Palm Jungle Loop Track is a 10 kilometre, grade 4 hike in Royal National Park, New South Wales. It typically takes around five hours to complete and rewards those who take it on with an incredible mix of rainforest, coastal cliffs, and beaches, all wrapped up in one unforgettable day walk.
Beginning at Garawarra Farm, the trail leads you into tall stands of eucalypts and elegant angophoras, their trunks catching the light as you descend along the steep Burgh Ridge. The coastline soon unfolds in front of you, revealing sweeping ocean views that make the effort worthwhile. The track eventually meets The Coast Track, where you turn right and wander past the historic shacks of Burning Palms. This stretch feels timeless, a place where the sound of the surf and the smell of salt in the air create a sense of calm. It’s a lovely spot to pause for lunch or cool off with a swim if the tide and surf are right.
From here, the trail turns inland, climbing through dense rainforest filled with cabbage tree palms and vines that thrive in the moist coastal air. The vegetation closes in, creating a tunnel of green that feels a world away from the open headlands. Reaching Werrong Lookout, you’re rewarded with a striking view across the wild southern coastline, where the cliffs meet the endless expanse of the Pacific.
At the junction, walkers can choose to turn right, following a shaded woodland path that loops back to Garawarra Farm, or continue left toward Otford for an extended walk. Either way, Palm Jungle Loop Track is an experience that captures the essence of Royal National Park – diverse landscapes, rich vegetation, and ever-changing views that remind you just how wild and beautiful this corner of New South Wales can be.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- Royal National Park opens at 7am, with gates locked at 8.30pm, so plan your walk to finish before closing time.
- If you choose to take the detour south from Burning Palms Beach to the Figure Eight Pools, always check the official risk rating tool first. The pools are only safe to visit at low tide and when swell conditions are calm.
- If you intend to continue south along the Royal Coast Track from the junction near Werrong Lookout, arrange a pickup from Otford Lookout to avoid a long return walk.
- Park entry fees apply and can be paid at the entry station or online before your visit.
Total distance: 8332 m
Max elevation: 293 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 398 m
Total descent: -397 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Royal National Park.
Palm Jungle Loop Track begins at Garawarra Farm carpark, located in the southern precinct of Royal National Park. Getting there is straightforward, and the drive itself offers a scenic lead-up to your hike.
From Audley, cross Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Turn left onto Garie Road, then immediately turn right to follow the unsealed trail to Garawarra Farm carpark. If you’re arriving from Waterfall, take McKell Avenue to the end, then turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and continue for about five kilometres. Turn right onto Garie Road and again take the immediate right onto the unsealed trail that leads to the carpark.
The route involves a mix of sealed and unsealed roads but is suitable for 2WD vehicles. Parking is available at Garawarra Farm carpark.
If you’d prefer to skip the drive, the Park Connections bus offers a convenient alternative. You can catch it from Sutherland Station or Bundeena Wharf, with stops at key points throughout the park, including Garawarra Farm carpark, Audley, and Wattamolla.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Audley, Barden Ridge, Bundeena, Caringbah, Cronulla, Engadine, Heathcote, Helensburgh, Loftus, Maianbar, Menai, Miranda, Otford, Oyster Bay, Stanwell Park, Sutherland, Sylvania, Waterfall, Wattamolla, Wollongong, Woodenbong, Woronora, Woronora Heights
Located near Cronulla, just an hour’s drive from both Sydney and Wollongong, Royal National Park is a sprawling 16,000-hectare expanse of coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and tranquil rivers. Established in 1879, it holds the distinction of being the world’s second-oldest national park and remains a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known locally as "the Nasho" or simply "the Royal," this historic park offers an incredible variety of landscapes, making it a prime spot for walking, hiking, cycling, and countless other outdoor adventures.
From the towering sandstone cliffs along the Coast Track to the serene freshwater swimming holes of Karloo Pool, the park’s diverse terrain caters to all levels of walkers and hikers. Scenic bushwalks wind through dense eucalypt forests, past ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, and along windswept headlands where the ocean stretches endlessly to the horizon. Seasonal wildflowers bring bursts of colour to the landscape, while waterfalls cascade over rock ledges into pristine pools below. Whether you prefer a short family-friendly walk or a challenging full-day hike, Royal National Park offers trails suited to every experience level.
Beyond its network of tracks, the park is a playground for nature lovers. Picnic areas are scattered throughout, perfect for a relaxed lunch after a morning on the trails. Surfers flock to Garie Beach for its consistent waves, while birdwatchers can spot lyrebirds, black cockatoos, and sea eagles soaring overhead. In the cooler months, the clifftops provide one of the best vantage points for watching humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. Those looking to extend their visit can set up camp at North Era or book a stay in one of the historic cottages dotted throughout the park.
With its breathtaking scenery and wealth of outdoor activities, Royal National Park is an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking to explore New South Wales’ natural beauty.
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