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Best trails in Royal National Park

Best trails in Royal National Park

4.3(21,118 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#12 of 637 national parks

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Royal National Park is located on the lands of the Tharawal people in Sutherland Shire of New South Wales. It is the second oldest national park in the world (after Yellowstone in the USA) and is, as such, part of the Australian National Heritage List. The landscapes throughout Royal National Park consist of beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waters that are surrounded by coastal bush forests. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including over 200 bird species. It is a great place to hike, swim, visit ancient Aboriginal sites, and watch wildlife without needing to travel too far out of Sydney. If you're here between May and October, you'll likely spot whales on their migrating journey, so keep your eyes peeled!

Top trails

  1. #1 - Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
    4.8(1369)
    •Moderate
    •5.6 mi
    •Est. 3–3.5 hr
    The Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Trail offers a scenic slice of the iconic Coast Track in Royal National Park, featuring breathtaking ocean views and rugged coastal landscapes. Part of the route traverses a raised boardwalk that hugs the shoreline, perfect for spotting native flora and fauna. Access the trailhead near Wattamolla car park's upper section off Wattamolla Road, or via the rocky outcrop near Wattamolla Beach Lookout. Keep in mind the area lacks public transport, so plan your journey...
  2. #2 - Heathcote Station to Karloo Pools
    4.6(1035)
    •Moderate
    •3.3 mi
    This is a great family friendly walk in Royal National Park. The trail features a relatively easy start along the Bottle Brush Trail and then a rocky descent down to Karloo walking track and the swimming holes of Karloo rock pools. It can be a hard trek back up on the way back to Heathcote train station with a few uneven and rocky sections, so appropriate footwear is required. This trail is very easy to get to with public transport and parking is also available close to the train station....
  3. #3 - Figure 8 Pools
    4.7(885)
    •Moderate
    •3.8 mi
    Be advised that the pool is only accessible at low tide. Do not attempt at mid to high tide or when there are bigger waves. Check the tides as you plan your trip to the rock pools. This is a relatively short walk to a very popular natural rock formation in the Royal National Park. This is the shortest route to the pool, starting at Garrawarra Farm car park just off of Garie Road. The Burgh Ridge track descends fairly steeply to Burning Palms beach, where there is a small collection of...
  4. #4 - Bundeena to Wedding Cake Lookout
    4.7(600)
    •Easy
    •3.5 mi
    •Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This is a terrific walk in Royal National Park, taking you to Wedding Cake Rock. The rock is situated on the challenging Coast Track and is a famous and delicate rock formation. The rock's distinctive shape, resembling a slice of cake, can be seen perched above the crashing waves due to its sharp edges and deep cracks. The rock's pure white colour contrasts with the harder sandstone of the coastal cliffs.
  5. #5 - Bundeena to Big Marley and Little Marley Beaches
    4.8(574)
    •Moderate
    •6.8 mi
    •Est. 3–3.5 hr
    This is a popular cliff-top walk exploring the coastline of Royal National Park. You can park at the trailhead or get the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena. Follow marker posts. There are vast views and stunning scenery. A little nimble-footedness is required occasionally, otherwise the trail is relatively easy going. The trail follows the coast track along cliff edges and gives visitors great viewing opportunities of the unique wedding cake rock formation. Using the car park at the end of...
  6. #6 - Curra Moors Loop Track
    4.5(629)
    •Moderate
    •6.0 mi
    •Est. 3–3.5 hr
    The Curra Moors Loop Track is a nice walk through the south eastern corner of the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, NSW. Parking is available at the trailhead, just off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. The walk features a nice variety in terrain, the landscape transitions from temperate rainforest to heathlands and eventually coasts plus a great diversity of native flowers. The trail starts off more rugged before you get to several kilometres of boardwalk along the coastal section. It's often...
  7. #7 - Curracurrang Falls
    4.8(372)
    •Easy
    •2.7 mi
    •Est. 1–1.5 hr
    This is a great short walk found just by the carpark and picnic area of Wattamolla Beach. This route loops around the bushland taking in the rugged coastline with fantastic views of the Pacific ocean. Leading you along the coastline you'll come across the Curracurrang Gully where you'll find a small waterfall if it has rained recently. This route of course gives stunning views of the ocean and during the colder months is an amazing spot to view whales migrating up the coastline.
  8. #8 - Palm Jungle Loop Track
    4.7(546)
    •Hard
    •6.7 mi
    WARNING: the rock platform and rock pools are only accessible depending on the tide and waves; the rule of thumb is to time it for low tide. Do not attempt at mid to high tide or when there are bigger surf conditions. Check the forecast before planning the walk: tides.willyweather.com.au/nsw/sydney/burning-palms-beach.html This is a challenging yet spectacular walk on the southern tip of the Royal National Park, about halfway between the center of Sydney and Wollongong, NSW. The trail begins...
  9. #9 - Karloo Track and Bottle Forest Trail Loop
    4.6(531)
    •Moderate
    •5.0 mi
    •Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This enjoyable track explores the bushland near Heathcote train station, from where the trail conveniently begins and ends. There are wildflowers and interesting rock formations along the way. Lots of variations in the track, and the possibility of a dip in the pool on a hot day. This trail starts from outside the park so the entry fee does not apply as you enter on foot. There is a campsite at Uloola falls if you're looking for an overnight adventure. Booking and registration is required.
  10. #10 - Karloo Walking Track
    4.6(330)
    •Moderate
    •6.0 mi
    •Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Karloo Walking Track is a jam packed adventure located just a short drive or train ride from Sydney. The trail begins from Heathcote station and leads out to the scenic Uloola Falls in the north-west section of Royal National Park. Along the way, you'll pass through heathland and the popular swimming and picnic spot called Karloo Pool. There are several fascinating rock outcrops to explore along the way as well. Uloola Falls is the turn around point of the track, where you can relax beside...
Showing results 1–10 of 146
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Royal National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Royal National Park is Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,369 reviews. This trail is 5.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,102 ft.

What is the longest trail in Royal National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Royal National Park is Coastal Walk: Wollongong to Bundeena. This trail is estimated to be 27.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Royal National Park?

There are 146 trails in Royal National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 21,118 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Royal National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Royal National Park has you covered. Coastal Walk: Wollongong to Bundeena boasts the most elevation gain with 4,609 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Royal National Park: The Coast Track (North to South), which will get you 3,389 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Royal National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 32 camping trails in Royal National Park and the most popular is Karloo Track and Bottle Forest Trail Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 531 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Royal National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 71 running trails in Royal National Park and the most popular is Bundeena to Big Marley and Little Marley Beaches with an average 4.8 star rating from 574 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Royal National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 15 biking trails in Royal National Park and the most popular is Loftus Loop Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 367 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Royal National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Royal National Park, including Rawson Parade, Temptation Creek and Holy Trail Loop and Loftus To Engadine - Long Way.

Are there any trails with bays in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Royal National Park?

Yes, there are 44 trails with scenic viewpoints in Royal National Park, including Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, Curracurrang Falls, Palm Jungle Loop Track, Karloo Walking Track, and Grays Point to Audley Loop via Hacking River.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with beaches in Royal National Park?

Yes, there are 59 trails with beaches in Royal National Park, including Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, Figure 8 Pools, Bundeena to Big Marley and Little Marley Beaches, Curracurrang Falls, and Palm Jungle Loop Track.

Are there any trails with rivers in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with streams in Royal National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a stream in Royal National Park: Curracurrong via Wises and Curra Moors Fire Trail.

Are there any trails with lagoons in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with caves in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Royal National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Royal National Park?