Located less than an hour from Sydney, the Royal National Park is one of the most popular and most visited national parks in New South Wales.
From scenic lookouts and pretty waterfalls to beautiful beaches and enjoyable walking tracks, this 15,000-hectare area offers something for everyone.
In this guide, we share the 19 best walking tracks in the Royal National Park, ordered by distance from short to long.
| Walk | Distance | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providential Point Walk | 1 km (return) |
| 2 | Winifred Falls Trail | 2 km (return) |
| 3 | Werrong Beach Track | 4 km (return) |
| 4 | The Forest Path | 4.5 km (circuit) |
| 5 | Garie Beach to Era Beach | 5 km (return) |
| 6 | Karloo Track to Karloo Pools | 5 km (return) |
| 7 | Jibbon Beach Loop Track | 5 km (circuit) |
| 8 | Palona Cave Walk | 5 km (return) |
| 9 | Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock | 7 km (return) |
| 10 | Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach | 7.5 km (return) |
| 11 | Wattamolla to Eagle Rock | 8 km (return) |
| 12 | Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk | 8 km (return) |
| 13 | Palm Jungle Loop Track | 8.5 km (circuit) |
| 14 | Curra Moors Loop Track | 10 km (part circuit) |
| 15 | Couranga Walking Track | 10 km (return) |
| 16 | Lady Carrington Drive | 10 km (one way) |
| 17 | Waterfall to Heathcote Walking Track | 11 km (one way) |
| 18 | Otford to Figure 8 Pools | 12 km (return) |
| 19 | The Coast Track | 26 km (one way) |
Before heading out to do one of these walks, we recommend checking the latest updates on closed areas within Royal National Park on the National Parks website.
1. Providential Point Walk
The walk from the Wattamolla picnic area to Providential Point is a short, family-friendly trail that leads to a scenic viewing point.
The track is around 500 metres one way and is mostly flat and easy to follow. It runs along the bay in front of Wattamolla Beach before opening up to the ocean.
The lookout at Providential Point has a fenced viewing area where you can take in scenic views of the ocean and the headland on the opposite side of the bay.
More information: Providential Point Walk.
| Providential Point Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Duration: | 0.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
2. Winifred Falls Trail
The Winifred Falls Trail is a short bushwalk that leads to a secluded waterfall on South West Arm Creek.
The first part of the walk is an easy 10-minute flat section before it turns into a proper bushwalk with a few steep parts, surrounded by banksia plants and gum trees.
You can get the best views and photos of the waterfall by walking a little further downstream around the pool. Several rock platforms surround the waterfall, offering places to sit, relax, and take in the natural beauty of this idyllic spot in the Royal National Park.
More information: Winifred Falls Trail.
| Winifred Falls Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
3. Werrong Beach Track
Werrong Beach is a beautiful strip of sand in the southern section of the Royal National Park and is one of Sydney’s designated clothing-optional beaches.
But swimming and sunbathing are not the only reasons to hike to this isolated spot. The beach itself is scenic, and the views along the way make the walk worthwhile.
The Werrong Beach Track is a challenging and steep 4 km return hike that starts at the Otford Lookout, then soon makes a right turn into the bush and heads down to the beach.
More information: Werrong Beach Track.
| Werrong Beach Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
4. The Forest Path
The Forest Path is a pleasant 4.5 km bushwalk along the Hacking River in the Royal National Park that loops around Forest Island.
Starting and finishing on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, this relatively easy track guides hikers through a beautiful rainforest environment.
The Forest Path opened in 1887 to support logging in the area, but public controversy and pressure eventually led to a ban on logging in the 1920s.
Apart from a short period during the Second World War, the track has since been used only for recreational purposes.
More information: The Forest Path.
| The Forest Path | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
5. Garie Beach to Era Beach
One of the prettiest coastal tracks in the Royal National Park is the 5 km return hike from Garie Beach to Era Beach.
This walk takes in four beautiful beaches and a couple of steep climbs that lead to vantage points with scenic views of the park’s coastline.
Garie Beach has a large car park, and from there the walk begins along a trail just above the beach, heading towards Little Garie Beach.
From there, the trail continues to Thelma Head, leading to a vantage point where you can take in views of the two Garie beaches on one side and the two Era beaches on the other.
