Ironbark Flat picnic area
Royal National Park
Overview
Ironbark Flat is a popular, family-friendly riverside picnic area near Audley. Just a short drive from Sydney, it offers easy access for prams and wheelchairs, plus scenic views of Hacking River.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Where
- Royal National Park
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Price
- Free
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Please note
- Audley boatshed is being repaired and restored as part of a program to improve access to national parks. It will re-open in mid-2021.Find out more about all the improvements planned for Audley precinct.
When it’s time for a weekend getaway, pack the car and gather the family for a day trip to Ironbark Flat picnic area in Royal National Park. Near the picturesque Audley Weir, this pretty spot is wheelchair-accessible from Weir Café and Royal National Park Visitor Centre.
When you arrive, you’ll know why you’re in one of Sydney’s most popular weekend destinations. On the peaceful banks of scenic Hacking River, you’ll feel the stresses of the week fall away. Spark up a barbecue and cook up a feast while the kids play on the big grassy areas and watch the ducks.
After lunch, there’s the option to hire canoes and go paddling, stretch your legs on Uloola walking track, or check out the views from Bungoona lookout and path. If all you want is relaxation, simply lie back in the shade and soak up the tranquillity of this riverside setting. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
Take a virtual tour of Ironbark Flat picnic area captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Also see
Google Street View Trekker
Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Royal National Park bus service
Skip driving and parking in Royal National Park and catch the Park Connections bus. Hop from Sutherland Station or Bundeena Wharf to spots in the park like Audley and Wattamolla.

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, Royal National Park, 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. Seasonal ticket booths at Wattamolla and Garie Beach - cash and credit card facilities available. Please bring correct change. There's also coin and card operated pay and display machines to buy day passes.
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
What's nearby:
Things to do (55)
- Aboriginal culture (2)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (21)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Canoeing/paddling (9)
- Cultural heritage (1)
- Cycling (4)
- Fishing (7)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (21)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (3)
- Sightseeing (22)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (9)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (27)
- Waterfalls (7)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (6)