Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house communities early in the walk. Stay overnight at North Era or stay at the YHA. Water is very limited it is best to carry all the water you need.
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)
Otford Train Station
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Otford Lookout Track: Moderate - road
Length = 804 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 97 m
Descent = -37 m
From the top of Otford Station, this walk follows the signs to 'Royal National Park' up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk turns left and climbs up the steep concrete path for approximately 50m to the top, where it comes to the intersection marked as 'Station Rd'. This walk turns left and follows the flat dirt road, passing an intersection with another road on the left. The walk continues along to the next intersection, where it turns right onto Fanshawe Rd. This walk follows Fanshawe Rd up the long hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt road signposted as 'Lady Wakehurst Drive'. At the intersection, this walk turns left and crosses the road, continuing for approximately 25m until coming to a car park and the entry into Royal National Park. There is a large green sign here saying 'Otford Lookout'.
(0.8 km)
Otford Lookout
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The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.87 km
Time = 42 mins
Climb = 116 m
Descent = -57 m
From Otford Lookout, the track heads up the stairs on the seaward side of the car park, winding up the hill and along the fenced of cliffs, keeping the ocean to the right as it steadily climbs up the hill. After a while, the track breaks away from the cliff and continues along the bush track, climbing up the hill until coming to an intersection marked with a signpost saying 'Werrong Beach'. From the intersection, this walk follows the Coast Track along the bush track, winding up the long hill the the top, where it flattens out and continues along a well-managed bush track through a rather beautiful section of ferns. After quite a while, the track joins onto a flat service trail which it follows, undulating gently until it comes to the signposted intersection of the North Era bush track.
(2.68 km)
The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks
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Burning Palms Beach (southern end) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3 km
Time = 1 hr 20 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -307 m
From the intersection, the track follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track, winding through the thick bushland and down a long hill for several hundred metres, gradually steepening before sharply turning left. After the change in direction, the track heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bush track. At this point, the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles like fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before emerging into grasslands. From the end of the Palm Jungle and the start of the grasslands, the track heads through the grasslands and along the coast for a while before winding down to the signposted intersection of the Burning Palms track near the rangers' hut.
(5.67 km)
Burning Palms Beach (southern end)
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Figure 8 Pools Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 896 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -17 m
(only to be attempted at low tide and low swell)
From the beach, this walk follows the rocky passage beneath the rocky headland (keeping the headland to the right). The walk rounds the first prominent headland to a creek that drops off the cliffs above. This walk heads out onto a second prominent headland to the Figure 8 Pools. There are a number of Figure 8-shaped pools, but one main one. The pools are towards the sea, in line with the gully.
Figure Eight Pools
Alt = 4 m
The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean.
(5.67 km)
Burning Palms Beach (southern end)
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North Era Bush Campground Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.05 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 100 m
Descent = -99 m
From the intersection near the rangers' hut, this walk follows the Burning Palms arrow along the bush track winding around the back of the beach (which is to the right), until it joins onto a metal walkway. This continues until the trail passes several small cabins and begins to head steeply up the long hill, until the track reaches an signposted intersection at the top of the hill. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track heading down the hill, keeping the ocean to the right as it winds down to the intersection with the faint bush track in the large grassy clearing on the side of the hill, above some of the cabins at Era. From the intersection, the track heads down the hill past the cabins to the bottom where it comes to South Era beach. From here the track continues around the back of the beach, keeping the ocean to the right as it continues up the other side to the top of the ridgeline where it comes to the intersection of the faint bush track heading off to the left. From the top of the ridge, the walk crosses the headland and open grassy area, down towards the beach (keeping the ocean to the right), coming to a 'North Era Bush Campground' sign just before the beach.
North Era camping ground
Alt = m
North Era camping ground, Royal National Park, is a large dune area situated directly behind North Era Beach. This camping spot is popular with surfers, and it also has a toilet and a cleared area to pitch your tent. A maximum of 36 people (12 sites) can camp here, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Open fires are not permitted, you can carry a fuel stove for cooking. A camping permit is required from NPWS before arriving (Phone:(02) 9542 068). Water is often available from the creek (treat before drinking), If dry you can walk to Garie Beach for water, during a dry spell it is best to carry water in with you.
(7.72 km)
North Era Bush Campground
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Little Garie Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 863 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 74 m
Descent = -62 m
Keeping the ocean and the coast to the right, the walk heads north across the North Era Bush Campground to the base of the large grassy hill, which it climbs steeply to the top. Upon reaching the top, the walk continues down the other side of the hill, winding down the bush track and wooden steps, until reaching the Little Garie Community Hall at the base of the hill.
(8.59 km)
Little Garie
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Garie Beach Car Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 754 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -59 m
From the Little Garie Community Hall, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the sea to the right of the track as it leads into the gully. The walk passes several old cabins as it approaches the bottom, where the track passes a 'Coast Walk' sign, providing information on erosion issues in this area. From here, the walk heads between the ocean on the right and the base of the large grassy hill on the left as the track narrows. This continues until arriving in the Garie Beach car park.
Garie Beach
Alt = 4 m
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking. More info
(9.34 km)
Garie Beach Car Park
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Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 312 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
From the car park, the track heads approximately 200m along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right, to the intersection below the stairs (leading up the hill on the left).
(9.65 km)
Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk
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Garie Beach YHA Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 341 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs away from the ocean. The track winds up the hill steeply then continues for approximately 350m along the hillside, in and out of a gully, to rise up to the cabin signposted as 'YHA Garie Beach'.
YHA Garie Beach
Alt = 46 m
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 car park, high on the hill behind the next gully.
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 potential 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
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Garie Beach Lookout Track: Hard - beach,bushtrack
Length = 883 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 110 m
Descent = -17 m
Keeping the ocean to the right, this walk follows the beach to the northern end, to the base of a bush track heading up the hill. From the end of Garie Beach, this walk heads up the short hill and through the grassy clearing to the base of the large hill. The walk continues up the steep bush track, winding up the steep rock and wooden steps as it climbs to the top of the hill.
(10.54 km)
Garie Beach Lookout
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Int of North Rill and Coastal Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 435 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -21 m
From the clearing at the top of the large hill, this walk follows the bush track heading away from Garie Beach and through the high scrub, continuing along for a while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Curra Moors car park' track.
(10.97 km)
Int of North Rill and Coastal Track
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Eagles Rock Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.23 km
Time = 48 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -116 m
From the intersection, this walk heads along the narrow trail through the scrub, keeping the ocean on the right of the track. In various sections, metal walkways have been built to stabilise the environment in the area. The walk continues like this, occasionally breaking out onto the rockshelf of the cliffs, until reaching a signposted intersection, marked 'Wattamolla 2.9km'. Keeping the ocean to the right the track follows the bushtrack through the scrub and along the coast for a short while before coming to the information signpost with views of Eagle Rock.
Eagle Rock Lookout
Alt = 33 m
Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.
(13.2 km)
Eagles Rock Lookout
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Curracurrang Cove Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.95 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 82 m
Descent = -108 m
Keeping the ocean to the right the track follows the bushtrack winding through the scrub for a short while before it drops down a small hill to Curracurang Creek. From here the track crosses the creek and continues up through the heavy scrub, steadily climbing up a long hill until it reaches the top and continues down the other side following the small arrows and markers. The track continues to winds steadily down the long hill until it opens out at Curracurang Cove.
Curracurrang Cove
Alt = 6 m
Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people. More info
(15.15 km)
Curracurrang Cove
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Overflow Carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.41 km
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -28 m
Keeping the ocean to the right, this walk heads up the hill along the bush track following the coastline, running close to the cliffs, until coming to a sign saying 'Curracurrang'. At this point, the track changes to become a service trail and heads away from the cliffs, passing two large water towers and heading down the long and gentle hill, to the intersection at the large car park, marked by a signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km'.
(16.56 km)
Overflow Carpark
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Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Walk: Easy - road
Length = 324 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -20 m
From the intersection, this walk heads through the car park to the toilet block at the top of the pathway on the other side. From the toilet block, this walk follows the path down the hill and through the car park to the northern end of the picnic area, near the creek crossing.
Wattamolla Picnic Area
Alt = 9 m
Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.
Wattamolla Kiosk
Alt = 10 m
The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.
(16.89 km)
Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground
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Wattamolla Dam Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 653 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -17 m
From the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground, this track crosses the wide, shallow creek (keeping the ocean to the right) and follows the track marker along the bush track winding up the other side, gradually climbing up a long hill through high scrub to Wattamolla Creek, where there is a small dam creating a swimming hole in the creek.
Wattamolla Dam
Alt = 21 m
Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.
(17.54 km)
Wattamolla Dam
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Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 715 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 59 m
Descent = 0 m
From the swimming hole, this walk follows the bush track (with the swimming hole to the right) up the hill (east) and through the high scrub, as it winds up through some rocks, and up a long hill, to the intersection of the Marley service trail and the Coast Track.
(18.26 km)
Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck
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Little Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.09 km
Time = 54 mins
Climb = 96 m
Descent = -174 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Coast Track' arrow along the sandy bush track, which winds out to the coast, then turns left and follows the coast line. In large sections of this track, the trail goes along metal footbridges as it continues through the heavy scrub vegetation, until the track heads down off the clifftop along a well-signposted bush track to the end of Little Marley Beach.
Little Marley Beach
Alt = 3 m
Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link below. More info
(20.35 km)
Little Marley Beach
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Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 434 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -7 m
From the end of Little Marley Beach, the track heads north across the beach, keeping the ocean to the right until it comes to the start of a bush track. This walk continues along the bush track as it heads up and onto the ridgeline, where there is a fantastic view of the ocean. From here, this walk continues along the flat bush track and the cliff's edge until coming to an intersection with a bush track heading off to the left.
(20.78 km)
Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk
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West Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 207 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -5 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the coast, keeping the ocean to the right for a short while before the track descends steeply off the rock-shelf and down a rough bush track to the end of Marley Beach.
(20.99 km)
West Marley Beach
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East Marely Beach Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 403 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -8 m
From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach until coming to a large green information sign on Aboriginal culture in the area. This is the start of a bush track that heads up the hill to continue along the coast.
(21.39 km)
East Marely Beach
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Bundeena Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.47 km
Time = 1 hr 11 mins
Climb = 146 m
Descent = -123 m
From the end of Marley Beach, the track passes the large green information sign and climbs up to the top of the long hill. Here the walk continues along the bush track for a short while before coming to an intersection with a service trail heading away from the coast. This intersection is marked with a small sign saying 'Coast Track'. From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading north-east along the coast, winding through the high heath for about 1.5km until the track descends into a large gully along hardened path. At the bottom, it crosses a small bridged stream. From here, the track continues up the other side of the gully, using the rock steps to the top. From here, the track follows the post markers along the track to the clifftop coastline, however on a few occasions the track will split into two and meet up again a short while later - just stick to the track closest to the coast. After several hundred metres, the track comes to an unsignposted vantage point at the end of the rock platform, where the bush track turns inland.
Bundeena Lookout
Alt = 28 m
This unfenced, informal lookout is perched high on the cliffs, looking east over the South Pacific Ocean. The lookout is not signposted nor officially named, but provides great view south along the escarpment. Cliff edge may be unstable and fragile - keep a safe distance.
(24.86 km)
Bundeena Lookout
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Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 689 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -4 m
From the edge of the cliffs, the track heads north-west up and away from the ocean, following the main bush track for a while before coming to the intersection of the asphalt service trail at the 'Coast Track' signpost.
(25.55 km)
Int of Beachcomber Rd Service Trail and Coast Walk
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Bundeena Ferry Wharf Track: Moderate - servicetrail,road
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -71 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the asphalt management trail north past the 'no bicycles' sign to the nearby intersection with the sandy management trail. From the intersection, this walk heads north around a sweeping left-hand bend along the sealed management trail. Soon, the trail leads past a track (on the right) then passes around a locked gate at the end of of Beachcomber Ave and a 'Coast Walk' information sign. From the end of Beachcomber Ave, this walk heads along Beachcomber Ave north-west and gradually around to the north, until turning left into Scarbourough St. The first right is taken into Bournemouth St, then left into Loftus St. The walk continues along this road until turning right into Brighton Rd. Bundeena Ferry is located at the end of Brighton St.
