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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) E-mail
 

Time
    Distance
Climb
Style

  2 Days
  27.3 km
  1353 m
  One way

   0.1 km NE of Bundeena 
  Royal National Park  ferry car train  
  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.


Topographical Map of walk

Location                                                                                                                                                                Tracknotes Sponsor

Sponsor of The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) bushwalking tracknotes
Map of The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) hiking track
PDF has larger maps for easy printing
Map Controls - Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 10 km
Bundeena Ferry Wharf
End of Beachcomber Av
Int of Port Hacking Point and Beachcomber Rd Servicetrails
Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk
Bundeena Lookout
Int of Coast Track and Marley Head Servicetrail
East Marely Beach
West Marley Beach
Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk
Little Marley Beach
Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck
Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground
Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block
Overflow Carpark
Curracang Track Intersection
Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail
Int of North Rill and Coastal Track
North-East End of Garie Beach
Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk
Garie Beach Carpark
Little Garie
North Era Bush Campground
Int. Stockyard Spur Trk and Coastal Walk
Burgh Ridge Track (nth)
Burgh Ridge Track (sth)
Burning Palms Beach (southern end)
Int. Fig 8 Pool Trk and Coastal Trk
Int of Cliff and Burning Palms Tracks
Werrong Beach Intersection
Otford Lookout
Starting point for this hiking track: Bundeena Ferry Wharf

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track knotes here
 Otford 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91294S 
 Port Hacking 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91294N 
 Port Hacking 1:100 000 Map Series 9129 

Photo Gallery

 
The views from Bundeena Lookout
 
The views from Bundeena Lookout
 
Looking down on Marley Beach from Marley Head
 
Looking down on Marley Beach from Marley Head
 
The surf at Marley Beach
 
The surf at Marley Beach

 
Climbing up to the southern headland of Marley Beach
 
Climbing up to the southern headland of Marley Beach
 
The cliffs from the southern headland of Marley Beach
 
The cliffs from the southern headland of Marley Beach
 
The falls at Wattamolla Dam
 
The falls at Wattamolla Dam

 
Wattamolla Picnic Area
 
Wattamolla Picnic Area
 
A cleft in the cliffs near the Curracurrang Track Intersection
 
A cleft in the cliffs near the Curracurrang Track Intersection
 
The track goes through the scrub following the coast
 
The track goes through the scrub following the coast

 
The coast and out to sea
 
The coast and out to sea
 
Looking at Garie Beach and the coast from the north
 
Looking at Garie Beach and the coast from the north
 
Solitary fisherman at Little Garie
 
Solitary fisherman at Little Garie

 
Looking north back along the beaches
 
Looking north back along the beaches
 
From South Era looking towards Burning Palms
 
From South Era looking towards Burning Palms
 
The surf at South Era Beach
 
The surf at South Era Beach

 
The grasslands on the top of many of the hills
 
The grasslands on the top of many of the hills
 
The view of the coast from the grasslands south of Burning Palms Beach
 
The view of the coast from the grasslands south of Burning Palms Beach
 
The view of the Coast from just south of the Werrong Beach Intersection
 
The view of the Coast from just south of the Werrong Beach Intersection

Terrain profile

Cross sectional view of the The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) bushwalking track

Cross Section of the The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford) bushwalking track

Track Notes


Wildwalks Visit www.wildwalks.com/sponsor.html for more information on our sponsorship program Sponsor
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.

Catch the ferry to Bundeena
Public transport (ferry) available to for this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
And use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the start of the walk.
Plan a trip from --> Central | Chatswood | Epping | Gosford | Hornsby | Katoomba | Parramatta | Penrith | Strathfield | Sutherland
Drive to Bundeena Ferry Wharf
You can drive (or ride your bike) to this bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of the walk.
Plan a trip from --> Castle Hill | Central | Chatswood | Dural | Epping | Gosford | Hornsby | Katoomba | Manly | Parramatta | Penrith | Strathfield | Sutherland

(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

Overnight stay

Day 2

Day 2


(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.

Catch the train from Otford Station
Public transport (train) available to for this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Otford Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
And use these links to plan your train trip home from the end of the walk.
Plan a trip to --> Central | Chatswood | Epping | Gosford | Hornsby | Katoomba | Parramatta | Penrith | Strathfield | Sutherland
Drive from Otford Train Station
You can drive (or ride your bike) to this bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your your trip home from the end of the walk.
Plan a trip to --> Castle Hill | Central | Chatswood | Dural | Epping | Gosford | Hornsby | Katoomba | Manly | Parramatta | Penrith | Strathfield | Sutherland


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Boots Great Outdoors 23 Koonya Cct, Caringbah (02) 9542 8988 6.6 km
Paddy Pallin Adventure Equipment 587 Kingsway, Miranda (02) 9525 6829 7.1 km
Caravan Accessories Pty Ltd 33 Rocky Point Rd , Kogarah (02) 9588 3400 12.4 km
Carlton Canvas Co 337 Princes Hwy, Carlton (02) 9587 0208 12 km
Engadine Disposal & Outdoor Centre Pty Ltd 1042 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine (02) 9520 3367 12.8 km

Weather and Park info

Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
Chance shower.
Chance shower.
~15.2°C (feels like ~°)
11 km/h from the NW (gusting 11)
~81% humidity     (as at 13/08:05pm)
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Royal National Park Check for park closures and fire bans

Cost to drive a car into the park (if you do not have a valid pass)

$11

Camping is available in the park

$3 to $8

Public toilets are available in the park

A kiosk is available in the park

Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees
Camping
Facilities


Campsites in the park
Bonnie Vale camping ground
North Era camping ground
Uloola Falls camping ground

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford).
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from The Coast Track (Bundeena to Otford)
Click to re-center search
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 13 km (to the NNW)
3 VMG3 Mine commsite WESTCLIFF COLLIERY 34 km (to the WSW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergancy use only
39 km (to the N)
7 SYD07 Water Tank Corner of Loftus Rd and Pennant Hills Rd PENNANT HILLS 39 km (to the NNW)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 52 km (to the N)

Walker Feedback

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