The Coast track can be tackled in sections or, if you're super-fit, in a day. It's best experienced as a 2-day backpack trip with an overnight stop at North Era campground (advance bookings required).
The northern section of the walk covers around 18km from Bundeena to North Era. Allow at least 7hrs 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, Curracurrang Cove near Eagle Rock lookout, and Garie Beach. Stop for a rest, have a picnic, or cool off with a swim, before continuing to North Era campground for the night.
The southern section of the walk, between North Era and Otford lookout, covers 8km and takes around 3hrs. You'll pass several heritage shacks at South Era, and travel through coastal rainforest of burning palms and palm jungle. Why not stop at Burning Palms Beach, before climbing back atop the headlands. Take in the views from Werrong lookout then push on the last couple of kilometres to Otford lookout.
Plan your walk during whale watching season, May to October, for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales. Take a virtual tour of The Coast track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
If you plan to walk The Coast track get the interactive Royal National Park map app from Avenza.
You'll need to book North Era campground online if you plan to camp overnight here. It's a popular place so book well in advance, especially from October to March.
You'll need to be well-prepared and bring enough water and food for the journey.
If driving to Bundeena it's a good idea to stop by the Royal National Park Visitor Centre for park information and maps.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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To Bundeena. The Coast track starts at Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena in the Bundeena precinct of Royal National Park. To drive there:From Sydney to Bundeena:Take the Princes Highway south towards WollongongAt Loftus, turn left at the signs for Royal National Park onto Farnell Avenue, which continues onto Audley RoadDrive across Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for approximately 10kmTurn left onto Bundeena Drive and continue to Bundeena townshipTurn right onto Brighton Street then left onto Scarborough StreetTurn right at Beachcomber Avenue and follow to the endAlternatively, if starting from Otford lookout:At Waterfall, turn off the Princes Highway onto McKell Avenue, and follow to the endTurn right onto Lady Wakehurst DriveOtford lookout is on the left as you reach the coastline Park entry points Show more Bundeena See on map Bundeena Drive carpark See on map Garie Beach carpark See on map Lady Wakehurst Drive, Otford See on map Wattamolla carpark See on map Parking Parking is available in Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena and at Otford lookout. By public transport Take the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra train line to Cronulla, then the ferry to Bundeena. It's a 1.5km walk to the start of The Coast track. Otford train station is on Georges Road, an extra 2km walk from Otford lookout, at the southern end of The Coast track. Take the South Coast train line to Sydney Central Station, or change at Sutherland for trains to Cronulla, then take the ferry across to Bundeena, if you've parked your car here.
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. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Garawarra State Conservation Area
