This is a long and scenic walk down to Garie Beach. The walk travels along the ridge and then the heath covered cliff edge, with views over the coast and far out to see, as it meanders along to the beautiful Garie Beach. The descent from the headland onto Garie Beach also gives magnificent views of the coast to the south.
(open in app)
There are closures in Royal National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach 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
13km
Time
5 hrs
.
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
7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 510m is very steep and the remaining 380m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (340m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 6km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 11km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.6km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 13km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 10km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Drive to Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Bundeena Drive
(0 km)
Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Bundeena Drive
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Wattamolla Dam Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 5.12 km
Time = 1 hr 28 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -175 m
From the intersection, this walk heads through the green National Park gate and along the sandy management trail. The trail meanders through the thick green scrub, passing a Geodetic Station and continues down the long, gentle ridgeline between the Marley and Wattamolla Creeks (to the north and south respectively). After a long while, the trail starts to head up a soft hill for a short distance before coming to a large intersection with another management trail. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the trail, around the spur (which is on the left of the trail). The track then rises onto the spur and continues south-east through the thick wall of scrub on either side. The track continues for approximately 400m to an intersection, where there is a 'Coast Track' sign. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the bush track, heading down the long hill through the high scrub and down through some rocks, as it approaches the small swimming hole made by the dam in Wattamolla Creek.
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.
(5.12 km)
Wattamolla Dam
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Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 653 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -31 m
Continue straight: From the creek, (which may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) this walk heads west (keeping the swimming hole on the left) along the bush track. The walk winds through the tall scrub and down the long hill until crossing the wide, shallow creek to the Wattamolla Picnic Ground on the other side.
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.
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.
(5.78 km)
Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground
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Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block Walk: Easy - road
Length = 184 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the northern end of the picnic ground, this walk heads through the car park and across the grass to the toilet block.
(5.96 km)
Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block
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Providential Point Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 596 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -20 m
Continue straight: From the men's toilet block, this walk heads to an sports-oval sized clearing. The walk heads to the eastern end of the oval. The track continues along the service trail from the oval, following the Providential Point signs. The track leads through the tree to another grass area, Providential Point Campsite. The walk continues past the campsite sign, heading east to the far side of the grass clearing to a ferny area. The track continues along the most worn and unobstructed single track for approximately 200m to the railed lookout on the headland. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn sharp left to continue along this walk.)
Providential Point
Alt = 13 m
Providential Point Lookout in Royal National Park, has views out to sea and back towards Wattamolla Beach, as well as views of the the cliffs on the north side of Wattamolla Bay to Boy Martin Point. The small lookout is fenced and perched on the rocks. Providential Point is the southern headland forming the bay that is home to Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon, at the end of Wattamolla Rd.
(5.96 km)
Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block
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Curracurrang Cove Track: Moderate - road,bushtrack
Length = 1.57 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -50 m
Turn right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the signs to the Overflow Car Park. (This is the upper car park.) At the back of the car park, this walk comes to an intersection with a large management trail, with a gate and signpost saying 'Garrie 5.8km'. Turn left: From the car park, the walk follows the management trail climbing up the long hill. The walk passes two large water towers as it continues along for a while, before coming to a great lookout over the ocean, marked by a sign saying 'Curracurrang'. From the lookout, the walk continues along the cliff edge, keeping the ocean to the left as it follows the bush track. The track winds along the coast to Curracurrang Cove, where there is an intersection with another bush track that heads up and away from the ocean.
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
(7.53 km)
Curracurrang Cove
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Eagles Rock Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.95 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 108 m
Descent = -82 m
Turn left : Keeping the ocean to the left, the track climbs up out of Curracurang Cove and continues all the way up to the top of the large hill, winding through the thick heath across the top and down the other side to Curracurang Creek at the bottom. After crossing the creek, the track follows the bushtrack heading up short hill and along the bushtrack winding through the scrub for a short while before coming to the Eagle Rock lookout at the information signpost.
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.
(9.47 km)
Eagles Rock Lookout
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Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 139 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: Keeping the ocean to the left the track follows the bushtrack heading through the heath along the coast for a short while until it comes to the intersection of the bushtrack at the end of the service trail, marked by the two post's where the sign has been pulled off.
(9.61 km)
Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail
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Int of North Rill and Coastal Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.1 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 107 m
Descent = -53 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the bush track and the rockshelf, keeping the ocean on the left. This continues, with the track becoming a narrow trail that goes through the scrub. In various sections, metal walkways have been built to stabilise the environment in the area. This continues until reaching an intersection with a track, heading off to the right.
(11.71 km)
Int of North Rill and Coastal Track
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Garie Beach Car Park Track: Hard - bushtrack,beach,beach
Length = 1.63 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -127 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track around the left-hand side of the 'Curra Moors car park' sign, following the cliffs and keeping the ocean on the left of the track. After several hundred metres of high scrub, the track emerges out into the opening which has fantastic views of Garie Beach and the hills to the south. Continue straight: From Garie Beach Lookout, this walk follows the bush track heading down towards Garie Beach, winding down the long hill, descending the steep rock and wooden steps to the bottom of the hill where the walk continues through the grassy clearing to the end of the beach. Continue straight: From the end of Garie Beach, the walk follows the coast across the beach, keeping the ocean to the left until coming to the base of some timber steps, which lead up the hill on the right. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean on your left, for approximately 200m to Garie Beach car park on the right.
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
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 8 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.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)