Sydney Coastal Classic

The Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park is an epic multi-day walk between Otford and Bundeena. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching along this challenging track. It can be completed in either direction.

Plan your walk during whale watching season between May and October for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales.

Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Bundeena to Garie Beach

Starting from the coastal village of Bundeena, the northern section of the walk covers around 10km if you exit at Wattamolla, or, 16km if you exit at Garie Beach picnic area.

The walk starts at the junction of Eric St and Beachcomber Ave in Bundeena where there's a small car park and a toilet. There's no drinking water anywhere along the route so bring plenty with you. Allow 5-6hrs to soak up the rugged, inspiring beauty of Royal National Park's sandstone escarpments, sandy beaches, coastal heath and forest.

You'll find several scenic stops along the way, including Wedding Cake Rock, Little Marley Beach, Wattamolla, and Curracurrang Cove near Eagle Rock lookout. Stop for a rest, have a picnic, or cool off with a paddle.

There's no public transport in the park so you'll need to arrange a car shuffle or have someone pick you up from either Wattamolla or Garie Beach. Please note the car park at Garie Beach is locked overnight so allow plenty of time before sunset.

Otford to Garie beach

The southern section of the walk between Otford and Garie Beach covers around 11km and takes 3-5 hours.

Park your vehicle at Otford lookout or depart the train at Otford station before following the Ridge Trail north. Hike along the ridge top enjoying a cool breeze and coastal rainforest before you reach a junction where you turn right towards Werrong lookout. Continue downhill until you reach Burning Palms Beach. The detour to Figure Eight Pools is not part of the Royal Coast Track but you should allow an extra hour and check the risk forecast rating in the morning, before attempting to include this detour.

If you're continuting straight on to Era and North Era Beaches take note of the cute heritage shacks before you climb up and out of the valley. When you pass Little Garie Beach you know it won't be long until you're able to reward yourself with a swim at Garie Beach which is patrolled by surf life savers intermittently during summer.