Tucked away within Botany Bay National Park, the Coastal Hospital Cemetery Walk offers a short yet fascinating journey through history. This easy, 500-metre track follows a gentle path along the coastline, leading to an early Australian cemetery that holds the stories of those who passed through Sydney’s former quarantine hospital in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a grade 2 rating, the walk is accessible to most visitors and takes around 15 minutes to complete, making it a worthwhile detour for those exploring the area.
The cemetery itself is set on elevated ground, offering a peaceful outlook over the rugged coastline and open sea. While more than 2,000 people were laid to rest here, only a handful of graves remain visible, their weathered headstones standing as a quiet testament to lives shaped by hardship, resilience, and the realities of quarantine in a bygone era. Wandering among them, it’s easy to imagine the stories behind the names—tales of travellers, hospital staff, and those who never made it beyond the isolation wards.
For those with an interest in local history, this walk provides a compelling glimpse into Sydney’s past, offering both a moment of reflection and a deeper connection to the landscape. Whether you’re visiting the national park for a longer hike or simply looking for a short walk with historical significance, this hidden corner of the coastline is well worth exploring.
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Total distance: 542 m
Max elevation: 31 m
Min elevation: 26 m
Total climbing: 10 m
Total descent: -10 m
Getting to the trailhead: Botany Bay National Park.
The Coastal Hospital Cemetery Walk begins and ends at the intersection of Cape Banks Road and Cemetery Trail within Botany Bay National Park. The most convenient way to reach the trailhead is by car, with free parking available nearby. The park is easily accessible from Sydney, with a drive south from the city centre taking around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Once inside the park, follow the signs towards Cape Banks, and you’ll find the starting point near the cemetery trail entrance. While there are no direct public transport options to this specific location, visitors can take a bus to nearby La Perouse and continue on foot or by bicycle.
Closest towns to this walk: Banksia, Bexley, Brighton-Le-Sands, Caringbah, Carlton, Cronulla, Hurstville, Kogarah, Kurnell, Kyeemagh, La Perouse, Mascot, Miranda, Ramsgate, Rockdale, Sans Souci, Sydney, Sylvania, Woolooware
Hidden on the northern side of Botany Bay, the Coast Hospital Cemetery is a quiet but powerful reminder of Sydney’s medical history. Established in the early 1880s, it became the final resting place for as many as 2,000 people, many of whom were patients at the nearby Coast Hospital—later known as Prince Henry Hospital. Originally built as a smallpox hospital, the facility was positioned far from the city to provide quarantine for those suffering from highly infectious diseases. Over time, it expanded to treat patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever, and leprosy, making the cemetery a significant site linked to some of Australia’s most devastating outbreaks.
Though time has taken its toll, with some headstones worn and difficult to read, the cemetery remains a poignant place of remembrance. Many graves are unmarked, their occupants lost to history, while others stand as solemn tributes to those who endured illness in isolation. On the eastern edge of the site, an information sign shares another layer of significance—this land also holds the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people, repatriated from museum collections.
This is a place steeped in history, deserving of quiet reflection and respect. Whether visiting to explore the area’s past or simply to pause and take in the atmosphere, the cemetery offers a tangible connection to the lives and hardships of those who came before.
Looking for more walks in or near Botany Bay National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
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