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Royal National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Royal National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    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 which is north of Stanwell Park.

    Roads in the Royal National Park can be extremely busy and traffic delays should be expected on weekends and public holidays during summer. For up to date traffic information we recommend people check www.livetraffic.com

    If you prefer to leave the car at home, many attractions in Royal National Park can be accessed via public transport.

    Park entry points

    Parking Show more

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Parking

    Follow @royalnpalerts on Twitter for regular, real-time updates on the amount of parking available in the park, and information about any traffic control measures that have been applied.

    By bike

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

    By public transport

    Train

    Some attractions in Royal National Park can be accessed from train stations including Cronulla, Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall, and Otford train station at the southern end of the national park. Visit the Transport NSW website for more information.

    Ferry

    From Cronulla, you can take the ferry to Bundeena.

    Best times to visit

    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.

    Spring

    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.

    Summer

    Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax; this 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. 

    Winter

    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 between June and August. Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days.  

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    16°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    42°C (1977)

    Winter temperature

    Average

    6°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    -0.6°C (1968)

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    254.5mm

    Facilities

    Toilets Show more

    Picnic tables Show more

    Barbecue facilities Show more

    Cafe/kiosk Show more

    Drinking water Show more

    Public phone

    Large areas of this park have no mobile reception.

    Showers

    Electric power

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    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). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    • All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info
    • Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Remember that parks are natural environments and can be unpredictable. See our general tips on staying safe in parks.

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    Cycling safety

    Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Water activities

    Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying recreational drones is not permitted because this park is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas.

    Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    Wood fires and camp fires are prohibited in Royal National Park. Gas or heat bead cookers are permitted if they are elevated off the ground and if residues are cooled and placed in a bin. However gas and heat bead cookers are also prohibited if a total fire ban is declared. 

    Gathering firewood

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves, however you can enjoy dog walking in these regional parks. Assistance animals can be accompanied in national park areas open to the public.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Royal National Park

    Contact

    • 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). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

      Buy annual pass
    • More

    Visitor centre

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Heathcote (7 km)

    Just 36km south of Sydney, Heathcote offers easy access to Heathcote National Park and Royal National Park – the world's second-oldest national park. The heritage-listed Royal National Park offers a range of recreational activities – including bushwalking, cycling and surfing – and places to relax and enjoy a meal in natural surroundings.

    www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au

    Sydney City Centre (33 km)

    No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.

    www.sydney.com

    Wollongong (38 km)

    There are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities in and around Wollongong ranging from surfing and swimming to sailing, hang gliding, paragliding, cycling and abseiling. Wollongong is the only place in NSW where you can skydive onto the beach.

    www.visitnsw.com