Wedding Cake Rock

Royal National Park

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Overview

Wedding Cake Rock is a popular and very fragile rock formation located along the challenging Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park. Experience the beauty of this natural wonder without risking your safety.

Type
Lookouts
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply if you're parking in Royal National Park.

Please note
  • Wedding Cake Rock is unstable and has a fence around it for your safety.
  • Please stay behind the fenced off areas. Standing or sitting on the rock or cliff edges poses a very high safety risk.
  • This is a beautiful location and we encourage people to come and look at the spectacular rock formations and take photos–but the key is to enjoy the views from a safe distance.
  • The walking track to Wedding Cake Rock is rough and often steep and rocky. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and allow at least 1 hour each way from Bundeena.
  • Phone reception on the track is limited. In an emergency, ring 000.
  • During total fire bans, the track to Wedding Cake Rock is closed. Check alerts and closures for Royal National Park before you visit.
  • It's a good idea to visit toilet facilities before starting your journey, and carry enough food and drinking water for the return trip.

Located around 1 hour's walk south of Bundeena, Wedding Cake Rock is a highlight along the famous Coast track. The pure white rock stands out against the harder sandstone of the coastal cliffs - its sharp edges and deep cracks giving it a unique shape, like a slice of cake perched high above the pounding ocean.

The white colour is caused by iron leaching, which makes the sandstone layers dangerously soft, prone to cracking and at very high risk of collapse. For your safety, please don't stand or sit on the rock, or venture too close to cliff edges.

Getting there is half the adventure, as you tackle the steep and rocky track through coastal heathland, home to spring wildflowers, swamp wallabies and birdlife. The track traces the coastal cliffs, offering sweeping ocean views perfect for whale watching - and plenty of vantage points to take incredible photos of Wedding Cake Rock without compromising your safety.

On your way home, return along the track to Bundeena, or continue past Wedding Cake Rock down to Marley Beach.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

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

    The Coast track

    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.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/wedding-cake-rock/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Wedding Cake Rock.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Wedding Cake Rock is located south of Bundeena, along The Coast track in Royal National Park. To get there:

    • The Coast track starts at the end of Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena.
    • Before you set out, it's worth checking out the outline of your trip at the information bay inside the park entrance on Beachcomber Avenue.
    • Allow at least 1 hour each way, wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

    Vehicle access

    • No vehicle access

    Parking

    There is no carpark at or near Wedding Cake Rock. Parking is available along the streets in Bundeena. Weekends, holidays and summer can be very busy in Bundeena and parking is limited

    By public transport

    You can avoid congestion and limited parking by taking public transport to Cronulla, then catch the ferry to Bundeena and walk to the start of The Coast track in Beachcomber Avenue.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    16°C to 27°C

    Highest recorded

    42°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    6°C to 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    -0.6°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    254.5mm

    Facilities

    Wedding Cake Rock is in an isolated location. There are no toilets, drinking water or rubbish bins at the lookout or along The Coast track. It's a good idea to visit toilet facilities before you set out, and carry enough food and drinking water for the return trip. Please take your rubbish with you when you leave the park.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Please don’t walk beyond the fencing to stand or sit on Wedding Cake Rock. The dangerously unstable nature of this rock and the cliff edges around it is a risk to your safety.

    All cliff edges along the Australian coastline are potentially dangerous and susceptible to erosion or gradual sinking. Warning signs are placed throughout the park reminding visitors to not get close to cliff edges.

    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.

    Beach safety

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

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - no wheelchair access

    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.

    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.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Visitor centre

    Learn more

    Wedding Cake Rock is in Royal National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A date with history

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

    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.

    • Audley heritage tour Take a guided tour through the historic Audley Valley, in the heart of Royal National Park. You’ll explore heritage-listed buildings and learn how this popular day trip destination came to be.
    • Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
    • Lady Carrington Drive This historic cycling track near Audley and a short drive from Sydney follows the river and offers birdwatching, pretty picnic areas and history to explore.

    A place to get active

    Coastal walk, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    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). 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.

    • Audley boatshed Hire a kayak and spend a few relaxed hours paddling up Kangaroo Creek from Audley Boatshed in Royal National Park, near Loftus.
    • Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
    • Bundeena Drive to Marley walk This rewarding walk from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach leads through heath, past fresh water pools and creeks, and on to scenic beach views in Royal National Park.
    • Bush playgroup activities in Sydney’s south Join Bush Play School for a day of creativity in Sydney’s south. Their nature play activities are a great way for kids to learn about the world around them.
    • Garie Beach picnic area A perfect day out, Garie Beach is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and is great for swimming, whale watching, fishing, surfing and walking options.
    • Kayak tours of Bundeena and Royal National Park Paddle the waterways of Bundeena and Royal National Park on a guided kayak tour with Bundeena Kayaks. It’s an unforgettable way to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline, just an hour south of Sydney.
    • The Coast track 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.
    • 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.
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    Exceptional environments

    Rocky cliffs dropping off into the ocean, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    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.

