Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford)
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
2 Days
27.3 km
1353 m
One way
0.1 km NE of Bundeena
Royal National Park
Track: Hard
Following the coast south this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this trail follows the cliffs through the scrub. Its well-managed and signposted track allows walkers to enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea and along the cliffs.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
You can promote your organisation on the web and in the bush by sponsoring a set of Wildwalks tracknotes. Sponsorship starts from $10 per/month. This program is unique and will offer a great return on your investment.
(0 km) Bundeena Ferry Wharf to Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk Track: Moderate - road, servicetrail, servicetrail
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 72 m
Descent = -26 m
From Bundeena Ferry, on Brighton St the track turns left into Loftus St, goes past Mary St and turns right into Bournemouth St. The track turns left into Scarbourough St and take the first right into Beachcomber Av. Beachcomber Av is followed south and gradually to the east until reaching the entry into the Royal National Park. This is marked by several large information signs. From the end of Beachcomber Av the track heads south-east for approximately 150m before coming to an intersection with a track heading off to the north-east. This is the servicetrail to Port Hacking Point. During this section of track the trail is a flat though rocky ashalt road. From the intersection the track heads south-west along the road for a short period before coming to an intersection marked with a large green signpost saying 'Coast Track'.
(1.76 km) Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk to Bundeena Lookout Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -26 m
From the intersection the track heads south-east along the bushtrack. Immediately after beginning this track there is a bushtrack going off to the south. This has been fenced off and there is a large sign saying 'no entry track- under regeneration'. Past this the track continues along the bushtrack heading towards the cliffs. Just before coming to the cliff there are numerous small rabbit tracks that go off the main trail. Once coming to the clifftop there is an intersection with a disused track heading off to the north-west. This is good for a short walk but it soon fades away. The main track however leads off to the south-west.
(2.45 km) Bundeena Lookout to West Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack, beach
Distance = 3.9 km
Time = 1 Hrs 10 mins
Climb = 131 m
Descent = -154 m
From the intersection the track heads south-west along the bushtrack and the clifftop. For the most part this follows the post markers along the clifftop next to the Ocean. Due to the position of the track there are some fantastic views over the water. After several hundred metres the track comes to an intersection with a track that is heading up to the right away from the clifftops. This is the alternative track on the clifftop, however this is currently under regeneration. Ignoring this intersection the track heads gradually down the bushtrack until coming to a large gully. This gully is quite amazing as it has really good views up the valley north-west as well as a fantastic view out to sea. From the top of the gully the track descends extremely steeply via the rock stairs into the gully. Once at the bottom the track uses the wooden bridge to cross the very small creek and iimmediately ascends to the top of the hill using the very well made path. Once on the ridge the track flattens out and continues along the well made and flat bushtrack through the high heath until coming to an intersection with servicetrail. This intersection is marked by a signpost saying 'Coast Walk' From the intersection at the coast and the sign saying Coast Walk the track heads south-west along the cliff edge. Once reaching the cliff there are some fantastic views over Marley Beach, down the coast and the Pacific Ocean. From here the track heads along the cliff edge gradually descending and in various parts steeply going down. In the final section of the descent to Marley Beach the track descends quite steeply until coming to the large green information sign. From the east end of Marley Beach the track heads west along the beach until coming to the rockshelf at the end. Marley Beach is very beautiful and if it is possible to get a sunny day for walking then it would be a great spot to swim. On the rockshelf at the end of the beach there are some shady spots that are good to break from the walk. At this point there is also an intersection with a small bushtrack that heads up to the north-west.
(6.32 km) West Marley Beach to Little Marley Beach Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -17 m
From the west end of the beach the the track heads up the rockshelf to the south-west. During this section of the track follows closely beside the cliff edge. There are also several small but steep climbs. To assist walkers in getting up these cut rock-stairs have been installed into the rockshelf. There are also several sections where they have installed small sections of boardwalk and footbridge. these are largely to prevent the erosion of the cliff-edge and the vulnerable plants that live there. Once reaching the ridge the track flattens out for a short while before coming to an intersection with an unmarked intersection going off to the right and away from the cliffs. From the intersection the track heads south-west for a short while before descending to Little Marley Beach. From the ridge the beach is easy to see but once the track starts to go down the scrub becomes very high, and as such it feels like the track is going through a tunnel with only glimpses of the ocean and cliffs before emerging on Little Marley Beach.
