Sydney · Route card

Royal National Park Coast Track

Feels far from the city despite being close

running2explore.com

Terrain map of Royal National Park Coast Track showing the real GPX route, kilometre markers and photo stops — Coral: GPX route · numbered circles: kilometres · A–H: photo stops · S/F: start and finish

Distance

26.04 km

Elevation

720 m

Time

3–5 hrs

Type

Point to point · Hard

Course overview

Clifftops, empty beaches and wild coastline on the Bundeena section of the Coast Track — Australia's great coastal trail run. Options from 10 km out-and-back to the full 26 km to Otford, with a ferry ride to the start.

0 kmBundeena — Ferry from Cronulla, then 1 km to the trailhead.
4 kmWedding Cake Rock — Open clifftop, no shade.
8 kmMarley Beach — Soft sand crossing — slow going.
12 kmWattamolla — Water, toilets, kiosk. The only refill point.
15 kmEagle Rock — Waterfall into the ocean.
20 kmGarie Beach — Toilets and the last easy bail-out.
26 kmOtford — A brutal final climb to the station.

Photo stops on the map

AFigure Eight Pools — Low tide only — check the tide chart and swell before descending.
BCurracurrong Falls — Morning, after rain

Local knowledge

Best time: Start at first light — most of the track is fully exposed and there is no shade.
Transport: Train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena; train home from Otford.
Water: Wattamolla at 12 km is the only reliable water. Carry at least 2 litres.
Toilets: Bundeena, Wattamolla and Garie Beach.
Parking: Park at Otford and take the train + ferry to Bundeena, so your car waits at the finish.
Safety: Remote, exposed and hot. Tell someone your plan, carry a phone, check the fire danger rating and the tide before attempting Figure Eight Pools.

Local tip: The Bundeena ferry runs hourly — check the timetable before you commit to a start time.