Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena) hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
2 Days
27.3 km
1253 m
One way
0.8 km NE of Otford
Royal National Park
Track: Hard
Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views this trail is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena the track is well-signposted so either direction is fine to walk. Plenty of coastal cliff views the entire way of this walk there ae also a number of houses built during the Depression that scatter the coast, forming small villages. overnight at at North Era (or stay at the YHA - see day 2 notes)
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.
(0 km) Otford Train Station to Otford Lookout Track: Moderate - road
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 97 m
Descent = -37 m
From the east side of Otford Station the trak heads up the steep stairs to the footpath following the signs to the Royal National Park. Once reaching the top of the stairs there is a small intersection and the trail goes directly up the hill to the east. This hill goes for approximately 50m and is quite steep and at the top of this hill there is an intersection with a Station Rd. The track turns left and goes along the flat. Approximately halfway along this dirt road there is an intersection with anorther track heading downhill to the left. This ignored and the track contiues north-east until turning right into Fanshawe Rd. Fanshawe is followed until coming to an intersection with an asphalt road signposted as Lady Wakehurst Drive. At the intersection the track turns left and crosses the road and continues north-east along the road for approximately 25m until coming to a carpark an the entry into the Royal National Park. At this point there is a large green sign saying Otford Lookout.
(0.8 km) Otford Lookout to Int of Cliff and Burning Palms Tracks Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.9 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 116 m
Descent = -57 m
From Otford Lookout the track heads north-east up the bushtrack going towards the cliffs. This is done on a relatively gradual set of log stairs. Once at the top the track goes along the cliff and the large metal railing. After a while the track breaks slightly away from the cliff and the railings are no longer needed. The trak continues along the bushtrack until coming to an intersection marked with a signpost saying Werrong Beach. From the intersection signposted as the way to Werrong Beach the track heads north-east along the bushtrack. This begins by going gradually up before flattening out. Once on the top of this small section the track continues north-east (gradually turning further to the east) along a well-managed bushtrack through a quite beautiful section of ferns. After quite a while the track changes to being a flat servicetrail. At the end of this section the track comes up to an intersection with a bushtrack signposted as North Era 6.5km.
(2.68 km) Int of Cliff and Burning Palms Tracks to Burning Palms Beach (southern end) Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 3 km
Time = 1 Hrs 20 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -307 m
From the intersection the track heads south-east along the bushrack towards the water. This begins by gradually going down for several hundred metres however as the track nears the water it suddenly becomes much steeper and sharply turns to the north-east. After the change in direction the track heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bushtrack. At this point the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles. these include fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before the track emerges into grasslands and following what is almost a trench. 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. This continues with the track rising slightly before going down again to the end of Burning Palms Beach, which is marked with several signposts pointing to Otford. From the end of the palm jungle and the start of the grasslands the track heads north-east through the grasslands through what is almost a trench. 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. This continues with the track rising slightly before going down again to the end of Burning Palms Beach, which is marked with several signposts pointing to Otford.
(5.67 km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) to Fig of 8 Pools Optional Side Trip: Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -17 m
(only to be attempted at low tide and low swell) From the beach the track follows the coast south, beneath the rocky headland. The track rounds the first prominent headland for approximately to a creek that drops off the cliffs above. The track heads out onto a second prominent headland for approximately to the Figure of 8 Pools. There are a number of Figure 8 shaped pools, but one main one. The pools are near the ocean edge on the headland south of Figure eight pools gully.
Figure Eight Pools
Alt = 4
The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure eight shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure eight shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools are at low tide with a very low swell in the ocean.
(5.67 km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) to North Era Bush Campground Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 100 m
Descent = -99 m
From the south-western end of Burning Palms Beach this track heads north-east behind Burning Palms Beach along the narrow footbridge. Towards the end of the beach the track changes to being a metal footbridge. This continues until the trail passes several small Depression Houses. From here the track begins to head steeply up the hill. This continues until the track reaches an intersection on the top of the hill at a small sign saying 'Coast Track'. From the intersection the track heads south-east through the ferns in what is almost a trench. During this section the track goes through dense ferns and there are many rabbit tracks going down the hill. As such these form a slight network that is the maintrail however this trail is no more defined than the other trcaks. This goes quite steeply down until reahing a cleared section of the hill. Off to the north-west there is another track that goes back up the hill. Also to the morth are a lage group of depression houses. From the intersection the track heads down the hill along the faint track. This hill is cleared of vegetation and so offers good views of the Ocean. Accompanying this it is also get a good view of the Depression Houses in the area from above. Once reaching South Era Beach the track goes behind the beach and joins up with the bushtrack on the other northern end. This goes up to the top of the spur, where it comes to an intersection with a faint bushtrack going off to the north along the spur towards the treeline. From the top of the spur the track descends the hill to the east towards the buildings. At the bottom of the hill the track comes to a sign saying North Era Bush Campground.
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
(7.72 km) North Era Bush Campground to Little Garie Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 74 m
Descent = -62 m
From North-Era Bush Campground the track heads north-east along North Era Beach until the end where it steeply goes up the hill until the to. he 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. From here the track immediately heads steeply down the other side of the hill following the bushtrack. To prevent erosion of the hill wooden steps have been installed. This continues until reaching the intersection with the bushtrack, just beyond the Little Garie Community Hall.
(8.59 km) Little Garie to Garie Beach Carpark Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -59 m
From the intersection, just to the north-west of the Little Garie Community Hall, the track heads down the hill to the north, going towards the water. This passes several old Depression Houses until at the bottom the track passes a Coast Walk sign, providing information on the cliff erosion issues in the area. From here the track heads to the north-east between the water and the hill along a very narrow trail. his section of the track is quite pleasant as the trail is very flat allowing time to check out the surrounding cliffs from the waterlevel. This continues until the track arrives in the Garie Bech Carpark.
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.
(9.34 km) Garie Beach Carpark to Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk Track: Moderate - beach
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
From the carpark the track heads approximately 200m north along the beach to the intersection below stairs leading up the hill on the left.
(9.65 km) Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk to Garie Beach YHA Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection the track follows the stairs up a track. The track winds up the hill steeply to continue for approximately 350m along the hillside, in and out of a gully to rise up the cabin of YHA Garie Beach.
YHA Garie Beach
Alt = 46
Garie Beach YHA, Youth Hostel, in Royal National Park is a basic but comfortable cabin. The unstaffed and locked cabin is situated north of Garie Beach carpark, high on the hill of the next gully. Access from the carpark is approximately 200m north east along the beach to a staircase on the left of the beach. The stairs lead up a track which continues for about 300m to the cabin. The cabin contains solar lighting, water, gas kitchen, a 'loo with a view' and the capacity to sleep twelve people. You need to provide your own bed sheets and toilet paper. The cabin costs $17.50/adult per night with the ability to rent the youth hostel out for a week. The key must be picked up from YHA Kent St Sydney prior to arrival at the YHA. The key has a $50.00 deposit. To make a booking phone 9261 1111 More info
(9.65 km) Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk to Int of North Rill and Coastal Track Track: Moderate - beach, bushtrack
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 121 m
Descent = -38 m
From the middle of Garie Beach the track heads east along the beach until reaching the north-western end. At this point there is a bushtrack that continues north-west up the hill. Garie Beach is a beautiful beach with hills all around giving it a very secluded feeling which many of the beaches in the Sydney area don't have. From the north-eastern end of Garie Beach the track begins by heading up the hill along the trail on the cleared hill. Very shortly after starting this section the track passes a small improvised campground with several fireplaces. Once reaching the top of this hill (it is quite steep), the track is quite open an has some fantastic views of Garie Beach and the mountains to the south. Continuing on the track becomes enveloped by the high scrub and this continues until coming to an intersection with a servicetrail heading away from the cliffs.
(10.97 km) Int of North Rill and Coastal Track to Overflow Carpark Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 5.6 km
Time = 1 Hrs 55 mins
Climb = 196 m
Descent = -260 m
From the intersection the track heads north-east along the narrow trail through the scrub. In various sections metal walkways have been built to stabilise the environment in the area. This continues with the track occassionally breaking out onto the rockshelf of the cliffs until reaching an intersectio with a bushtrack heading off to an intersection with another bushtrack heading away from the cliffs., marked with a signpost saying 'Wattamolla 2.9km'. From the intersection the track heads north-east along the wide bushtrack. At several points there are information signs on the area. This continues until reaching Curracurang Creek. At this point the track changes to being a narrow bushtrack that rises slightly up through the heavy heath and scrub. From here the track begins to go up and down along a narrow bushtrack, following the small arrows and markers. At points the track is quite indefinite and so it is necessary to keep an eye for these. This continues until the track comes rises slightly up to an intersection with another bushtrack going off to the north. From the intersection the track heads north-east for approximately 100m before coming to Curracurang Gully, which is a large chasm in the cliffs that the track goes around. This offers a different view of the cliff and is quite beautiful. From here the track heads north along the rough but wide bushtrack that runs close to the cliffs until coming to a great view of the cliffs, marked by a sign saying 'Curracurang'. At this point the track changes to being a servicetrail and heads away from the cliffs, passing two large watertowers, and going slightly down. This continues until the track breaks out into a large carpark, marked by a signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km'
(16.57 km) Overflow Carpark to Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -20 m
From the upper carpark of Wattamolla Picnic Carpark at the signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km' the track heads north through the carpark along the roads until coming to a toilet block on the north-east corner of the toilet block. From the toilet block the track heads north through the picnic ground until reaching the cliffs and Coote Creek.
