Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house communities early in the walk. Stay overnight at North Era Campsite. Water is very limited it is best to carry all the water you need.
(open in app)
There are closures in Royal National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)
Cross sectional view of the The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena) bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena) bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
27km
Time
2 Days
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
19km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.5km is very steep. Whilst another 3.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.5km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
16km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (2km) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 15km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 12km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 10km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 27km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 17km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 10km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(0 km)
Otford Train Station
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Otford Lookout Track: Moderate - road
Length = 804 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 97 m
Descent = -37 m
From the top of Otford Station, this walk follows the signs to 'Royal National Park' up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk turns left and climbs up the steep concrete path for approximately 50m to the top, where it comes to the intersection marked as 'Station Rd'. This walk turns left and follows the flat dirt road, passing an intersection with another road on the left. The walk continues along to the next intersection, where it turns right onto Fanshawe Rd. This walk follows Fanshawe Rd up the long hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt road signposted as 'Lady Wakehurst Drive'. At the intersection, this walk turns left and crosses the road, continuing for approximately 25m until coming to a car park and the entry into Royal National Park. There is a large green sign here saying 'Otford Lookout'.
(0.8 km)
Otford Lookout
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The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.88 km
Time = 43 mins
Climb = 118 m
Descent = -58 m
Veer right: From Otford Lookout, the walk heads up the stairs on the seaward side of the car park, winding up the hill and along the fenced of cliffs, keeping the ocean to the right as it steadily climbs up the hill. After a while, the track breaks away from the cliff and continues along the bush track, climbing up the hill until coming to an intersection marked with a signpost saying 'Werrong Beach'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Coast Track along the bush track, winding up the long hill the the top, where it flattens out and continues along a well-managed bush track through a rather beautiful section of ferns. After quite a while, the track joins onto a flat service trail which it follows, undulating gently until it comes to the signposted intersection of the North Era bush track.
(2.69 km)
The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks
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Burning Palms Beach (southern end) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3 km
Time = 1 hr 20 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -307 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track, winding through the thick bushland and down a long hill for several hundred metres, gradually steepening before sharply turning left. After the change in direction, the track heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bush track. At this point, the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles like fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before emerging into grasslands. Continue straight: From the end of the palm jungle and the start of the grasslands, the walk heads through the grasslands and along the coast for a while before winding down to the signposted intersection with the Burning Palms track, near the rangers' hut.
(5.68 km)
Burning Palms Beach (southern end)
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Figure 8 Pools Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 896 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: (only to be attempted at low tide and low swell)
From the beach, this walk follows the rocky passage beneath the rocky headland (keeping the headland to the right). The walk rounds the first prominent headland to a creek that drops off the cliffs above. This walk heads out onto a second prominent headland to the Figure 8 Pools. There are a number of Figure 8-shaped pools, but one main one. The pools are towards the sea, in line with the gully. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Figure Eight Pools
Alt = 4 m
The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean.
(5.68 km)
Burning Palms Beach (southern end)
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North Era Bush Campground Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.06 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 99 m
Descent = -100 m
Veer left: From the intersection near the rangers' hut, this walk follows the Burning Palms arrow along the bush track winding around the back of the beach (which is to the right), until it joins onto a metal walkway. This continues until the trail passes several small cabins and begins to head steeply up the long hill, until the track reaches an signposted intersection at the top of the hill. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track heading down the hill, keeping the ocean to the right as it winds down to the intersection with the faint bush track in the large grassy clearing on the side of the hill, above some of the cabins at Era. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill past the cabins to the bottom where it comes to South Era beach. From here, the walk continues around the back of the beach, keeping the ocean to the right as it continues up the other side to the top of the ridgeline where it comes to the intersection with a faint bush track (heading off to the left). Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, the walk crosses the headland and open grassy area, down towards the beach (keeping the ocean to the right), coming to a 'North Era Bush Campground' sign just before the beach.
North Era camping ground
Alt = m
North Era camping ground, Royal National Park, is a large dune area situated directly behind North Era Beach. This camping spot is popular with surfers, and it also has a toilet and a cleared area to pitch your tent. A maximum of 36 people (12 sites) can camp here[1], so there is plenty of room for everyone. Open fires are not permitted, you can carry a fuel stove for cooking. A camping permit is required from NPWS before arriving (Phone:(02) 9542 068). Water is often available from the creek (treat before drinking), If dry you can walk to Garie Beach for water, although the water here may also be dried up, during a dry period it is best to carry all your water with you.
(7.75 km)
North Era Bush Campground
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Little Garie Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 845 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 74 m
Descent = -62 m
Continue straight: Keeping the ocean and the coast to the right, the walk heads north across the North Era Bush Campground to the base of the large grassy hill, which it climbs steeply to the top. Upon reaching the top, the walk continues down the other side of the hill, winding down the bush track and wooden steps, until reaching the Little Garie Community Hall at the base of the hill.
(8.59 km)
Little Garie
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Garie Beach Car Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 754 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -59 m
Continue straight: From the Little Garie Community Hall, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the sea to the right of the track as it leads into the gully. The walk passes several old cabins as it approaches the bottom, where the track passes a 'Coast Walk' sign, providing information on erosion issues in this area. From here, the walk heads between the ocean on the right and the base of the large grassy hill on the left as the track narrows. This continues until arriving in the Garie Beach car park.
Garie Beach
Alt = 4 m
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods. More info
(9.34 km)
Garie Beach Car Park
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Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 312 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the car park, the walk heads approximately 200m along the beach, keeping the ocean to your right, to the intersection below the stairs (leading up the hill on the left).
(9.66 km)
Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk
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Garie Beach YHA Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 341 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs away from the ocean. The track winds up the hill steeply then continues for approximately 350m along the hillside, in and out of a gully, to rise up to the cabin signposted as 'YHA Garie Beach'. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
YHA Garie Beach - Destroyed
Alt = 46 m
**On 02/12/2010 this hut was completely destroyed by fire and plans for the future are not yet decided [2]. Accommodation no longer available
Garie Beach YHA Youth Hostel, in Royal National Park, is a basic but comfortable cabin. The unstaffed and locked cabin is situated north of Garie Beach car park, high on the hill behind the next gully.
