Fishing spots
Bonnie Vale picnic area
For a great day of water-based fun for all the family, pack the car and make your way to Bonnie Vale picnic area. With loads of options for all, everyone will feel like they’re on holiday for a day.
The kids will love swimming and liloing in the tranquil waters of Cabbage Tree Basin, and on weekends you can hire a canoe and paddle the waterways of Port Hacking, near Bundeena. There’s great fishing at nearby Jibbon Beach and even gas barbecues so you can cook up the catch of the day.
After a relaxing day, it could be hard to leave. If you want to make a weekend of it, stay overnight at Bonnie Vale campground. However, it’s a very popular spot and it's best to book in advance.
Activities: picnics and barbecues, birdwatching, fishing, swimming
Getting there: Bonnie Vale picnic area is in the Bundeena precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:
- Drive from the Loftus entrance towards Bundeena
- Turn left into Bundeena Drive and head towards Bundeena
- Turn left into Sea Breeze Lane and follow the signs
Alternatively, take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena wharf. It’s a 15 minute walk along a track to the entrance.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Opening hours: Bonnie Vale picnic area is:
- open 6am – 8:30pm (Monday – Sunday)
- closed on Christmas Day
Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, drinking water, flush toilets, trackhead/access point
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.
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 section of Royal National Park. To get there from Waterfall train station:
- Follow McKell Avenue to the end
- Turn left into Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
- Drive for approximately 3km and follow the signs to Garie Beach
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 |
North Era campground
Camp overnight at North Era campground, surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery of Royal National Park.
Located on the Coast track behind pretty North Era Beach, North Era campground contains basic bush camping sites.
You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient when camping, including bringing your own food, drinking water, cooking equipment and supplies.
North Era campground is the overnight stop for hikers tackling one of Sydney’s classic bushwalks, the 26km Bundeena to Otford Coast track.
Its position on the Coast track, 3km from the wonderful waves of Garie Beach, makes it a great spot for surfers, too. You’ll need to carry your board though – the campground can only be accessed by foot.
Activities: walking, surfing, swimming, fishing, camping
Location:
shown on Forest Island - Garie Beach - Otford map
Getting there: You can only walk to this campground, which is along the Coast track. Take public transport to Bundeena or Otford, or drive to Bundeena, Garie Beach or Otford.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: non-flush toilets
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) to make a booking.
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Commercial activity | Understand Down Under  1 Day Royal National Park Eco-tour
Your beach and wilderness escape. If you only have one day in Sydney, then this should be it!
Understand Down Under (UDU) invites you on a journey of discovery. Have fun while using all your senses to actively learn about:
- Plants and their traditional uses
- Australian and Aboriginal culture
- Local history and geology
- Australian birds and wildlife
Australia's oldest national park: The Royal National Park is Sydney's hidden secret. It's renowned for its beautiful and diverse natural landscapes, its abundant wildlife and unique local history. It is more than just bush and rainforest - Royal National Park boasts a beautiful coastline and is only 30km away. Instead of sitting on a bus, relax or have fun at the beach.
1 Day Royal National Park Highlights
The UDU mini-bus will take you on a 1 day adventure with a great mix of active discovery & serene relaxation:
- Where it all started, Audley is full of history and fantastic birdlife;
- Discovery Eco-walk - explore the magical Wattamolla. Learn how to live in Australia's bushland and hear dreaming stories;
- Relax over a delicious, uniquely Australian picnic lunch overlooking the Royal's many beaches
- Garie Beach - plenty of time to swim, play Aussie beach games, relax or sunbake. For the more adventurous, climb to the cliff-top for a breathtaking panoramic view
- Throw boomerangs and spears alongside the Hacking River
- Tranquil bushwalk through temperate rainforest
- Afternoon tea with awe-inspiring views from Bald Hill; home to Lawrence Hargraves, Australia's pioneer of flight
- Grand Pacific Drive - take time to see this incredible area, including the distinctive Sea Cliff Bridge
More info: Understand Down Under, Phone: 0448 388 687 (international +61448 388 687) | . |
Reids Flat picnic area
If you’re looking to escape the city for a relaxing day near the river, head to picturesque Reids Flat picnic area, near Audley. In the northern section of Royal National Park, this tucked away spot has scenic river views, superb for a family day out.
The still waters are excellent for swimming and paddling, so bring your own kayak for a fun-filled day celebrating the watery elements. The kids will love canoeing and liloing Hacking River. When it’s time for lunch, spark up a free gas barbecue and cook up a feast, then enjoy it on a rug or one of the nearby picnic tables.
While away a peaceful afternoon on the shady riverbank, or if you’re feeling energetic, set out on one of the nearby walking tracks. On your way home, drop in to Weir Cafe for a delicious afternoon treat.
Activities: stillwater canoeing/kayaking, picnics and barbecues, day walking, birdwatching, fishing
Location:
shown on Audley map
Getting there: Reids Flat picnic area is in the Audley precinct of Royal National Park. To get there, follow Farnell Avenue towards Audley, turn left just before the causeway and follow the signs.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), flush toilets, drinking water, carpark, trackhead/access point
Uloola Falls campground
Who would have thought you could be so close to the city and yet so far from civilisation? Uloola Falls campground in Royal National Park is a great nature getaway, especially if you're looking for things to do near Sydney.
