Escaping to a warm small town is one way to soak up some winter sun, but if you want more, head to the world’s second-oldest national park, just a stone’s throw from Sydney. The Wattamolla to Eagle Rock track is a stunning 9km trail with sun-drenched coastal views, crisp winter air, and a good chance of spotting whales along the way. AllTrails recently named it one of the best winter hikes in NSW, so now is the perfect time to lace up your boots and hit the track. Here’s what to know about the picture-perfect trail before you go.
Wattamolla to Eagle Rock track
The Royal National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, with a seemingly endless array of outdoor adventure on offer. Some visit to hit the trails, others to soak up the sun on one of its secluded beaches, and still others to take in the rugged scenery.
The dreamy Wattamolla to Eagle Rock trail forms part of the iconic Royal Coast Track, which stretches an epic 26km through the national park. The section of the walk is one of its most rewarding highlights — a picture-perfect mix of rugged cliffs, native bushland, and ocean views at every turn.
While not a short walk, it’s one of the more manageable tracks in the park. Most of it is flat and on a boardwalk, so it’s suitable for both casual and experienced hikers. If you’re visiting after rainfall, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of waterfalls pouring into the ocean near Eagle Rock. For a refreshing reset, take a cold dip at Wattamolla; it’s also an underrated spot for snorkelling. The clifftops and many lookouts along the trail provide an incredible vantage point for whale watching between June and October as they migrate along the turquoise coast.
Key features
Where: Royal National Park
Distance: 9km
Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Elevation: 336m
Park entry fees: $12 per vehicle per day
How to get there
The Royal National Park is just a short hour’s drive from Sydney and an excellent weekend adventure. You can access the trail from the upper Wattamolla car park off Wattamolla Road or the rocky ledge near the beach lookout. There are no feasible public transport options, so consider driving or renting a car. Want more out of your trip? AllTrails recommends heading north to quieter spots like Jibbon, Shelly, and Little Marley beaches, or going south towards the Instagram-famous Figure Eight Pools, Garie Beach, and Otford Lookout. Find all the key information about the Wattamolla to Eagle Rock trail here and read more about the Royal National Park on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you head out.