The Coast Track
Sunrise, Royal National Park
The Coast Track
The Coast Track in Sydney’s Royal National Park, about an hour’s drive from the CBD, is a stunning walk between the towns of Bundeena and Otford, best done over two days. Discover incredible coastal views, secluded swimming spots, whale watching, seasonal wildflowers and pretty waterfalls along this challenging 26km walk.
Highlights
Fast facts
- Distance and time: 26km one-way, can be done in about 9-10 hours, but most hikers do different sections over the course of two days.
- Level: Grade 5. This is a trail with some steep and difficult sections and is for experienced bushwalkers only. Not suitable for wheelchair users or prams.
- Camping: There are no campgrounds along the route. North Era campground is permanently closed.
- Top attractions: Spectacular ocean and coastline views, beautiful beaches, Wedding Cake Rock, Wattamolla Falls, Eagle Rock, scenic lookouts, native wildlife, rainforest and whale watching.
- You will need to carry enough water to last your entire walk.
- Dogs and domestic animals are prohibited in Royal National Park.
Hikers on the beach, Royal National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
In a nutshell
The Coast track in the Royal National Park is regarded as one of Australia's best walks. The challenging 26km trail, which stretches between Bundeena in Sydney's south and Otford – near the popular hang-gliding spot at Stanwell Park – is marked by its rugged beauty.
The exhilarating trail takes the route of a rollercoaster: scramble up and down heather-strewn headlands, along wide sweeps of white sand, past secluded coves and rocky outcrops, across the bony spines of jagged sea cliffs, down to emerald rock pools and through carpets of colourful wildflowers.
The Coast Track, Royal National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW
Although the route is easy to follow as it hugs the coast, you can undertake a tour of Royal National Park with Life’s an Adventure or compete in the annual Coastal Classic fun run. Those going it alone should also read up about what to expect and brush up on bushwalking safety tips.
The Coast track can be walked in either direction. If you plan to complete 26km in one day, you can begin from Bundeena and end in Otford, where you can take a train back to Sydney. To get to Bundeena, take a train from Central Station in the city centre to seaside Cronulla for a ferry across pretty Port Hacking to the charming village by the sea.
The Coast Track, Royal National Park - Credit: Lisa Sturis | DCCEEW
Start exploring
The first leg of the track is 16km from Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena to Garie Beach picnic area. The thrill of crossing the stunning sandstone cliffs at Wedding Cake Rock is matched by a refreshing dip and picnic at pretty Wattamolla Beach, which has free barbecue facilities.
Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park
Continue hiking south to enjoy unfurling views of the ocean from lookouts at Curracurrang Cove, Eagle Rock and Garie Beach, which has toilets. Lifesavers patrol Garie Beach intermittently on weekends and public holidays in summer. There’s no public transport in Royal National Park so remember to ask someone to pick you up or organise a car shuffle.
The second section is 10km and best walked south to north, from Otford to Garie Beach picnic area. Catch a train to Otford or drive and park near Otford lookout. The walk from the lookout to the train station is about 30 minutes.
Soak up the beauty from Werrong lookout, where you are likely to spot humpback whales migrating along the coast between May and November. Continue your descent through the rich tangle of Palm Jungle sub-tropical rainforest until you reach Burning Palms. Keep an eye out for the heritage-listed beach shacks nestled in the bush around South Era and North Era, which date back to the 1930s. Continue along the coast line until you reach Garie Beach picnic area, where you can reward yourself with a swim before having someone pick you up or collecting your second car if you organised a car shuffle.
Garie Beach, Royal National Park - Credit: David Finnegan | DCCEEW
The Coast Track FAQs
How long is The Coast Track in the Royal National Park?
How long is The Coast Track in the Royal National Park?
The Coast Track in Sydney's Royal National Park stretches 26km between Bundeena and Otford. While it can be tackled in one day, most hikers prefer to walk the two sections on separate days.
Do I need to book accommodation if I plan to do the hike over two days?
Do I need to book accommodation if I plan to do the hike over two days?
Yes, you'll need to book North Era campground online if you plan to camp overnight here. It's a popular place so book well in advance, especially from October to March.
What should I bring if I am hiking The Coast Track?
What should I bring if I am hiking The Coast Track?
Drinking water, hat, snacks, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, sunscreen and raincoat. Check the NPWS Coast track webpage to plan your trip. Check the safety information, including park fire and closure alerts.
Is there a map I can follow on my phone while hiking?
Is there a map I can follow on my phone while hiking?
Hikers can use the NPWS app and download the map for Royal National Park before you leave home. You'll be able to track your location even when you are offline and lose mobile phone reception.
Are there entry fees for the Royal National Park?
Are there entry fees for the Royal National Park?
Yes, there are entry fees to enter the Royal National Park.
- $12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
- Vehicles over eight seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
