Located just south of Sydney, the Royal National Park is a coastal paradise that draws masses of locals and visitors year-round. From clifftops, waterfalls and lagoons, to secluded beaches and trails, the park has so much natural beauty to explore. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, traveller or peace-seeking family – our guide to the Best Spots in Sydney’s Royal National Park is sure to offer the right escape for you.
The Coast Track
Over 27 kilometres of beaches and waterfalls can be seen from The Coast Track. This trail can be tackled as a full two-day hike from Bundeena to Otford, or you can split it into sections of just a couple hours. Along the coastline you can spot dolphins and whales, as well as other native flora and fauna.
Eagle Head Rock
Also known as Eagle Rock Lookout, this landmark is on the edge of a cliff along The Coast Track. Visitors can expect sweeping views over the cliff-tops and ocean, sometimes also catching the waterfall formed by Currarrong Falls into the sea below. Named after its resemblance to an eagle’s head, this rock has a striking silhouette against the horizon.
Wedding cake rock
A white sandstone outcrop on The Coast Track, this rock looks like a frosted wedding cake. It sits 25-metres above sea level and offers stunning views across the horizon. Unfortunately, the rock is now closed off to visitors due to safety reasons. However, it is still an iconic spot in the Royal National Park and can be viewed from afar.
Figure 8 pool
A naturally-carved rock platform, Figure 8 Pool is two interlocking circular pools that resemble a figure 8 shape. This is a natural landmark accessible via coastal trails from Burning Palms Beach, or via Garrawarra Farm. Descend from the cliffs to the beach at low tide when the seas are at their calmest. This spot is popular amongst visitors and photographers but must be experienced with caution.
Winifred falls
This peaceful waterfall is tucked within the bushland of the Royal National Park, just a 2km return hike from the carpark. Cascading over a rock shelf into a calm plunge pool, this waterfall is a tranquil place to escape the heat of summer.
Wattamolla
One of the most versatile spots in the Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers a surf beach, calm lagoon, a waterfall, and plenty of coastal trails. Swim or paddle in the lagoon, or head to the beach for water activities like surfing. Those eager to hike can set off toward Eagle Rock or other destinations further along The Coast Track.
Garie Beach
This surf beach in the Royal National Park feels absolutely remote and uncrowded compared to other popular Sydney spots. The lack of public transport makes it one of the city’s more peaceful experiences. Take the walk from Garie to Curracurrong Falls by venturing from the beach to the cliff-tops – the scenery at the top is well-worth the effort.
Sea Cliff Bridge
This iconic coastal bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive, a drive which takes in 140km worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park to Nowra. The bridge is an icon to Wollongong locals and is very popular amongst tourists. Get out of the car and spot migrating whales heading north and south during the migrating season.
Bald Hill Lookout
Above Otford with sweeping views south along the coast toward Wollongong, Bald Hill Lookout offers a stunning vantage point of the Sea Cliff Bridge and Tasman Sea. It’s also a major international hang-gliding and paragliding launch site. The lookout can be found along a newly opened section of The Coast Track from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park.
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