The cabin contains solar lighting, water, gas kitchen, a 'loo with a view' and the capacity to sleep twelve people. You need to provide your own bed sheets and toilet paper. The cabin costs $17.50/adult per night, with the potential to rent the youth hostel out for a week. The key must be picked up from YHA Kent St, Sydney, prior to arrival at the YHA. The key has a $50.00 deposit. To make a booking phone 9261 1111. More info
(9.66 km)
Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk
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Garie Beach Lookout Track: Hard - beach,bushtrack
Length = 883 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 110 m
Descent = -17 m
Veer right: Keeping the ocean to the right, this walk follows the beach to the northern end, to the base of a bush track which heads up the hill. Continue straight: From the end of Garie Beach, this walk heads up the short hill and through the grassy clearing to the base of the large hill. The walk continues up the steep bush track, winding up the steep rock and wooden steps as it climbs to the top of the hill.
(10.54 km)
Garie Beach Lookout
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Int of North Rill and Coastal Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 436 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -22 m
Continue straight: From the clearing at the top of the large hill, this walk follows the bush track heading away from Garie Beach and through the high scrub, continuing along for a while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Curra Moors car park' track.
(10.98 km)
Int of North Rill and Coastal Track
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Eagles Rock Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.24 km
Time = 48 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -116 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the narrow trail through the scrub, keeping the ocean on the right of the track. In various sections, metal walkways have been built to stabilise the environment in the area. The walk continues like this, occasionally breaking out onto the rockshelf of the cliffs, until reaching a signposted intersection, marked 'Wattamolla 2.9km'. Continue straight: Keeping the ocean to the right the track follows the bushtrack through the scrub and along the coast for a short while before coming to the information signpost with views of Eagle Rock.
Eagle Rock Lookout
Alt = 33 m
Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.
(13.21 km)
Eagles Rock Lookout
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Curracurrang Cove Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.95 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 82 m
Descent = -108 m
Continue straight: Keeping the ocean to the right the track follows the bushtrack winding through the scrub for a short while before it drops down a small hill to Curracurang Creek. From here the track crosses the creek and continues up through the heavy scrub, steadily climbing up a long hill until it reaches the top and continues down the other side following the small arrows and markers. The track continues to winds steadily down the long hill until it opens out at Curracurang Cove.
Curracurrang Cove
Alt = 6 m
Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people. More info
(15.16 km)
Curracurrang Cove
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Overflow Carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.41 km
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -28 m
Turn right: Keeping the ocean to the right, this walk heads up the hill along the bush track following the coastline, running close to the cliffs, until coming to a sign saying 'Curracurrang'. At this point, the track widens to a management trail and heads away from the cliffs. Passing two large water towers, the trail heads down the long and gentle hill to an intersection at a large car park, marked by a signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km'.
(16.57 km)
Overflow Carpark
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Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Walk: Easy - road
Length = 337 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -21 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads through the car park to the toilet block at the top of the pathway on the other side. Turn left: From the toilet block, this walk follows the path down the hill and through the car park to the northern end of the picnic area, near the creek crossing.
Wattamolla Picnic Area
Alt = 9 m
Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.
Wattamolla Kiosk
Alt = 10 m
The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.
(16.91 km)
Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground
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Wattamolla Dam Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 653 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -17 m
Continue straight: From the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground, this track crosses the wide, shallow creek (keeping the ocean to the right). The walk then follows the track marker along the bush track, winding up the other and gradually climbing up a long hill through high scrub to Wattamolla Creek, where there is a small dam creating a swimming hole in the creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.
Wattamolla Dam
Alt = 21 m
Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.
(17.56 km)
Wattamolla Dam
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Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 715 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 59 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the swimming hole, this walk follows the bush track (with the swimming hole to the right) up the hill (east) and through the high scrub, as it winds up through some rocks, and up a long hill, to the intersection of the Marley service trail and the Coast Track.
(18.28 km)
Int. Coastal Trk NE of Wattamolla Ck
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Little Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.09 km
Time = 54 mins
Climb = 96 m
Descent = -174 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Coast Track' arrow along the sandy bush track, which winds out to the coast, then turns left and follows the coast line. In large sections of this track, the trail goes along metal footbridges as it continues through the heavy scrub vegetation, until the track heads down off the clifftop along a well-signposted bush track to the end of Little Marley Beach.
Little Marley Beach
Alt = 3 m
Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link below. More info
(20.37 km)
Little Marley Beach
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Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 436 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the end of Little Marley Beach, the walk heads north across the beach, keeping the ocean to your right until coming to the start of a bush track. This walk continues along the bush track as it heads up and onto the ridgeline, where there is a fantastic view of the ocean. From here, this walk continues along the flat bush track and the cliff's edge until coming to an intersection with a bush track on the left.
(20.81 km)
Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk
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West Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 242 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -4 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the coast, keeping the ocean to the right for a short while before the track descends steeply off the rock-shelf and down a rough bush track to the end of Marley Beach.
(21.05 km)
West Marley Beach
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East Marely Beach Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 396 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -9 m
Veer right: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach until coming to a large green information sign on Aboriginal culture in the area. This is the start of a bush track that heads up the hill to continue along the coast.
(21.44 km)
East Marely Beach
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Bundeena Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.48 km
Time = 1 hr 12 mins
Climb = 148 m
Descent = -127 m
Continue straight: From the end of Marley Beach, the walk passes the large green information sign and climbs up to the top of the long hill. Here the walk continues along the bush track for a short while before coming to an intersection with a management trail heading away from the coast. This intersection is marked with a small sign saying 'Coast Track'. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading north-east along the coast, winding through the high heath for about 1.5km until the track descends into a large gully along hardened path. At the bottom, it crosses a small bridged stream. From here, the track continues up the other side of the gully, using the rock steps to the top. From here, the track follows the post markers along the track to the clifftop coastline, however on a few occasions the track will split into two and meet up again a short while later - just stick to the track closest to the coast. After several hundred metres, the track comes to an unsignposted vantage point at the end of the rock platform, where the bush track turns inland.
Bundeena Lookout
Alt = 28 m
This unfenced, informal lookout is perched high on the cliffs, looking east over the South Pacific Ocean. The lookout is not signposted nor officially named, but provides great view south along the escarpment. Cliff edge may be unstable and fragile - keep a safe distance.
(24.92 km)
Bundeena Lookout
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Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 689 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -4 m
Turn left: From the edge of the cliffs, the walk heads north-west up and away from the ocean, following the main bush track for a while before coming to an intersection with an asphalt management trail at the 'Coast Track' signpost.
