Garie Beach picnic area
You’ll love this quick holiday fix just an hour or so from Sydney. So pack a picnic, herd up the clan and get down there nice and early to grab a great spot at Garie Beach, in the southern end of Royal National Park.
Head to the beach for a spot of whale watching in the winter or for the feel of warm salt water on your skin, surf the waves in the warmer months. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at some beach fishing. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching, so bring the binoculars for a chance to glimpse an albatross, sea eagle, and the rarer peregrine falcon as they cruise on the updraft from coastal breezes.
After lunch, explore the rainforest gullies around the beach where cabbage tree palms and ferns provide a shady spot. Be sure to take in the view from Governor Game lookout before leaving.
Activities: walking, surfing, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, whale watching, picnicking, playing and socialising
Location:
shown on Forest Island - Garie Beach - Otford map
Getting there: Garie Beach picnic area is in the southern precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:
From Audley:
- Drive across Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
- Turn left onto Garie Road and follow to Garie Beach picnic area
From Waterfall:
- Follow McKell Avenue to the end
- Turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and continue for approximately 5km
- Turn right onto Garie Road and follow to Garie Beach picnic area
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, flush toilets, cold showers, cafe/kiosk, carpark
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Commercial activity | Sydney Coast Walks  Sydney Coast Walks are the Sydney walking people. With some of the city's best natural beauty only accessible on foot, Sydney Coast Walks provides expertly guided half day, full day and overnight hiking adventures through Sydney Harbour and Royal National Parks, enabling guests to reconnect with nature in Australia's largest city. Small groups, maximum 12 guests, for a better walking experience.
Sydney Harbour National Park Walking Tours
Royal National Park Walking Tours
- Jibbon Aboriginal Tour Learn the traditions of the Dharawal Aboriginal people, view thousand-year-old rock carvings and listen to Dreaming stories.
- Marley Explore Royal's majestic sandstone coastline on a full day walk.
- Wattamolla (Coast Track) Discover awe-inspiring views and fascinating history as you hike the iconic Coast Track. Enjoy a fully catered and supported camping experience.
When: year-round. Bookings essential. More info: Sydney Coast Walks, Phone: 02 8521 7423 (international +612 8521 7423) | As required |
Weir Café
Wheelchair access: easy
This area is fully wheelchair-accessible.
It took two years and a multi-million dollar refurbishment, but when Audley Dance Hall at Audley Weir reopened in 2011, Weir Café quickly made it the destination for visitors looking for a bite to eat in Royal National Park.
Set amid native bushland with views over Hacking River, the café is a perfect place to kick back over breakfast or a hearty lunch. Birds forage on the lawn and rowboats drift across the river, with leaves falling from the trees in autumn.
Royal National Park has always been a popular destination for Sydneysiders, and this is one more reason to make the pilgrimage out from the city.
For a sample menu or for more information go to www.weircafe.com.au
Activities: picnics and barbecues, birdwatching, paddling, sailing and boating
Location:
shown on Audley map
Getting there: Weir Café is in the Audley precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:
From Loftus:
- Turn off Princes Highway at Farnell Avenue
- Continue down the hill and drive across Audley Weir
- Turn right into Triangle carpark just after the weir
From Waterfall:
- Turn off Princes Highway at Waterfall train station
- Follow McKell Avenue to the end
- Turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and follow to Audley
- Turn left into Triangle carpark just before the weir
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Opening hours: Weir Café is:
- open 8:30am – 5:30pm (Monday – Friday)
- open 8:30am – 7pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Facilities: picnic tables, cafe/kiosk, flush toilets, drinking water, public phone, trackhead/access point, venue, visitor centre, carpark
Bookings: Phone: (02) 9542 6222 (Weir Café) and (02) 9542 6066 (The Audley Room)
Email: reservations@weircafe.com.au
Website: www.weircafe.com.au and www.audleyroom.com.au
