Overview
The Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park is an epic multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching along this challenging track.
- Distance
- 26km one-way
- Time suggested
- 2 days
- Grade
- Grade 5
- Trip Intention Form
-
It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, snacks, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, sunscreen, raincoat
- Please note
- If you plan to walk the track please use our NPWS app and download maps for Royal National Park before you leave home.
- You'll need to be well-prepared and bring enough water and food.
- If driving to Bundeena it's a good idea to stop by the Royal National Park Visitor Centre in Audley for park information and maps.
Royal Coast Track is best tackled in 2 sections over 2 days. If you're a super-fit and experienced bushwalker you might attempt the full 26km in a day.
Plan your walk during whale watching season between May and October for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales.
Track notes
Bundeena to Wattamolla or Garie Beach
Starting from the coastal village of Bundeena, the northern section of the walk covers around 10km if you exit at Wattamolla, or, 16km if you exit at Garie Beach picnic area.
The walk starts at the junction of Eric St and Beachcomber Ave in Bundeena where there's a small car park and a toilet. There's no drinking water anywhere along the route so bring plenty with you. Allow 5-6hrs to soak up the rugged, inspiring beauty of Royal National Park's sandstone escarpments, sandy beaches, coastal heath and forest.
You'll find several scenic stops along the way, including Wedding Cake Rock, Little Marley Beach, Wattamolla, and Curracurrang Cove near Eagle Rock lookout. Stop for a rest, have a picnic, or cool off with a paddle.
There's no public transport in the park so you'll need to arrange a car shuffle or have someone pick you up from either Wattamolla or Garie Beach. Please note the car park at Garie Beach is locked overnight so allow plenty of time before sunset.
Otford to Garie Beach
The southern section of the walk between Otford and Garie Beach covers around 11km and takes 3-5 hours.
Park your vehicle at Otford lookout or depart the train at Otford station before following the Ridge Trail north. Hike along the ridge top enjoying a cool breeze and coastal rainforest before you reach a junction where you turn right towards Werrong lookout. Continue downhill until you reach Burning Palms Beach. The detour to Figure Eight Pools is not part of the Royal Coast Track but you should allow an extra hour and check the risk forecast rating in the morning, before attempting to include this detour.
If you're continuting straight on to Era and North Era Beaches take note of the cute heritage shacks before you climb up and out of the valley. When you pass Little Garie Beach you know it won't be long until you're able to reward yourself with a swim at Garie Beach which is patrolled by surf life savers intermittently during summer.
There's no public transport in the park so you'll need to arrange a car shuffle or have someone pick you up from Garie Beach picnic area. Please note the car park at Garie Beach is locked overnight so allow plenty of time before sunset.
Tours and events at this location
-
The Coast track fitness adventures for women
Hike The Coast track and immerse yourself in the beauty of Royal National Park with Women’s Fitness Adventures. Enjoy coastal views and the company of a supportive group of women on this 4-day trek.
-
The Coast track overnight hikes for youth
Hike The Coast track in Royal National Park on an overnight trip with Ausjourney. Reconnect with nature and learn transferrable life skills on this trek for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Along the way
Download our app
The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.
How to prepare for a multi-day hike
Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable multi-day walk. If you’re new to overnight hiking, here’s a list of what to consider when planning your epic adventure.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
- npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
Park info
- in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
Things to do (96)
- Aboriginal culture (7)
- Beach (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (29)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Canoeing/paddling (8)
- Cultural heritage (3)
- Cycling (5)
- Educational activities (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Fishing (8)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (27)
- Sightseeing (32)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Surfing (2)
- Swimming (10)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (42)
- Waterfalls (9)
- Waterhole (1)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (9)