Royal National Park

4.7
5428 reviews
Attraction
Royal National Park
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Park alerts

Royal National Park

7 current alerts · 1 upcoming · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 8:05 am

Official alerts
  • Closed areasUntil 30 Oct 2026

    Wises Track and Karani Ridge trail closure for vegetation maintenance works

    NPWS contractors will be doing essential vegetation maintenance works along Wises Track and Karani Ridge fire trail, with closures in place on weekdays from Thursday 1 October to Friday 30 October 2026. The track will be open on weekends and public holidays.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.

About

A day trip or school excursion to Royal National Park in Sydney's south, will offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching. Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park is affectionately known to locals as the ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’. Established in 1879, it’s the world's second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest. Located near Cronulla within an hour’s drive from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong, the 16,000 hectare Royal National Park is like a big beautiful backyard. Whether you come for a morning jog or a week-long camping holiday, you’ll discover something new each time.

The park at a glance

A day trip or school excursion to Royal National Park in Sydney's south, will offer plenty of opportunities for barbecues, fishing, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching.

Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park is affectionately known to locals as the ‘Nasho’ or just ‘the Royal’. Established in 1879, it’s the world's second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest.

Located near Cronulla within an hour’s drive from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong, the 16,000ha Royal National Park is like a big beautiful backyard. Whether you come for a morning jog or a week-long camping holiday, you’ll discover something new each time.

Picnic areas
13
Walks
10
Places to stay
3
Lookouts
3

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

Plan a visit during spring to admire the stunning heathland wildflowers on display. Head along the Coast track or the Curra Moors Loop track or walk to Wises track to see them in bloom.

Summer

Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax. The panorama from Garie North Head is just amazing, so be sure to take your camera. The beach at Bundeena's Bonnie Vale is a great swimming spot, as are Jibbon Beach and Wattamolla lagoon. If a freshwater swim is more your thing, try Karloo Pool, Deer Pool or Curracurrang.

Winter

Winter is a great time to tackle the popular Coast track from Bundeena to Otford. Not only will you be greeted by spectacular coastal scenery, you can also see whales from the cliffs between June and August. Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days.

Walks in this park

12 walks
  • Bungoona lookout and path

    Grade 1 · Easy · 0.92km return · 30min

Plants and animals

5 species

Animals

  • Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

Plants

  • Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)
  • Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
  • Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa)

Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Frequently asked questions

9 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Uglyboyryan

Uglyboyryan

Google review

Today I went to Royal National Park with my brother and we had a great time there. We went over to Wattamolla Falls and looked at the beach then decided to do a coastal walk there. Overall it was a good experience and definitely worth another visit. Would also recommend this to any tourists wanting to explore the area.

Before you go

Vehicle entry

$12 per vehicle per day

Nearby towns

Heathcote (7 km) · Sydney City Centre (33 km) · Wollongong (38 km)

Get in touch

Website

Visit website

Royal National Park Visitor Centre

02 9542 0648npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au

2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232

8.30am to 4.30pm daily; Closed Christmas Day

Where you'll be

2 Lady Carrington Drive

Audley NSW 2232

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