Royal bushies

Royal National Park

Volunteers doing bush regeneration on a cliff at Marley Beach, with the view of the coast behind them. Photo: David Robson © DPIE

Overview

Royal National Park was Australia’s first national park. Help protect its biodiversity well into the future. If you like gardening, volunteer to do bush regeneration in this popular park.

Work: Bush regeneration, weed and pest management
When: Weekly throughout the year.
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Grade: Medium. Most activities can be adapted to all levels of fitness, medium level of fitness required.
Entry fees: Park entry fees apply

The Royal bushies help protect Royal National Park’s diverse vegetation communities, from rainforest to coastal heath. When you volunteer with us, you’ll be actively conserving the biodiversity of this amazing park. All the plants and animals in the park benefit from our volunteers’ work creating a healthy bush environment.

Join in and meet like-minded people, while enjoying a fulfilling outdoor activity. You’ll learn a lot about Royal’s environments, while also becoming fitter and gaining a great sense of wellbeing. You’ll pick up new skills as you do this valuable weeding and bush regeneration work.

Wear sturdy shoes, clothes for all weather and conditions, a hat and sunscreen. Bring a raincoat, drinking water, snacks and lunch.

Gardening gloves and morning tea provided.

Find out more about volunteering with us

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/volunteer-activities/royal-bushies/local-alerts

Park info

in Royal National Park 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.
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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Royal bushies.

Getting there and parking

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.

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.

Royal National Park bus service

Park Connections operate a Royal National Park bus service between Sutherland Train Station and locations within the park including Audley, Garie Beach, Wattamolla, Bundeena Wharf, Otford Train Station, and the north and south ends of The Coast track.

Maps and downloads

Royal bushies factsheet

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

Learn more

Royal bushies is in Royal National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A date with history

Audley Visitor Centre, Royal National Park. Photo: Andy Richards

When exploring Royal National Park you can see a range of Aboriginal sites and artefacts. The best way to find out more about Aboriginal cultural heritage in the park is on a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery ranger. You might also spot one of the 80 historic remnants from the park’s Victorian-era establishment, including ornamental trees and residential remains.

Audley heritage tour Take a guided tour through the historic Audley Valley, in the heart of Royal National Park. You’ll explore heritage-listed buildings and learn how this popular day trip destination came to be.
Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
Lady Carrington Drive This historic cycling track near Audley and a short drive from Sydney follows the river and offers birdwatching, pretty picnic areas and history to explore.

A place to get active

Coastal walk, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Who needs a gym? At Royal National Park you can hike, swim and row to your heart’s content. Hire a paddleboat from the Audley boatshed or surf the renowned Garie Beach. Jog along sandstone cliffs, attempt over 100km of walking tracks or try mountain biking the East Heathcote trails (be sure to note the ‘no sign–no ride’ policy). Located at Audley, just 32km from Sydney city, the park offers incredible beauty and natural diversity just minutes from the highway and train station. Spanning Port Hacking to Helensburgh, the park features multiple entry points and is well signposted, though it’s always a good idea to take a Royal National Park map.

Audley boatshed Hire a kayak and spend a few relaxed hours paddling up Kangaroo Creek from Audley Boatshed in Royal National Park, near Loftus.
Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
Bundeena Drive to Marley walk This rewarding walk from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach leads through heath, past fresh water pools and creeks, and on to scenic beach views in Royal National Park.
Bush playgroup activities in Sydney’s south Join Bush Play School for a day of creativity in Sydney’s south. Their nature play activities are a great way for kids to learn about the world around them.
Garie Beach picnic area A perfect day out, Garie Beach is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and is great for swimming, whale watching, fishing, surfing and walking options.
Kayak tours of Bundeena and Royal National Park Paddle the waterways of Bundeena and Royal National Park on a guided kayak tour with Bundeena Kayaks. It’s an unforgettable way to explore this beautiful stretch of coastline, just an hour south of Sydney.
The Coast track The Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park is an epic multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching along this challenging track.
The Coast track fitness adventures for women Hike The Coast track and immerse yourself in the beauty of Royal National Park with Women’s Fitness Adventures. Enjoy coastal views and the company of a supportive group of women on this 4-day trek.

Exceptional environments

Rocky cliffs dropping off into the ocean, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

The park was one of Australia’s first areas of land set aside for conservation. In this natural haven, open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests. You’ll also find some significant geological sites, including fascinating beach ridges at Cabbage Tree Basin.

Bundeena to Wattamolla guided coastal walks Delight your senses on this coastal adventure run by M8 Explorer. With their knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides, explore beautiful coastline on a 4hr hike in the Royal National Park, beginning and ending with stops for delicious meals.
Curra Moors loop track A challenging walk through heath and waterfalls, the Curra Moors loop track offers scenic sandstone cliff and coastal views, waterfalls and great birdwatching.
Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
Guided forest therapy walk in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest therapy walk with Nature Being Australia.
Palm Jungle loop track A challenging yet spectacular walk, Palm Jungle loop track takes in rainforest, cliff tops, beaches and scenic coastal views in Royal National Park, near Otford.
Places are similar and different Explore the features of different places and environments on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion with Ranger Jamie Tours. Observe the variations between bushland, sand and sea in the pristine coastal surrounds of Royal National Park.
Tailored tours of Royal National Park Join Sydney Nimble Tours for your own private day out in the Royal National Park. From pristine beaches to sweeping coastal vistas, these tailored experiences are a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.
The Coast track The Coast track in Sydney's Royal National Park is an epic multi-day walk between Bundeena and Otford. Enjoy incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching along this challenging track.
The Coast Track and Figure Eight Pools experience Join award-winning Emu Trekkers on The Coast Track in the Royal National Park, near Sydney. You’ll experience stunning views and have the chance to safely visit the Figure Eight Pools if the weather conditions permit.
The Coast track fitness adventures for women Hike The Coast track and immerse yourself in the beauty of Royal National Park with Women’s Fitness Adventures. Enjoy coastal views and the company of a supportive group of women on this 4-day trek.
The Coast track overnight hikes for youth Hike The Coast track in Royal National Park on an overnight trip with Ausjourney. Reconnect with nature and learn transferrable life skills on this trek for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Home to the feathered and furry

A flower blooming, Royal National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Many visitors regularly spot native wildlife in the Hacking River Valley area, so keep an eye out for possums, sugar gliders and wallabies. This Sydney park is also home to a huge number of bats, amphibians and reptiles. Plus, birdwatchers are in luck - over 300 bird species have been recorded here, look out for sulphur-crested cockatoos, crimson rosellas, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets.

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla Senior students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Geography excursion at Wattamolla. Located in Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers students a complex site to study biophysical interactions.
Birds of Providential Point self-guided audio tour Discover native birdlife on this self-guided audio tour to beautiful Providential Point near Wattamolla in Royal National Park. You’ll walk through sun-dappled coastal forest and grassy glades as you learn about local birds and hear their calls.
Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
Forest path Forest path is an easy walk in Royal National Park. It's great for kids and just 1 hour south of Sydney. Wander through cabbage tree palms and Gymea lilies on the path beside Bola Creek and the Hacking River.
Guided forest therapy walk in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest therapy walk with Nature Being Australia.
Kids nature discovery tour in Royal National Park Embark on an exciting treasure hunt in Royal National Park with Aussie Wild Nature Discovery. The guided nature play activity is a great way for kids to learn about the magic of the bush.
Living world wet and dry environments Come and explore the Living World with us on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Science and Technology at Bonnie Vale in the Royal National Park. Students will explore both wet and dry environments and learn the importance of plant and animal habitat.
Living world WildTracker at Audley Join us on a WildTracker Science and Technology excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students at Audley in the Royal National Park. We'll don our detective hats and investigate, explore and analyse the natural environment, identify and group species, and discover the key elements that make up quality habitat for native plants and animals.
Places are similar and different Explore the features of different places and environments on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion with Ranger Jamie Tours. Observe the variations between bushland, sand and sea in the pristine coastal surrounds of Royal National Park.
Tailored tours of Royal National Park Join Sydney Nimble Tours for your own private day out in the Royal National Park. From pristine beaches to sweeping coastal vistas, these tailored experiences are a great way to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature.
The Coast Track and Figure Eight Pools experience Join award-winning Emu Trekkers on The Coast Track in the Royal National Park, near Sydney. You’ll experience stunning views and have the chance to safely visit the Figure Eight Pools if the weather conditions permit.
Wattamolla to Curracurrang self-guided audio tour Take a self-guided audio tour from Wattamolla Beach to the glorious oasis of Curracurrang and discover the wildlife that call this place home. As you walk, keep your eyes peeled for the places where animals scamper, flutter and swim in this rugged landscape.
WildThings at Audley Discover 'wild things' on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) science and technology excursion. We'll explore the beautiful natural environment at Audley, and examine the diverse life found there. Interacting with the living world has never been more fun.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

Plants

Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.
Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.
Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa)

The magnificent Gymea lily is one of the most unusual Australian native plants, found only along the coast and surrounding bushland of the Sydney Basin, from Newcastle to Wollongong. In spring this giant lily shoots out spectacular red flowers that can reach heights of 2-4m.
Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

Who cares about national parks?, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography