9 Best day walks in the Royal NP

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct environments and gives a great cross section of what the park has to offer. The Figure Eight pools are on an ocean rock platform. Rock platforms can be very dangerous places, especially at high tide and during high seas. Only plan to visit the rock platform at low tide and low seas (see BOM website for forecast). Please also wear appropriate footwear for the walk and rock platforms.

Total climbing: 273m

Winifred Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Royal National Park. This walk not only goes to the magnificent falls but has the optional side trip down to the beautiful South West Arm Pools. Anice Falls are not as great as Winifred but worth the visit. The walk then continues through the heath to Maianbar Rd.

Total climbing: 179m

Exploring the southern coast of Royal National Park, this walk experiences different trails and environments, with dense forest at Palm Forest to the open grasslands along the Coastline. With a short side trip out to the Figure of Eight Pools, this walk becomes a great day in the bush. The views from the Burgh Ridge are something special, with views far into the distance along the coast. (Check the tide and wave heights, to avoid disappointment at the rock platform for Figure Eight pools.)

Total climbing: 706m

On this loop walk you will enjoy some grand ocean views, a few secluded beaches, rock shelves and some Aboriginal engravings. The walk starts in the community of Bundeena and follows the roads to Jibbon Beach then along the track to Jibbon Head and Shelley beach, then a long stretch of sandy management trail through the heath. The walk also describes a side trip to Bundeena Lookout.

Total climbing: 139m

Exploring the coastline of the Royal National Park, this walk has fantastic views and a great place to wet the toes at Little Marley Beach. Bundeena is a great place to start the walk, with places to grab a bite to eat. You can also catch the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, an excellent way to start a day of walking. With this walk, prepare to be astounded by great views of the ocean and cliffs.

Total climbing: 441m

A popular trail for those wanting a well-signposted bush track, and a great place to swim. The Karloo Track follows the bush track from Heathcote Railway Station east, into the Royal National Park, to a great set of waterholes on Kangaroo Creek. This walk offers more than just a set of waterholes at the end, there are also fantastic views from the ridge, of the surrounding bushland.

Total climbing: 312m

The walk from Wattamolla picnic area to Eagle Rock is an excellent way to see the the Royal coastline and the Eagle Rock formation. This walk heads south from Wattamolla, following the Coast Track, leaving the sea cliffs for a while to pass through some beautiful heath, then back to the coast, to the Eagle Rock Lookout. The walk returns to Wattamolla the same way, for a bite to eat and a swim.

Total climbing: 292m

This pleasant walk takes you from Heathcote to Waterfall Station. This walk ventures into central Royal National Park along a well maintained bush track. The walk goes via a beautiful set of waterholes and rock flats at Karloo Pools. The walk continues to the peaceful campsite at Uloola Falls and then along a service trail, to Waterfall Railway Station.

Total climbing: 388m

The walk down to Deer Pools takes you through the heath, which is common in Royal National Park. This bush opens out onto Deer Pool, a beautiful little cascade and pool of water. A lovely walk to one of the well known landmarks in the park.

Total climbing: 109m

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea and along the cliffs. Make an early start for day two, it is bigger that it appears.

Total climbing: 1351m