(25.61 km)
Int of Beachcomber Rd Service Trail and Coast Walk
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Bundeena Ferry Wharf Track: Moderate - servicetrail,road
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -71 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the asphalt management trail north past the 'no bicycles' sign[3] to the nearby intersection with the sandy management trail. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north around a sweeping left-hand bend along the sealed management trail. Soon, the trail leads past a track (on the right) then passes around a locked gate at the end of of Beachcomber Ave and a 'Coast Walk' information sign[4]. Continue straight: From the end of Beachcomber Ave, this walk heads along Beachcomber Ave north-west and gradually around to the north, until turning left into Scarbourough St. The first right is taken into Bournemouth St, then left into Loftus St. The walk continues along this road until turning right into Brighton Rd. Bundeena Ferry is located at the end of Brighton St.
Bundeena
Alt = 3 m
Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B's and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches - Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking. More info
Catch the ferry from Bundeena
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) This walk passes Illawarra/Shoalhaven fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Royal National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: The Coast track upgrade The Coast track will be undergoing construction works between Beachcomber Ave and Marley Beach over a 9 month period. Works include resurfacing, installation of raised board walk and stairs and will be undertaken between October 2015 and May 2016. During the works it will be necessary, at times, to close the Coast Track for visitor safety. Please be aware that during closures the full coast track walk will not be possible and you may need to plan your route to start and finish at a different location. The Royal National Park alerts page will be updated regularly so please check it before you leave home. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Royal National Park area office on (02) 9542 0632 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Wedding Cake Rock Access to Wedding Cake Rock is prohibited. National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken a geotechnical assessment of the rock, which found that there is high chance that it could collapse at any time. Safety fencing has been erected to protect the public while a more permanent solution is developed. This is a really beautiful location and a spectacular rock formation to look at, but the key is doing it at a safe distance from the edge.
Safety alerts: Audley precinct in wet weather Access across the Audley Weir may be closed due to river flooding during times of wet weather. During wet weather, NPWS advise park visitors to visit Live Traffic NSW to ascertain the status of the Weir crossing before commencing their travel to the park. During times of closure, access to Bundeena, Maianbar residential areas, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, including the Audley Dance hall and cafe, is via McKell Ave Waterfall.
This trail was excellent, you can do it in a day if you really want no prob. The views are really excellent and there is plenty of wildlife to see. The small beaches that you pass are beautiful and a great spot to jump in for a swim or have a nice lunch on the beach. The trail can be a bit tricky to find where it picks up again sometimes when you cross some beaches and park camps and such. You can finish the trail off in Bundeena and take the ferry over to cronulla and then the train from there back to the city. I started the trail at 9am in Otford and finished at 4pm in bundeena with lots of breaks and time spent sitting on the beaches. You will need to bring water making equipment as it can be a hot hike in the sun and you may need about 5 litres of water pp for the whole hike.
- My favourite hike in the Sydney area and I have done many now.
Kamila - Great hike
IP:121.44.48.xxx | 2009-08-26 11:04:25
I've done this track probably two years ago and just wanted to offer a different perspective to Dave's post - for those of you with weakish knees, there's no way you can do this in one day, there are a lot of ups and downs that do take a toll on your joints. So even if you don't know if you have weak knees, this is the place you'll find out ;) Other than that it is a fantastic hike, great views, highly recommended. And yes, it does get rather hot so do bring plenty of water.
troiks - Great Walk
Registered | 2009-09-27 23:31:05
My girlfriend & I just did this over the weekend, this is our third time on the coast track but first going in this direction. The kiosk at garie was open, nothing like ice cream on a hot day.
The second day can be quite long but we both carry fairly light packs so were in reasnable condition when we finished. We saw some people who were clearly struggling under the weight of enormous packs....... a lighter load means a more enjoyable walk.
Bundeena is a great spot to finish with some nice cafes & a park by the water where you can relax as you wait for the ferry.
This is a great walk & one that we will definitely do again
Graham - Great Walk
IP:124.189.35.xxx | 2009-11-01 18:23:07
I second Dave's comment about not needing two days. I did this with my wife and one year old (I carried her) in a day using the train and ferry. :D Hey what is one night lost in the bush anyhow?
Lukas - Knee killer
IP:113.118.229.xxx | 2010-01-07 09:55:05
I recommend walking sticks and knee supporting bandages (unfortunately I had none of them) for those with weaker knees. I did it in one day, but man, my knees were destroyed. I could not climb the third floor after I got back to Sydney. Took me approximately 11 hours, but you can do it in 8-9 if you are fit. The last 4 kilometers were pain in the a.. and knees for me with some parts crawling on four... Overall great track, lots of magnifficent views, didn't like the crowded places much though. But places like Mary beach are awesome.
Tom - Royal is Right - Royal Coastal
IP:58.164.72.xxx | 2010-01-15 00:08:41
[img]This gem of a hike, note hike, and is correctly named The Coast Walk. Nothing like the feeling of leaving Bundeena finding an easy track and leisurely approaching the coast. A magnificent view awaits any hiker as they make their way down the coast to Marley. This is the highlight of the track, and making the start from Otford is short changing those who want to really experience the coast walk.
Regardless of other boasts, this is not a day walk. Its a hike, and you need to be adequately fit, have the right gear and most importantly bank on having no access to water along the track (2 days is fine for average fitness).
The ascent to Otford lookout is a fitting way ( its a slug) to know your at the end of a solid hike. Well it is for those of average fitness.
Highly Recommended.
Highlights:Apart from breathtaking coastal views, other highlights include the track winding around the headland south of Era, rainforest of Burning Palms and the entrance and experience of the Palm jungle. Low Points:Once you make the cliff top, heading to Otford, its a boring walk of at least 1-2 klms along the fire trail (seems like it anyway)making the way to Otford Lookout. Then its a trudge for those tired feet to make it up the road,actually find the station, make it over the platform footbridge, just in time to see the train pulling out.
But that's OK, as you have the memories of that breathtaking coastline and the satisfaction of completing a personally rewarding venture.[/img]
GNM - Breathtakingly beautiful!!
IP:124.179.103.xxx | 2010-01-20 10:56:40
My husband & I tackled the Coast Walk yesterday on a clear day with azure skies and turquoise seas! We completed it in one day (around 8 hours), with a numbers of stops and a few unplanned detours - and no,this is not a boast, but merely some indication of our level of fitness. We may be in our early forties, but have completed more than 20 marathons between us and have trekked the Andes. How quickly you do the walk is not going to depend on what others have done but on a number of factors such as your age, level of fitness, quad strength (takes pressure off the knees) and even the quality and stability of your shoes. It's an amazing walk, so most important is that you allow sufficient time to enjoy it and to achieve what you want from the experience.
Tom B - Magnificent Walk So Close To H
IP:110.33.117.xxx | 2010-04-03 04:30:03
Walked Otford to Bundeena in one day. Brilliant. We had light rain for a little while and the seas were rough which made for a different perspective of this rugged and beautiful coastline that is so close to home. The cold beer at the RSL was refreshing. :) On a hot day you will need at least 5L of water, especially for the Northern section as it is exposed.
Stats were: 7.5 hours walking. 3.5 hours stopped (taking lots of photo's (400) / changing into & out of rain gear / detours / etc).
Otford Station to Bundeena Ferry is about 29.5 km according to my Garmin Etrex GPS.
p.s. continuing the knees theme, mine are terrible and were sore by the end of the walk.
Thanks wildwalks for your various track notes. Awesome.
Julian - Great walk
IP:210.215.158.xxx | 2010-04-06 06:57:17
This is really a good hike, awesome cliff views and different terrain and vegetation. We (group of four, in our 20s and 30s) did it with an overnight camp, and felt this was the best way to enjoy the track. To do it in one day you'll be working your knees pretty hard to get up and down all those hills and not be able to enjoy the views and interesting things that come up. Take care in preparation, particularly with the amount of water, especially if it is hot weather.
Lindsay - Excellent day trip
IP:211.30.213.xxx | 2010-04-12 11:24:38
I completed this walk today, Otford to Bundeena in 8 hours, including a 10 minute backtrack to find lost sunglasses. The weather was excellent, mild with blue skies and a gentle breeze to temper the heat while climbing the hills. Fantastic views and differing vegetation hold your interest all the way.
Due to recent rain all the creeks were flowing well so fresh water was available (treated) if needed.
While I am fairly fit for my age (early 50s) I would not consider myself an athlete and I believe that any reasonably fit person could complete this track in one day, although two would allow for more exploring.
Rich - Day trip
IP:202.158.241.xxx | 2010-05-25 01:35:40
Agree. You can do in a day. You need to plan for at least 7 hours walking, and then add an hour for rests/lunch. I caught the Bundeena ferry at 8.30, started the walk at 9.00 and arrived in Otford to catch the 4.57pm train back to Sydney (with a 1/2 lunch at Garie Beach)
1. The Garie Beach kiosk is closing - permanently so don't plan on lunch there, or ice cream!
2. Check your on track. Some of the signs are washed out, and you can end up on the fire trails heading inland if you don't keep an eye on it.
3. If it has been raining prepare for 2 or 3 creek crossings above boot height.
Jimy smako - Dreadful
IP:59.101.1.xxx | 2011-03-17 07:45:07
Wow wtf nobody said anything about a damn jungle, i almost died when i slipped of the track and smaked my head real hard. it was a terrible waLK and i dont think i will be walking again for a long time as i am phsically and mentally scarred.
admin - re: Dreadful
Super Administrator | 2011-03-17 21:09:35
Jimy smako wrote:
Wow wtf nobody said anything about a damn jungle, i almost died when i slipped of the track and smaked my head real hard. it was a terrible waLK and i dont think i will be walking again for a long time as i am phsically and mentally scarred.
Hi Jimy
I am sorry to hear you had such a bad experience, sounds like a scary time.
I hope you don't mind if I ask for more feedback to help make these notes better. At the moment the notes read as
Jimy smako wrote:
...nobody said anything about a damn jungle...
I assume you are referring to Palm Jungle about 3km into the walk??
If so our notes say
Tracknotes wrote:
..through the thick bushland and down a long hill for several hundred metres, gradually steepening before .... heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bush track ... the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles like fallen trees and branches.
If this is you area where you slipped, then please let me know what extra comments you think I should include? Or did you slip somewhere else, then perhaps I can update the notes somewhere else?
Thanks
Matt :)
Shane - Maps
IP:58.107.245.xxx | 2011-04-16 06:03:35
Hi everyone,
Can someone please let me know where I could possibly get a decent map for this trek or if possible for most or all of the Park?
I am training for quite a long trek and will therefore be enjoying and conducting various treks throughout the park =)
Any help is very much appreciated!
admin - re: Maps
Super Administrator | 2011-04-17 03:47:45
Shane wrote:
.....Can someone please let me know where I could possibly get a decent map for this trek ...
Hi Shane
Did you check the PDF for the walk?? this has a more detailed topo map for the walk, or is it this map you are not happy with?? Let me know what can be improved and I will look into it.
Otherwise this walk and the park is covered by the Otford and Port Hacking topo maps that you can get from most camping stores. NPWS also have a pretty good overview map of the park.
Matt :)
Shane - Maps
IP:58.107.245.xxx | 2011-04-18 09:54:29
Thank you for the prompt reply Matt!
I was afte a Large Scale chart of just the park if it was possible, I didn't see any in my local camping store last time I was there but I also didn't ask staff as they were busy (I forgot to ask the staff when I visited every shop on Kent street last week for a new pair of boots!!).
I'll have another look tomorrow and see what I can come up with :)
Thanks again mate!
Tess - Coastal walk
IP:210.50.64.xxx | 2011-04-30 10:18:14
Just attempted coastal walk from Otford to Bundeena. Intermittent showers were forecsted however after walking 7kms to North Era and camping the night the weather set in. We continued the next day on paths that resembled water courses. We crossed 3-4 river that were quite swollen which were a little hairy and got just past Wattamolla to a river which we deemed too unsafe to cross. We trudged back to Wattamolla and got a lift out. Would highly recommend to do this walk in good weather. We will be back to do again in good weather. Loved the views we did see, but not the leeches.
Ben - Video of the walk
IP:121.210.153.xxx | 2011-07-12 17:09:19
I've just finished a video of the walk from Otford to Bundeena. We did it in a day. You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkDLRaCnWC4
admin - re: Video of the walk
Super Administrator | 2011-07-12 21:48:00
Ben wrote:
I've just finished a video of the walk from Otford to Bundeena. We did it in a day. You can watch it here:
um, oops... sorry. wrong one. thanks for finding the right one.
Lleywn - Good walk
IP:203.10.224.xxx | 2011-08-01 01:57:49
Did this on the weekend, done it the other direction a couple of times, first time starting at Otford though.
With the recentish rain, the track is a muddly, mangled mess in a few places that really slows you down. The section into Burning Palms was particularly moist and messy, a few patches between Watamolla and Bundeena were rough as well.
Still a great walk though. Less navigational cues going this direction, the main traffic flow is not always discernible, but a little backtracking here and there kept me on the route.
Seven hours end to end, not as quick as hoped, but reasonable. Will be a bit quicker with a perfectly dry track. Burning palms is definitely a more interesting route than the other option, less fire trail and more single track through the landscape.
Jason - Unrushed quality!
IP:58.172.56.xxx | 2011-12-21 12:00:50
Hi fellow wild walker's,
My 10 year old son and I completed the walk from Bundeena to Otford in three days on purpose. I was the pack mule. Camped first night just south of Wattamolla and second night at North Era. No tight schedule/stress just unrushed enjoyment. Wildwalks maps and track notes were spot-on and a great educational tool for my son. Thank you.
Drew - Easy day walk
IP:124.168.24.xxx | 2012-01-17 09:51:47
Just completed this walk over the weekend. Started at 10am and finished at 630, with plenty of breaks and also lost the trail near the palm jungle.
It really is an easy day walk for anyone of reasonable fitness - much of it is now along a steel pathway, and there is really only one steep section towards the end (we walked Bundeena to Otford). In retrospect however we should have started earlier in the day. Great walk!
Stef - Doing this walk 21-22
IP:216.82.251.xxx | 2012-01-18 23:48:36
After reading all the comments on the walk i am envious of the people that have walked this in one day and am worried about my weak knees.
The last comment from Drew eases my worries with mention of the steel pathways.
Looking forward to it!
Nath - Enjoyable walk
IP:121.44.44.xxx | 2012-01-28 23:14:49
Completed the walk over australia day and the day after (26-27th) we started in otford at 9am and arrived in era at 3pm with a stop for a swim. really nice views. track is in need of maintenance, with this unusually wet summer the track is quite overgrown in many sections. the walk notes where invaluable as often it was impossible to tell difference between the path, the creeks, and natural clearings. thanks heaps wildwalks!
Emma - Great Walk - Tough Track
IP:203.0.77.xxx | 2012-02-08 23:47:49
Did this walk over two days from Bundeena to Otford.
Great views, beautiful beaches and nice jungle along the way.
However with all the rain of past month, some/a lot of the track was in terrible condition, overgrown and extremely muddy and slippery, with the track seeming to create a convenient path for water to flow down.
It was slow progress with the mud, and for someone with bad knees it would be slow going, especially with the hill at the end.
Peter - Great Day Out
IP:58.163.175.xxx | 2012-02-26 10:21:03
Walked the track from Bundeena to otford and enjoyed it immensely. Caught the 8.30 ferry from cronulla which had us walking at 9.00 and finished at otford station at 4.00 with an hour for lunch and a swim at garie. Wonderful views and topography but agree with the others that the recent rain has the back end of the track after era in a bad way. Only advice is check the train timetables as the wait at otford can be up to 2 hours if you don't time it right. Enjoy the day.
Jonesy - Great walk
IP:152.91.9.xxx | 2012-02-29 23:59:35
Did this one in one day a while ago from Bundeena. Was pretty knackered when bolting into Otford station to just beat the rain as it was getting dark.
Have a couple of tips. Bring plenty of water. Sun protection is a must as most of the track is just waist high heath with no shade. Watch where your going as its easy to wander off the track in the overgrown bits. I bought a little map of the walk at a shop in Bundeena where the ferry stops.
Lastly, watch out for snakes as I almost put my boot on a large Brown snake.
Top walk though. Will do it again.
Emma - Good for a single woman?
IP:152.76.1.xxx | 2012-03-22 02:29:15
This is a very helpful site. I am thinking of doing the walk over 2 days mid-week in a month or two. I've done plenty of overnight hikes before but this is the first time I'll be walking alone. My main concern is sleeping by myself at the campsite, and I'd also like to know if there's mobile coverage. Any thoughts or advice?
admin - re: Good for a single woman?
Super Administrator | 2012-03-22 04:04:15
Hi Emma
I have not heard of people running into trouble from other hikers on this walk (or much really in Australia). But it obviously depends on who is there on the day. Mobile phone coverage is patchy through the walk. The campsite has poor reception from memory. this graph gives a feel for coverage on the walk http://www.wildwalks.com/images/stories/walks/graphs/nsw-royalnp-tcttb-cs2.png
I would always suggest to any walkers (especially anyone walking solo) to carry a PLB.
Hope that helps
Happy walking
Matt :)
Emma - PLB
IP:152.76.1.xxx | 2012-03-22 04:59:29
Thanks Matt - very quick reply and that's a useful graph. Maybe I should consider carrying a PLB. Do you know where I can hire one?
admin - re: PLB
Super Administrator | 2012-03-22 19:06:29
Emma wrote:
Thanks Matt - very quick reply and that's a useful graph. Maybe I should consider carrying a PLB. Do you know where I can hire one?
whats that story about the snakes? Wanted to do the track beginning of June and I would bring just some old sneakers (so, no real boots as I do not feel comfortable in them). Would I need to bring something against snake bites? Any help much appreciated!
Thanks
admin - re: Snakes
Super Administrator | 2012-05-20 23:58:29
Gringo wrote:
I would bring just some old sneakers
Hi Gringo
Many people walk this area in sneakers. Snakes are less of an issue on colder days, and still not a great issue on hot days. There are other issues that are more likley to cause you grief then snakes, such and sprain ankle, blisters, falls, sunburn, strong wind or rain... Not trying to scar you, but some people see snakes as the big an only hazard when walking. You can still wear gaiters that will help reduce the risk of a snake bite.
This is a good walk, and popular with people getting into overnight bushwalking. Please make sure you have adequate experaince to safely enjoy the walk. Also consider carrying a PLB on walks like this that go out of mobile phone reception.
Happy walking
Matt :)
Mel - Great walk and training
IP:113.21.40.xxx | 2012-05-28 00:17:22
Some friends and I are training for an event in September and we did the track yesterday. The Coast Track with its varied terrain and good distance was a perfect choice.
