The Coast track is a 26km, grade 5 hike located in Royal National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
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.
Trail location
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Getting there
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.
Gallery
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.