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The Coast track

Royal National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Coast track.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system Features of this track

  • Distance

    26km one-way

  • Time

    2 days

  • Quality of markings

    Sign posted

  • Experience required

    Experienced bushwalkers

  • Gradient

    Very steep and difficult

  • Steps

    Many steps

  • Quality of path

    Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The Coast track starts at Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena in the Bundeena precinct of Royal National Park. To drive there:

    From Sydney to Bundeena:

    • Take the Princes Highway south towards Wollongong
    • At Loftus, turn left at the signs for Royal National Park onto Farnell Avenue, which continues onto Audley Road
    • Drive across Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for approximately 10km
    • Turn left onto Bundeena Drive and continue to Bundeena township
    • Turn right onto Brighton Street then left onto Scarborough Street
    • Turn right at Beachcomber Avenue and follow to the end

    Alternatively, if starting from Otford lookout:

    • At Waterfall, turn off the Princes Highway onto McKell Avenue, and follow to the end
    • Turn right onto Lady Wakehurst Drive
    • Otford lookout is on the left as you reach the coastline

    Parking

    Parking is available in Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena and at Otford lookout.

    By public transport

    Train and ferry

    • Take the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra train line to Cronulla, then the ferry to Bundeena. It's a 1.5km walk to the start of The Coast track.
    • Otford train station is on Georges Road, an extra 2km walk from Otford lookout, at the southern end of The Coast track. Take the South Coast train line to Sydney Central Station, or change at Sutherland for trains to Cronulla, then take the ferry across to Bundeena, if you've parked your car here.

    Maps and downloads

    If you plan to walk The Coast track please use our NPWS app and download the maps for Royal National Park before you leave home. 


    Safety messages

    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.

    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).

    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.

    The Coast track

    Operated by

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

      Buy annual pass

    Visitor centre