More information: Garie Beach to Era Beach.
| Garie Beach to Era Beach | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
6. Karloo Track to Karloo Pools
With its starting point next to Heathcote train station, the 5 km return walk to Karloo Pools is one of the most popular tracks in the Royal National Park.
And for good reason, because Karloo Pools is one of the best and most scenic natural swimming holes in the Greater Sydney area.
If you’d like to continue hiking after visiting Karloo Pools, the Karloo Track extends to Uloola Falls, a small yet pretty waterfall located an extra 2.5 km further into the bush.
Uloola Falls may not be as striking as Karloo Pools, but the walk is enjoyable, and if you have the time and energy, visiting both spots is well worth it.
More information: Karloo Track to Karloo Pools.
| Karloo Track to Karloo Pools | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
7. Jibbon Beach Loop Track
Starting at the Bundeena ferry wharf, the Jibbon Beach Loop Track is an easy coastal and bush trail that passes Jibbon Head, Port Hacking Point, and Shelley Beach.
This walk not only offers scenic ocean views but also features well-preserved Aboriginal engravings to discover. One of the highlights is a modern boardwalk with a viewing platform where you can take a closer look at the engravings.
Dating back around 2,000 years, the Jibbon engravings are an impressive reflection of the respect the Tharawal people had for the land.
More information: Jibbon Beach Loop Track.
| Jibbon Beach Loop Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
8. Palona Cave Walk
The Palona Cave Walk is a relatively easy trail that leads to an impressive limestone cave hidden in a thriving forest landscape.
Like the Forest Path, the starting point is on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. The first section is a pleasant walk along Lady Carrington Drive, followed by a narrow bush trail that leads to the cave.
To make this walk even more interesting, there is also a small cascading waterfall near Palona Cave, although it may not always be flowing depending on recent rainfall.
More information: Palona Cave Walk.
| Palona Cave Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
9. Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock
Wedding Cake Rock is a unique landmark in the Royal National Park, and although it is now fenced off, it remains a beautiful natural sight to visit.
A scenic coastal walk starting from Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena leads to this landmark, with various other points of interest along the way, including The Balconies and The Waterrun.
This 7 km return walk is one of Sydney’s most enjoyable coastal trails, offering beautiful ocean and cliff views from start to finish.
More information: Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock.
| Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
10. Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach
The 7.5 km return trail to Little Marley Beach from Wattamolla is both a bushwalk and a coastal walk. It begins behind the Wattamolla waterfall at the northern end of the picnic area.
After less than 1 km of hiking through a patch of dense vegetation, the trail reaches Wattamolla Dam, which has a lovely swimming hole perfect for a quick dip on a warm summer’s day.
The second half of the walk follows the coast along the clifftops, offering panoramic views before arriving at Little Marley Beach.
More information: Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach.
| Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
11. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
A scenic coastal walk starting at Wattamolla leads to Eagle Rock, one of the most iconic landmarks in the Royal National Park, known for its shape that resembles an eagle’s beak.
Next to Eagle Rock is Curracurrong Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean. When the winds are strong, the water from Curracurrong Falls can often be seen being pushed back up, which is a spectacular sight.
For the best views of both the waterfall and Eagle Rock, look for the trail that leads down to a rock overhang, a great spot to settle in for a picnic.
More information: Wattamolla to Eagle Rock.
| Wattamolla to Eagle Rock | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
12. Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk
Also known as the Marley Track, the 8 km return trail between Bundeena Drive and Marley Beach is an enjoyable bushwalk that leads to two beautiful beaches, passing through scenic bushland.
One of the highlights of this track is a small cascade waterfall that drops into a pool known as Deer Pool. When the deer population in the Royal National Park was much higher, this pool was a popular drinking spot for them.
Towards the end of the walk, you can choose between two beaches. Marley Beach in the north is a 360 metre long, southeast facing beach with bright yellow sand, protected by a large dune system. Little Marley Beach, further south, is similar in character but much smaller.
More information: Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk.
| Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
13. Palm Jungle Loop Track
Starting from the Garawarra Farm car park in the southern part of the Royal National Park, the Palm Jungle Loop Track is a challenging 8.5 km circuit trail.
This enjoyable walk includes beautiful clifftops, secluded beaches, lush rainforest, and scenic coastal views. Roughly halfway along the track, Palm Jungle is a cooler rainforest section with an abundance of cabbage tree palms and other tropical plants.
