Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Sydney's Royal National Park offers a variety of trails to suit all levels. From stunning coastal vistas and secluded beaches to lush rainforest paths teeming with wildlife, we've handpicked the top 15 walks that truly showcase the beauty and diversity of this heritage-listed park.
Are you ready to test your courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice? Rally your team and sign up for the Sydney Kokoda Challenge—choose your distance (18km, 48km or 96km) and tackle the rugged Royal National Park together, just as our Diggers did in 1942.
1. Royal National Park Coast Track
- Length: 26km one-way (two-day hike)
- Grade: Hard
- Access: Bundeena to Otford
- One of the most iconic hikes in NSW, this epic two-day walk offers everything—sweeping ocean views, rainforest sections, coastal cliffs, rock platforms, and remote beaches. Highlights include Wattamolla, Garie Beach, and North Era campground (a great overnight stop). This track is best tackled south to north and is especially memorable during whale migration season (May to October).
2. Uloola Walking Track
- Length: 11km one-way
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: From Waterfall Station or Audley
- This bush track passes through scribbly gum forest, sandstone ridges, and finishes at Uloola Falls. There's a campground near the falls for overnight hikers. It's also a quiet alternative to some of the busier routes in the park.
3. Bundeena to Big Marley & Little Marley Beaches
- Length: 7km return
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Starts at Bundeena
- A shorter section of the Coast Track, this walk is loved for its coastal views, sandstone cliffs, and the inviting beaches at Big Marley and Little Marley. Little Marley is a great spot to stop for a swim or picnic.
4. Curra Moors Loop Track
- Length: 10km loop
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
- One of the quieter trails in the park. This loop features open heathland, wildflowers in spring, and panoramic coastal cliff views. You can take a short detour to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls from this loop.
5. Palm Jungle Loop Track
- Length: 11km
- Grade: Hard
- Access: Otford Lookout
- This is a challenging but stunning trail. Hikers descend steeply into lush rainforest before climbing through open heath and along clifftops with spectacular views. Go clockwise to tackle the steepest sections first. Expect muddy tracks and overgrowth, but the scenery is well worth it.
6. Karloo Pools Track
- Length: 5km one-way (10km return)
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Heathcote Station
- An extremely popular track, especially in summer. The trail leads to Karloo Pools, a series of deep, swimmable waterholes. Families often make this a day trip, with the option to continue on to Uloola Falls.
7. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
- Length: 8km return
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Access: Wattamolla carpark
- A visually spectacular coastal walk with sandstone cliffs and sweeping views. The star attraction is Eagle Rock—shaped exactly like its name—alongside Curracurrong Falls, which plunges straight into the ocean.
8. Figure 8 Pools Walk
- Length: 6km return
- Grade: Hard (due to rock scrambling)
- Access: Garawarra Farm carpark
- These naturally formed pools are beautiful but can only be safely accessed at low tide and calm surf. The track descends through forest and open heath to the Burning Palms beach, followed by a rock platform scramble. Always check the NPWS tide warnings before attempting this hike.
9. Forest Path Walk
- Length: 4.4km loop
- Grade: Easy
- Access: Lady Carrington Drive or Waterfall Road
- A short, shady rainforest walk that’s perfect for kids or anyone wanting a leisurely stroll. Expect thick tree cover, ferns, and bird calls. Great after rain when the forest feels most alive.
10. Wedding Cake Rock Walk
- Length: 7km return
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Bundeena to Marley Fire Trail
- Known for its stark white, fragile sandstone, Wedding Cake Rock is a popular photo spot (though fenced off for safety). The walk includes sea cliffs and open bushland, with signs warning of erosion risks.
11. Winifred Falls Trail
- Length: 4km return
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Car park on Warumbul Road
- A lesser-known but rewarding walk through eucalypt forest to a lovely cascade waterfall and swimming spot. A great choice for a quieter experience, especially after rain when the falls are flowing. Options for longer walks in the area as well.
12. Garie Beach to Era Beach
- Length: 4km return
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Garie Beach carpark
- A walk that feels wild and remote, despite its accessibility. The track hugs the coast with ocean views and occasional sightings of wallabies or lyrebirds. Era Beach is a great place to relax before returning. This walk is sometimes closed due to rock falls - be sure to check before you go.
13. Jibbon Beach Loop Track
- Length: 5km loop
- Grade: Easy
- Access: Bundeena
- A family-friendly walk with a bit of everything: beach views, forest, and Aboriginal rock engravings, including whales and spiritual figures. The cultural significance and natural beauty make this walk both educational and relaxing.
14. Karloo Track and Bottle Forest Trail Loop
- Length: 8km loop
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Heathcote Station
- A variation on the Karloo Pools walk, this longer loop includes a more rugged, less trafficked section through the Bottle Forest Trail. Expect creek crossings and changing landscapes.
15. Couranga Walking Track
- Length: 10km return
- Grade: Moderate
- Access: Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (Waterfall end)
- A peaceful and often overlooked walk through rainforest gullies and upland forest. Keep an eye out for birdlife and vibrant fungi after rain.
Ready for a Real Adventure?
If these trails spark your sense of adventure, why not take it to the next level with the Kokoda Challenge? More than just a walk, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the power of mateship, push yourself and your team to the limits, and honour our Diggers. Sign up for the Sydney Kokoda Challenge today!
