With around 16,000 hectares to explore, Royal National Park is one of the most diverse natural landscapes on the edge of Sydney. Take your pick of pristine beaches, lush rainforest, natural wonders and ancient Aboriginal sites at one of the world’s oldest national parks. Keen for a snapshot of some of it’s best features? The Bundeena Drive to Marley Beach walk is an excellent place to start. Covering roughly 8km, the trail winds through bushland and open heath, passing freshwater pools and shaded creeks before opening out to expansive coastal views and finishing at the secluded sands of Little Marley Beach. The moderate walk is especially rewarding in summer, with natural swimming spots along the way offering a refreshing break from the heat. Here’s what you need to know.
Bundeena Drive to Marley walk
Part of the iconic 26km Royal Coast Track, the walk starts at the end of Bundeena Drive and follows a clearly marked trail through low heath and bushland, with a mix of dirt path and rocky sections underfoot, and a few short climbs along the way. One of the early highlights of the walk is Deer Pool, a lovely freshwater pool that is easy to access and perfect on a hot day.
From there, the trail gradually continues towards the coast, following the Big Marley fire trail around Jibbon Hill, with wide, open ocean views and less tree cover as you go. After a short descent, it reaches Big Marley Beach, one of the largest in the national park, before continuing on to Little Marley Beach, a beautiful, secluded beach only accessible on foot. This is where you can stop for a break, admire the views, and spot some native wildlife, including whales during migration season. Swimming is possible at Little Marley, but extreme caution is required as the beach is unpatrolled and conditions can be unpredictable. Swimming at Big Marley Beach is not recommended and is considered dangerous due to strong swell and rips. Plan your hike on AllTrails and find more information on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Key features
Where: Royal National Park, near Bundeena
Start point: Bundeena Drive (or Beachcomber Avenue car park)
Distance: Approximately 8km return
Time: Around 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Track grade: Grade 3
Parking: Limited street parking near trailheads; park entry fees apply
How to get there
The walk is located in Royal National Park near Bundeena, about an hour’s drive from Sydney. You can drive to Bundeena and park near the end of Bundeena Drive or at the Beachcomber Avenue car park. If you’re taking public transport, hop on the train to Cronulla and catch the passenger ferry to Bundeena, then walk from the wharf to the trailhead. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.