You can include the popular Figure 8 Pools in this walk by doing a detour from Burning Palms Beach, but be sure to check the tides beforehand.
More information: Palm Jungle Loop Track.
| Palm Jungle Loop Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
14. Curra Moors Loop Track
The Curra Moors Loop Track is a partial circuit trail that offers a good mix of bush and coastal walking.
The walk starts from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and passes through heath and low tree vegetation before connecting with the Coast Track near Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls.
This track is approximately 10 km long and is reasonably challenging. It is a part circuit, with the first 1.7 km travelling through bushland before reaching an intersection where you can choose to walk clockwise or anticlockwise.
More information: Curra Moors Loop Track.
| Curra Moors Loop Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (part circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
15. Couranga Walking Track
The Couranga Walking Track is a pleasant 10 km return walk starting from Waterfall train station and ending at McKell Avenue.
This walk is ideal for those looking to spend a few hours in a forest and heath landscape, with various birdwatching and picnic spots along the way.
Since the track begins at Waterfall station, this might be a good opportunity to leave the car at home and use public transport to reach this part of the Royal National Park.
The Couranga Walking Track links up with the Forest Path near the end, allowing you to extend the walk if you have the time and energy.
More information: Couranga Walking Track.
| Couranga Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
16. Lady Carrington Drive
Lady Carrington Drive is a historic cycling and hiking trail that runs from Audley through to the southern precinct of the Royal National Park.
It is a relatively easy walk that isn’t about standout highlights but rather the picturesque forest surroundings from start to finish. You can start the trail either from the Audley side in the north or from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the south.
You also don’t need to complete the entire track. Lady Carrington Drive is a great option for a relaxed walk in scenic surroundings, and you can simply turn back whenever you like.
More information: Lady Carrington Drive.
| Lady Carrington Drive | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
17. Waterfall to Heathcote Walking Track
The bushwalk between Waterfall and Heathcote combines the Karloo Track and the Uloola Track, with several highlights along the way, including Karloo Pools and Uloola Falls.
One of the great advantages of this walk is that there is a train station at both ends, making it easy to travel back to your starting point.
This route is an alternative way to visit both Karloo Pools and Uloola Falls if the Karloo Track (see number 6) feels a bit too short.
You can start the walk from either Waterfall or Heathcote, but if you’d prefer to save the highlights for later in the walk, it’s best to begin in Waterfall.
| Waterfall to Heathcote Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 11 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
18. Otford to Figure 8 Pools
This track has become more popular in recent times, with all the hype around the Figure 8 Pools. While the pools are a great sight, the walking track from Otford Station to the pools via Burning Palms Beach is also very enjoyable.
To access the Figure 8 Pools, you will need to do an extra section from Burning Palms Beach. It’s a great addition to an already great walking track, but it does get a bit steep and rocky.
Before you leave, check the tides; otherwise, you may not even see the Figure 8 Pools by the time you get there, let alone swim in them. The tides will need to be low and without any dangerous swells.
If you’re short on time and want to get to Figure 8 Pools quicker, you can also park your car at Garawarra Farm Carpark, which is closer to the pools than Otford is.
More information: Otford to Figure 8 Pools.
| Otford to Figure 8 Pools | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 12 km (return) |
| Duration: | 5-6 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
19. The Coast Track
One of the most iconic walking tracks in Sydney and New South Wales is the 26 km Coast Track between Bundeena in the north and Otford in the south of the Royal National Park.
Bushland, secluded beaches, boardwalks, high cliffs, waterfalls, and natural waterholes all feature along the way. This challenging hike is a true adventure that you should try to complete at least once in your life.
While it is possible to do the track in one day, many people prefer to turn it into a two-day hike with overnight camping at North Era.
More information: The Coast Track.
| The Coast Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 26 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 1 or 2 days |
| Grade: | Hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
Besides the North Era campground, where else is it ok to camp? And do we need to book?
Cheers, Kate.
Hi Kate,
Uloola Falls is another campground in the Royal National Park. Both North Era and Uloola require bookings at the moment.
Take the historic ferry to Bundeena to access the coastal walk.
That’s right, thanks Nic. And with a train station in Otford, the Coastal Track is very easily manageable with public transport.