A day trip to the Royal National Park from Sydney

Q: Is the Royal National Park worth visiting from Sydney?

Absolutely! The Royal National Park is a great day trip from Sydney and can be reached in about an hour by car or public transport from the Sydney CBD. There’s plenty to see and do including The Coast Track , Wedding Cake Rock , Wattamolla Beach , kayaking along the Hacking River and sunset views at Stanwell Tops .

Q: Can I visit Royal National Park without a car?

Yes, you can visit the Royal National Park with public transport by catching the train to Cronulla and then hopping on the 30-minute ferry to Bundeena. You can also access some parts of the park from Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall and Otford train stations.

One of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness areas sits just on the edge of Sydney. Spend a day exploring the Royal National Park’s untouched bushland, dramatic lookouts and sparkling beaches.

Day trip at a glance 

From Sydney CBD	About 36km from Sydney CBD
Best for	Beaches, hikes in nature, kayaking, rugged coastal views
Getting there	Car for flexibility; train and ferry for a car-free trip
Don't miss	Coast Track, Wattamolla Beach, spectacular lookouts
Optional extra	Sea Cliff Bridge and dinner at Scarborough Hotel
Ideal duration	One full day

The Coast track, Royal National Park, Bundeena - Credit: David Finnegan | DPIE

Highlights

Walk a section of The Coast Track
See the famous Wedding Cake Rock
Swim at beautiful Wattamolla Beach
Paddle a kayak along the Hacking River
Watch the sunset from Stanwell Tops

Paragliding, Stanwell Tops, Sapphire Coast, South Coast

Morning

Get an early start this morning to make the most of your day in the Royal National Park. Established in 1879, it’s the world’s second oldest national park and covers more than 150 square kilometres on the southern edge of Sydney. Begin in Bundeena, a pretty seaside village on the northern side of the park. Grab coffee and breakfast at Earth Thingz and pick up supplies at the supermarket for lunch on the go.

Scenic views over Jibbon Beach in Bundeena, Sydney South

Jibbon Beach, Bundeena

The Coast Track is a popular walk that runs for 26 kilometres through the length of the park. Today, you can tackle the six-kilometre section between Bundeena and Little Marley Beach. This walk takes around three hours return and you’ll pass by one of the park’s most famous sights, Wedding Cake Rock, as well as the dramatic Waterrun and picturesque Balconies. If you’re walking in winter, keep an eye out for whales. For a post-hike meal, you can’t go wrong with the fish and chips at P&P Kitchen or a burger to-go from Vinegar and Brown Paper back in Bundeena.

Please note: Wedding Cake Rock is unstable and has a fence around it for your safety. Remain behind the fenced off areas, and take photos and enjoy the views from a safe distance.

People walking the Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock coastal walk, Royal National Park - Credit: DPE

Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock walk, Royal National Park - Credit: DPE

Afternoon

After a morning of exertion, it’s time to hit the beach. There’s a few to choose from as the Royal National Park is dotted with beautiful beaches. Wattamolla is the most popular, with both an ocean beach and a calm lagoon that’s perfect for families. It’s also a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue. If you’re looking to surf, head to Garie Beach instead. Located further south, this quiet spot has good waves, as well as a lush backdrop of rainforest, ferns and cabbage tree palms.

Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park

For calm river waters over surf, make your way to Audley Boatshed and hire a kayak. Sitting right on the edge of the water, this historic spot has been operating since 1893. Paddle out into the Hacking River or Kangaroo Creek and look out for kingfishers diving for their dinner, turtles and lace monitors swimming past, and maybe even koalas in the trees above. Nearby, Audley Dance Hall Cafe is a scenic spot to grab a coffee and take a breather.

Audley Dance Hall Cafe and Events, Royal National Park - Credit: At dusk photography

Evening

Travel to the southern end of the park and drink in the views at Stanwell Tops lookout. The hill offers a spectacular vista south along the coast and promises a stellar sunset. You may also see hang gliders leaping from the peak – the sharp ride of the hills create strong air currents that make it one of the most popular hang gliding spots in the state.

