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Royal National Park

“Hiking along the Coastal walk in the Royal, and looking at the dramatic cliffs of this amazing national park, is one of the best ways to experience Sydney.”

Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park is affectionately known to locals as the ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’. Established in 1879, it’s the world's second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest.

Located near Cronulla within an hour’s drive from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong, the 16,000ha Royal National Park is like a big beautiful backyard. Whether you come for a morning jog or a week-long camping holiday, you’ll discover something new each time.

Highlights
  • Forest Path, Royal National Park. Photo: Andy Richards

    Forest path »

    Beginning south of Bola Creek, Forest Path is an easy walk showcasing birdlife, native plants and flowers including eucalypts and Gymea lilies. T...

  • North Era Campground, Royal National Park. Photo: Andy Richards

    North Era campground »

    Go camping at North Era campground overlooking North Era beach in Royal National Park. North Era's bush campsites are perfectly located for an ov...

  • Audley Visitor Centre, Royal National Park. Photo: Andy Richards

    Royal National Park Visitor Centre »

    Make a beeline for Royal National Park Visitor Centre on your trip to Sydney's Royal National Park. It offers excellent tourist information as we...

  • The Coast track, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    The Coast track »

    The Coast track is an epic multi-day walking experience. Go whale or birdwatching from the one of the lookouts. Complete your walk with a refresh...

 

Why you should visit

Royal National Park is a special place, here are just some of the reasons why:

So easy to get to 
Located at Audley, just 32km from Sydney city, the park offers incredible beauty and natural diversity just minutes from the highway and train station. Spanning Port Hacking to Helensburgh, the park features multiple entry points and is well signposted, though it’s always a good idea to take a Royal National Park map.

A date with history 
When exploring Royal National Park you can see a range of Aboriginal sites and artefacts. The best way to find out more about Aboriginal cultural heritage in the park is on a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger. You might also spot one of the 80 historic remnants from the park’s Victorian-era establishment, including ornamental trees and residential remains.

Home to the feathered and furry 
Many visitors regularly spot native wildlife in the Hacking River Valley area, so keep an eye out for possums, sugar gliders and wallabies. This Sydney park is also home to a huge number of bats, amphibians and reptiles. Plus, birdwatchers are in luck – over 300 bird species have been recorded here, look out for sulphur-crested cockatoos, crimson rosellas, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets.

A place to get active 
Who needs a gym? At Royal National Park you can hike, swim and row to your heart’s content. Hire a paddleboat from the Audley boatshed or surf the renowned Garie Beach. Jog along sandstone cliffs, attempt over 100km of walking tracks or try mountain biking the East Heathcote trails (be sure to note the ‘no sign–no ride’ policy).

Exceptional environments 
The park was one of Australia’s first areas of land set aside for conservation. In this natural haven, open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests. You’ll also find some significant geological sites, including fascinating beach ridges at Cabbage Tree Basin.

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Getting there

 Opening times

Royal National National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

 Fees

Vehicle entry fees

In this park, vehicle entry fees are $11 per vehicle per day.

 Close to

Royal National Park is close to:

  • Cronulla (1km by ferry)
  • Sutherland (2km)
  • Parramatta (30km)
  • Sydney (32km)
  • Wollongong (40km)

 Car

From Sydney:

  • Royal National Park's main entry points are along the Princes Highway
  • Turn off the highway at either Farnell Avenue, just south of Loftus, or at McKell Avenue at Waterfall

From Wollongong:

  • You can reach the park along the Princes Highway, or via Otford, north of Stanwell Park.

 Public transport

For information about public transport options, visit the NSW transport info website.

 Bike

Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

Weather and climate

 Visiting through the seasons

Royal National Park covers a wide range of landscapes, from open grassland to ocean-fronting clifftops. It’s a good idea to pack clothing suitable for all weather conditions – along with water, sunscreen and a map – on your visit.

Royal National Park shines in all seasons, though summer and winter each offer a few special attractions:

Summer (Dec, Jan, Feb)

  • Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer. Plus, the panorama from Garie North Head is just amazing, so be sure to take your camera.
  • The beach at Bundeena’s Bonnie Vale is a great swimming spot, as are Jibbon, Wattamolla and Little Marley beaches. If a freshwater swim is more your thing, try Karloo Pool, Deer Pool or Curracurrang.
  • The summer holiday information has important tips to help you plan your day to Royal National Park during the busy holiday period.

Winter (Jun, Jul, Aug)

  • Winter is a great time to tackle the popular Coast track from Bundeena to Otford. Not only will you be greeted by spectacular coastal scenery, you can also see whales from the cliffs (June to August). Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days.
  • Plan a visit during spring to admire the stunning heathland wildflowers on display. Head along the Coast track or the Curra Moors Loop track or walk to Wises track to see them in bloom.

 Temperature

Summer 

  • The average temperature ranges between 16°C and 27°C
  • The area’s highest recorded temperature is 42°C (1977)

Winter

  • The average temperature ranges between 6°C and 17°C
  • The area’s lowest recorded temperature is -0.6°C (1968)

 Rainfall

  • The wettest month on average is March
  • The area's highest recorded rainfall is 254.5mm in one day

Contacts

Royal National Park office

Phone: 02 9542 0648
Street address: 159 Farnell Avenue, Royal National Park, NSW
Opening hours: 9:00am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays)

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Wedding Cake Rock, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan