The Royal Nationwide Park in Sydney is among the finest nationwide parks in Australia… disagree? No? Good. Whether or not you’re a mountain climbing novice or extra superior, there’s one thing for everybody throughout the 150km² Royal Nationwide Park.
We acknowledge the Dharawal folks, the Conventional Custodians of the Nation on which these adventures happen who’ve occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for hundreds of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Able to discover a number of the finest walks close to Sydney? The Royal Nationwide Park is your go-to with a number of the coolest strolling tracks in NSW (and Australia).
Enjoyable truth: The Royal Nationwide Park was created in 1879, and it’s Australia’s oldest nationwide park. It’s additionally the third oldest nationwide park within the world. Thoughts = blown.
Whether or not you’re tackling the favored Coast Monitor, with its beautiful ocean views and secluded seashores alongside the way in which, or mountain climbing to the picture-perfect Marriage ceremony Cake Rock, in all places you flip provides a wide ranging vista.
The very best half is that the Royal Nationwide Park is filled with many mountain climbing trails and choices for everybody – whether or not you’re after a chill meander by the Aussie bush or seeking to deal with an extended, tougher hike throughout a few days. Alright, let’s lace up our mountain climbing boots and get into it!
I’ve listed the most effective Royal Nationwide Park walks by size, beginning with the longest, as a result of that’s how all of us decide our hikes, proper?
Finest Royal Nationwide Park Walks
1. Royal Nationwide Park Coast Monitor: South to North
Distance: 26km
Length: 2 days
Issue: Superior
In my humble opinion, that is the most effective stroll within the Royal Nationwide Park. This 26km coastal monitor could be accomplished south to north or vice versa. One of the simplest ways to do it would depend upon the place you reside, however I believe ending in Bundeena (and ranging from Otford station) is the easiest way.
You possibly can deal with the hike in in the future in case you’ve bought the stamina, but it surely’s such a stunning hike with so many secluded and exquisite seashores to cease at alongside the way in which, I’d advocate taking your time and doing it over two days. Pitch your tent at North Period Campground, and in case you go mid-week, you’ll seemingly have the positioning all to your self! Simply ensure you ebook forward.
Photograph by James Tugwell
The hike itself is graded as a 5, so it’s undoubtedly thought-about difficult. There are a number of steep sections and tons of steps alongside the route. Nonetheless, I believe virtually anybody can do that hike with the fitting angle. Thoughts over matter, eh?
And the views? Man … the views. The hike hugs the gorgeous shoreline a lot of the approach, however you’ll dip out and in of dense bushland alongside the route too. Preserve a watch out for wildlife like wallabies and, in case you’re fortunate, migrating Humpback whales (June to August and September to November).
2. Uloola Strolling Monitor
Distance: 11.3km
Length: 4.5 hours
Issue: Intermediate
The Uloola Monitor is so beautiful you received’t imagine you’re simply an hour away from the town. It’s an honest 11km monitor you may full in slightly below 5 hours (relying on how usually you cease to marvel on the wildlife, which, by the way in which, is an absolute spotlight).
Uloola Monitor is especially attractive in spring with the heathlands bursting with wildflowers. Preserve your eyes peeled for the Gymea lily – it’s onerous to overlook although with its big purple flower reaching for the sky within the hotter months.
Oh, and in case you’re into birdwatching, look out for the Rockwarbler’s distinctive hanging nest beneath the sandstone ledges.
You possibly can fairly simply full this hike in a day, however in case you’re seeking to make an evening of it, I’d advocate Uloola Falls Campground – it’s the right spot to pitch a tent. From there, you may both loop again to Heathcote through the Karloo Monitor (ensure you cease in for a dip at Karloo Pool or one of many different many swimming gap spots) or push on in direction of Audley ( place to park your automotive).
3. Bundeena to Massive Marley & Little Marley Seaside
Distance: 11km
Length: 3.5 hours
Issue: Intermediate
This path is a incredible method to expertise the Royal Nationwide Park’s beautiful shoreline. The path entry level kicks off from the automotive park on the finish of Beachcomber Ave in Bundeena and takes you previous Jibbon Hill and right down to the secluded Massive Marley Seaside and Little Marley Seaside.
It’s a simple path to navigate (simply comply with the markers), and whilst you would possibly must be a bit cautious along with your footing right here and there, the trail is generally clean crusing. As you stroll alongside the clifftop Coast Monitor, you’ll get unbeatable views of the enduring Marriage ceremony Cake Rock.
