Royal National Park is a gem of nature, located just south of Sydney. It covers an area of 15,080 hectares, making it the second-largest national park in the world. It was established in 1879, making it the oldest national park in Australia and the second-oldest in the world. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, plants and landscapes, ranging from rainforest and palm forest to heathland and coastal cliffs. It also has a fascinating history and culture, with Aboriginal sites, colonial heritage and conservation efforts. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, education or inspiration, Royal National Park has something for everyone.
Bushwalking and Hiking
One of the best ways to explore Royal National Park is by foot. The park offers over 100 km of walking and hiking trails, suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. You can choose from short and easy walks, such as the Bungoona Lookout, which offers stunning views of the Hacking River and the park, or the Jibbon Beach loop track, which takes you past Aboriginal rock art and sandy beaches.
You can also opt for longer and more challenging hikes, such as the Coast Track, which is a two-day, 26 km one-way hike along the coast, with spectacular views of beaches, cliffs, waterfalls and rock formations. You can camp overnight at one of the designated campgrounds, such as North Era or Garie Beach, or stay at one of the cottages or cabins in the park. Other popular and scenic hikes include the Bundeena to Marley walk, the Palm Jungle Loop, the Curra Moors Loop and the Uloola Track.
Camping and Accommodation
If you want to extend your stay in Royal National Park, you have plenty of options for camping and accommodation. The park has nine campgrounds, which offer basic facilities such as toilets, showers, picnic tables and fire pits. Some of the campgrounds, such as Bonnie Vale and Bundeena, are accessible by car, while others, such as North Era and Garie Beach, are only accessible by foot.
You can also stay at one of the cottages or cabins in the park, which offer more comfort and amenities, such as kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and verandas. Some of the cottages and cabins, such as Hilltop Cottage and Weemalah Cottage, are heritage-listed and have a charming and rustic feel. You can also find other accommodation options nearby, such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and holiday rentals.
On the Water
Royal National Park is not only a paradise for land lovers, but also for water enthusiasts. The park offers a range of water-based activities and attractions, such as whale watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, surfing and fishing. You can spot whales from the shore or from a lookout, such as the Governor Game lookout or the Eagle Rock, or join a whale watching cruise or tour, which operate from May to November.
You can also paddle along the Hacking River or the Port Hacking estuary, which are calm and scenic waterways, or explore the coast and the bays, such as Bundeena, Wattamolla and Garie Beach. You can rent kayaks and canoes from local operators, or join a kayaking or canoeing tour, which are led by qualified and friendly guides.
You can also swim at one of the many beaches in the park, such as Jibbon Beach, Little Marley Beach, Burning Palms Beach and Werrong Beach. Some of the beaches are patrolled by lifeguards, while others are more secluded and remote. You can also surf at some of the beaches, such as Garie Beach, Era Beach and Wanda Beach, which have consistent and quality waves. You can also fish at some of the beaches, rivers and estuaries, where you can catch a variety of fish, such as bream, flathead, whiting and tailor.
You need a fishing license to fish in the park, which you can obtain online or from local outlets.
Heritage and Culture
Royal National Park is not only a place of natural beauty, but also a place of heritage and culture. The park has a rich and diverse history, dating back to thousands of years ago, when the Dharawal people lived and cared for the land. You can see evidence of their presence and culture in the form of rock art, engravings, middens and axe-grinding grooves, which are scattered throughout the park.
You can also learn more about their stories and traditions by joining an Aboriginal tour, such as the Jibbon Head Aboriginal tour, which is led by an Aboriginal guide who can show you the rock art and share their knowledge and insights. The park also has a colonial history, as it was the site of the first national park in Australia and the second in the world. You can see some of the heritage buildings and structures that were built in the park, such as the Audley Dance Hall, the Audley Boatshed and the Currawong Flat. You can also join a heritage tour, such as the Audley heritage tour, which is led by a park ranger who can tell you more about the history and significance of the park. The park also has a conservation history, as it was the site of some of the earliest and most influential environmental movements and campaigns in Australia.
You can learn more about the park's conservation efforts and challenges by visiting the Royal National Park Visitor Centre, which has displays and exhibits that showcase the park's flora, fauna and ecology. You can also join an educational program, such as the bush playgroup activities, the kids nature discovery tour, the little lyrebirds program or the outdoor team building program, which are designed to inspire and educate children and adults about the park's natural and cultural values.
You can also join a private premium day tour, which is tailored to your interests and preferences, and offers a personalised and exclusive experience of the park.
Conclusion
Royal National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, history and culture. It is a place where you can experience the best of Australia's natural and cultural heritage, and enjoy a range of activities and attractions that suit your interests and abilities. It is also a place where you can relax, recharge and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Royal National Park is located just 29 km south of Sydney, and is easily accessible by car, train, bus or ferry. The park is open every day, from sunrise to sunset, and has an entry fee of $12 per vehicle per day.