(16.89 km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground to Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.4 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 90 m
Descent = -17 m
From the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground this track crosses Coote Creek, which at this point is largely a trickle. From here the track heads of to the north, gradually rising a following a track through high scrub. This rises up to Wattamolla Cree where there is a small waterhole and creek. This would be a nice place to stop as it is a good swimming spot as well has having great views of the ocean. From here the the track heads north-east with the track gradually rising. At this point the scrub is quite high and provides a tunnel feeling to the walk. This continues until reaching an intersection with another bushtrack, marked with a signpost saying 'Coast Track'.
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.
(18.26 km) Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck to Little Marley Beach Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.1 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 96 m
Descent = -174 m
From the intersectiont the track heads south-east along the ridgetop bushtrack. Shortly after the track turns to the north and follows the coastline. In large sections of this track the trail goes along metal footbridges. This goes through the heavy scrub vegetation until in the end the track heads down off the clifftop along a well-signposted bushtrack. This goes down to the southern end of Little Marley Beach.
(20.35 km) Little Marley Beach to West Marley Beach Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -12 m
From Little Marley Beach the track heads north across the beach and to the start of a bushtrack. This goes up and onto the ridgeline to the north. During the trip up to the top of the cliffs the track is shrouded by the scrub. This changes however when it gets to the top where there is a fantastic view of the ocean. From here the track continues north along the flat bushtrack and the cliff-edge until coming to an intersection with a bushtrack going off to the left. From the intersection the track heads north along the flat bushtrack and the cliff-edge. This continues until in the final section the track desends steeply off the rockshelf and down a rough bushtrack to the west end of Marley Beach. During this section of the track follows closely beside the cliff edge. To assist walkers in getting down 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.
(20.99 km) West Marley Beach to East Marely Beach Track: Moderate - beach
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -8 m
From the west end of Marley Beach the track heads east along the beach until coming to a large green information sign on the aboriginal culture in the area. This is the start of a bushtrack that heads up the hill to the east. arley 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.
(21.4 km) East Marely Beach to Bundeena Lookout Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 3.5 km
Time = 1 Hrs 5 mins
Climb = 146 m
Descent = -123 m
From the east end of Marley Beach the track passes the large green information sign and heads steeply up the track to the east. This zig-zags up the hill until at the top goes along the bushtrack for a short while before coming to an intersection with a servicetrail going off to the north-east. This intersection is marked with a small sign saying 'Coast Track'. From the top of the cliff top there are some fantastic vews over Marley Beach, down the coast and the Pacific Ocean. From the intersection the track heads north-east along extremely flat bushtrack through the high heath. This continues until the track begins to descend steeply into a large gully along a very well made path to a small wooden bridge. On the other side of this bridge the track heads very steeply up the other side of the gully using the well made rockstairs. At the top of this the track comes to an intersection with a track heading off to the left away from the clifftop. This is the alternative track on the clifftop, however this is currently under regeneration. The intersection is ignored as this is a track currently under revegetation. Also due to the position of the track there are some fantastic views over the water. From here the track follows the post markers along the track to the north-east and the clifftop right next to the Ocean. After several hundred metres the track comes to an intersection with a track appearing to continue alongside the cliff with another track heading inland away from the cliffs.
(24.86 km) Bundeena Lookout to Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -3 m
From the intersection at the edge of the cliff the track heads north-west along the bushtrack away from the clifftops. Just after leaving the cliffs the track passes several small rabbit tracks going off the main track. These are ignored and the trail continues north-west until just before the road coming to a fenced off intersection with a track going to the south signposted as a track under regeneration. This is ignored and immediately after the track comes to an intersection with a road marked by a sign saying Coast Walk
(25.55 km) Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk to Bundeena Ferry Wharf Track: Moderate - servicetrail, road
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -72 m
From the intersection the track heads north-east along the asphalt road for a short period before coming to an intersection with a track that goes off to the right. This is the servicetrail to Port Hacking Point From the intersection the track heads north-west along the asphalt road for approximately 150m until coming to the end of Beachcomber Rd. At this point there are several large information signs on the area. From the end of Beachcomber Av this track heads north-west and gradually around to the north along Beachcomber until turning left into Scarbourough St. The first right is taken into Bournemouth St and followed until turning left into Loftus St. Loftus St is followed until turning right into Brighton Rd. Bundeena Ferry is located at the end of Brighton St.
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