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.
Along the way
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/walking-tracks/the-coast-track/local-alerts
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
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about The Coast track.
Track grading
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
Royal Coast track starts at Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena. 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 at:
- Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena
- Wattamolla picnic area (vehicle entry fee applies)
- Garrawarra Farm car park (vehicle entry fee applies)
- Otford lookout.
There are a limited number of parking spaces at the track entrance to Curra Moors loop track on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (vehicle entry fee applies).
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.
Facilities
Drinking water is not available along this route. Please be sure to bring at least 2 litres per person.
Toilets
There are toilets available at Bundeena, Wattamolla, and Garie Beach picnic area.
- Flush toilets
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.
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
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
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Royal National Park Visitor Centre
2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232 - 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
Learn more
The Coast track is in Royal National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A date with history
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Exceptional environments
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 bathing experience in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest bathing experience 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.
Home to the feathered and furry
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.
- 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.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
School excursions (12)
- The earth's environment at Wattamolla, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla, Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography
- Living world wet and dry environments, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology
- The Australian colonies at Jibbon Beach, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), History
- Community and remembrance at Jibbon Beach, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History
- Environmental change and management at Wattamolla, Stage 5 (Years 9-10), Geography
- Past in the present at Jibbon Beach, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), History
- The earth's environment at Audley, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Places are similar and different, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Living world WildTracker at Audley, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Science and Technology
- WildThings at Audley, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology
- A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale, Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Biology
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 (94)
- Aboriginal culture (7)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (29)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Canoeing/paddling (8)
- Cultural heritage (3)
- Cycling (5)
- Educational activities (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- 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)