The coastal walk from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls takes in two iconic landmarks and offers stunning coastal views.
Eagle Rock is a striking rock formation in the Royal National Park that resembles an eagle’s beak. Nearby, you’ll find Curracurrong Falls, one of the rare waterfalls in the world that plunges directly into the ocean.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about this fantastic hike in the Royal National Park, including a map, highlights, and photos.
Wattamolla to Eagle Rock | |
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Distance: | 8 km (return) |
Duration: | 3 hours |
Grade: | Easy / moderate |
Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The scenic walking track to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls begins at the Wattamolla Beach area, which offers a spacious parking area.
To reach Wattamolla, turn onto Wattamolla Rd from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in Royal National Park and follow it to the car park (see location on map).
While there is plenty of parking, weekends can get quite busy, so it’s wise to arrive early.
A $12 parking fee per vehicle applies in the Royal National Park, payable at a ticket booth or pay machines.
Map and Route
In the track notes below, we will discuss the hike along the following highlights and landmarks:
- Providential Point Lookout (optional)
- Curracurrang Cove
- Curracurrong Falls
- Eagle Rock
The following map shows these highlights from 1 to 4, starting from the car parking area at Wattamolla Beach.
The trail to Providential Point Lookout is optional but can be accessed via a short detour from the car park.
It’s a great lookout, so we do recommend doing this detour because the ocean and coastal views are fantastic.
Track Notes
If you’re heading straight to Eagle Rock (and skipping Providential Point), you can find the starting point of the track at the southern end of the car park. Look for a sign that says Royal Coastal Walk and Curracurrong.
Otherwise, if you’re going via the Providential Point Lookout, look for the start of that trail at the eastern side of the main parking area. That short trail runs parallel to the Wattamolla Lagoon and Beach.
1. Providential Point Lookout
It’s an easy 350-metre walk from the Wattamolla car park to the Providential Point Lookout, where a small, fenced viewing platform awaits.
The lookout offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, making it an ideal spot for whale watching during migration seasons.
From the lookout, follow the path south, which connects to the Coast Track and the trail to Eagle Rock. Keep in mind that this junction can be a bit tricky to spot, especially when hiking northbound.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to visit Providential Point Lookout on your way to Eagle Rock, rather than on the return trip, to avoid missing the path.
2. Curracurrang Cove
The track continues along the coast toward Curracurrang Gully, offering breathtaking ocean and cliff views. Long stretches of the trail are on a boardwalk, providing a comfortable hiking experience.
About 1 km south of Wattamolla, the path crosses Curracurrang Gully via a set of stepping stones, leading to Curracurrang Cove, a picturesque spot where the gully meets the ocean.
In summer, this is a great spot for a refreshing swim or a picnic in beautiful surroundings.
From Curracurrang Cove, the track continues along the coast, winding through heath vegetation as it leads toward Curracurrong Creek and Falls.
Have you noticed the subtle difference in spelling?
It’s the CurracurrAng Gully and Cove, and the CurracurrOng Creek and Falls. How one letter can cause so much confusion!
3. Curracurrong Falls
Once you reach the stepping stones to cross Curracurrong Creek, the two main highlights of this walking track are just ahead.
Curracurrong Falls is a unique waterfall as it plunges directly into the ocean, which is quite rare.
When the winds are strong, the water can be seen being pushed back up, creating a remarkable natural spectacle.
4. Eagle Rock
If the waterfall doesn’t impress enough, then Eagle Head Rock (or simply Eagle Rock), situated right next to the falls, certainly will.
For the best views of both the waterfall and Eagle Rock, follow the path that leads down toward a rock overhang.
This spot is ideal for a picnic or a rest, offering shade from the sun under the overhang and stunning views as a bonus.
However, be sure to keep a safe distance from the rocky edge, as there is no fencing for protection.
Looking south, you might catch a glimpse of a second waterfall, where Curra Brook flows into the ocean just a few hundred metres away. This smaller waterfall typically appears only after periods of rainfall.
Once you’ve finished exploring this stunning part of the Royal National Park, simply retrace your steps back to the Wattamolla car park along the same path.
Check out our list of the best walks in the Royal National Park for more of these great hikes!