    • Bundeena to Wattamolla guided coastal walks Delight your senses on this coastal adventure run by M8 Explorer. With their knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides, explore beautiful coastline on a 4hr hike in the Royal National Park, beginning and ending with stops for delicious meals.  
    • Curra Moors loop track A challenging walk through heath and waterfalls, the Curra Moors loop track offers scenic sandstone cliff and coastal views, waterfalls and great birdwatching.
    • Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
    • Guided forest therapy walk in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest therapy walk with Nature Being Australia.
    • Palm Jungle loop track A challenging yet spectacular walk, Palm Jungle loop track takes in rainforest, cliff tops, beaches and scenic coastal views in Royal National Park, near Otford.
    • Places are similar and different Explore the features of different places and environments on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion with Ranger Jamie Tours. Observe the variations between bushland, sand and sea in the pristine coastal surrounds of Royal National Park.
    • Tailored tours of Royal National Park Join Sydney Nimble Tours for your own private day out in the Royal National Park. From pristine beaches to sweeping coastal vistas, these tailored experiences are a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.  
    • The Coast track 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.
    • The Coast Track and Figure Eight Pools experience Join award-winning Emu Trekkers on The Coast Track in the Royal National Park, near Sydney. You’ll experience stunning views and have the chance to safely visit the Figure Eight Pools if the weather conditions permit.
    • 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.
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    Home to the feathered and furry

    A flower blooming,  Royal National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    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.

    • Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla Senior students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Geography excursion at Wattamolla. Located in Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers students a complex site to study biophysical interactions. 
    • Birds of Providential Point self-guided audio tour Discover native birdlife on this self-guided audio tour to beautiful Providential Point near Wattamolla in Royal National Park. You’ll walk through sun-dappled coastal forest and grassy glades as you learn about local birds and hear their calls.
    • Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
    • Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
    • Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
    • Forest path Forest path is an easy walk in Royal National Park. It's great for kids and just 1 hour south of Sydney. Wander through cabbage tree palms and Gymea lilies on the path beside Bola Creek and the Hacking River.
    • Guided forest therapy walk in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest therapy walk with Nature Being Australia.
    • Kids nature discovery tour in Royal National Park Embark on an exciting treasure hunt in Royal National Park with Aussie Wild Nature Discovery. The guided nature play activity is a great way for kids to learn about the magic of the bush.
    • Living world wet and dry environments Come and explore the Living World with us on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Science and Technology at Bonnie Vale in the Royal National Park. Students will explore both wet and dry environments and learn the importance of plant and animal habitat.
    • Living world WildTracker at Audley Join us on a WildTracker Science and Technology excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students at Audley in the Royal National Park. We'll don our detective hats and investigate, explore and analyse the natural environment, identify and group species, and discover the key elements that make up quality habitat for native plants and animals.
    • Places are similar and different Explore the features of different places and environments on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion with Ranger Jamie Tours. Observe the variations between bushland, sand and sea in the pristine coastal surrounds of Royal National Park.
    • Tailored tours of Royal National Park Join Sydney Nimble Tours for your own private day out in the Royal National Park. From pristine beaches to sweeping coastal vistas, these tailored experiences are a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.  
    • The Coast Track and Figure Eight Pools experience Join award-winning Emu Trekkers on The Coast Track in the Royal National Park, near Sydney. You’ll experience stunning views and have the chance to safely visit the Figure Eight Pools if the weather conditions permit.
    • Wattamolla to Curracurrang self-guided audio tour Take a self-guided audio tour from Wattamolla Beach to the glorious oasis of Curracurrang and discover the wildlife that call this place home. As you walk, keep your eyes peeled for the places where animals scamper, flutter and swim in this rugged landscape.
    • WildThings at Audley Discover 'wild things' on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) science and technology excursion. We'll explore the beautiful natural environment at Audley, and examine the diverse life found there. Interacting with the living world has never been more fun.
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    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

      Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

      The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

    Plants

    • Close up photo of a waratah flower, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/OEH.

      Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

      The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.

    • Cabbage tree palm in Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

      Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

      With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.

    • Gymea lily. Photo: Simone Cottrell

      Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa)

      The magnificent Gymea lily is one of the most unusual Australian native plants, found only along the coast and surrounding bushland of the Sydney Basin, from Newcastle to Wollongong. In spring this giant lily shoots out spectacular red flowers that can reach heights of 2-4m.

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)

    School excursions (12)