Many of the best walks in Sydney can be found in Royal National Park. Whilst a lot of the more famous walks are coastal, there are plenty of gems in the interior too.
There’s so much diversity in the park from jaw dropping beaches and amazing wild swimming holes, to ancient rainforests and Indigenous engravings, that you could spend months exploring (which we pretty much did!).
Having walked almost every trail in the park we’ve put together a list of our favourites from easy strolls to longer hikes. Here are the best walks in Royal National Park.
Royal National Park Walks
Since returning to Sydney, we’ve found a new appreciation for Royal National Park. It’s an amazing place for hiking year round, although our personal favourite time is during the annual Humpback whale migration between May and October.
Royal National Park is bigger than many people realise at 150 square kilometres, and a lot of the hiking trails are spread throughout the park. Whilst it isn’t far from the city, it takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive to, primarily because of the traffic.
We’ve added some recommended times in for the walks which we think are generous, if you’re a fast walker you’ll do them in a lot less.
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1. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock (Easy)
2. The Jibbon Beach Loop (Easy)
3. Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock (Easy)
4. Garie Beach to North & South Era (Easy to moderate)
5. Wattamolla Dam (Easy)
6. Wattamolla to Big Marley (Moderate)
7. Garie Beach to Eagle Rock (Moderate)
8. The Figure of 8 Pool (Moderate)
9. Curracurrang Falls (Easy)
10. Werrong Beach (Moderate)
11. Curra Moors (Easy)
12. The Coast Track (Hard)These are the best bush walks in Royal National Park
13. The Forest Path (Easy)
14. Karloo Pools & Olympic Pool (Moderate)
15. The Palm Jungle Loop (Moderate)
16. Winifred Falls & South West Arm Pool (Moderate)
17. The Uloola Track (Moderate)
18. Palona Cave (Easy)
19. The Couranga Track (Moderate)
The best coast trails in Royal National Park
The coast walks in Royal National Park are special, and are some of the best walks anywhere in Sydney. The whole of the coast of Royal National Park can be done in one go, by taking on the Coast Track, but most people choose to hike sections like you’ll see below.
1. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock- for the most magnificent spot in the park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.8km
Elevation: 235m
Time recommended: 2-3 hours
Starting Point: Wattamolla Beach
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
This walk is something special. The views are simply sensational, the waterfall at the end is our favourite in Sydney, and Eagle Rock is a Royal National Park icon.
The track takes you along the cliff tops and through the heath before you arrive at hands down the most majestic spot in the park.
You’ll see the double drop Curracurrong Falls cascade into the ocean - which is truly magnificent - and have the chance to stand on Eagle Rock itself (just watch your footing as there are no barriers).
If you want to make it extra special, go for sunset and walk back under the stars. There really is no greater adventure in Royal National Park.
There are a couple of climbs but the majority of the walk is on flat metal boardwalk which makes it a breeze.
You can read our full trail guide here.
2. Jibbon Beach Loop - for a fab beach and Indigenous engravings
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.3km
Elevation: 76m
Time recommended: 2 hours
Starting point: Bundeena
Type of Trail: Circuit
Accessible by public transport: Yes
The Jibbon Beach Loop track is an easy walk which doesn’t compromise on views. As well as walking the length of one of Royal National Park’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll also have the chance to visit some really well preserved Aboriginal rock engravings and look out for migrating Humpback whales (in season) as you make your way along the cliff tops.
The views are spectacular throughout, and you loop back along Jibbon Beach again at the end of the walk, which is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip in the calm turquoise water.
It’s a very easy walk, with little stairs involved so it’s a great bet for when you fancy something leisurely.
Here’s our full trail guide for the Jibbon Beach Loop.
3. Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock - for a RNP icon
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.7km
Elevation: 92m
Time Recommended: 2 - 3 hours
Starting Point: Bundeena
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: Yes
Ah Wedding Cake Rock, one of the most famous places in the whole park and a really unusual spectacle. A white limestone cliff edge in a sea of yellow, it really stands out and it soon became a social media sensation.
We should probably warn you that you can’t stand on the rock anymore - a huge fence has been put up due to the imminent threat of it tumbling into the water.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still visit. The walk to get there follows the cliff edge almost the entire way and both the views and swirling rock formations are stunning.
You might not be able to get that epic photo anymore, but the rock is still worth a look and the walk never disappoints.
It’s an easy trail with little climbing and good paths for most of the way.
Here’s our full guide on what to expect at Wedding Cake Rock.
4. Garie Beach to North and South Era - for fab beaches and wild wallabies
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Distance: 4.6km
Elevation: 197m
Time recommended: 2 hours
Starting Point: Garie Beach
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
This walk caught us by surprise as we originally did it only to visit North and South Era beaches, which were the only ones we hadn’t seen in the park.
We had no idea that it was going to be such a great hike in and of itself. You’ll walk alongside the fabulous Garie Beach before taking a steep climb up Thelma Head, which gives you jaw dropping views over Garie Beach in one direction and North and South Era in the other.
Descending the hill and spending time on the quiet beaches is an incredibly relaxing way to spend the day. And don’t forget to look out for the resident wallabies that enjoy munching on the grass at the North Era campground, just behind the beach.
The terrain on the trail is easy but you do have two steep climbs - even so you can enjoy lots of ‘photo stops’ as you make your way up if you need.
Here’s our full trail guide for more details.
5. Wattamolla Dam - for the easiest walk to an amazing swimming spot
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3km
Elevation: 32m
Time recommended: 30 minutes
Starting Point: Wattamolla Beach
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
This walk is almost entirely flat, and board-walked most of the way. It’s a very easy walk through the bush from Wattamolla picnic ground to Wattamolla Dam.
Take a peek at Wattamolla Falls, just a minute’s walk from the car park before you set off, it’s one of the most beautiful falls in the park.
Wattamolla Dam is a gorgeous spot for a dip, especially if you prefer calm water to ocean swims.
The water in the swimming hole is there year round and if you visit after rain lots of small waterfalls appear and cascade down the rocks by the dam, making a swim here extra special.
The waterfall at Wattamolla Beach
The waterfall at Wattamolla Dam
6. Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach - for panoramic views and whales
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.25km
Elevation: 177m
Time recommended: 3 hours
Starting Point: Wattamolla Beach
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
This is one of the prettiest walks in the park with amazing ocean views and it’s one that we regularly spot whales on (May to October only). It also leads to two of the most beautiful beaches in the park, Big and Little Marley.
These beaches feel a million miles away from the outside world and despite their beauty, never get busy. Due to rips, they aren’t the best for swimming, but this track passes right by Wattamolla Dam if you’re keen for a dip.
It’s board-walked almost the entire way, so it’s both easy and relaxing. You can focus on the birds flitting across the path instead of watching for rocks and tree roots.
You can read more about the trail in our guide to Little Marley Beach from Wattamolla.
7. Garie Beach to Eagle Rock - for the easiest route to Eagle Rock
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 9.1km
Elevation: 240m
Time recommended: 3 hours
Starting point: Garie Beach
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
Visiting Garie Beach never gets old, and it makes for a spectacular start to the walk. After a brief warm up along the sand, you’ll head straight up Garie North Head for some sublime views back over the beach. After the initial climb the trail flattens as you walk through the bush.
Arriving at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Head Rock is as we mentioned above, a truly special moment.
Although you have a steep climb at the start, as the rest of the trail is virtually all flat, we think this is the easiest route to reach Eagle Rock and a beautiful one at that.
You can read more about the route in this detailed guide.
8. Figure of 8 Pools - for a truly special rock pool
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.4km
Elevation: 246m
Time recommended: 2 - 3 hours
Starting Point: Garrawarra Farm
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
There are a couple of routes to the Figure of 8 Pools, but we’re going to write about the quickest and easiest one from Garrawarra Farm.
Before embarking on this walk please read this post about safety, as there have sadly been injuries and deaths at the pools.
So with that doom and gloom aside, we can tell you that in the right conditions this is a fabulous walk to a truly unique spot.
You have a bit of everything: jungle, my personal favourite RNP beach and of course the chance to take a dip in that famous 8 shaped pool.
It’s a lovely walk and arriving at the rock shelf in the middle of the ocean is an exciting moment, we even saw breaching whales!
The walk is largely easy but for one climb and the final stretch to the pools which involves a lot of rock hopping.
9. Curracurrang Falls - for the best secret swimming spot
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.2km
Elevation: 110m
Time recommended: 2 -3 hours (which includes plenty of swimming time)
Starting Point: Wattamolla Beach
Type of Trail: Circuit
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
Curracurrang Falls is one of our favourite secret swimming spots in all of Sydney, making this track the perfect option for a warm, sunny day. To get there you'll walk along a glorious path with fantastic views of the ocean and craggy cliffs beyond. Most of it is boardwalked so it’s both relaxing and a breeze to do after rain, which is when there will be more water in the falls.
When you turn off the coastal trail you feel like you're off on an adventure. There are no signposts and very few people know about this spot. You'll walk through a small palm jungle before crossing the creek and arriving at a sensational deep swimming hole at the base of a small, but very pretty waterfall. It feels like an oasis in the bush.
There are a couple of staircases to climb, but in general it's a very easy walk, especially for such a big payoff. Here's exactly how to find the hidden trail.
10. Werrong Beach - for a truly wild beach
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.2km
Elevation: 221m
Time recommended: 1 - 2 hours
Starting Point: Otford Lookout
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This walk might be very short, but it really packs a punch. For the most part you’re walking through absolutely stunning jungle, with so many dense clusters of Cabbage tree palms that we couldn’t stop taking photos!
What makes it a bit unusual is that you are walking through the forest, but with the constant back drop of the rolling waves in the distance, which makes it really special.
You’ll arrive at the wild and rugged Werrong Beach, which feels truly cut off from the rest of the world. That pretty much makes it the perfect place for those who prefer to swim sans bathers - yes it’s a hidden nudist beach!
The trail is pretty steep but it’s worth every step. You can read our full guide to Werrong Beach here.
11. Curra Moors Loop Track - for a wildflower wonderland
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.5km
Elevation: 171m
Time recommended: 2-3 hours
Starting Point: Curra Moors Car Park
Type of Trail: Loop
Accessible by public transport: No
If you're a lover of wildflowers, then this is the trail for you. Although some flowers bloom all year, the most glorious time to walk this track is in spring. As you walk through the bush, the air is filled with perfume, and you'll be wowed by an abundance of vibrant Waratahs, as well as many other colourful blooms.
The walk also takes you to our favourite spot in the whole park, Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls which cascades into the ocean.
The second part of the trail takes you on boardwalk through heathland and there's yet more flowers to enjoy, including huge patches of velvety Flannel flowers. It's an easy trail with very little in the way of hills to climb and generally good terrain.
You can read more in our full Curra Moors trail guide.
12. The Coast Track - to see the best of the park in one go
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 27km
Type of Trail: One way
Accessible by public transport: Yes
The Coast Track is the jewel in the crown of Royal National Park walks and takes you right the way along the stunning coastline from Bundeena to Otford. It is usually walked in two days with an overnight stay at North Era campground, but you could do it in one very long day if you’re keen.
This walk covers many of the tracks we’ve mentioned above and really showcases the phenomenal beaches, great cliff top views, and gives plenty of opportunities to look for Humpback whales.
The track is in better shape than ever, with the majority now being metal boardwalk which makes the hiking a lot easier - so easy in fact that some hiking purists are less than impressed with Parks NSW’s efforts to ‘sanitise the track’.
For us, we feel that yes, boardwalk does make it feel less wild, but it also means less time spent watching footing and more time spent soaking up the tremendous scenery, and that is a worthy trade off.
It also makes the track accessible for those that struggle with rougher terrain and that seems like a pretty nice thing too!
We’ve walked the entire Coast Track but not in one go - which we’re planning to do very soon. We’ll come back and update this post with our personal experience hiking it in one go very soon.
The best bush walks in Royal National Park
After 10 hikes like that, you can understand why the bush walks in Royal National Park are often overlooked. However, these are some of the best bush walks in Sydney and the lack of people only makes them even more special.
These trails have some incredible patches of rainforest and beautiful waterfalls, making you feel like you’ve left NSW and somehow ended up in Tropical North Queensland. These trails are magical, especially if you visit after a period of rain.
13. The Forest Path - for some rainforest magic
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.4km
Elevation: 86m
Time recommended: 1- 2 hours
Starting Point: Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
Type of Trail: Circuit
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
The Forest Path took my breath away and is easily one of my favourite walks in the park. There aren’t any of the big views you get on many of the other top trails, but what you get instead is just as magical.
This trail is a walk through ancient rainforest which is so dense that it often blocks out the light, resulting in the most atmospheric walk in all of Sydney.
With huge Cabbage tree palms and hanging vines that creep across the trail, it really feels like you’ve entered another world.
It’s an easy walk suitable for the whole family and an absolute must do. Here’s our full trail guide.
14. Karloo and Olympic Pools - for two majestic wild swimming spots
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.8km
Elevation: 200m
Time recommended: 3 - 3.5 hours including swimming time
Starting point: Heathcote Train Station
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: Yes
The walk down to Karloo Pools is through pretty bushland, but the main draw is reaching one of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in Sydney. The pool is deep emerald, surrounded by gorgeous forest and is both big and deep enough for a proper swim.
The Karloo Track has some uneven terrain, with lots of rocks and tree roots, but nothing that requires scrambling. It's mainly downhill on the way (with long flat sections) and then a little more of a workout on the way back up.
For a longer walk, and several secret swimming spots, we'd recommend continuing on from Karloo Pools to Olympic Pool, an additional 1.7km each way (included in the stats above). Before you reach the aptly named giant waterhole that is Olympic Pool, you'll pass by two additional gorgeous spots to take a dip.
This part of the walk the has some rough sections, mainly due to flood debris, but is almost entirely flat. It's not signposted but we have you covered with all the finer details in this post.
15. Palm Jungle Loop - for a bit of everything
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.2km
Elevation: 250m
Time recommended: 2 - 3 hours
Starting Point: Garrawarra Farm
Type of Trail: Circuit
Accessible by public transport: The park shuttle does stop at Garrawarra Farm
The Palm Jungle Loop is spectacular. With twisted vines, gnarled tree root buttresses and plenty of Cabbage tree palms, it feels like walking through the pages of a fairytale. It's a wild and wonderful place, that rarely sees any visitors, which only adds to the feeling of remoteness.
It's not all forest though, you have the chance to visit the jaw dropping Burning Palms Beach, as well as the famous Figure of 8 Pool.
The walk has one steep ascent and descent, as well as some flat walking in between. The majority of the path is in good condition, including plenty of boardwalk.
You can read the full trail guide here.
16. Winifred Falls and South West Arm Pool - to swim under a waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.2km
Elevation: 137m
Time recommended: 2 - 3 hours
Starting Point: Malanbar Road
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: Not an official shuttle stop but you can request it
This one is a little bit different because it’s not the walk itself which is so great, but the spots you get to. Both Winifred Falls and South West Arm Pool are absolutely fantastic, especially on a hot day.
The trail down to Winifred Falls is on a steep path through the bush and is nothing special, but when you get down to the falls and take a dip in the gorgeous swimming hole at the base, you will be glad you did this walk!
If you don’t mind a little bit of bush bashing, you can continue the trail on to South West Arm Pool, which is a glorious swimming hole, and there’s even a rope swing if you’ll looking for some adventure.
The trail to South West Arm Pool is unmarked but we’ve got detailed instructions for you in this post.
17. Uloola Track: Heathcote to Waterfall - for a picnic on top of a waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.2km
Elevation: 224m
Recommended time: 3 - 4 hours
Starting Point: Waterfall Train Station
Type of Trail: One way
Accessible by public transport: Yes
If you don’t have a car, this is the perfect walk to get you into the wilds using only public transport.
It’s incredible that literally a few paces from a train station can get you straight into the bush, on your way to a waterfall and one of our favourite wild swimming spots in Sydney.
The first half of the walk is along fire trail and not quite so exciting as the second half, but we still think it’s much nicer than doing a return walk and retracing your steps.
Uloola Falls needs some good rain to have a decent flow, but we’ve been here many times when it’s run dry and it’s still a fabulous area, and one of the best picnic spots in Sydney.
The second half of the walk is a proper bush track and visits the absolutely outstanding Karloo Pools.
Terrain is a mixture of easy fire trail and rougher bush track, we have all the details in this guide.
18. The Palona Cave Walk - for a hidden cave and waterfall
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.3km
Elevation: 129m
Recommended time: 2 hours
Starting point: Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: No, but you can use the park shuttle
The walk to Palona Cave starts at the prettiest end of Lady Carrington Drive. The trail heads gradually downhill and is surrounded on both sides with lush rainforest.
The path is fairly open so it doesn’t have that feeling of the jungle closing in around you, but that doesn’t deter from the fact you are surrounded by giant Cabbage tree palms, mossy logs and lots of ferns.
Once you turn off Lady Carrington Drive you hit a narrow bush track and follow it all the way to Palona Cave, which is a really big overhang complete with stalactites and stalagmites.
Just beyond the cave is a really pretty waterfall, which we didn’t even know existed!
Keep an eye out for wallabies just before you get to the cave, we were lucky enough to see one hopping straight up the steep hill!
You can read our full trail guide here.
19. Couranga Track - for a rainforest work out
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.1km
Elevation: 295m
Time recommended: 3 hours
Starting point: Waterfall Train Station
Type of Trail: Return
Accessible by public transport: Yes
This trail begins in dry eucalyptus forest, where you could be forgiven for thinking it’s nice enough, but has no place on a best walks in Royal National Park list.
However, walk a little further and suddenly - like someone flicked a switch - you’re in a wild and beautiful rainforest. It’s what makes the Couranga Track one of our favourite Sydney bush walks.
Towering jungle is all around you and there’s an emerald creek running below which is littered with huge mossy boulders and has definite Tropical North Queensland vibes.
It’s not a very well known trail, which keeps it wonderfully quiet, and if you can’t get enough of the sensational rainforest, it links up with the Forest Path track for one truly awe inspiring hike.
There is a steepish descent and ascent and lots of rocks and tree roots but it’s not a difficult trail. You can read our full guide here.
Essential information about Royal National Park walks
RNP vehicle entry fee
Most of the walks on this list are within the Royal National Park vehicle fee zone which costs $12 a day.
If you plan on visiting many times in a year you are better off buying the $65 annual pass which covers all parks but Kosciuszko.
You don’t need to pay for any trail which starts from Bundeena, Waterfall, Heathcote or Otford Lookout.
The park shuttle service
If you don’t have your own transport the parks shuttle service can get you to many of the trail heads. It leaves from Sutherland Train Station which is a 40 minute journey from Central Station in Sydney.
Make sure you check their website for the times as this changes seasonally. The shuttle bus costs $9 one way, $15 return and isn’t a part of the Opal Card system (meaning you’ll have to pay on top of the train fare).
Packing suggestions for Royal National Park
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially in Royal National Park. Being on the coast, the conditions can change rapidly, so packing correctly can make a big difference.
Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
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Which is your favourite hike in Royal National Park? Let us know in the comments below!