Four of us completed it in 5.5 hours, so it's definitely possible to complete the track in a day.
It's a good idea to strap your ankles if you intend on doing the track quickly. Make sure you take enough food and water for the whole trip. Ladies, keep in mind there are no bathrooms until you reach Wattamolla!
jim - Water Issues and River Crossin
IP:1.124.170.xxx | 2012-06-11 07:08:51
Be warned there is no drinkable water available at Garie Beach, contrary to the trek notes. (There are toilets and a surf shower here, but a NPWS officer advised us against puri-tabbing and using that tank water)
Also, the creek water at North Era camp ground is undrinkable...we wouldn't go near it no matter what chemical treatment's available.
PS beware the river crossings NORTH of Wattamolla following heavy rains...we tried very hard but had to turn back unfortunately.
Otherwise a fantastic trip! Thanks to all the contributors here.
admin - re: Water Issues and River Cro
Super Administrator | 2012-06-11 23:49:04
jim wrote:
Be warned there is no drinkable water available at Garie Beach, contrary to the trek notes. (There are toilets and a surf shower here, but a NPWS officer advised us against puri-tabbing and using that tank water)
Hi Jim
Glad you had a good walk.
I have asked NPWS before why they say this, and the only response I get is that the water is on a tank and not guaranteed to be full. Hence why I mention in the notes the water supply is not reliable. Did they give you another reason??
Thanks for the feedback
Matt :)
Miro and Viktor - Fantastic walk, highly recomme
IP:124.171.15.xxx | 2012-09-05 02:52:12
Myself and my friend (both 35) just walked Otford to Bundeena track on Sunday. First time for us, just to check our condition and fitness level. We finished after 7.5 hrs of convenient walking, lots of stops and couple of snack breaks. The weather was fantastic, clear and sunny day, long distance visibility, not too hot, not too cold...Fantastic walk, would recommend to anybody. It is definitely one day-walk. Alredy planning to walk again, but this time with our GFs as well.
Sara - Recommend starting at Otford
IP:124.149.126.xxx | 2012-10-03 10:02:34
I did with some friends (in our late 20s). We started at Otford and camped at North Era. Very glad we did it in this direction because it's nice having the short walk on the second day. The stairs were a bit of a killer with a backpack, but a very enjoyable hike.
Sara - re: Recommend starting at Otfo
IP:124.149.126.xxx | 2012-10-03 11:24:48
[quote=Sara]Typo above ^^ ...We started at Bundeena and camped at North Era. Very glad we did it in this direction because it's nice having the short walk on the second day.
Chris Webster - Awesome Track
IP:124.168.183.xxx | 2013-03-02 23:50:53
Did this walk with a friend in early Autumn. Please note that track condition this time of year is not as per the track notes - be prepared.
A very enjoyable walk through RNP. I will be doing this again. With wet weather, deep mud, water obstacles, severe wind, pouring rain and overgrown track we took a respectable 8 hours (80 minutes of breaks) Otford station to the end of RNP.
Tristan - Leisurely 2 days
IP:130.155.98.xxx | 2013-03-14 03:10:18
Last weekend (March 2013) we did the the walk as described, Otford to Bundeena with an overnight stay at North Era. The first day's walk is very short, there's no point starting before midday. Camping was very nice but carrying the tent and extra water made the packs heavy, and they often got snagged on the more overgrown parts of the track (e.g. the Palm Jungle). Will do it in a day next time with a light pack, probably Bundeena-Otford so we're not worried about missing the last ferry (which is currently at 7pm).
Do it in two days if you want to take your time and have a bit of a swim every now and then. Best places to swim are Garie beach and Wattamolla lagoon. Definitely take the short detour to see the figure of eight pools!
It's a great walk, lots of variety in the scenery and landscape, and it's very pretty throughout. Thanks WildWalks!
Kymtje - Wonderful one day hike
IP:101.175.12.xxx | 2013-04-02 20:50:19
We walked Bundeena to Otford. First ferry over landing at 9am, and arrived in time for the 5pm train back to Sydney. Took a few good breaks, including a nice relaxed lunch at Gowrie - kiosk was open for an icecream afterwards which was nice.
Gorgeous walk - definitely exposed for large parts so proper hats and sun protection are a must.
There was also a fair bit of jolting on the knees, can see why some other walkers were a bit sore after.
Took in about 3 litres water per person which was just enough for a warm but not sweltering day. Would take 4 next time just in case.
Trail pretty overgrown in parts, if you're sensitive could be an idea to wear long pants to avoid extra irritation.
All in all highly recommended walk! Next time will wander down to the Pantry at Otford afterwards for some apple pie :)
Mitch - Can you ride this track
IP:58.107.251.xxx | 2013-04-07 08:01:40
Wondering if you are allowed to take mountain bikes on this track?
admin - re: Can you ride this track
IP:211.30.210.xxx | 2013-04-08 22:16:51
Mitch wrote:
Wondering if you are allowed to take mountain bikes on this track?
Hi Mitch
Sorry -- only a few short sections are suitable for moutnain bikes -- but it is really only for walkers.
matt :)
Steve (Kewaba) - Great Track
IP:203.11.96.xxx | 2013-04-29 03:41:20
This was our first overnight hike and we found it to be a great walk . Did Otford to Bundeena starting ANZAC day, camping overnight at North Era , great spot. The second day was by far the best the scenery along the way was beautiful and there was plenty of running water which we treated and used.
Arrived in Bundeena in plenty of time for a feed and drink before jumping on a ferry across to Cronulla to get transport back to Wollongong.
Just a heads up though - the pit toilets at North Era have been trashed and are unusable - the closest facility was Garie Beach which was just around the headlands heading north.
Lauren
IP:115.64.23.xxx | 2013-05-26 05:01:13
Hi does anybody know of any other campgrounds along this walk? Forgot the long weekend would be popular and is all booked up.
Cheers.
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2013-05-29 22:50:35
Lauren wrote:
Hi does anybody know of any other campgrounds along this walk? Forgot the long weekend would be popular and is all booked up.
Cheers.
Unfortunately there are not others -- there used to be one near Wattamolla before it was closed to the general public. NPWS also do not allow free camping in the park. Perhaps look at another walk that does not require campsite booking and come back to this one another time. Sorry.
Matt :)
Andrew - Gaiters?
IP:210.84.27.xxx | 2013-10-03 09:25:31
Doing the track for the first time this coming weekend. Are gaiters a good idea, or not really needed?
Cheers,
Andrew.
Andrew - OK, finished the tack
IP:210.84.27.xxx | 2013-10-07 06:47:21
Completed the track this long weekend, over two days. Gaiters are probably not necessary, but if you can go an someone who knows the track your first time, it's a good idea. The path isn't clear in a number of places (we ended up walking around an extra 5km due to taking the wrong path). All in all a good experience, but a little hard on the knees. Good hiking boots strongly recommended.
Andrew - re:
IP:210.84.27.xxx | 2013-10-07 06:51:15
Lauren wrote:
Hi does anybody know of any other campgrounds along this walk? Forgot the long weekend would be popular and is all booked up.
Cheers.
Although camping in other places isn't allowed, we noticed quite a few people doing it. North Era was "booked out", but in reality it was empty.
Craig - Walking through the night
IP:121.45.177.xxx | 2013-11-26 20:48:16
I wondered whether anyone on here has tried this walk at night?
I am thinking about trying it in a few weeks time. The moon will be waning so little moonlight, relying on lamps. I wondered if anyone has any experience?
James - 4 Hours
IP:203.6.77.xxx | 2014-05-01 00:09:54
I'm looking to give this a go in the next couple of weeks, and want to get it done in under 4 hours. That will require a 7.0kmh average or better than 9:00 min/km. I have done parts of the track on different walks. Are there any spots in particular that I need to pay attention to so I dont get lost etc?
admin - re: 4 Hours
IP:211.30.210.xxx | 2014-05-01 02:28:10
James wrote:
I'm looking to give this a go in the next couple of weeks, and want to get it done in under 4 hours. That will require a 7.0kmh average or better than 9:00 min/km. I have done parts of the track on different walks. Are there any spots in particular that I need to pay attention to so I dont get lost etc?
Hi James. The track is fairly degraded in places. Near Burning Palms the track is not very clear and the steeper sections of tracks are rough and can be harder to travel along. I would suggest you be comfortable with a slower pace for the first run through to get more familiar with the track.
enjoy
Matt :)
James - Coast Track
IP:203.6.77.xxx | 2014-05-15 01:50:40
Well, I did this one today (15 May 2014). Left the Otford lookout just before 0630.
Managed to get it done in under 3hrs 30 mins including a couple of small stops and a small geographical error. The last few km were a bit of a struggle.
Also recorded the walk on my GoPro, however, it ran out of battery just before the track joins the fire trail at Bundeena Lookout (bugger). I will upload the video to youtube and will post the link here.
Teresa - Coast Track experience
IP:115.64.120.xxx | 2014-05-28 11:44:53
Just wanted to say Thanks! The notes (brought them with me) and comments really helped during my hike of RNP today. I was doing this by myself and was aiming for a whole day so i wanted to be prepared. I'm new to hikes exceeding 4+ hours and considering i'm not the fittest person, i gave myself 9hrs to do the track. Surprisingly (to me) it still only took 8hrs. In that time, took 30-40min worth of breaks.
Was going to start from Bundeena but glad i started at Otford. It was mainly to tackle the jungle and hills first, and partly because i didn't want to find myself sifting through the bushes and jungle as it got dark. It was hard to navigate in the sun! From a past visit, I also knew that heading towards Bundeena it didn't have too many climbs so chose to do it hard to easy.
Overall, had a good day and was a very rewarding experience. Notes helped a lot! :)
Maria - windy, wet & winding coastal w
IP:14.203.127.xxx | 2014-06-10 06:29:43
i did this yesterday and i have to say i did get a little lost at Garie beach... i got sidetracked when i misread the notes and accidentally detoured up the first set of stairs i saw from the life saving club instead of the stairs 200m from the surf life saving club as written in the track notes and went bush bashing for a through the fern gully, most of the time i was cussing myself for not wearing longer pants as suggested by previous walkers...
i found that most of the time along the walk i felt lost but always ended up finding a semi eroded marker which led me in the right direction in the end, some of the directional signs on the notes were missing or getting replaced... so always some time for detours and getting sidetracked if you're planning on doing the walk in one day.
The whole walk took me 8.5 hrs and i did find that the first section of the walk. (otford to little Garie) was a bit heavy on the knees... so if you do have weak knees definately take some walking poles with you.
Also i got a little lost towards the end... after what i think was the Bundeena lookout there seems to be a number of tracks that end up at Bundeena.. luckily i meet up with some trailrunner who pointed me in the right direction, so if you find yourself in the same predicament just follow the ridge/coast as much as possible and the trail will eventually turn right and leading you to the asphalt road which means you're at Bundeena.
it rained quite a bit towards the end of the walk which sucked as the walk is quite exposed to the elements seeing as it's a coastal walk.
Diet Stegeman (from The Nether - Workers promotion of the track
IP:220.239.96.xxx | 2014-06-27 11:36:51
I did the track from Otford to Bundeena. I left Otford at 8 a.m. and finished in Bundeena at 3.15 p.m. Not bad for a pensioner.
The track is good, wonderful views over the ocean. I prepared well by downloading the description and the maps from the site. Yet I got lost a few times, but maybe thats part of bushtracking.
I have a great story about the workers at the track. When I was in the train I discovered that I'd forgotten my lunch. All I had was an apple and two small mandarines. Happily I took my three bottles with water. I hoped to buy food in Otford, but there is nothing. Somebody there gave me the advise to do a short walk in the surroundings, but I decided to go, hoping that some solution would come up. And it came. After about 10 kilometers there were workers at the track. A really good job to do, but they do even better, because I simply asked them for food after explaining why. And I got a banana, a nutbar, Doritos and salted cookies with cheese. Great. So, thank you again.
Oliver - Fun Walk
IP:14.200.36.xxx | 2014-09-14 23:59:07
Did this over last weekend with some friends.
Left Otford at 11:30 and got to North Era at about 4 for an overnights stay. Contrary to previous comments/notes, there are toilets at North Era now!
Started the next part at 8:30 and finished at Bundeena at 3:30. The track was VERY wet and muddy in places but overall good fun.
Wade - North Era Camp Ground
IP:110.20.99.xxx | 2014-09-24 12:08:11
A few of my brothers and I are planning to do this Track over the next weekend. We also plan to crash at North Era.
