Start | (-34.0827445,151.1511264) |
Mode | Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry |
Directions | From Princes Highway, A1
|
Finish | (-34.2107139,151.0054735) |
Mode (end) | Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.) Train |
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
![]() Bundeena
Bundeena
Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B's and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches - Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking.
+
-
Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B's and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches - Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Claire Hargreaves Walk & Beachcomber Avenue) turn right, to head along Beachcomber Avenue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to the eastern cliff edge. Tread carefully. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Wedding Cake Rock
Wedding Cake Rock
A popular rock formation that looks like a clean-cut unorthodox slice of a wedding cake (hence the name). It has been fenced off due to its instability. Please enjoy the view and take pictures from a safe distance.
+
-
A popular rock formation that looks like a clean-cut unorthodox slice of a wedding cake (hence the name). It has been fenced off due to its instability. Please enjoy the view and take pictures from a safe distance.
|
|
|
|
Shell Midden - Marley Beach
Shell Midden - Marley Beach
A shell midden (also known as a kitchen midden) left by the Dharawal people.
+
-
A shell midden (also known as a kitchen midden) left by the Dharawal people.
![]() Big Marley Beach
Big Marley Beach
Big Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach, approximately 400m in length. The beach has a large dune area, behind which Marley Lagoon is found. The lagoon is fed by Marley Creek and the surrounding catchment. The beach is not patrolled and there are no other facilities. The south-facing beach has a rockshelf at either end. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link.
+
-
Big Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach, approximately 400m in length. The beach has a large dune area, behind which Marley Lagoon is found. The lagoon is fed by Marley Creek and the surrounding catchment. The beach is not patrolled and there are no other facilities. The south-facing beach has a rockshelf at either end. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link.
![]() |
|
![]() Little Marley Beach
Little Marley Beach
Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link below.
+
-
Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link below.
![]() ![]() Wattamolla Dam
Wattamolla Dam
Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.
+
-
Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.
![]() |
|
![]() Wattamolla Picnic Area
Wattamolla Picnic Area
Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.
+
-
Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.
![]() |
|
|
|
![]() Wattamolla Kiosk
Wattamolla Kiosk
The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.
+
-
The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.
![]() |
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() Curracurrang Cove
Curracurrang Cove
Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people.
+
-
Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people.
![]() |
|
![]() Eagle Rock Lookout
Eagle Rock Lookout
Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.
+
-
Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.
![]() |
|
|
|
![]() Garie Beach Lookout
Garie Beach Lookout
Garie Beach Lookout is an unofficial lookout on the hill at the eastern end of Garie Beach. The lookout has no facilities and is simply a spot on the Coast track. The lookout provides great views looking southwest along the coast along Garie Beach, Royal National Park and down to Wollongong.
+
-
Garie Beach Lookout is an unofficial lookout on the hill at the eastern end of Garie Beach. The lookout has no facilities and is simply a spot on the Coast track. The lookout provides great views looking southwest along the coast along Garie Beach, Royal National Park and down to Wollongong.
![]() |
|
![]() Garie Beach Kiosk
Garie Beach Kiosk
Garie Beach Kiosk is at the side of the carpark at the end of Garie Rd, in the Royal National Park. The kiosk is only open on weekends and most days during the summer holidays. The opening hours are based on demand and is generally open from 10:30am to 3pm (later in summer). The kiosk sells, cold drinks, ice creams, pies, salad rolls etc. Contact for Audley kiosk (same managers) 9521 2240.
+
-
Garie Beach Kiosk is at the side of the carpark at the end of Garie Rd, in the Royal National Park. The kiosk is only open on weekends and most days during the summer holidays. The opening hours are based on demand and is generally open from 10:30am to 3pm (later in summer). The kiosk sells, cold drinks, ice creams, pies, salad rolls etc. Contact for Audley kiosk (same managers) 9521 2240.
![]() |
|
![]() Garie Beach
Garie Beach
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods.
+
-
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods.
