The Curra Moors Loop Track is a 10 km circuit in Royal National Park, offering a perfect blend of scenic bushland and stunning coastal views.
This moderately challenging hike is ideal for a weekend adventure, giving you a great workout while enjoying the natural surroundings.
| Curra Moors Loop Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (part circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The Curra Moors Loop Track starts on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the southeastern section of Royal National Park (see map location).
There’s a small car park dedicated to the track, but it fills up fast on weekends. If it’s full, you can park along the road.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the $12 park entry fee, either at the entrance booth or the pay machine near the trailhead.
Track Notes
The Curra Moors Loop Track is approximately 10 km long, including two side trips to Eagle Rock and Garie Beach. It’s a moderately challenging bushwalk on a path that is well-maintained and easy to follow.
We are going to describe this fantastic hike along the following sections and landmarks, in a clockwise manner:
- Start of the walk
- Curra Moors North
- Eagle Rock (side trip)
- Coast Track
- Garie Beach (side trip)
- Curra Moors South
Here is a map of the walking track:
1. Start of the Walk
Once you’ve parked your car, look for the signpost (as per the photo above), and head into the bush to start this exciting hiking adventure.
The first section of the trail is a pleasant walk through scenic bushland, slowly evolving into a more open landscape with heath vegetation.
Around 1.7 km in, you’ll reach an intersection where the circuit section of the Curra Moors Loop Track starts.
2. Curra Moors North
At the intersection, you can either turn right or continue straight to walk the loop clockwise. We recommend doing the latter.
The northern section of the Curra Moors Loop follows a fire trail, with colourful wildflowers in full bloom during spring.
As you cross Curra Brook, you’ll be nearing the coast, where a short side trip will bring you to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls.
3. Eagle Rock (Side Trip)
At the Coast Track signpost, turn left to go and visit Eagle Rock, which is only a couple of hundred metres away from that intersection.
Eagle Rock (also known as Eagle Head Rock) is a fascinating rock formation resembling an eagle’s beak jutting from the cliff.
If you cross Curracurrong Creek to the other side, you can have a closer look at this rock formation and even stand on top of it.
Curracurrong Creek plunges into the ocean via Curracurrong Falls, right beside Eagle Rock. It’s one of the rare waterfalls in the world that flows straight into the sea.
Another way to reach this part of the Royal National Park is by doing the Eagle Rock Walking Track from Wattamolla, a great hike with beautiful coastal views.
4. Coast Track
After taking in the views at Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls, continue along the Coast Track, heading south toward Garie Beach.
This scenic stretch follows metal boardwalks along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views and passing through a mix of trees and heathland.
After roughly 2 km, you’ll reach a junction; continue straight to visit Garie Beach or turn right to complete the circuit.
5. Garie Beach (Side Trip)
We highly recommend doing the short detour to Garie Beach, even if it’s just for the fantastic distant views from a vantage point nearby.
From that vantage point, the track makes a steep descent towards the beach, but you don’t need to go all the way down to appreciate the scenery.
Do this only if you have the time and energy.
Garie Beach is one of the few beaches in Royal National Park that is patrolled, with the Garie Surf Life Saving Club keeping people safe.
Note that Garie Beach is currently not patrolled due to Garie Road being closed. Check the National Parks website for the latest information and updates.
6. Curra Moors South
Retrace your steps to that junction, where you can turn left to do the southern section of the Curra Moors Loop Track.
The trail soon arrives back at the intersection where you started the loop.
From there, simply follow the walking trail through the bush back to the car park on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive!
We enjoyed the Curra Moors Loop Track so much that we’re featuring it in our guide to the best hikes in Royal National Park.
