Wises Track is a 4.1 km, grade 3 walk in Royal National Park that typically takes around 1.5 hours one way. It is not a destination walk in the traditional sense, but it offers a quiet and enjoyable way to experience the park’s heathland environments. The route follows an old road that has been converted into a service trail, making it easy to follow and well suited to a relaxed outing. In the warmer months, wildflowers and banksias line the track, creating colourful displays and attracting birdlife. Although it is often described as a one way walk requiring return transport, it can just as easily be completed as an 8.2 km return walk by retracing your steps.
The walk begins from the southernmost Wises Track sign on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, located to the left of a gate. This sign has reportedly gone missing at times, so it is worth keeping an eye out for the gate itself as your reference point. From here, the track heads away from the road and passes around the gate, moving through low heath. After about 30 metres, the trail turns right, then shortly after reaches a rocky outcrop on the left before turning right again and heading downhill.
The descent continues steadily to a clearing on the right, after which the track drops more steeply and swings left. At the bottom of the rocky slope, the trail continues on to an unsigned intersection. Keeping right, the track passes beneath a rocky outcrop on the left and continues downhill. From here, the trail winds and gently rises and falls for around 2 km along a ridgeline before reaching a grassy intersection.
Staying on the clearest trail, the walk heads north for roughly 500 metres through banksia scrub and low eucalypts, following a sandy surface. This section leads to another intersection, where an overgrown track branches off to the left. Keeping right again, the main trail continues clearly ahead, soon passing through a gate and reaching the Wises Track sign on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, marking the end of the walk.
While Wises Track may not be one of the park’s headline walks, it provides a pleasant and varied experience, especially for those interested in heathland vegetation and seasonal wildflowers. It is a good option for a short outing or a gentle return walk, offering a quieter side of Royal National Park away from the busier coastal tracks.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 4117 m
Max elevation: 207 m
Min elevation: 141 m
Total climbing: 33 m
Total descent: -87 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Royal National Park.
You can start this walk from either end, or choose to return the same way if you prefer a longer outing.
One access point is at the southern end of Wises Track, located at the intersection of Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and the Wises Track southern gate. This trailhead is accessible by car, with free parking available nearby.
The northern end of the track is also reached from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, at the Wises Track northern gate. This end of the walk is likewise accessible by car, and free parking is available.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: 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
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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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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.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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