I don't mean to sound like a badass lol, but we can't be bothered getting a permit for the North Era Campground.
Just wondering what the consequences are if rangers approach and we are without a permit?
Reading some of the feedback, it seems most people crash the night there without any need of a permit. I can't imagine the campgrounds being booked out either.
We're good fullas, we don't mean no trouble, but just wondering if a permit is needed?
If so, do all 4 of us each need to have one or just one of us?
Matt - Book and pay for the North Era
IP:137.111.13.xxx | 2014-09-29 04:52:18
I've encountered rangers asking for permits before, especially on long weekends when it's busy. It's only $10 for a camping spot and it helps maintaining the beautiful track you enjoy walking on. The campground is already booked out for the coming weekend https://nsw.rezexpert.com/book?business_code=500295
I really hope you don't occupy the spots of those who actually checked and paid ahead.
Wade - re: Book and pay for the North
IP:110.20.99.xxx | 2014-09-30 04:25:22
Matt wrote:
...It's only $10 for a camping spot and it helps maintaining the beautiful track you enjoy walking on... I really hope you don't occupy the spots of those who actually checked and paid ahead.
Fair enough.
I can respect that.
I'll book and pay for North era now, but for another weekend. Must be a real popular Track for it to be all booked out eh.
Shot for the heads up sir.
Ian - Walked October 2014
IP:58.111.135.xxx | 2014-11-08 05:13:47
I had walked virtually all of the Coast walk over the years but never the lot in one go. An excellent walk overall with beautiful beaches, spectacular cliff views and varied vegetation.
On the down side, I felt the latter part of the second day (Garey to Bundeena) was a bit repetitive (we walked Otford to Bundeena), especially as I have done Bundeena-Marley many times in the past.
Next time we plan to overnight at North Era and explore the area, returning to Otford, rather than doing the whole lot to Bundeena.
North Era news: Some water available in stream behind camp site and some grand new toilets. However there was also a dead deer, killed in NPWS cull the week before that rather flavoured the air.
Irene Mc - Great walk
IP:203.6.77.xxx | 2015-02-02 04:03:38
I completed the walk over two days last weekend. I could probably have done it in one day with only a light day pack, but no way with my heavier overnight gear. Also, doing over two days gives you more time to admire the scenery/swim etc.
I went from Otford to Bundeena, but I think as a two day walk, it would be better in reverse. The walk to Nth Era only took 3 hours, and I was at a loose end the rest of the afternoon.
If that had been the 2nd day of the walk I could have timed my departure to meet the train at Otford, and had a relatively easy walk the 2nd day.
Anne - Track notes for Bundeena to Ot
IP:58.172.224.xxx | 2015-02-13 20:21:47
Just wondering if track notes are available in reverse direction? I know we could use the existing notes but would be easier if available for the direction we are heading?
Tim - re: Track notes for Bundeena t
IP:27.32.243.xxx | 2015-02-18 03:25:49
Anne wrote:
Just wondering if track notes are available in reverse direction? I know we could use the existing notes but would be easier if available for the direction we are heading?
A group of us managed to do the walk in 7 hours and 35 minutes going from Bundeena to Otford, with maybe 40 minutes of breaks all up. We preferred doing it in one day as we could travel light instead of lugging tents etc along with us. If you are starting from Bundeena be prepared to have the hardest part of the walk towards the end.
We had quite a rainy day, which created some decent puddles on the track and also bought the leeches out, and we all managed to pick some up along the way - we were still finding them once we got home.
The Pavilion at Garee beach was open on the Saturday we passed through and sells pies, ice creams water etc, so that was a good place to stop for lunch.
Wildlife wise we spotted plenty of lizards and an echidna which was a highlight.
Stunning scenery through out, would highly recommend this walk, and don't be afraid to attempt it in one day if you are moderately fit.
Wark - Good walk - easy to follow now
IP:58.111.144.xxx | 2015-04-04 05:52:50
Did the walk on Good Friday. Trains to Otford are certainly limited - could have only arrived at 730am or 930am so we chose the later train from Sutherland. Leaving the platform via the south end up the steep path we were a little confused on reaching Lady Wakehurst Drive as we found we had to turn left and go about 500m not 25m to the lookout but then we saw the alternative route described. It was a damp sort of day but great views from the lookout. Only occasional drizzle as we made our way down to the coast. We only found one part a bit steep and were quite surprised to find ourselves at sea level after the jungle. Didn't think we were going down that fast.
From there the track is clearly marked - there are new posts everywhere and it is pretty difficult to lose your way so take no notice of older logs here. We walked through the Burning Palms hut community and got invited into one of the huts for a look by a lady and her husband who spend their weekends there. Very interesting to hear the history - this hut was built in 1938. Very much of the era - they have a 2.5km walk in from the car park. Carrying the stove and fridge would not have been fun.
The track up the hill from North Era (campsite had one tent only) is in terrible condition - muddy mess which they will be repairing soon - the sandstone chips have been dumped nearby. A couple of locals advised us to avoid the climb and take the route around the rocks seeing as the tide was not high. This was much easier and brought us out at Garie Beach where the kiosk was open. Plenty of food on offer there. A couple who were ahead of us had gone the high road and probably took an extra half hour. They said it was awful.
The rest of the track wasn't that hard - bit of a climb up from Garie but after that it was easy enough. A bit of rain made the metal walkways slippery in places but there was plenty of water in the creeks making for some lovely waterfalls.
Wattamolla was very busy with cars and we had lunch there. From Wedding Cake Rocks onwards we saw a lot of people (nearly all foreign tourists?) who walked in the opposite of sensible shoes. Finally came out at Bundeena at 415pm and had a well-deserved hamburger at the cafe before getting the 5pm ferry then train back to Sutherland from Cronulla. Only had about half an hour's rain. Six and three quarter hours with plenty of stops. Sore feet but otherwise okay. Recommended to anyone with reasonable fitness to do it one day.
Bradley - Getting back to your car
IP:220.233.147.xxx | 2015-08-08 03:09:29
Whats the best way in terms of leaving your car and getting back to it after the walk?
Lyn - Track upgrade
IP:220.245.93.xxx | 2015-12-03 09:59:31
The track is undergoing construction works between Beachcomber Ave and Marley Beach until May 2016. Can i still complete the track by using this instruction?
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
10 km
Check out the facilities at 
There is free parking available.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
not too much longer now :)