List of Bushwalks in Sutherland Shire Council

Enjoy a pleasant meander through a varied forest from the Botany Bay Visitors Centre. This walk takes you through a lovely and diverse forest, there are plenty of small signs to help you learn about the different types of plants on the walk including a large scribbly gum and a spectacular Cabbage palm grove. It is no wonder why Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770 got so excited when walking in the area collecting, what was for them, new plant species. 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

Banks-Solander Track

970 m circuit

20 min to 40 min

Bus

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

Starting at Kurnell Visitor Centre this circuit walk will guide you past several areas' historic sites explained with interpretive signs, including the welcome wall, the freshwater stream, the meeting place, Banks’ Memorial, Ferry Shelter Shed and Captain Cook’s Landing Place. A large part of the walk is wheelchair-accessible. 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

Burrawang Walk

1.4 km circuit

20 min to 40 min

Ruins

Environment

Urban

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

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

Following the service trails, this track covers many of the major walking tracks on Botany Bay's south side. Thick eucalypts and ferns surround the trail and there are great views from the Yena Picnic Area - a good place to break, (although it lacks shade). This walk is a nice way to explore a fair bit of the park. 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

Muru and Yena Tracks

2.6 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Bus

Take this challenging walk through the bush to get to the Waterfall Dam and lake Toolooma with great views. 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

Lake Toolooma Trail

3.2 km return

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Train

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

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander Lookout

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander Lookout

4.1 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

This walk starts at the end of Cape Solander Dr and heads south along the coast to the end of Sir Joseph Banks Dr, in the Boat Harbour Coastal Reserve. The walk explores a vast array of environments including sand dunes, hanging swamps, rock platforms and dense heath. The Baily Lighthouse is a highlight and a nice place to rest. There are also city views from the top of a few of the sand dunes. 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

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

Waterfall

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

Waterfall

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

Cape Baily Coastal Walk

5.1 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Cape Baily Coastal Walk

5.1 km

This walk follows the coast southward from the end of Cape Solander Drive, along the Cape Baily Track. Exploring a number of gaps, sand dunes and hanging swamps; it also visits a light house. As it rounds the headland and winds down to the beach at Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, take your time and enjoy the panoramic views over the pacific. 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 2 h 30 min

Environment

This is an interesting walk, starting from Kurnell and following a series of bush tracks and service trails along the coast, with great ocean views. The walk offers some great views of the coast, city, and some great local landscapes, including sand dunes and hanging swamps. The small side trip up to the Cape Bailey lighthouse is well worth it and provides a nice spot for 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

The Cape Bailey Walk

5.1 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Wanda to Cronulla Peninsula

Wanda to Cronulla Peninsula

5.4 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

5.4 km

Starting from the car park on Mitchell Road, Cronulla, this one-way walk takes you to the Cronulla Peninsula, visiting the beaches along the coastline. You can traverse between different beach settings throughout the walk and enjoy the panoramic sea views that look practically tropical. Make the time if you can to watch the sunrise as it looks phenomenal from some of the beaches. There are plenty of kookaburras in the area for bird-watching enthusiasts. For a more tranquil experience, you can start the walk a little earlier and avoid the heat and the crowd. 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

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

This return walk in Heathcote National Park starts from Warabin Street and takes you through heathland all the way to Heathcote Creek. 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

Mooray Walking Track

5.4 km return

3 h to 4 h

Environment

Train

Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr

Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr

5.5 km return

2 h to 4 h

Following the cliff line of Kurnell, looking out onto the South Pacific Ocean, this is one of the most secluded walks in Botany Bay National Park. The coastline is a popular whale watching spot during the spring. This area provides great views along the coast and out to sea. Baily Lighthouse is a great spot to sit and enjoy the views. 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

Bus

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

Waterfall

Environment

Cape Baily Coastline: Kurnell Visitor Centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

Cape Baily Coastline: Kurnell Visitor Centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

5.9 km oneway

2 h to 2 h 30 min

This walk starts from Kurnell's Botany Bay Visitor Centre and heads south through the national park. The track winds through dry gum forest until it breaks out into heath, joining onto the Cape Baily walking track. As it continues south, through small sand dunes and in between hanging swamps, the track winds in and out of the cliff top coastline to the end of the Sir Joseph Banks drive. The side trip up to the Cape Baily Lighthouse is well worth the small climb. 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

Lake Toolooma Circuit

6.4 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Lake Toolooma Circuit

6.4 km

Circuit

This circuit around Lake Toolooma makes a lovely walk through Heathcote National Park. This walk mainly follows management trails and provides a few views of the lake. Although most of the walk is not in view of the lake, there are great views from the top of the western ridge. 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 2 h 30 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

Environment