Royal National Park

Established in 1879, the Royal National Park spans over 15,000 hectares, making it one of the world's oldest national parks and Australia's first. Visiting this natural wonder is a rite of passage for most Sydney siders, conveniently located just an hour south of the Sydney CBD.

During our exploration, we chose to base ourselves at Bonnie Vale campground, situated near the charming small town of Bundeena. Bundeena is a popular starting point for many day trippers, thanks to the regular ferry service from Cronulla, providing easy access to the park and particularly the famed Coastal Track.

We ventured along part of The Coastal Track, but for more seasoned trekkers, the path extends all the way to Otford. The coastal scenery along the way is nothing short of stunning, with must-see spots like Wedding Cake Rock. Although now surrounded by a protective fence, it remains an impressive sight, and the added safety measure ensures a few extra lives saved, especially for avid Instagrammers. The cliffs and beaches of the park are not to be missed, and while some areas may get busy, veering off the beaten track guarantees discovering secluded spots of natural beauty.

Wattamolla Beach stands out as a main drawcard within the Royal National Park. This beach is framed by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, and a picturesque waterfall that cascades onto the beach below. Don’t miss this one.