Royal National Park Day Trip: Sydney Coastal Hike & Waterfall Swim

Hike Sydney's Oldest Coastal Cliffs, Swim at a Hidden Waterfall

You hike the Royal National Park's coastal trails for several hours, spotting wallabies and native birds along dramatic sandstone cliffs and hidden beaches. Lunch with a view at Wattamolla is included, followed by a swim in the freshwater waterfall pool. The drive from Sydney CBD takes about thirty minutes each way, and the full day keeps you moving without rushing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and swim in Royal National Park

• Explore coastal trails with guide
• Spot kangaroos and native birds
• Learn local history and nature
• Enjoy lunch at waterside restaurant
• Swim at Wattamolla Waterfall

The experience

You're standing at the edge of Royal National Park within thirty minutes of leaving the city. The sandstone cliffs drop straight down to the Tasman Sea, and the trail ahead winds between eucalyptus and rainforest thick enough that you lose sight of Sydney entirely. This is the Coast Track, and it's been drawing people out here since 1879 (the park is Australia's second-oldest), but it doesn't feel crowded. Your guide points out a wallaby moving through the scrub, then a kookaburra calling from somewhere you can't see. The hike itself takes most of the morning, moving through 16,000 hectares of sandstone, beaches, and bush that shift every few kilometers.

Lunch happens at a restaurant right on the water at Wattamolla, which is included in the day. You sit with a view of the beach and the creek-fed lagoon, and the food is straightforward. Nothing fancy, but enough to settle you before the second half. After eating, most people spend time on the beach itself. Wattamolla is the kind of place that feels removed from everything. The water is clear enough to see down, and the rocky cliffs on either side keep the wind off. You can swim here, or just sit on the sand and let the afternoon move slowly.

The waterfall swim at Wattamolla comes last. It's a freshwater pool fed by a creek, tucked into the landscape in a way that makes it feel like you've found something private. The water is cold and clean, and after hours on the trail, it's the kind of reset that makes the whole day click into place. You're back in the city by evening, but the salt is still in your hair and the light on those cliffs stays with you.

What’s included

• Guided hike along the Royal National Park Coast Track with expert commentary on local history and natural features.
• wildlife spotting opportunities including wallabies, kangaroos, and native birdlife.
• lunch at a scenic waterside restaurant overlooking Wattamolla Beach.
• freshwater waterfall swim at Wattamolla Lagoon.
• access to the park's 16,000 hectares of coastal trails, rainforest, and secluded beaches.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Jul 2027

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Salty Safaris

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting a full-day escape from Sydney that doesn't require arranging transport, park entry, or timing multiple stops. The guide handles the route, the pace, and the logistics, leaving you to focus on the hike and the water.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the hike itself?

The guided hike takes most of the morning through the Coast Track, with lunch and the waterfall swim filling out the full day. Total time in the park is several hours.

What wildlife might I see?

Wallabies, kangaroos, and vibrant birdlife are common along the trails. The park also hosts koalas, and migrating dolphins and whales can be spotted from the coastal cliffs depending on the season.

Is the waterfall swim included?

Yes. The freshwater waterfall pool at Wattamolla is part of the day, and you'll have time to swim after lunch.

How far is Royal National Park from Sydney?

About thirty minutes' drive from the CBD, making it an easy escape without a long commute.

What's included in the price?

The guided hike, lunch at a scenic waterside restaurant, and access to the waterfall swim are all included.

Do I need to bring my own food?

No. Lunch is provided at Wattamolla as part of the tour.