A day trip to the Royal National Park from Sydney: What to see, eat & do

One of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness areas sits just on the edge of Sydney. Spend a day exploring the Royal National Park’s untouched bushland, dramatic lookouts and sparkling beaches.

Destination NSW

Destination NSW

Feb 2025 -
3
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Highlights

  • Walk a section of The Coast Track 
  • See the famous Wedding Cake Rock 
  • Swim at beautiful Wattamolla Beach 
  • Paddle a kayak along the Hacking River 
  • Watch the sunset from Stanwell Tops 
People enjoying swimming, Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park, Sydney
Aerial view of Stanwell Tops Lookout - Royal National Park
The Coast track, Royal National Park, Bundeena - Credit: David Finnegan | DPIE

Morning 

Get an early start this morning to make the most of your day in the Royal National Park. Established in 1879, it’s the world’s second oldest national park and covers more than 150 square kilometres on the southern edge of Sydney. Begin in Bundeena, a pretty seaside village on the northern side of the park. Grab coffee and breakfast at Earth Thingz and pick up supplies for lunch from the supermarket – you won’t find anywhere to eat in the park itself. 

Sunrise at Gunyah Beach, Bundeena

Gunyah Beach, Bundeena

The Coast Track is a popular walk that runs for 26 kilometres through the length of the park. Today, you can tackle the six-kilometre section between Bundeena and Little Marley Beach. This walk takes around three hours return and you’ll pass by one of the park’s most famous sights, Wedding Cake Rock, as well as the dramatic Waterrun and picturesque Balconies. If you’re walking in winter, keep an eye out for whales. 

Please note: Wedding Cake Rock is unstable and has a fence around it for your safety. Remain behind the fenced off areas, and take photos and enjoy the views from a safe distance.

The Wedding Cake Rock formation on the Coast Track, Royal National Park

Wedding Cake Rock, Royal National Park - Credit: DPIE

Afternoon  

After a morning of exertion, it’s time to relax. The Royal National Park is dotted with beautiful beaches. Wattamolla is the most popular, with both an ocean beach and a calm lagoon that’s perfect for families. It’s also a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue. Garie Beach is further south and has good waves for surfing, as well as a lush backdrop of rainforest, ferns and cabbage tree palms. 

Crowds enjoying Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park

Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography

Later, drive to the Audley Boat Shed. Sitting right on the edge of the water, it’s been operating since 1893. Hire a kayak and paddle the calm waters of the Hacking River or Kangaroo Creek. Look out for kingfishers diving for their dinner, turtles and lace monitors swimming past, and maybe even koalas in the trees above. 

Audley Boatshed at Royal National Park, Sydney South

Audley Boatshed, Royal National Park

Evening 

Travel to the southern end of the park for sunset at Stanwell Tops lookout. The hill offers spectacular views south along the coast and promises a stellar sunset. You may also see hang gliders leaping from the peak – the sharp ride of the hills create strong air currents that make it one of the most popular hang gliding spots in the state. 

Paragliding, Stanwell Tops, Sapphire Coast, South Coast

Paragliding, Stanwell Tops

Cap off a day of adventure by driving south across the Sea Cliff Bridge, which juts out over the ocean, then enjoy dinner at the famous Scarborough Hotel. With a sprawling beer garden set right on the cliffs, it’s the perfect place to toast a day out in the Royal National Park. 

Aerial overlooking the scenic Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, Illawarra

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton

Getting there

The Royal National Park is 36 kilometres south of the centre of Sydney. The easiest way to reach it is by car and the drive takes around an hour. Public transport options are very limited, though you can access some parts of the park from Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall and Otford train stations. 

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney

Catch the ferry to the Royal National Park

No car? No problem. Catch the train to Cronulla and then hop on the ferry to Bundeena. Built in the 1930s, the MV Curanulla is the oldest commuter ferry in Australia. It departs just across from the station every hour (on the half hour) and the journey takes 30 minutes. It’s the prettiest way to arrive in the Royal National Park. 

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The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf - Cronulla
Bundeena Ferry, Bundeena, Sydney

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