Stockyard Spur to Garie Beach is a short but rewarding 3.3 kilometre grade 4 walk in Royal National Park. Most people complete it in a little over an hour, although you may want to allow extra time to enjoy the coastal scenery. It is a useful point to point option if someone can drop you off and meet you at the other end, though walking back up the spur is always possible if you prefer to keep things simple. Between the open ridges, the shaded gullies and the chance to cool your feet along the shoreline, the track offers plenty of variety. The route also passes a cluster of historic depression era shacks near North Era and Little Garie, which adds another layer of interest to the landscape.
The walk begins just above Garie Road at the gate marked with no parking and no stopping signs. From here the trail follows a mostly flat management track for around two hundred metres before it begins to descend. The surface is easy going at first, leading to the base of a small rise marked by an unassuming side track on the left. A round rock about the size of a soccer ball makes it easier to spot.
Turning left, the path leaves the management trail and twists through low bush as it drops off the ridge. Large boulders scatter the slope and the track weaves around them before reaching a patch of open forest. The change in vegetation is noticeable as the ground becomes thick with grasses and the canopy opens up to views across the depression era shacks tucked into the coastline. The track then climbs gently to the crest of the headland before dropping towards the beach, arriving beside the North Era Bush Campground sign.
North Era campground sits in the dunes behind the beach and is a popular spot for surfers and overnight walkers. It has a toilet and cleared tent sites for up to thirty six people. Fires are not permitted and campers are required to bring a fuel stove. Water is often available from the nearby creek, although it should always be treated. In dry periods it is wise to carry all the water you need, as the small supply at Garie Beach can also run dry.
From the campground the walk continues north with the ocean on the right, crossing the open grass and climbing steeply to the top of the prominent hill above Era. The descent on the far side follows a narrow bush track with timber steps that lead down to Little Garie Community Hall. Old cabins line the lower slopes as you continue through the gully and join the main Coast Walk, where signage highlights the erosion issues that affect this section of the park.
The final stretch keeps the sea close on the right and the grassy slopes rising on the left until the path widens and leads directly into the Garie Beach car park. Garie Beach is a broad, south east facing sweep of yellow sand framed by steep headlands. It is a well known surf beach and is patrolled during the summer peak from December to January. Facilities include a toilet block, picnic tables, cold showers and a kiosk. Shower water comes from a tank and may be limited, so treat it before drinking.
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.
Total distance: 3456 m
Max elevation: 217 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 95 m
Total descent: -292 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Royal National Park.
The Stockyard Spur to Garie Beach walk begins at the intersection of Garie Road and The Squeeze Way in Royal National Park. The most direct way to reach the start is by car, and you will need to pay the park entry fee at the toll booth or via the NPWS pay machines.
The walk finishes at the Garie Beach Carpark, which is also accessed by car along Garie Road. The same park entry fee applies. Facilities at the end point include toilets, picnic areas, a kiosk and beach access, which makes it a convenient spot to wait if you are organising a car shuffle or being dropped off at the start.
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Royal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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