(6.96 km) Little Marley Beach to Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 3.5 km
Time = 1 Hrs 15 mins
Climb = 191 m
Descent = -186 m
From Little Marley Beach the track heads south climbing to the clifftop using a well-signposted bushtrack. Once on the ridge the track follows the rockshelf for a short period before changing onto a metal footbridge. This continues along the scrub vegetation with short periods where the track changes back to being on the rockshelf above the cliff until the track changes to purely being a well managed bushtrack going through the high scrub. Shortly before tcoming to an intersection the track turns slightly to the north-west. This intersection is marked with a large green sign post saying 'Coast Track'. From the intersection the track heads south-west along the bushtrack. This descends gradually through the scrub with scattered views over the South Pacific Ocean. In this section the scrub is quite high and provides a tunnel feeling to the walk. This continues until reaching Wattamolla Creek where there is a small waterhole and creek. This would be a nice place to stop as it is a good spot to swim as well as having great views over cliffs and the ocean. From the creek the track continues south-west and gradually turns to the south, gradually descending until arriving at the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground.
Wattamolla Dam
Alt = 21
Wattamolla pool, Royal National Park, is a quiet spot for a dip just south of the Coastal Tracks crossing of Wattamolla Creek. The pool is artificially made from a stone wall being built below a small waterfall.
(10.42 km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground to Overflow Carpark Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -4 m
From the northern end of the picnic ground the track heads south, through the caparks and grasslands, following the direction to the Overflow Carpark. This continues until coming to the Toilet Block. From the toilet block the track follows the signs to the Overflow Carpark. This is the upper carpark. In this there is a large servicetrail, with a boom gate and signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km'.
(10.74 km) Overflow Carpark to Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 3.5 km
Time = 1 Hrs 10 mins
Climb = 153 m
Descent = -143 m
From the carpark the track heads south-east along the servicetrail. This heads up the hill gradually and turning towards the cliffs. Close to the top of the small hill the track passes two large watertowers. Shortly after passing these the track comes to a great lookout over the ocean. This is marked by a sign saying 'Curracarang'.From the lookout the track turns and heads south along the cliff edge with the track changing to a much rougher bushtrack, gradually turning to the south-west until coming to a magnificent chasm in the rock that provides a different view of the cliff. From here there is an intersection with another bushtrack that heads up to the north. From the intersection the trail heads south-west along the cliff. Shortly after the intersection the track begins to descend and at this point the track becomes less definitite and there are many rabbit tracks that are quite misleading even though there are small arrows that show the way. This continues down through the heath until crossing a small creek. at this point the track begins to gradually ascend using metal boardwalks and the rockshelf. In parts in this section the track becomes quite indefinite so it is necessary to keep an eye out for the small arrows on the poles. This continues until the track reaches the ridgetop. at this point the track changes to being a wide bushtrack along of which there are several information signs on the area. shortly after the track becomes a wide bushtrack the trail comes to an intersection signposted with 'Wattamolla 2.9km' on it.
(14.24 km) Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail to Garie Beach Carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack, beach, beach
Distance = 3.7 km
Time = 1 Hrs 15 mins
Climb = 150 m
Descent = -180 m
From the intersection the track heads south-west along the bushtrack and the rockshelf. This continues with the track becoming a narrow trail that goes through the scrub. In various sections metal walkways have been built metal walkways to stabilise the environment in the area. This continues until reaching an intersection with a track heading off to the north-west. From the intersection the track heads south-west following the line of the cliffs. After several hundred metres of being surrounded by high scrub the track emerges out into the open and has fantastic views of Garie Beach and the mountains to the south. From this point the track begins to descend steeply down to the north-eastern end of Garie Beach. Just before coming to the beach the track passes a small improvised campground with fireplaces. From the north-east end of Garie Beach the track heads west along the beach. Approximately halfway along the beach there is a track that heads north away from the beach and up to Garie Beach Youth Hostel. Garie Beach is a beautiful beach with hills all around it giving it a very different feel to many other beaches in the sydney area which are large open. From the intersection the track heads south for approximately 200m along the beach to Garie Beach car park on the right.
Garie Beach
Alt = 4
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is large south east facing beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullys, which allow access by road and to the numerous cabins on the hillsides. Garie Beach is a popular with surfing beach. The beach is patrolled 9:00-5:00 everyday from late Dec to late Jan. For the remainder of Summer, it is patrolled on the Weekends only.
(17.97 km) Garie Beach Carpark to North Era Bush Campground Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.6 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 121 m
Descent = -121 m
From the Garie Beach Carpark the track heads south following the directional signposts to North Era. This track goes along under the eave of the hill up to the north and between the water. This is achieved along a narrow trail that is protected from the water by large boulders and rockshelf. this section of the track is quite pleasant as the trail is very flat allowing time to check out the surrounding cliffs from the waterlevel. Once arriving at North-Era there is a sign stating that the track does not continue around the waterlevel due cliff erosion issues. As such, the track climbs the small hill and goes past the buildings. Just past the Little Garie Community Hall, the track comes to an intersection. Just north-west of this is a small campsite with fireplaces. From the community hall in Little Garie the track heads steeply up the hill to the south-west following the bushtrack. To prevent erosion of the hill wooden steps have been installed. Once at the top there is a seat and this perfectly compliments the great views over the Pacific Ocean and the region. Once on the top of the ridge the track descends steeply to North Era Beach. Once on the beach the trail continues south-west until arriving at the North-Era Bush Campground sign.