![]() |
|
|
|
![]() Little Garie
Little Garie
Little Garie beach and cabin community is in the Royal National park about 800m south west of Garie Beach. The beach is a yellow sand looking east. The beach is edge lined along the edge with smooth rock with a rock shelf on both ends of the beach. There are no facilities or life saving services at the beach. The cabins built just above the beach are dotted through the valley and includes a green community hall and church up the hill on the south side.
+
-
Little Garie beach and cabin community is in the Royal National park about 800m south west of Garie Beach. The beach is a yellow sand looking east. The beach is edge lined along the edge with smooth rock with a rock shelf on both ends of the beach. There are no facilities or life saving services at the beach. The cabins built just above the beach are dotted through the valley and includes a green community hall and church up the hill on the south side.
![]() |
|
|
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the North Era Beach Campground. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
|
|
Dharawal Midden - North Era Beach
Dharawal Midden - North Era Beach
An Aboriginal midden left by the Dharawal people (also known as a kitchen midden) that contains remains of shells, bones and stone tools. Dating back 3000 years, this place was home to great feasts.
+
-
An Aboriginal midden left by the Dharawal people (also known as a kitchen midden) that contains remains of shells, bones and stone tools. Dating back 3000 years, this place was home to great feasts.
|
|
![]() Era Beach
Era Beach
(South) Era Beach is in the Royal National Park about 1.7km south east of Garie Beach. The beach can be accessed by foot along the coast track or by walking in from Garawarra Farm. The yellow sand beach looks south east and has a rock shelf at both ends. There is a small lagoon near the surf life saving club. The club patrols the beach on weekends during the warmer months.
+
-
(South) Era Beach is in the Royal National Park about 1.7km south east of Garie Beach. The beach can be accessed by foot along the coast track or by walking in from Garawarra Farm. The yellow sand beach looks south east and has a rock shelf at both ends. There is a small lagoon near the surf life saving club. The club patrols the beach on weekends during the warmer months.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() Burning Palms
Burning Palms
The Burning Palms beach and community is in the Royal National park about 4.5km northeast of Otford. The yellow sand 450m long beach has two rock shelves at each end. The beach is patrol ed on Sundays and public holidays October to April and some Saturdays. There are no other facilities at the beach. There are a number of cottages dotted over the hills behind the beach. The rock self on the southern end of the beach has some interesting sinkholes through out with a few joining up to form the well known Figure eight pools.
+
-
The Burning Palms beach and community is in the Royal National park about 4.5km northeast of Otford. The yellow sand 450m long beach has two rock shelves at each end. The beach is patrol ed on Sundays and public holidays October to April and some Saturdays. There are no other facilities at the beach. There are a number of cottages dotted over the hills behind the beach. The rock self on the southern end of the beach has some interesting sinkholes through out with a few joining up to form the well known Figure eight pools.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() Otford Lookout
Otford Lookout
Otford Lookout is on the Lady Wakehurst Dr, Otford. The lookout is in the Southern Tip of Royal National Park. The Lookout is on the side of the road with some parking. There are no facilities, but there is a great view out to see and down south down the coast to Wollongong. There is a small grass clearing on the ocean side of the road.
+
-
Otford Lookout is on the Lady Wakehurst Dr, Otford. The lookout is in the Southern Tip of Royal National Park. The Lookout is on the side of the road with some parking. There are no facilities, but there is a great view out to see and down south down the coast to Wollongong. There is a small grass clearing on the ocean side of the road.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
Class 4/6 Hard track |
---|---|
Length | 27.7 km |
Time | 12 h to 2 days |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) |
Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Signage | Directional signs along the way (3/6) |
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) |
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) |
Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
---|---|---|
Shelter
| 40 m | Ferry Shelter |
Toilet
| 155 m | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 1.6 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 10.5 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 10.5 km | [toilet] |
Seat
| 18 km | [seat] |
Seat
| 18 km | [seat] |
Toilet
| 18.1 km | [toilet] |
Seat
| 18.1 km | [seat] |
Seat
| 19 km | [seat] |
Seat
| 19.3 km | [seat] |
Camp site
| 19.5 km + 40 m | North Era Beach Campground |
Toilet
| 19.5 km + 40 m | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 21.9 km | [toilet] |