sea. Big Marley and Little Marley are great places to wet the feet. The dunes behind Big Marley are also worth exploring, as is Deer Pools if time allows. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Curra Moors Loop

9.3 km circuit

3 h to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Lady Carrington Drive

9.6 km oneway

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Lady Carrington Drive

9.6 km

Wheelchair rough and steep

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

5 h 38 min to 9 h 23 min

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical artefacts, read the information signs, rest in the picnic areas and appreciate the magnificent native trees. You may well be lucky enough to spot lyrebirds. The southern end has the steepest sections with the walk becoming generally flatter as you head north. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Karloo Track

9.6 km return

3 h to 5 h

Environment

Train

This is a pleasant walk, taking you through some of Royal National Parks more diverse ecosystems. From Waterfall Station, the walk heads through the bush and heath, before descending to the rain forest and palms on the banks of the upper Hacking River. A great walk to explore Royal National Park's floral diversity. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Couranga

9.8 km return

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

On this walk you follow the historic Lady Carrington Drive from Willow tree picnic area to Calala before returning the same way. The walk passes two icons on the old road, Gibraltar Rock and Jersey Spring whilst crossing several small brooks. At Calala you will find a large clearing and natural shade from some large trees, there is also access down to a small beach on the side of the shallow Hacking River. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Willow Tree to Calala

10.5 km return

3 h 30 min to 4 h

Willow Tree to Calala

Caves

Environment

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

10.7 km oneway

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

10.7 km

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views near Lady Wakehurst Dr are incredibly special as the track winds its way through a shrouded eucalypt forest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment