Wanderyn
Royal National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

Royal National Park

Getting around: About an hour south of Sydney; reachable by train (to stations like Loftus or Otford) plus walking, or by car, with the coastal drive being the more flexible option for reaching multiple spots.
Hours: Open during daylight hours; vehicle entry fees apply, generally payable at the park entrance.

Established in 1879, Royal National Park is the world's second-oldest declared national park, with dramatic sandstone coastal cliffs, beaches like Wattamolla and Garie, and the long-distance Coast Track walking trail running its length. It's the source park for the famous (and genuinely risky) Figure Eight Pools further south within its boundary.

Given its size, most visitors pick a focused area — a specific beach, a short section of the Coast Track, or the Figure Eight Pools walk — rather than trying to see the whole park in one visit.

Royal National Park FAQs

Is this where the Figure Eight Pools are?

Yes, the pools are within Royal National Park's boundary, accessed via a walking track from the Garie Beach area.

How do I get there without a car?

Trains run to stations like Loftus or Otford near the park's edges, though a car gives more flexibility to reach specific beaches and trailheads.

What's the Coast Track?

A long-distance walking trail (around 26km one-way) running the length of the park's coastline, doable in sections for shorter walks or as a multi-day hike.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a vehicle entry fee applies, generally payable at the park entrance if driving in.

What are the best beaches in the park?

Wattamolla and Garie Beach are popular, accessible options for swimming and picnicking.

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