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Distance: 1h // South Sydney
Perfect for: Hiking & wild swimming

The Royal National Park tends to be another day trip from Sydney, but don’t let it put you off from one of the best weekend getaways from Sydney! With campsites within the national park and accommodation nearby, spend a gorgeous weekend getaway exploring the hikes and swimming in the world’s second oldest national park.

There are so many hikes in the Royal National Park, some of our favourites include The Figure 8 Rock Pool, Wedding Cake Rock and so many more. Discover some of the best waterfalls in Sydney you can swim in and of course hire a rowing boat at Audley for a fun day floating down the river. Or spend the weekend at a beautiful wellness retreat in Royal National Park, eating vegan food, doing yoga and kayaking at The Heart & Soul Retreat.

Sydneysiders live surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterways in the country so planning a short break from the city is pretty easy. Whether you are looking for a night or two away from home or a base for a one week break, we hope these ideas inspire you.

Bundeena and Port Hacking Weekends away

The little village of Bundeena, perched on the edge of the Royal National Park, combines natural beauty with artistic flair. Make the trip over Port Hacking on the Curranulla, a cute little green and yellow ferry or the drive into Bundeena through the National Park, either way, the journey helps you mentally leave Sydney behind and embrace the relaxation that awaits.

Things to do in Bundeena

Energetic types will love the access to the Royal National Park for walks. You could do part or all of the Coast Walk, the 26km track from Bundeena to Otford, make the trip to Figure 8 Pools or swim in the lagoon at Watamolla.

We recommend you don’t miss the Bundeena Loop walk. This relatively easy trail gives you a chance to see the Dharawal Engravings, which are said to be more than 1000 years old.

From hidden tunnels to underwater nature trails — Sydney offers a striking array of natural wonders that you’ll be hardpressed to find anywhere else in the world. Among its many extraordinary places and historical sites is the heritage-listed Royal National Park, a pristine coastal bushland filled with limitless outdoor adventures. It’s also one of the world’s oldest national parks and the first in the world to have ‘National Park‘ as part of its name — behind only the Bogd Khan Uul National Park in Mongolia and the USA’s Yellowstone National Park.

The park spans over 15,000 hectares and while the sheer size of it might seem daunting, it’s an incredible spot to visit less than an hour’s drive from Sydney. Rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, wildlife and plenty of gorgeous wilderness abound in this wonderful part of NSW. Whether you’re looking to get away from everything for a spell or hoping to get one with nature, this storied part of the country is a bucket-list experience you can’t miss.

Royal National Park, NSW

Australia’s first and oldest national park was created on April 26, 1879, and was initially only called ‘National Park’. It was later named the Royal National Park following the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. Australia now has over 500 national parks around the country including one in each of the states.

At just under an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD, many locals naturally treat it as an extended part of the city and an ideal weekend getaway. And with myriad opportunities for whale watching, snorkelling, coastal hikes and more, the park gets plenty of love from locals all year round.

The best way to explore the expansive space is through one of the many walking trails that include the famous Figure 8 Pools walk, Bundeena to the iconic Wedding Cake Rock and The Coast Track which would need at least 2 days to cover to enjoy in its full glory.

If you’re hiking averse, the park also offers excellent options for picnics plus guided walks and hiking tours to nudge you in the right direction. If you’re planning a visit, the park is also home to some of Sydney’s prettiest beaches including Wattamolla, Garie and Burning Palms.

How to get to the Royal National Park

There are many different ways to get to the Royal National Park. If you’re taking the train, hop on the Illawarra Line or take a ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena. You can also opt to take a tram from the Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus.

By car, the Royal National Park takes less than an hour from both the Sydney CBD and Wollongong to the south. Find further details on parking and more at the NSW National Parks website.

The special thing about the Royal National Park is that you discover something new and remarkable every time you visit. Immerse yourself in nature and discover some truly beautiful gems on your next trip out of town. Head here for more info.