Coast Walk
Coast Walk
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5.0
52 reviews
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Uncle Buck
Coogee, Australia36 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
It was really easy to get to the Royal National Park by using the weekend shuttle bus from Sutherland Train Station. The bus leaves at 8am and 11am from car park at 1-3 East Parade. I paid $15 for a day pass that dropped my off at Bundeena and I walked to Garie in 4 hours. I saw whales, wedding cake rock, eagle rock and Wattamolla Lagoon. The bus ticket includes national park fees and returned me back to Sutherland. The bus is called Park Connections and the drivers were really easy going. Highly recommend the Coast Walk with Park Connections.
Written June 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TMBHL_on_the_go
Wagga Wagga, Australia1,005 contributions
Jun 2020
We walked the full 27.5km track in a day over the June equinox weekend. I'd been planning for months the logistics of walking from Otford to Bundeena and the complexity (particularly with Covid and reduced capacity on the Bundeena ferry and Otford trains) was giving me headaches. Then I suddenly thought that if we stayed in a B&B in Bundeena, perhaps the owners would drop us at the start of the track and we could just walk back - avoiding all need to deal with public transport schedules.
Red Door B&B Bundeena to the rescue! The lovely Lynne & driver Dave were happy to drive us 30mins and drop us at the start of the track in Otford (which also avoids the 2km walk from the station to the track). We were walking by 8.20am and spent a wonderful 7.5hours walking the total 29.5km back to the B&B. It was a perfect sunny 21 degree day so there were plenty of other walkers and joggers using the track and also plenty of whales heading north along the coast with us. We stopped for lunch at a lovely spot where a humpback rolled along just beneath us and slapped its tail creating a huge whacking sound on the water.
I actually think the ideal way to walk would be to start at Bundeena and finish at Otford as you'd have the sun behind you and would also get to wedding cake rock earlier. When we arrived it was later in the afternoon and the rock was covered in shadow from the fencing, and of course 3 idiotic tourists who had climbed the huge fencing and then just sat on the rock for at least the 5mins we waited, risking their own lives and ruining everyone else's photos. Everything else about the day was perfect though. I should also mention the spa at Red Door B&B has jets that perfectly massaged my aching feet at the end of our very big day.
Red Door B&B Bundeena to the rescue! The lovely Lynne & driver Dave were happy to drive us 30mins and drop us at the start of the track in Otford (which also avoids the 2km walk from the station to the track). We were walking by 8.20am and spent a wonderful 7.5hours walking the total 29.5km back to the B&B. It was a perfect sunny 21 degree day so there were plenty of other walkers and joggers using the track and also plenty of whales heading north along the coast with us. We stopped for lunch at a lovely spot where a humpback rolled along just beneath us and slapped its tail creating a huge whacking sound on the water.
I actually think the ideal way to walk would be to start at Bundeena and finish at Otford as you'd have the sun behind you and would also get to wedding cake rock earlier. When we arrived it was later in the afternoon and the rock was covered in shadow from the fencing, and of course 3 idiotic tourists who had climbed the huge fencing and then just sat on the rock for at least the 5mins we waited, risking their own lives and ruining everyone else's photos. Everything else about the day was perfect though. I should also mention the spa at Red Door B&B has jets that perfectly massaged my aching feet at the end of our very big day.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alison R
Melbourne, Australia64 contributions
Dec 2020
We walked from the Otford lookout carpark north to Burning Palms Beach and then south along the beach to the Figure Eight Pools. It was a fairly warm early summer's day, and the forest part of the walk was wonderfully shady. Most of the beach stretch involved picking one's way across rocks... which was fun and challenging. Not much in the way of bird life, but I did see a water dragon and a tree dragon as well as a tiny black skink.
Written December 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paddy Denvir
Sydney, Australia11 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
The best things in life are often free. 7am train to Otford and the trail then winds through rainforest, steep escarpments, beaches, clifftops, amazing ocean views, and much more before ending at Bundeena in mid afternoon.
Around 30km all up, take plenty of food and water as there is none along the way unless you are camping overnight and can boil your own! And check that the ferry is actually running!
Easily one of the great walks around Sydney along with the Blue Mts and Great North Track.
Around 30km all up, take plenty of food and water as there is none along the way unless you are camping overnight and can boil your own! And check that the ferry is actually running!
Easily one of the great walks around Sydney along with the Blue Mts and Great North Track.
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SJYeo
Singapore, Singapore187 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We spent about 3 hrs for a 3.3km from car park #5 to eagle head rock. Along the way, great scenery plus seeing the burnt trees from bushfires just 6 months ago. A very enjoyable walk.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terecita the Explorer
29 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Good coastal walk where you can go at own pace. Dramatic elevated coast line views, beautiful. No amenities. Massive drops to ocean below may have to watch kiddies close to edges..! Relatively flat nice walk.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca M
Sydney, Australia51 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
We have walked along this coast line many times and it is stunning no matter which section you decide to walk. The beaches are beautiful and wild and it's a great day trip to get away from the city.
To the north of the track near Bundeena is 'Wedding Cake Rock' - we went a couple of years ago and barely noticed it was even there it was so quiet. This time we were mortified to see what the national parks have done to this part of the coastline and worse how swathes of tourists were behaving.
In order to keep everyone safe a fence has been put up to stop people from getting too close to the edge - of course there's no helping the stupid is there! Literally scores of tourists climbing over the 'danger signs' and tramping all over the rock. Such a shame as it meant that anyone waiting patiently behind the fence could not see a thing. A board walk has also been erected all the way from Bundeena to the rock which again is a big mistake as this opens up the trail to anyone and everyone - there were young tourists only going for the selfies and walking through the native bush with their mobile phones blaring our music at full volume and teenages in designer high heels and party ware heading to the rock.
We had walked all day and only seen a handful of people however I could not wait to get away from this place as it was massively over crowded with ignorant and irresponsible tourists. Please NSW National Parks - don't ruin any more of this wonderful coastline!
To the north of the track near Bundeena is 'Wedding Cake Rock' - we went a couple of years ago and barely noticed it was even there it was so quiet. This time we were mortified to see what the national parks have done to this part of the coastline and worse how swathes of tourists were behaving.
In order to keep everyone safe a fence has been put up to stop people from getting too close to the edge - of course there's no helping the stupid is there! Literally scores of tourists climbing over the 'danger signs' and tramping all over the rock. Such a shame as it meant that anyone waiting patiently behind the fence could not see a thing. A board walk has also been erected all the way from Bundeena to the rock which again is a big mistake as this opens up the trail to anyone and everyone - there were young tourists only going for the selfies and walking through the native bush with their mobile phones blaring our music at full volume and teenages in designer high heels and party ware heading to the rock.
We had walked all day and only seen a handful of people however I could not wait to get away from this place as it was massively over crowded with ignorant and irresponsible tourists. Please NSW National Parks - don't ruin any more of this wonderful coastline!
Written August 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When-on-me-travels
Stoke-on-Trent, UK1,371 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
We caught the 6:30am train on Saturday, platform 25 at Central, to Otford, arriving at 7:30am.
The walk was a mixture of woodland, fields, hillsides, rocks, beaches and trails. All along the coast and amazing views throughout, taking in touristy hot spots such as Wattamolla Beach and the figure 8 pools along the way.
We arrived in Bundeena at 3:45pm, had a couple of pints, and caught the ferry to Cronulla (last ferry seems to range from 6 or 7pm), then the train back to Central.
There were maybe 2 toilets along the whole journey and one cafe, so take plenty of water/snacks... and maybe toilet roll
Amazing walk and something I would do again in a heartbeat.
The walk was a mixture of woodland, fields, hillsides, rocks, beaches and trails. All along the coast and amazing views throughout, taking in touristy hot spots such as Wattamolla Beach and the figure 8 pools along the way.
We arrived in Bundeena at 3:45pm, had a couple of pints, and caught the ferry to Cronulla (last ferry seems to range from 6 or 7pm), then the train back to Central.
There were maybe 2 toilets along the whole journey and one cafe, so take plenty of water/snacks... and maybe toilet roll
Amazing walk and something I would do again in a heartbeat.
Written September 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John B
Sydney, Australia371 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
This is a fantastic coastal walk. We trained to Helensburgh (though Orford is good too) and commenced walking. It was up and down until Lilyvale then we climbed up to the coastal ridge. Great sights, beaches, picnic areas and even though it was Anzac Day, it wasn't too busy until the last 5 kms to Bundeena. All up we walked almost 32 kms.
Make sure you have water- like 3 litres per person. We were fortunate to buy more water at Garie Beach but there is no guarantee it will be open for you.
Take a packed lunch and some snacks- muesli bars and fruit.
We commenced walking at 830 am and caught the ferry from to Bundeena to Cronulla at 400pm. Last ferry was 700pm.
Trains south from Sydney are every hour at weekends and PH's. Trains from Cronulla to Sydney are every 15-20 minutes.
All round a great day out !
And congratulations to park staff on the path improvements. 95% of our trek was excellent paths and I'm sure the other 5% will be fixed soon- just some erosion and mud if wet,
Wear proper hiking boots !!!
Make sure you have water- like 3 litres per person. We were fortunate to buy more water at Garie Beach but there is no guarantee it will be open for you.
Take a packed lunch and some snacks- muesli bars and fruit.
We commenced walking at 830 am and caught the ferry from to Bundeena to Cronulla at 400pm. Last ferry was 700pm.
Trains south from Sydney are every hour at weekends and PH's. Trains from Cronulla to Sydney are every 15-20 minutes.
All round a great day out !
And congratulations to park staff on the path improvements. 95% of our trek was excellent paths and I'm sure the other 5% will be fixed soon- just some erosion and mud if wet,
Wear proper hiking boots !!!
Written April 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MrDurden
Sydney, Australia174 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
This walk is around 28km long (a little further if you are using public transport), but can be broken up into smaller segments if you wish.
The walk crosses heathlands, rocky outcrops, cliffs and beaches, and ferny forests, with some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and down south along the sea cliffs. It's usually walked from Bundeena to Otford, although be aware that the most significant altitude changes are at the southern end past Burning Palms Beach. Walkers would be well advised to check out detailed information on the walk, such as on the Wildwalks website.
Other entry/exit points to the walk are available by car access from Wattamolla, Garie Beach or Garawarra Farm.
A personal favourite part of mine is the sculpted and coloured rock formations between Marley Beach and Wattamolla - in my view, more interesting than Instagram celebrity site Wedding Cake Rock. I'd also recommend the short side trip to Figure 8 Pool.
The walk is very exposed and most of it has little protection from sun, rain or wind, so be prepared. Toilets are available at Wattamolla, Garie and North Era. Bring plenty of drinking water.
Since the Garie YHA burned down, the only authorised camping spot along the way is North Era campground around 20km from the North end of the walk - you need to book a permit in advance.
A fit person could do the walk in a day, but may have less time for stops along the way to admire the scenery or swim on the beach.
Public transport to Bundeena and Otford is limited, so make sure you time your trip well.
The walk crosses heathlands, rocky outcrops, cliffs and beaches, and ferny forests, with some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and down south along the sea cliffs. It's usually walked from Bundeena to Otford, although be aware that the most significant altitude changes are at the southern end past Burning Palms Beach. Walkers would be well advised to check out detailed information on the walk, such as on the Wildwalks website.
Other entry/exit points to the walk are available by car access from Wattamolla, Garie Beach or Garawarra Farm.
A personal favourite part of mine is the sculpted and coloured rock formations between Marley Beach and Wattamolla - in my view, more interesting than Instagram celebrity site Wedding Cake Rock. I'd also recommend the short side trip to Figure 8 Pool.
The walk is very exposed and most of it has little protection from sun, rain or wind, so be prepared. Toilets are available at Wattamolla, Garie and North Era. Bring plenty of drinking water.
Since the Garie YHA burned down, the only authorised camping spot along the way is North Era campground around 20km from the North end of the walk - you need to book a permit in advance.
A fit person could do the walk in a day, but may have less time for stops along the way to admire the scenery or swim on the beach.
Public transport to Bundeena and Otford is limited, so make sure you time your trip well.
Written May 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
caropalmeroe
4 contributions
How do i get there using public transportation?
MrDurden
Sydney, Australia174 contributions
Southern end - train to Otford.
Northern end - Ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena.
Coast Walk (Royal National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Coast Walk
- Hotels near Coast Walk:
- (3.68 mi) Quest Cronulla Beach
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- (5.66 mi) Metro Hotel Miranda
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