North Era Bush Campground
Alt = 8
Located just back from North Era Beach and behind the small community of houses at North Era this clearing is a good spot to break. Fuel stoves are needed as open fires are not permitted. A permit is required from NPWS before arriving. Water is normmaly available from the creek (treat before drinking) otherwise you will need to walk to Garie Beach for water
(19.59 km) North Era Bush Campground to Burgh Ridge Track (sth) Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.1 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 93 m
Descent = -20 m
From the North Era Bush Campground the track heads up the faint track to the south-west. Once reaching the ridge the track comes to an intersection with a very faint bushtrack going off to the north along the spur towards the treeline. Once from the top of the spur the track descends to the south-west and shortly after comes to South Era Beach. The track crosses behind this and climbs the slight hill to the south. Across the clearing at the top of this hill the track comes to an intersection with two rough bushtracks on the top of the hill. From the intersection the track heads north-west up the hill through th ferns and away from the depression houses but still keeping parallel to the coast. This is achieved by going up a track that is almost a trench. Along this section there numerous rabbit trcks tht branch off the main trail and in some sections they form up to build the maintrail. This continues until the track comes to a lrge sign saying Caost Track.
(20.7 km) Burgh Ridge Track (sth) to Burning Palms Beach (southern end) Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -80 m
From the intersection the track heads south-west down the hill. This section of the track is quite steep. This continues until coming to a set of small houses built in the depression. From here the track joins onto a iron footbridge that soon changes to a narrow bushtrack. This goes behind Burning Palms Beach until coming to a sign saying Otford via Palm Jungle.
(21.64 km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) to Int of Cliff and Burning Palms Tracks Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 3 km
Time = 1 Hrs 20 mins
Climb = 307 m
Descent = -83 m
From the south-west end of Burning Palms Beach the track rises gradually following the signposts towards Otford. During this section of track the trail follows what is almost a trench through the grasslands. This continues until just before going into the Palm Jungle the track comes to an intersection with a track that goes down to the cliffs and to the Figure of Eight Pools. Do not expect to see a proper intersection with a defined track at this point as it is undefined. Interestingly in the grasslands before entering the palm jungle there are frequently wild venison around which are remnants of when the area was farmed with them. From the south-west end of Burning Palms Beach the track rises gradually following the signposts towards Otford. During this section of track the trail follows what is almost a trench through the grasslands. This continues until the track changes to being a narrow bushtrack and enters a very dark Palm Jungle. Interestingly in the grasslands before entering the Palm Jungle there are frequently wild venison around which are remnants of when the area was farmed with them. After entering the jungle the track is quite clear but in some places there are obstacles. these include fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before turning inland and begins to climb steeply to the north. After the short but steep climb the track flattens out and heads north-west until arriving at an intersection with a servicetrail. at this point there are several signposts pointing towards 'Otford and Carawarra Farm'.
(24.63 km) Int of Cliff and Burning Palms Tracks to Otford Lookout Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.9 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -116 m
From the intersection at the sign saying North-Era 6.5km the track heads south-west along the servicetrail along the flat. After a while the track changes to being a well-managed bushtrack and this continues south-west through a beautiful section of ferns. After a while this begins to gradually descend until reaching an intersection marked with a signpost saying Werrong Beach. From the track heads south-west along the bushtrack. Shortly after this the track opens out onto the clifftop and goes beside the cliffs and the large metal railing. After a while the track changes back to a bushtrack and descends slightly via a set of log stairs until a carpark signposted as Otford Lookout.
(26.51 km) Otford Lookout to Otford Train Station Track: Moderate - road
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -97 m
From the lookout and the carpark the track heads south-west along Lady Wakehurst Drive for approximately 25-30m until coming to an intersection with Fanshawe Rd. At the intersection the track turns right and then shortly after this turns left and continues along the flat dirt road (Station St). Halfway along this flat section there is an intersection with a road going off to the right. The track ignores this and continues unil coming to a T-Intersection with another road. At this point the track turns steeply downhill following the signs to Otford Station and continues for about 50m until the road ends and the track becomes a very steep set of stairs. These stairs go to the east side of Otford Train Station.
Hiking near Sydney 
10 km
