Royal National Park is one of Sydney’s most incredible natural escapes.
You don’t need to go far to find yourself hiking along dramatic clifftops, swimming in crystal-clear rock pools, or relaxing on a quiet beach.
On a sunny autumn day, Rob and I felt the urge to get out of the city and into nature. We didn’t want the hassle of renting a car or paying for parking, so we opted for a public transport adventure instead—taking the train and ferry to Bundeena, then hiking a section of the Coast Track. The views over the ocean were absolutely stunning, and we even made it to the famous (and somewhat over-fenced) Wedding Cake Rock.
But that’s just one way to get to the park. Whether you’re a car-free local like I used to be, a visitor short on time, or someone looking for a guided day out, there are plenty of ways to reach Royal National Park from Sydney—no matter your transport style.
Here’s a breakdown of the best options, from guided tours to scenic ferry rides, and my tips to help you choose the right one for your Sydney day trip.
Quick summary:
Looking for the best way to get to Royal National Park from Sydney? This guide covers all your options—whether you want to drive, take public transport, or join a guided tour.
Recommended tour:
👉 Full-day Royal National Park tour from Sydney — a hassle-free option including transport, highlights like Wattamolla Beach and the Sea Cliff Bridge, and a visit to Symbio Wildlife Park to meet koalas and kangaroos.
Top ways to get to Royal National Park from Sydney:
There are various ways that you can access Royal National Park using public transport or private tours. I’ll give you a rundown of the best options and then go into detail on the option that we chose.
Option 1: Book a full-day guided tour (most convenient)
If you want a totally stress-free experience, the best way to see Royal National Park is by joining a full-day Royal National Park private tour from Sydney. This is ideal if you’re short on time or want to experience multiple locations without worrying about logistics.
The tour also stops off at the amazing Sea Cliff Bridge and visits Symbio Wildlife Park where you can get up close to koalas and kangaroos.
Option 2: Drive to the park (most flexible)
If you have access to a car, driving is the easiest way to explore the park at your own pace. Entry costs $12 AUD per vehicle, and there are carparks at popular spots like Wattamolla, Garie Beach, and Bundeena. Just keep in mind that parking can fill up fast on weekends and holidays.
If you’re visiting Australia and don’t have a vehicle, you can easily hire a car in Sydney for your day trip down the coast.
Option 3: Train + ferry to Bundeena (for the Coast Track)
One of the most scenic ways to reach the park is by taking a train to Cronulla, then hopping on a ferry to the charming town of Bundeena. From there, you can walk to the northern trailhead of the Coast Track and hike to sights like Wedding Cake Rock and Marley Beach. This is the route we personally took, and it worked brilliantly for a half-day hike.
Option 4: Train to Heathcote or Otford for bushwalks
The trailhead for the Karloo Pools Walking Track is right beside Heathcote Station, which is accessible via trains travelling along the T4 South Coast Line. This super convenient hiking option starts with a half hour walk to Karloo Pools, then you can stop for a swim or continue through the bushland to Uloola Falls. From there, you can either turn back to Heathcote or follow the Uloola Firetrail to get to Waterfall Station for a train back to Sydney.
The southern trailhead for the Coast Track is at at Otford Lookout, which is a 15 minute walk from Otford Station (also on the T4 South Coast Line). You can either follow the Werrong Walking Trail for half an hour to Werrong Beach (a nudist beach) before turning back, or you choose to walk the Palm Jungle Loop which includes Werrong Lookout and Burning Palms Beach.
Directions to get to the Coast Track via Cronulla/Bundeena
We chose to go with option 3 this time around. This was because it was a stunning autumn day and we thought the coastline would look particularly awesome while the sky was a vibrant blue (we were correct!). Here are directions on how to hike the Coast Track using the train to Cronulla and then the ferry to Bundeena:
Take the train to Cronulla. You’ll need to hop on a train to get from your location in Sydney to Cronulla Station. Trains depart from Central Station on the T4 line approximately every 10-20 minutes throughout the day. The trip takes 50 minutes and costs about $3.65 AUD if you are travelling with an Opal card and avoiding peak hour fares.
Walk to Cronulla Wharf, which is just a few minutes downhill from the train station. Here you’ll find a privately owned ferry company, Cronulla Ferries, that offer a ferry service across the bay to Bundeena departing every hour. You don’t need to book a ticket ahead of time, just turn up and purchase your tickets on board. A ticket clerk will come around and take payment from everyone during the half hour ride. The cost is $7.40 AUD per adult each way, and you can pay by credit card.
Walk from Bundeena Wharf to the trailhead, located at the end of Beachcomber Avenue. This uphill walk through the suburbs takes around 15-20 minutes (you can pay for a ride on the Park Connections bus if you’d rather avoid walking this part). At the trailhead for the Coast Track you’ll find bathroom facilities a short ways down the trail. I’m fairly sure that there was no water bottle refill station here, so make sure you arrive with your water supplies sorted.
Find the turnoff for the Wedding Cake Rock Trail which is just a little further along the path. This is what you follow for the rest of your hike! My favourite part was the giant layered cliffs called The Balconies that had scenic views along the coast and out to the Pacific Ocean. It looked great in photos and the rocks were a good place to stop and eat some snacks, if you brought food along.
Wedding Cake Rock is further along the track. I have to say, I found this spot to be highly disappointing as it has been surrounded by a very tall fence to stop people from walking out on the rock. In my opinion, a basic wire barricade and some signage would have done the trick, and the aspect wouldn’t have been ruined by the fence monstrosity that now obscures the view.
This is where we turned back to return to Bundeena, but if you still have energy you can continue along the Coast Track to Marley Beach for a swim. This is apparently a really great beach – I’m hoping to make it all the way there next time!
Frequently asked questions:
Can you get to Royal National Park without a car?
Yes! You can access Royal National Park via public transport using trains and a ferry, or by booking a guided day tour from Sydney. Several walking trails begin near train stations, and the ferry from Cronulla takes you to Bundeena at the park’s northern edge.
Is there a tour to Royal National Park from Sydney?
Yes, a full-day Royal National Park private tour includes transport from Sydney and visits to highlights like Wattamolla Beach, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and Symbio Wildlife Park. Tours are a great option if you don’t want to drive or navigate public transport.
How long is the Coast Track in Royal National Park?
The full Coast Track runs for about 26 km between Bundeena and Otford. Many visitors just hike a section of it, such as the 6 km return walk to Wedding Cake Rock from Bundeena.
How much is the entry fee for Royal National Park?
There is a $12 AUD vehicle entry fee for those driving into the park. Entry is free if you’re arriving on foot, by bike, or via public transport.
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