For a relaxing start to your weekend escape, catch the train. Don’t forget your hiking boots because this campground is reached via the long Uloola Falls walking track or the medium difficulty Karloo walking track. If you’re particularly adventurous, you can cycle there on your mountain bike.
Passing through heathlands, you’ll be bathed in colour by the wildflower displays in spring. Keep an eye out for the gymea lilly with its single stem and vibrant red flower.
Once you arrive, set up camp beside picturesque Uloola Falls and sleep under the stars. Your only distraction here will be the splash of the waterfall as it hits the rock pool below.
Activities: camping, swimming, fishing, astronomy and star gazing, picnics and barbecues, birdwatching
Location:
shown on park map
Getting there: Uloola Falls campground is in the Uloola precinct of Royal National Park. To get there, take Uloola walking track from behind Waterfall Station or Karloo walking track, near Heathcote, on Princes Highway.
Facilities: non-flush toilets, trackhead/access point
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757) to make a booking.
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
Wattamolla picnic area
When you’re pining for the feel of sand between your toes, take the family and head to Wattamolla picnic area in Royal National Park. With loads of options to keep everyone happy, this is a popular place to base yourself while you’re exploring the park.
The kids will love the calm waters of the lagoon for snorkelling, swimming and liloing. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or head to the beach for a spot of fishing.
After enjoying a barbecue lunch, go for a walk along one of the beach tracks, with a prize for the first to see a sea eagle or oystercatcher.
Activities: walking, swimming, picnics and barbecues, fishing, birdwatching, whale watching
Location:
shown on park map
Getting there: Wattamolla picnic area is in the eastern section of Royal National Park. To get there from Audley:
- Follow Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for approximately 11km
- Turn left onto Wattamolla Road 200m past the Bundeena turn off
- Drive along Wattamolla road for approximately 4km
To get there by car from Waterfall train station:
- Follow McKell Avenue to the end of the road
- Turn left into Sir Steven Bertram Road
- Drive for approximately 9km
- Turn left into Wattamolla Road and drive for approximately 5km
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, flush toilets, trackhead/access point
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 |
Wattle Forest picnic area
One of the more popular picnic spots in Royal National Park, Wattle Forest picnic area offers scenic water views on the banks of Hacking River, just south of Audley. Easily accessible from Sydney and Sutherland, it’s a great spot for a family day trip, with the option to relax by the river or discover the delights of the park by walking track or bicycle.
You could be tempted to while away a lazy afternoon in the shade by the river, serenaded by the cockatoos and currawongs, or join the kids for some swimming. When it’s time for lunch, spark up the barbecues and cook up a sausage feast to satisfy the hungry hoards.
If you’re inspired to explore, step out on nearby Uloola walking track or bring the mountain bikes for a great ride along picturesque Lady Carrington drive.
Activities: picnics and barbecues, birdwatching, fishing, swimming
Location:
shown on Audley map
Getting there: Wattle Forest picnic area is in the Audley precinct of Royal National Park. To get there follow Farnell Avenue and take a right turn after Weir Cafe. From here, head over Varneys Bridge and follow the signs.
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, flush toilets, drinking water, gas/electric barbecues (free), carpark, trackhead/access point
Weemalah Cottage (3 bedrooms, up to 8 people)
For that far away feeling, only an hour from Sydney, head for the secluded charm of Weemalah Cottage in Royal National Park. Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Hacking River, this waterfront oasis is a great weekend getaway for a small group of friends or family.
Make the most of your holiday and spend your days swimming or fishing on the river. Explore the lush waterfalls on Winifred Falls walking track or spend a lazy afternoon soaking up the scenic riverside views. You might see goannas, wallabies and even eastern water dragons sunning themselves on the riverbanks.
After spending the day fishing along the river, return to Weemalah to enjoy a drink on the verandah as the sun sets. Settle in for a peaceful evening and be soothed to sleep by the sounds of the forest and the gently flowing river.
Activities: walking, birdwatching, swimming, fishing
Getting there: Weemalah Cottage is located on the foreshore of Hacking River and is approximately 29km south of Sydney.
To get there from Sydney:
- Continue along Princes Highway
- Turn left into Farnell Avenue, Audley (Royal National Park).
- Proceed along Farnell Avenue to Audley Weir
- Take Sir Bertram Stephens Drive approximately 2km to Warumbul Road
- Turn left and continue on Warumbul Road to the junction of Rathane Road
- Go straight ahead onto an unsealed road and continue along Warumbul Road for approximately 3km
- Turn right into an informal carpark with a large tree in the centre
- At the southern end of this carpark, you'll find a locked gate.
- The cottage is approximately 300m from the gate
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD (no long vehicle access). 4WD required in wet weather.
Facilities: accommodation
Vehicle entry fee: $11 per vehicle per day.
Accommodation fees:
- Peak (min 3-night stay): $300 per night. Special: 5 nights or more at $220 per night.
- Shoulder (min 2-night stay): $220 per night. Special: 5 nights or more at $190 per night.
- Off-peak (min 2-night stay): $190 per night. Special: 5 nights or more at $160 per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
Alternatively, please contact the Customer Experience Team on 13000 PARKS (13000 72757).
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable
