Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock Coastal Walk

Wedding Cake Rock is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Royal National Park. While it’s now fenced off, it remains a striking sight worth visiting.

The walk to this unique rock formation starts in Bundeena and is a relatively easy coastal track, offering stunning ocean and cliff views along the way.

read our guide to the best walks in Royal National Park for more of these great hikes in this beautiful part of the world.

There are two ways to reach Wedding Cake Rock:

1. Via the Big Marley Firetrail:
   A bushwalking trail starting from Bundeena Drive (see map).
2. From Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena:
   A coastal walk that follows the shoreline to Wedding Cake Rock.

We recommend the second option, which is what this article focuses on. The first route is mainly a fire trail and isn’t particularly scenic.

You’ll find a small car park at the end of Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena. A large information board at the car park marks the start of the coastal walking track to Wedding Cake Rock (see map).

The hike to Wedding Cake Rock from Bundeena is approximately 3.5 km one way. It’s a relatively easy walk with well-maintained boardwalks, clear signage, and mostly flat terrain from start to finish.

We’ll describe the walk by highlighting key landmarks and points of interest along the way:

1. The Balconies
2. The Waterrun
3. Wedding Cake Rock
4. Marley Head (optional)

Below is a map showing these highlights along the route.

The extra section to Marley Head is optional, but we highly recommend it because the views are fantastic.

1. The Balconies

The walk begins on an easy fire trail before reaching a right turn that leads towards the ocean, following signs for the Royal Coast Track.

Soon after, the track arrives at the first highlight, The Balconies, via a comfortable, elevated boardwalk through a heathland landscape.

The Balconies is a large, open area with layered sandstone formations, offering panoramic views along the stunning coastline of Royal National Park.

Also known as The Terraces, this is a fantastic spot to settle in and watch for whales during their migration season from June to November.

2. The Waterrun

From The Balconies, the main track continues along the coast, weaving through boardwalks and rocky sections before reaching the next natural landmark.

The Waterrun is a striking rock formation best viewed from an elevated vantage point. This large, flat expanse features near-straight lines etched into the rocky surface, creating a unique, geometric pattern.

A creek runs through the formation before cascading into the ocean, with a set of sandstone steps forming a natural bridge over the water.

It’s a fascinating spot worth exploring a little further. If you look closely, you might even spot a heart-shaped marking on the surface.

3. Wedding Cake Rock

From The Waterrun, the walking track continues towards the highlight of this adventure: Wedding Cake Rock.

Not long ago, visitors could sit on the edge of the rock and snap a photo. With the rise of Instagram, for many, a trip to Wedding Cake Rock became less about the hike and more about capturing that perfect shot.

Today, the rock is completely fenced off, with multiple warning signs explaining the dangers and the severe penalties for those caught climbing over.

The fence was put in place for two key reasons. First, sitting on the edge is extremely dangerous, especially when large crowds gather, all waiting for their turn.

Second, Wedding Cake Rock could literally collapse into the ocean at any moment.

A closer look at aerial images of the rock makes it clear: this landmark won’t last forever. One day, it will simply be gone.

Despite the fencing, Wedding Cake Rock remains a spectacular sight and well worth the visit. Plus, the coastal walk leading to it is an experience in itself.

4. Marley Head

As mentioned, the extra section from Wedding Cake Rock to Marley Head is optional, but well worth it.

The return walk takes only 20 minutes, and the sweeping views of Marley Beach, Little Marley Beach, and beyond are stunning, especially on a clear, sunny day.

From the headland, you can continue hiking south if you have extra time and energy. This path is part of the Coast Track, which stretches all the way to Otford.

Otherwise, retrace your steps to the car park along the same trail. There’s always something new to notice on the way back, and the perspective of the views changes too.

A few tips before you go:

• Don’t climb over the fence to sit on the rock. Just don’t.
• Stay well away from cliff edges, especially on windy days.
• There’s no shade along the track, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear proper shoes for both safety and comfort.
• Parking in Bundeena is free, and you don’t need to pay the national park entrance fee if you park there.