Royal National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Royal National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Sydney:
- Royal National Park's main entry points are along the Princes Highway
- Turn off the highway at either Farnell Avenue, just south of Loftus, or at McKell Avenue at Waterfall.
From Wollongong:
- You can reach the park along the Princes Highway, or via Otford which is north of Stanwell Park.
Roads in the Royal National Park can be extremely busy and traffic delays should be expected on weekends and public holidays during summer. For up to date traffic information we recommend people check www.livetraffic.com
If you prefer to leave the car at home, many attractions in Royal National Park can be accessed via public transport.
Park entry points
- Farnell Avenue, Loftus See on map
- Lady Wakehurst Drive, Otford See on map
- McKell Avenue, Waterfall See on map
Parking Show more
- Audley boatshed See on map
- Audley Dance Hall Cafe See on map
- Bonnie Vale picnic area See on map
- Currawong Flat picnic area See on map
- Garie Beach picnic area See on map
- Governor Game lookout See on map
- Gunjulla Flat picnic area See on map
- Pool Flat picnic area See on map
- Red Cedar Flat picnic area See on map
- Reids Flat picnic area See on map
- Upper Causeway picnic area See on map
- Warumbul picnic area See on map
- Waterfall Flat picnic area See on map
- Wattamolla picnic area See on map
- Wattle Forest picnic area See on map
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Parking
Follow @royalnpalerts on Twitter for regular, real-time updates on the amount of parking available in the park, and information about any traffic control measures that have been applied.
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
Train
Some attractions in Royal National Park can be accessed from train stations including Cronulla, Loftus, Heathcote, Waterfall, and Otford train station at the southern end of the national park. Visit the Transport NSW website for more information.
Ferry
From Cronulla, you can take the ferry to Bundeena.
Best times to visit
Royal National Park covers a wide range of landscapes, from open grassland to ocean-fronting clifftops. It's a good idea to pack clothing suitable for all weather conditions along with water, sunscreen and a map on your visit. Royal National Park shines in all seasons, though summer and winter each offer a few special attractions.
Spring
Plan a visit during spring to admire the stunning heathland wildflowers on display. Head along the Coast track or the Curra Moors Loop track or walk to Wises track to see them in bloom.
Summer
Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax; this beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer. Plus, the panorama from Garie North Head is just amazing, so be sure to take your camera. The beach at Bundeena's Bonnie Vale is a great swimming spot, as are Jibbon, Wattamolla and Little Marley beaches. If a freshwater swim is more your thing, try Karloo Pool, Deer Pool or Curracurrang.
Winter
Winter is a great time to tackle the popular Coast track from Bundeena to Otford. Not only will you be greeted by spectacular coastal scenery, you can also see whales from the cliffs between June and August. Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
42°C (1977)
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
-0.6°C (1968)
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
254.5mm
Facilities
Toilets Show more
- Audley boatshed
- Audley Dance Hall Cafe
- Bonnie Vale campground
- Bonnie Vale picnic area
- Currawong Flat picnic area
- Garie Beach picnic area
- Governor Game lookout
- Gunjulla Flat picnic area
- Hilltop Cottage
- Ironbark Flat picnic area
- Pool Flat picnic area
- Reids Flat Cottage
- Reids Flat picnic area
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- Uloola Falls campground
- Warumbul picnic area
- Wattamolla picnic area
- Wattle Forest picnic area
- Weemalah Cottage
Picnic tables Show more
- Audley boatshed
- Audley Dance Hall Cafe
- Bonnie Vale campground
- Bonnie Vale picnic area
- Currawong Flat picnic area
- Garie Beach picnic area
- Governor Game lookout
- Gunjulla Flat picnic area
- Ironbark Flat picnic area
- Lady Carrington Drive
- Pool Flat picnic area
- Red Cedar Flat picnic area
- Reids Flat picnic area
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- Upper Causeway picnic area
- Warumbul picnic area
- Waterfall Flat picnic area
- Wattamolla picnic area
- Wattle Forest picnic area
Barbecue facilities Show more
Cafe/kiosk Show more
- Audley boatshed
- Audley Dance Hall Cafe
- Garie Beach picnic area
- Hilltop Cottage
- Ironbark Flat picnic area
- Reids Flat Cottage
- Weemalah Cottage
Drinking water Show more
- Audley boatshed
- Audley Dance Hall Cafe
- Bonnie Vale campground
- Bonnie Vale picnic area
- Currawong Flat picnic area
- Hilltop Cottage
- Ironbark Flat picnic area
- Reids Flat Cottage
- Reids Flat picnic area
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- Warumbul picnic area
- Wattle Forest picnic area
- Weemalah Cottage
Public phone
Large areas of this park have no mobile reception.
Showers
Electric power
Maps and downloads
Fees and passes
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Prohibited
Drones
Flying recreational drones is not permitted because this park is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas.
Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Wood fires and camp fires are prohibited in Royal National Park. Gas or heat bead cookers are permitted if they are elevated off the ground and if residues are cooled and placed in a bin. However gas and heat bead cookers are also prohibited if a total fire ban is declared.
Gathering firewood
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves, however you can enjoy dog walking in these regional parks. Assistance animals can be accompanied in national park areas open to the public.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass -
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Royal National Park Visitor Centre
02 9542 0648
1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
Contact hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
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Email: npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Royal National Park Visitor Centre
Visitor centre
-
Royal National Park Visitor Centre
2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232 - 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
Nearby towns
Heathcote (7 km)
Just 36km south of Sydney, Heathcote offers easy access to Heathcote National Park and Royal National Park – the world's second-oldest national park. The heritage-listed Royal National Park offers a range of recreational activities – including bushwalking, cycling and surfing – and places to relax and enjoy a meal in natural surroundings.
www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
Sydney City Centre (33 km)
No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.
Wollongong (38 km)
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities in and around Wollongong ranging from surfing and swimming to sailing, hang gliding, paragliding, cycling and abseiling. Wollongong is the only place in NSW where you can skydive onto the beach.