The very best a part of this stroll is the top whenever you hit both Massive Marley or Little Marley Seashores. Each of those seashores are solely accessible by strolling, and also you’ll usually discover you’re one of many solely souls there. So, don’t neglect to pack ya cossies!
Learn extra: Marley Seaside – Discover These Rolling Sand Dunes Near Sydney
4. Curra Moors Loop Monitor
Distance: 10km
Length: 5 hours
Issue: Newbie-Intermediate
Searching for a stroll that’ll offer you exercise and clear your head? The Curra Moors Loop within the Royal Nationwide Park is simply that. This path is an exquisite mix of pure bushland and beautiful seaside views, with dramatic cliffs that’ll have you ever reaching in your digital camera repeatedly.
The trail takes you thru forests of Scribbly gums and angophoras, opening as much as heathland that’s really spectacular. For individuals who love birdwatching, hold a watch out for the Lewin’s honeyeater and the Japanese spinebill – they love the nectar round right here. And in case you are available spring, the wildflowers, particularly the hakeas, are merely beautiful.
A great place to cease alongside the way in which is Curracurrong Waterfall which seems insane after some rain. Plus, in case you’re mountain climbing throughout whale watching season, ensure you hold your eyes peeled as you comply with the Coast Monitor south to Garie North Head.
Learn extra:Â 9 Epic Whale Watching Spots Close to Sydney
5. Palm Jungle Loop
Distance: 10km
Time: 5 hours
Issue: Intermediate-Superior
The Palm Jungle Loop Monitor is among the extra in style Royal Nationwide Park walks, however for good purpose. You’ll hike by lush rainforest and alongside cliff tops with scenic coastal views, in addition to a number of the most pristine seashores you’ve ever seen. It’s a superb stroll for hikers who love journey and experiencing the most effective of our nationwide park.
Beginning at Garawarra Farm, the path takes you thru huge gum forests and beautiful angophoras. As you go down the primary steep hill to Burgh Ridge, be sure that to cease and take within the beautiful views of the coast. Once you hit the Coast Monitor, a proper flip will lead you previous previous seaside shacks all the way in which to Burning Palms Seaside – an ideal place for a swim or to get pleasure from a picnic.
The trail then snakes by a dense palm jungle, ending up at Werrong Lookout, the place the views are merely breathtaking. On the fork within the street, you may both flip proper to move again to your automotive by cool, shaded woodlands or go left to discover a bit extra in direction of Otford.
Only a fast heads up: A part of the Palm Jungle Loop Monitor between Burning Palms and Werrong Lookout is closed for upgrades till thirtieth of June, 2024. You possibly can nonetheless discover this space by taking a detour by Garawarra Farm and Burgh Ridge Path, and the Determine 8 Swimming pools are accessible from Burning Palms Seaside.
6. Karloo Swimming pools Monitor
Distance: 10km
Length: 4 hours
Issue: Intermediate
Ranging from Heathcote Station, the Karloo Swimming pools Monitor is an exquisite hike that’ll go well with most mountain climbing ranges. The monitor takes you thru dense heathland and previous Karloo Pool, which is a superb spot for swimming and picnics, so be sure that to pack your swimmers.
Preserve a watch out for the ‘whaleback’ rock formations en route, which because the title suggests, look a bit like whales! One other spotlight alongside the way in which is the Uloola Turrets, a bunch of interesting-looking rock outcrops.
When you’re excited about tenting in a single day, Uloola Falls Campground is near the top of Uloola Monitor. However keep in mind to ebook on-line forward of time as it will probably ebook out rapidly. When you’re heading house, you may comply with the monitor again the way in which you got here or proceed on the Uloola Monitor to Waterfall Station for a unique route.
7. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
Distance: 9km
Length: 2.5 hours
Issue: Intermediate
One other private favorite of mine is the Wattamolla to the Eagle Rock lookout stroll. This Royal Nationwide Parl stroll is a part of the bigger Coast Monitor that stretches from Otford to Bundeena and is a well-liked strolling monitor because of its scenic magnificence and comparatively easy accessibility – together with a mix of boardwalk and pure terrain.
Beginning on the Wattamolla automotive park, the path heads in direction of Providential Level, a secluded seaside providing a incredible spot for whale watching throughout the season and panoramic ocean views. The monitor then continues to the enduring Eagle Rock, a singular formation that resembles an eagle’s beak, and Curracurrong Falls, one of many few waterfalls that move immediately into the ocean, making a significantly spectacular sight, particularly after some heavy rainfall.
Photograph by @domforty
8. Marriage ceremony Cake Rock Stroll
Distance: 7km
Length: 2 hours
Issue: Intermediate
Marriage ceremony Cake Rock Stroll is a little bit of a vacationer sizzling spot, I received’t lie. However that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t test it out! It’s an excellent beautiful rock formation, with its vibrant white color contrasting sharply with the sandstone cliffs round it.
Nonetheless (and it is a huge, nonetheless), the cliff prime will not be secure, so there’s a security fence round it that you simply can’t cross. This doesn’t cease folks from crossing it, however in your security and to protect the integrity of this lovely formation, don’t cross the fence, okay?
The stroll to Marriage ceremony Cake Rock can also be tremendous enjoyable. It’s a bit difficult at occasions, dipping out and in of steep and rocky sections of path, however you’re rewarded with superb views of the coast and ocean. Plus, in case you go on the proper time of yr, you would possibly see wildflowers, wallabies, and birds alongside the way in which.
After reaching Marriage ceremony Cake Rock, you may both head again to Bundeena the identical approach you got here or hold going and discover extra of the park, like Marley Seaside.
9. Determine 8 Swimming pools
Distance: 6.1km
Length: 2 hours
Issue: Intermediate-Superior
When you haven’t seen one of many million Insta reels of Determine 8 Swimming pools, you’re clearly not on social media sufficient (and good for you, tbh). This part of the Royal Nationwide Park close to Burning Palms Seaside is an absolute icon and the foot visitors proves it. I recommend visiting both within the cooler months or mid-week to keep away from the loopy crowds.
Extra importantly, you should plan your journey and I imply actually plan – verify occasions, tides, surf reviews, the entire shebang. The Determine 8 Swimming pools are situated on a harmful rock shelf and accidents will not be unusual in case you’re not ready. Listed below are some ideas:
- Arrive earlier than noon (you don’t wish to be navigating the steep rocky path again up in the dead of night)
- Test the climate and tide. The ocean right here could be unpredictable. Waves can instantly crash over the rock shelf, even when it appears calm
- At all times go to at low tide (you may verify the forecast on-line earlier than you go)
- And at all times, hold a respectful distance from the ocean. Take a while to watch the wave patterns earlier than getting too near the swimming pools
and, on the danger of nagging, it’s additionally finest to not swim within the swimming pools. Years of individuals leaping out and in has actually damage the biodiversity within the swimming pools.
With all that in thoughts, this really is a spectacular strolling monitor and part of the Royal Nationwide Park. The 6km return hike is difficult with plenty of steep paths and steps, but it surely’s tremendous lovely, particularly when you attain the swimming pools.
You’ll begin from the Garawarra Farm automotive park off Garie Rd. Observe the monitor right down to the Coast Monitor, head to Burning Palms Seaside, after which south to the swimming pools. Keep in mind, the return is identical approach you got here!
10. Forest Path Stroll
Distance: 4.4km
Length: 1.5 hours
Issue: Newbie
The Forest Path is a superb stroll within the Royal Nationwide Park that’s simple sufficient for almost everybody. It kicks off from the previous stone gates on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. This loop is basically doable even for households with kiddies.
This path wraps round Forest Island, a really cool spot price testing that’s surrounded by lovely rivers and creeks. As you wander alongside, you’ll end up strolling beneath big eucalyptus bushes, previous teams of Cabbage Tree palms, and would possibly even see some Gymea lilies if it’s winter.
Feeling like strolling a bit additional? The trail connects with the Couranga Strolling Monitor for an extended journey, which is one other nice monitor to discover.
Planning Your Go to to the Sydney Royal Nationwide Park
About 30km south of the town, the Royal Nationwide Park is tremendous simple to get to – whether or not you’ve your personal transport or are getting public transport.
Get to the Royal Nationwide Park
By Automobile
The Royal Nationwide Park is roughly 30km south of Sydney CBD. Relying in your start line, the drive can take round an hour.Â
By Prepare
The commonest route entails catching a practice from Central Station to Cronulla practice station, adopted by a ferry trip to Bundeena, which is among the most important entry factors to the park. It’s such a enjoyable method to get to the Royal Nationwide Park! Another choice is to take a practice to Waterfall practice station, which is on the southern fringe of the park. Each these practice stations are simply accessible through the Sydney Trains community, making them handy choices for public transport customers.
By Bus
There are additionally bus and shuttle bus companies that may take you nearer to or immediately into some areas of the park. For instance, buses run from Sutherland Station to varied factors alongside the park’s boundary. It’s a good suggestion to verify the Transport NSW web site for the newest schedules and routes, as these can rapidly change.
Royal Nationwide Park Charges
There’s a small value concerned in bringing your automobile into the park but it surely helps pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the Royal Nationwide Park.
Park entry charges:
- All Day Go – $12 per automobile
- Single Yearly RNP Go – $22 per automobile
- All Parks Go –$190 a yr (or $65 with out Kosciuszko)
When you’re getting into on foot or by bike, there’s no price.
Gate Opening Hours
The park is open from dawn to sundown. Nonetheless, particular gate opening occasions can fluctuate all year long, so it’s a good suggestion to verify the Royal Nationwide Park web site earlier than you go. Keep in mind, some areas throughout the park might have totally different opening hours, and occasions could be topic to alter as a result of climate circumstances or park upkeep.
Amenities
The park is provided with picnic areas, bogs, and customer centres the place you may snag a map or get recommendation from park rangers. Don’t neglect to pack your personal meals, water, solar safety, and a sturdy pair of mountain climbing sneakers. And naturally, keep in mind to go away no hint.
Why stroll within the Royal Nationwide Park?
Why not stroll within the Royal Nationwide Park? It’s a hop, skip, and soar away from Sydney and an absolute playground for hikers, bikers, surfers… anybody who loves journey. The Royal Nationwide Park is an absolute gem and the right day journey spot. Whereas its in style strolling trails and seashores can get crowded at occasions (particularly on the weekends), with a little bit of exploration off the crushed path, you may simply discover a slice of paradise the place it appears like you’ve the entire park to your self.
What else are you able to do within the Royal Nationwide Park?
When you’re searching for a little bit of selection in your go to to the Royal Nationwide Park, you’ve bought loads of selections past simply mountain climbing:
- Kayaking: Hit the water for a peaceable paddle on the Hacking River. It’s a stunning method to see the park from a special approach
- Biking: Convey your bike or hire one to discover the park’s paths. There’s one thing for everybody, from simple rides that allow you to soak within the surroundings to tougher tracks that’ll get your coronary heart pumping
- Path Operating: When you love working, the park’s trails provide an exquisite backdrop in your exercise. There are routes to go well with all ranges, so you may take it as simple or as onerous as you want
- Swimming: The park’s calm bays and secluded seaside spots are excellent for a swim. Locations like Wattamolla Seaside, Jibbon Seaside, and Werrong Seaside are nice choices. Keep in mind to swim in designated areas and regulate the circumstances – not all swimming spots are manned by lifeguards
- Browsing: For individuals who love browsing, Garie Seaside is a well-liked spot throughout the park recognized for its pumping waves
Royal Nationwide Park Walks FAQs
What’s the simple monitor at Royal Nationwide Park?
One of many best tracks within the Royal Nationwide Park is the 4km Forest Path. It’s a delicate stroll that takes you thru lush greenery and is ideal for a simple stroll – tremendous family-friendly.
How lengthy is the stroll to Marriage ceremony Cake Rock?
The stroll to Marriage ceremony Cake Rock (a part of the Coast Monitor) is about 6-7km return, relying on the place you begin. By way of time, permit for about 2-3 hours return.
Is Royal Nationwide Park free?
Visiting the Royal Nationwide Park isn’t fully free, as there’s a small entry price for autos. When you’re driving in, you’ll must pay a day by day price per automobile ($12 per automobile, per day). You can too get a single park yearly cross for $22. Nonetheless, in case you’re getting into the park on foot or by bike, you don’t must pay this price. The entry price helps with the upkeep and conservation of the park, guaranteeing it stays an exquisite place for everybody to get pleasure from.
Are canines allowed within the Royal Nationwide Park?
No, canines will not be allowed anyplace within the Royal Nationwide Park. That is to protect our valuable wildlife, so please go away Fido at house. When you’re after canine pleasant bush walks in Sydney, take a look at our big checklist of choices.
Characteristic picture by @franmagiera
