Royal National Park coast track: route, time and tips

Royal National Park coast track is a 26 km walk along the cliffs and beaches south of Sydney, from Bundeena in the north to Otford in the south. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) calls it the Royal Coast Track. You can walk it in either direction, and most people split it over two days with a night at North Era campground.

This guide covers the route, how to reach each end, how long to allow, and the track works and closures that NPWS listed in late 2021.

Sources for this section: NSW Environment and Heritage, Royal Coast Track upgrade; NSW National Parks, Royal National Park.

The route from Bundeena to Otford

NPWS puts the Royal Coast Track at 26 kilometres along the coast of Royal National Park. Some other sources round it up. Wikipedia, for one, gives 30 kilometres, so trust the park authority figure of 26 km when you plan.

Walking south from Bundeena, you pass a string of places that NPWS names as stops on the track: Wattamolla, Eagle Rock, Garie, Burning Palms and Era Beach. The path rises and falls between sandy beaches and sandstone headlands, and in clear weather there are wide views of the ocean. NPWS also notes that whales can be seen from the coast.

The southern end finishes near Otford and its lookout. Some people prefer to start at Otford and finish at Bundeena. The direction is your choice, but think about which end is easier to reach and which transport you want waiting for you when you are tired.

Sources for this section: NSW Environment and Heritage, Royal Coast Track upgrade; Wikipedia, Royal National Park.

Getting to both ends

The two ends are in different places, so plan the transport before you set off.

• Bundeena: Wikipedia says you can reach Bundeena by passenger ferry from Cronulla, or by road through the park from Sutherland or Waterfall. The ferry crossing takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on the weather, and a 15 minute train ride links Cronulla with Sutherland. The ferry is run by Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises.
• Otford: Wikipedia lists Otford among the railway stations on the outskirts of the park. Check the walk from the station to the track before you rely on it.
• Park bus: NPWS says the Park Connections bus runs from Sutherland station and from Bundeena Wharf to spots such as Audley and Wattamolla. That can help if you only want a section of the track.

If you drive, remember that you will end up at the other end of the walk from your car. NPWS lists park entry fees of $12 per vehicle per day, and the park is open from 7am to 8.30pm (check the gate hours if you leave a car). The train and ferry avoid that problem.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Bundeena, New South Wales; Wikipedia, Royal National Park; NSW National Parks, Royal National Park.

How long to allow

NPWS does not give a single walking time on the pages we opened, so use the distance and your own pace. At 26 km with beach sand and rocky headlands, this is a big day for most people. Wikipedia, quoting NPWS, says the bush campsites at North Era are well placed for an overnight stop while walking the Coast Track.

Camping is allowed in the park only at Bonnie Vale, North Era and Uloola Falls. You must book a site first. North Era is the one on the Coast Track.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Royal National Park.

Closures and upgrades in late 2021

NPWS has been upgrading the track since 2016-17. Its page, last updated on 9 September 2021, says almost 17 km had been upgraded with 9 km to go. The works are meant to finish by June 2022. That means some parts are new and smooth, while others are still rough.

The same page lists two closures. First, from 6 September to early December 2021, the track between Otford lookout and Figure Eight Pools was closed from Monday to Thursday, and open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The closest access in that period was from Garawarra Farm. Second, the track between Garie and Little Garie was closed because of an unstable cliff edge, and NPWS warned that further rockfalls could happen at any time.

These notices change often. Before you go, read the alerts on the NPWS website for Royal National Park, and do not cross a closed section. A closure can force you to turn back or to use a different access point.

Sources for this section: NSW Environment and Heritage, Royal Coast Track upgrade.

Tips for the walk

• Start early. The park is open from 7am to 8.30pm, so plan your start and finish around those hours.
• Carry enough water. Pack more than you think you need for a long day on the coast.
• Book the campground early. Camping in the park is regulated by a booking system that needs a site booked ahead.
• Check the weather. NPWS says the park may close at times because of poor weather or fire danger.
• Tell someone your plan. Share your route and expected finish time with a friend.
• Wear shoes with good grip. The path crosses beaches and sandstone headlands.

If you want a shorter coastal walk in the same city, our Bondi to Coogee coastal walk guide is flat and easy to cut short. For a bigger trip, see the Blue Mountains day trip guide.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Royal National Park.

A short note on the park

Royal National Park was proclaimed on 26 April 1879, and NPWS says it is the world's second oldest national park. It covers about 16,000 hectares and sits within an hour's drive of both the Sydney city centre and Wollongong. Locals often call it "the Royal".

Sources for this section: NSW National Parks, Royal National Park; Wikipedia, Royal National Park.

Sources

1. NSW Environment and Heritage, Royal Coast Track upgrade: environment.nsw.gov.au
2. NSW National Parks, Royal National Park: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
3. Wikipedia, Royal National Park: en.wikipedia.org
4. Wikipedia, Bundeena, New South Wales: en.wikipedia.org