5 little-known Royal treasures

5 little-known Royal treasures

Royal National Park, on the southern outskirts of Sydney, is one of the oldest national parks in the world, and despite some 2 million visitors a year, has some little-known sights and sites. 

Flowers and beaches, two of the Royal National Park's well-known wonders.

Royal National Park is a 160sq.km area of bushland, with heathland, swamps, cliffs, beaches, woodland, rainforest and some beautiful old-fashioned parkland. It has rivers and waterfalls, native flowers galore, and a rich and varied bird and reptile life. There are more tracks than you can poke a walking stick at, including one of the country's best overnight walks (or a long day walk), the 27km Coast Track. There are well-known fishing spots, diving, snorkelling, camping and mountain biking and cycling opportunities, all within an hour of the centre of Sydney.
But there are a few lesser-known treasures, particular favourites of mine, and I'm certainly hoping to discover a few more in 2014.

1. Figure 8 Pools

Figure 8 pools, Royal National Park

This sublime ocean-side rock shelf, only accessible two hours either side of low tide, has a gorgeous handful of opal- and jade-coloured rock pools that are deep enough and big enough to bathe in. They are all stunning, but the most unusual is the perfect Figure 8 Pool, big enough to hold a small party of people. Some people even bring masks to have a look around the pools, which are encrusted with anemones, weeds and occasionally have fish and even seadragons inside.
Where: Two headlands south of Burning Palms Beach, minimum of an hour's walk from a car.
Perfect for: A hot, sunny day

2. Uloola Falls

Uloola Falls

There is a walk-in campsite near these pretty little falls, but I think the best way to see them is on the 15km loop walk from Heathcote Station. In it you travel through a huge range of terrain, wade across rivers, and have what feels like an incredible adventure, plus have the option of a real coffee and a sit-down meal at Audley half way through. For full walking notes, see my book (available as an E-book) Top Walks in NSW.
Where: Near the centre of the park
Perfect for: A rainy winter's day

3. Aboriginal engravings, Marley Head

Completely unmarked and, like so many Aboriginal sites, expunged from modern maps, the engravings at Marley Head make a delightful excursion for those with sharp eyes. Heading south on the Coast Track, you begin to head downhill towards Marley Beach. There are some glorious sea cliffs here, great for whale-watching, and around the sandstone platform are a surprising number of Aboriginal engravings. Like most engravings, they are easier to view when the sun is not directly overhead, and the lower angle of the winter sun is often best.
Where: 3km due south of Bundeena, in the north-east of the park
Perfect for: A winter walk

4. Lady Carrington Drive

Okay, this historic 10km track is pretty well-known, as it leaves from the heart of the picnic area at Audley. It follows the Hacking River's upper reaches, and is relatively shady, flat and leafy, with some lovely forest. It's lesser-known feature, however, is that it remains one of the best mid-distance, easy mountain-bike tracks in the country, with the 20km return trip perfect for people starting to venture into the sport.
Where: Audley to McKell Ave
Perfect for: Any time of year

5. Cliffs north of Wattamolla

Thin shelfs of sandstone, like diving boards

Perhaps the most popular of all the spots in the park, Wattamolla buzzes on weekends and public holidays, with picnickers, swimmers, anglers and rabble-rousers. Very few seem to head out on the walking tracks though, and those who head north on the Coast Track often turn around before it reaches the coast again. Pity. It's only a few kilometres walk north of Wattamolla to some of the most breathtaking sea cliffs near Sydney. You stand on the edge and look across to see how undercut and thin the rock layer is, then realise that you are standing on the same completely undercut cliff, with very little holding you above the ocean crashing below. It is one of my favourite spots around Sydney, particularly on a wild and windy day.
Where: Approx 3km walk north of Wattamolla
Perfect for: A windy but clear day

Note: Full walk notes for the Coast Track are also available in Top Walks in NSW

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