Stanwell Tops Lookout, Royal National Park

If you aren’t in a rush to head back to Sydney, drive south across the Sea Cliff Bridge, which juts out over the ocean, then enjoy dinner at the famous Scarborough Hotel With a sprawling beer garden set right on the cliffs, it’s the perfect place to toast a day out in the Royal National Park.

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton

Getting there

Transport

Getting there

The Royal National Park is 36 kilometres south of the centre of Sydney. The easiest way to reach it is by car and the drive takes around an hour. The main entry point from Sydney is along the Princes Highway, which you can turn off onto at either Farnell Avenue, just south of Loftus, or at McKell Avenue at Waterfall. Parking can be found at several locations including Audley Boatshed, Audley Dance Hall Cafe and at picnic areas in the park. There’s a per-car entry fee of $12 and vehicles over eight seats have a daily cost of $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child. Plan ahead by grabbing supplies in Bundeena and download the park map as there’s limited mobile reception once you arrive, then make a stop at the Visitor Centre for information on walking tracks, park passes and parking.

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney

A day trip to the Royal National Park without a car

Public transport

A day trip to the Royal National Park without a car

No car? No problem. You can still visit the Royal National Park with public transport. Catch the train to Cronulla and then hop on the ferry to Bundeena. Built in the 1930s, the MV Curanulla is the oldest commuter ferry in Australia and makes for the prettiest way to arrive in the Royal National Park. It departs from across the station every hour (on the half hour) and the journey takes 30 minutes. From here, it’s about a 30-minute walk to The Coast Track. If you have the time, venture down to Marley Beach before circling back to Bundeena and the trip home. You can also access some parts of the park from Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall and Otford train stations. If you want to tackle our full itinerary in one day, then be sure to visit by car.

The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf - Cronulla

Go with a guide

Tours

Go with a guide

Prefer someone else to handle the transport? Several guided Royal National Park day tours depart from Sydney and pack in all the sights across one day. Book the Royal National Park Tour with Your Sydney Guide for a more active adventure or the Private Royal National Park Tour with Sydney Luxury Tours for a sightseeing-focused trip.

A couple enjoying cliff top views at the Royal National Park Coastal Walk at dawn, Royal National Park - Credit: Royal National Park

FAQs

Is the Royal National Park worth visiting from Sydney?

How do I get from Sydney to Royal National Park?

Can I visit Royal National Park without a car?

How many days do you need in Royal National Park?

You can see some of the highlights of Royal National Park in one day from Sydney, but you’ll need more time if you want to visit all the beaches and lakes in the area or walk the full Coast Track, which is best spread across two days and will require an overnight stay.

For a half day visit you can tackle the six-kilometre section of the Coast Track and see Wedding Cake Rock. A full day will include a visit to a lookout and one of the area’s beaches or lakes, plus time for breakfast, lunch and dinner stops. A two-day itinerary will allow for the full Coast Track walk, camping in the park and the chance to visit multiple swimming spots.

What should I know before I visit the Royal National Park?

There are several things to consider before you visit the Royal National Park. Before leaving, check weather conditions and the NPWS for any alerts. If visiting by car, parking can be found at Audley Boatshed, Audley Dance Hall Cafe and various picnic areas for $12 per car or $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child for vehicles over eight seats. Follow @royalnpalerts on X for regular, real-time updates on the amount of parking available. Roads in the park can be extremely busy and traffic delays should be expected on weekends and public holidays during summer.

There’s limited mobile reception so download the park map in advance and be sure to pick up enough water to last your visit as there is no public accessing drinking water on any walking tracks.

Beaches in the area are not patrolled by lifeguards and have strong rip currents. Check tide and wave conditions before you consider swimming. For hiking, wear appropriate footwear and take sunscreen and a hat if conditions are sunny. Pets are not permitted and the Royal National Park is a no smoking area.