Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach Hike (10.5km)

The hike from Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach offers a diverse and rewarding journey through Royal National Park, covering 10.5km on a well-marked grade 3 trail. Typically taking around four hours, this loop walk showcases the park’s dramatic coastline and expansive heathlands, with sweeping ocean views for much of the way. Big Marley and Little Marley beaches provide the perfect spots to cool your feet, and the dunes behind Big Marley are well worth exploring. If time allows, a detour to Deer Pools adds another layer of interest, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by native bushland.

Tucked away above Wattamolla Lagoon, Wattamolla Pool is a small but inviting waterhole along the Coast Track, not far from the picnic area. Formed by a low sandstone dam, the pool is fed by a gentle waterfall and provides a quiet place to rest and cool off. Further inland, Deer Pool is another hidden gem—a tranquil cascade spilling into a sandy-banked pool, surrounded by lush vegetation. Once a frequent watering spot for deer that roamed the park, this serene location is perfect for a refreshing dip or a moment of stillness by the water’s edge. Although signage suggests camping by permit, the area is not currently designated for overnight stays.

Big Marley Beach stretches in a broad, unspoiled crescent of golden sand, backed by extensive dunes and the still waters of Marley Lagoon. The lagoon, fed by Marley Creek, sits just behind the dunes and forms part of the natural catchment in this remote coastal landscape. With no patrols or facilities, Big Marley remains a wild and peaceful destination. A little further along the coast, the smaller Little Marley Beach offers a more secluded retreat, its narrow band of sand bordered by rocky platforms at either end.

Providential Point Lookout is a striking vantage point with uninterrupted views over the ocean and back towards Wattamolla Beach. Perched on the southern headland of Wattamolla Bay, this fenced lookout provides a spectacular perspective of the rugged cliffs extending north to Boy Martin Point. A short walk from the picnic ground, it’s a great option for those wanting to take in the scenery without committing to a longer hike.

Wattamolla Picnic Area is a favourite among visitors, offering a stunning coastal setting where the beach, lagoon, and surrounding bushland come together in a relaxed and inviting space. Nestled in a sheltered bay, the small west-facing beach is ideal for swimming, while the lagoon, bordered by sand, rock, and cliff faces, provides calmer waters for snorkelling and paddling. The picnic area itself is spacious, with large grassy sections shaded by trees, picnic shelters, electric barbecues, and a kiosk that operates on weekends. Toilets and two car parks are available, though visitors should note that drinking water needs to be treated before use. The access gate to Wattamolla is open daily from 7am to 8:30pm.

This part of Royal National Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking the coastal trails, cooling off in hidden waterholes, or simply enjoying a picnic by the lagoon, Wattamolla and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, from soaring sea eagles to darting oystercatchers, and take the time to appreciate the ever-changing light on the cliffs and ocean.