Most Australian cities can claim easy access to the outdoors, but in Sydney, adventure is seamlessly woven into everyday life, thanks to its beaches, national parks, coastal walks, wildlife experiences, and epic natural wonders. A big reason for that is the Royal National Park, located just south of the city, with soaring cliffs, secluded beaches, tumbling waterfalls, dense bushland, and sweeping ocean views at every turn.
It’s an embarrassment of riches for anyone who steps inside, but many don’t realise the park has a rich history of its own. Founded in 1879, the Royal National Park was Australia’s first official national park — and even more impressively, it’s the second oldest in the world, after Yellowstone in the USA. With cooler temps creeping in, there’s no better time to lace up your boots and see why this place has held onto its magic for well over a century. Here’s everything you need to know about the Royal National Park.
Royal National Park, Australia
Thanks to its unparalleled access to nature and sheer natural beauty, the Royal National Park became the first in the world to carry the term “National Park” in its name, paving the way for Australia’s now-flourishing national park system. A visit today reveals much of the same magic: unspoilt beaches, coastal rainforest, and sacred Aboriginal sites that speak to the land’s deep history. In the cooler months, the park is just as spectacular, with whale-watching lookouts and some of the best coastal walks in NSW, which are even more enjoyable in the crisp winter air.
Things to do at the Royal National Park
With over 15,000 hectares to explore, there’s plenty of room to truly get away from it all, but with that much ground to cover, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the park is packed with experiences for every kind of traveller, from daytrippers and nature lovers to seasoned hikers and more. Just be sure to check the latest alerts and closures on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website before you go. With that in mind, here are some of the best things to do in Australia’s first national park.
1. Tackle the iconic Royal Coast Track
Touted as one of the best multi-day hikes in NSW, the Royal Coast Track stretches 26km between Bundeena and Otford, serving up dramatic lookouts, natural swimming spots, and seasonal whale sightings along the way. It can be done in a day, but locals recommend breaking it into two with an overnight stay at North Era campground. Not up for the full track? You can easily tackle shorter sections and still get plenty of bang for your buck. Other popular tracks in the park include the 10km Palm Jungle loop track and the 4-hour Bundeena to Wattamolla guided coastal walk.
2. Pack a picnic at Wattamolla
The coastal Wattamolla picnic area is a long-time family favourite for swimming, fishing, and bushwalking — and it’s also an underrated spot for snorkelling. Wattamolla Falls spills into a beautiful emerald lagoon, and the calm waters are perfect for splashing around on a sunny day. Stretch out in the shade or take a walk down to the beach for a lazy afternoon of fishing at this ever-popular spot.
3. Visit the stunning Curracurrong Falls
Curracurrong Falls has quite the claim to fame — not only is it one of the most striking waterfalls in the Royal National Park, it’s also one of the few in the world that empties directly into the ocean. On windy days, it gives the illusion that it’s flowing upwards. You can find it along the Coast Track, and keep an eye open for another local icon nearby, Eagle Rock.
4. Marvel at Wedding Cake Rock
One of the most popular spots in the park, Wedding Cake Rock gets its name from its pristine white layers and sharp edges that resemble a slice of cake. It’s a gorgeous sight, perched right by the turquoise ocean, but due to ongoing erosion, the rock has become unstable and is now fenced off for safety. You can’t step onto it anymore, and it may not be around forever, but the view from the lookout is still well worth the walk.
5. Go beach hopping
Are you a beach bum regardless of the season? You won’t be disappointed at the Royal National Park. There’s something for everyone — get the whole beach to yourself at the beautiful Burning Palms, catch a wave at Garie Beach, see whales along the boardwalk from Big Marley and Little Marley, or stretch out on Jibbon Beach, one of the longest in the park.
6. Brave a dip in the Figure 8 Pools
Another spot in the park that needs no introduction — the Figure Eight Pools. These naturally formed rock pools, shaped like perfect eights, are tucked about a kilometre south of Burning Palms. They’re very Instagrammable, but sit on an exposed rock platform that can be dangerous in the wrong conditions. Check the tides, swell, and weather before you go.
The best time to visit the Royal National Park
It’s a question that comes up a lot, and the answer really depends on what you’re looking for. The park is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season. Summer is made for swimming, surfing, and long days by the water. Spring and autumn bring milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter (from May to October) is the perfect time to go to make the most of the coastal walks and whale watching. Moody days also deliver, with waterfalls especially lovely after a good rainfall. Find more information about Royal National Park here.
Key details:
Parking fees: $12 per vehicle per day
Opening hours: 7am to 8.30pm daily, though the park may close during fire danger or severe weather
Location: Around 30 km south of Sydney
Accessibility: Several wheelchair-accessible areas throughout the park
How to get there
The Royal National Park is just an hour’s drive from Sydney, and if you prefer not to drive or want to avoid parking hassles, it’s also easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Cronulla Station, then hop on the historic ferry to Bundeena, which runs regularly and takes about 20–30 minutes to cross Port Hacking. From Bundeena Wharf, it’s a short walk to the start of the Coast Track. Alternatively, you can access the park via train stations at Heathcote, Waterfall, or Otford. Plan ahead on Transport for NSW.