Bundeena
Alt = 3 m
Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B's and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches - Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking. More info
Catch the ferry from Bundeena
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 7 minutes ago) This walk passes Illawarra/Shoalhaven fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 7 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
This trail was excellent, you can do it in a day if you really want no prob. The views are really excellent and there is plenty of wildlife to see. The small beaches that you pass are beautiful and a great spot to jump in for a swim or have a nice lunch on the beach. The trail can be a bit tricky to find where it picks up again sometimes when you cross some beaches and park camps and such. You can finish the trail off in Bundeena and take the ferry over to cronulla and then the train from there back to the city. I started the trail at 9am in Otford and finished at 4pm in bundeena with lots of breaks and time spent sitting on the beaches. You will need to bring water making equipment as it can be a hot hike in the sun and you may need about 5 litres of water pp for the whole hike.
- My favourite hike in the Sydney area and I have done many now.
I've done this track probably two years ago and just wanted to offer a different perspective to Dave's post - for those of you with weakish knees, there's no way you can do this in one day, there are a lot of ups and downs that do take a toll on your joints. So even if you don't know if you have weak knees, this is the place you'll find out ;) Other than that it is a fantastic hike, great views, highly recommended. And yes, it does get rather hot so do bring plenty of water.
My girlfriend & I just did this over the weekend, this is our third time on the coast track but first going in this direction. The kiosk at garie was open, nothing like ice cream on a hot day.
The second day can be quite long but we both carry fairly light packs so were in reasnable condition when we finished. We saw some people who were clearly struggling under the weight of enormous packs....... a lighter load means a more enjoyable walk.
Bundeena is a great spot to finish with some nice cafes & a park by the water where you can relax as you wait for the ferry.
This is a great walk & one that we will definitely do again
I second Dave's comment about not needing two days. I did this with my wife and one year old (I carried her) in a day using the train and ferry. :D Hey what is one night lost in the bush anyhow?
I recommend walking sticks and knee supporting bandages (unfortunately I had none of them) for those with weaker knees. I did it in one day, but man, my knees were destroyed. I could not climb the third floor after I got back to Sydney. Took me approximately 11 hours, but you can do it in 8-9 if you are fit. The last 4 kilometers were pain in the a.. and knees for me with some parts crawling on four... Overall great track, lots of magnifficent views, didn't like the crowded places much though. But places like Mary beach are awesome.
[img]This gem of a hike, note hike, and is correctly named The Coast Walk. Nothing like the feeling of leaving Bundeena finding an easy track and leisurely approaching the coast. A magnificent view awaits any hiker as they make their way down the coast to Marley. This is the highlight of the track, and making the start from Otford is short changing those who want to really experience the coast walk.
Regardless of other boasts, this is not a day walk. Its a hike, and you need to be adequately fit, have the right gear and most importantly bank on having no access to water along the track (2 days is fine for average fitness).
The ascent to Otford lookout is a fitting way ( its a slug) to know your at the end of a solid hike. Well it is for those of average fitness.
Highly Recommended.
Highlights:Apart from breathtaking coastal views, other highlights include the track winding around the headland south of Era, rainforest of Burning Palms and the entrance and experience of the Palm jungle. Low Points:Once you make the cliff top, heading to Otford, its a boring walk of at least 1-2 klms along the fire trail (seems like it anyway)making the way to Otford Lookout. Then its a trudge for those tired feet to make it up the road,actually find the station, make it over the platform footbridge, just in time to see the train pulling out.
But that's OK, as you have the memories of that breathtaking coastline and the satisfaction of completing a personally rewarding venture.[/img]
My husband & I tackled the Coast Walk yesterday on a clear day with azure skies and turquoise seas! We completed it in one day (around 8 hours), with a numbers of stops and a few unplanned detours - and no,this is not a boast, but merely some indication of our level of fitness. We may be in our early forties, but have completed more than 20 marathons between us and have trekked the Andes. How quickly you do the walk is not going to depend on what others have done but on a number of factors such as your age, level of fitness, quad strength (takes pressure off the knees) and even the quality and stability of your shoes. It's an amazing walk, so most important is that you allow sufficient time to enjoy it and to achieve what you want from the experience.
Hiking near Sydney 
10 km
not too much longer now :)