This walk is an excellent loop which takes in both the coast and the heathy inland of Royal National Park. Nearly the whole walk has views of the sea. Big Marley and Little Marley are great places to wet the feet. The dunes behind Big Marley are also worth exploring, as is Deer Pools if time allows.
(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 Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach
Cross sectional view of the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamolla to Big Marley 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
10km
Time
4 hrs
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
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
4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.7km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (370m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(0 km)
Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block
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Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground Walk: Easy - road
Length = 184 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -8 m
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.
(0.18 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.
(0.84 km)
Wattamolla Dam
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Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 3.11 km
Time = 54 mins
Climb = 73 m
Descent = -47 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. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west down the spur, with the spur on the right of the track. The track then descends onto the saddle and continues north-west through the thick wall of scrub on either side, to the 'T' intersection approximately 400m down the hill. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail heading east, meandering through the thick green scrub over a number of small bumps (used for water diversion) as the track winds towards the coast. After a while, the management trail comes to the signposted intersection of the 'Deer Pool' bush track.
(3.94 km)
Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk
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Deer Pools Clearing Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 562 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -41 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west along the flat trail which runs through the scrub. The track continues for approximately 100m, then begins to descend after passing a rockshelf on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, following the sprayed white dashes through the dense scrub and coming to a clearing. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Deer Pool
Alt = 12 m
Deer Pool, Royal National Park, is a small and picturesque set of falls that run into a pool with a sandy bank. The waterfall is fed by Marley Creek which continues its journey into Marley Lagoon, behind Big Marley Beach. Royal National Park was once home to many deer, who used to frequent these pools. This is a relaxing spot on a warm day, with the opportunity for a dip or a gentle massage in the cascade. Although a sign suggests camping is permitted by permit, permits are not issued for camping here.
(3.94 km)
Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk
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Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 1.15 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -47 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, heading down the long gentle hill as it steadily winds down to the coast. There are views across Marley Lagoon on the left as the walk heads down to the end of the service trail, where it comes to a grassy clearing with a bush track on the other side. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Marley' arrow up the short hill and over the rock platform, continuing along the defined bush track, winding down to the coast where it comes to the 'T' intersection with the Coast Walk bush track.
(5.09 km)
Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk
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East Marely Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack,beach
Length = 638 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -13 m
Turn left: 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. 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.
Big Marley Beach
Alt = 1 m
Big Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach, approximately 400m in length. The beach has a large dune area, behind which Marley Lagoon is found. The lagoon is fed by Marley Creek and the surrounding catchment. The beach is not patrolled and there are no other facilities. The south-facing beach has a rockshelf at either end. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link. More info
(5.73 km)
East Marely Beach
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West Marley Beach Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 396 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -8 m
Turn around: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast along the beach until coming to the rock-shelf at the end. Marley Beach is very beautiful and, on a warm day, it would be a great spot to swim. On the rockshelf at the end of the beach, there are some shady spots to break from the walk. (At this, point there is also an intersection with a small bush track that heads up the hill and away from the beach.)
(6.12 km)
West Marley Beach
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Little Marley Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 678 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -15 m
Veer left: From the end of the beach, this walk heads up and along the rock-shelf to following the coast as the bush track weaves in and out of the short heath for a short while. The track then comes to an intersection with an unmarked bush track going off to the right and away from the cliffs. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track winding along the coast, keeping the ocean and the cliffs to the left. The track winds down the hill for a while before coming 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
(6.8 km)
Little Marley Beach
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Wattamolla Dam Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.81 km
Time = 1 hr 8 mins
Climb = 174 m
Descent = -155 m
Continue straight: From Little Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach, keeping the ocean to the left as it climbs up the signposted bush track at the end to the clifftop. From here, the track follows the coast line for a short period before passing over numerous sections of metal footbridge. This continues through the scrub vegetation, with short periods where the track comes back onto the rockshelf above the cliff, until the track changes to purely being a well-managed bush track through the high scrub, as it winds along to the signposted intersection of the Coast Track. Veer left: 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.
(9.61 km)
Wattamolla Dam
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Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road
Length = 837 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -34 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. 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.
(10.45 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.
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.
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) 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.
I recommend this walk: It is picturesque and tranquil, and takes in the best of both worlds: coast and bush.
It took us between 3.5 and 4 hours to complete so the guide time is accurate.
I recommend you set out early in the morning to get a parking spot and for a quiet walk. We started walking at 9.30am and didn't see anyone until about 11.00am. When we returned to the Wattamolla carpark at around 12.00 midday there were cars waiting for parking spots and lots of people having picnic lunches (bearing in mind that it was a hot, summer day so everywhere by the coast was busy!)
Our photos from the walk:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33985562@N00/sets/72157623193944679/
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2010-01-31 23:10:14
Nicole wrote:
Our photos from the walk:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33985562@N00/sets/72157623193944679/
Hi Nicole
Thanks for the feedback, sounds like you had a great day out. Thanks for the link to the photos, great to see.
Matt :)
Malcolm - Great Walk
IP:121.44.232.xxx | 2010-08-22 06:20:37
What a great walk taking in some great spots. We loved Wattamolla creek swimming hole . The clifftop walk back from Little Marley is very special too.
Many thanks for all the work you put into this website.
Stefanie - Hoping to do this walk tomorro
IP:122.106.160.xxx | 2010-10-29 11:06:04
Have been looking at this walk for a couple of weeks now but have been too busy to get round to doing it.
Hoping to set out tomorrow morning to do it. Can't wait, it looks fantastic.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)