Overview
The Coast Track is an iconic 27 km multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford in Royal National Park. Enjoy 2 days of incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching.
- Distance
- 27km one-way
- Time suggested
- 2 days
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, sunscreen, camping equipment, tent, sleeping bag, water treatment equipment, food supplies, cooking utensils, torch
- Bookings
- You can only stay overnight at Garie Beach campground if you've made a booking in advance. Capacity is limited.
- Please note
- If you plan to walk the track please use our NPWS app and download maps for Royal National Park before you leave home.
- If driving to Bundeena it's a good idea to stop by the Royal National Park Visitor Centre in Audley for park information and maps.
- You'll need to be well-prepared and bring enough water, food and be prepared to carry your own tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
- The campsite consists of a raised timber platform with anchor points for two small one-person tents or one two-person tent.
- Pre-booked campers can access shared amenities with untreated water, cold beach showers, and flush toilets at Garie Beach picnic area.
Plan your multi-day walk along The Coast Track between May to October for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales during whale watching season. If you'd rather tackle this walk in shorter sections you could start at Bundeena, Wattamolla, Garie Beach, Garawarra Farm, or Otford, then return back the way you came after a few kilometres.
Track notes
Day 1: Bundeena to Garie Beach
The northern section of the walk covers 17 km from Bundeena to Garie Beach.
Use the toilet and take the last chance to refill your water bottle at the track head on Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena.
Allow at least 7 hrs to enjoy the rugged beauty of Royal National Park's sandstone escarpments, sandy beaches, coastal heath and forest, as you walk. There are several scenic stops along the way, including Little Marley Beach, Wattamolla, and Curracurrang Cove near Eagle Rock lookout.
Stop for a rest, have a picnic, or cool off with a swim when you reach Garie Beach, before setting up your tent at your pre-booked campsite.
Day 2: Garie Beach to Otford
Pack up your tent and continue along the southern section of the walk between Garie Beach and Otford. Today you'll be hiking 10 km which takes about 3 hours.
Although there's quite a bit of uphill climbing you'll be rewarded with ocean views and the quirky, pastel-coloured heritage shacks at North Era.
On the way to Burning Palms Beach you'll pass a side track on your right which goes up to Garawarra Farm car park.
You'll eventually traverse more shaded sections through coastal rainforest and cabbage tree palms. Follow the Ridge Trail all the way to Otford station where you can catch a train to either Sydney or Wollongong.
Tours and events at this location
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The Coast track fitness adventures for women
Hike The Coast track and immerse yourself in the beauty of Royal National Park with Women’s Fitness Adventures. Enjoy coastal views and the company of a supportive group of women on this 4-day trek.
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The Coast track overnight hikes for youth
Hike The Coast track in Royal National Park on an overnight trip with Ausjourney. Reconnect with nature and learn transferrable life skills on this trek for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Along the way:
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Wedding Cake Rock
Wedding Cake Rock is a popular and very fragile rock formation located along the challenging Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park. Experience the beauty of this natural wonder without risking your safety.
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Wattamolla picnic area
The coastal Wattamolla picnic area at Royal National Park is a popular family spot for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and bushwalking.
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Figure Eight Pools
Figure Eight Pools is located on a dangerous rock shelf in Sydney's Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach. Plan your trip using the wave risk forecast.
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Palm Jungle loop track
A challenging yet spectacular walk, Palm Jungle loop track takes in rainforest, cliff tops, beaches and scenic coastal views in Royal National Park, near Otford.
Download our app
The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.
How to prepare for a multi-day hike
Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable multi-day walk. If you’re new to overnight hiking, here’s a list of what to consider when planning your epic adventure.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
- npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
Park info
- in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
Things to do (95)
- Aboriginal culture (5)
- Beach (2)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (27)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Canoeing/paddling (8)
- Cultural heritage (2)
- Cycling (5)
- Educational activities (2)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Fishing (7)
- Historic heritage (6)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (3)
- Photography (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (26)
- Sightseeing (30)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (10)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (43)
- Waterfalls (8)
- Waterhole (1)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (9)