Many Nasho beaches are unpatrolled with rips and rogue waves. Check BeachSafe and NPWS alerts before swimming.
Check BeachSafe →
Coast & river
Royal National Park Beaches
- 17 beaches
- Many unpatrolled
- Entry $12 per vehicle per day
- Check BeachSafe
From calm Bundeena bays to wild southern surf — beaches along the Hacking River and open coast. Each card links to a full guide.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →
If the ocean looks wild, it is. Use the lagoon at Wattamolla or a patrolled stretch — never turn your back on the Pacific.
Safety first
Northern beaches — Bundeena & Port Hacking
Calmer waters near the ferry wharf and Bonnie Vale campground. Car or Cronulla ferry access.
East coast — cliffs & coves
Exposed coastline from Marley to Wattamolla. Mix of drive-up and walk-in beaches.
Southern coast — surf & wilderness
Garie to Bulgo — powerful surf, Coast Track access, and the Figure 8 Pools trailhead.
Near Burning Palms
Figure 8 Pools
The famous rock pools are on the shelf south of Burning Palms. Access only safe at low tide with calm surf — injuries happen regularly.
Figure 8 Pools safety guide →Before you swim
Check BeachSafe for rips and patrol times.
NPWS alerts for closures and surf warnings.
$12 per vehicle per day — confirm on NPWS; fees change.
Plan your beach day
Book camping, find accommodation near the park, or explore guided coastal tours.
Stays & beach-day kit
Hotels near Cronulla for north access, Otford for the south. Reef shoes and sun protection help on rock platforms.
Nearby stays
Cronulla (north) · Miranda / Sutherland · Otford / Waterfall (south)
- Hotels & apartments in CronullaClosest beach access + ferry to Bundeena
- Miranda / Sutherland areaGood value, central for Audley & the middle of the park
- Otford / WaterfallBest for Coast Track start / southern end
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Guided tours
Optional — day hikes (Wattamolla & Garie), Figure 8–style coasts, or browse all Royal NP tours
Always check swell and tide yourself — guides do not remove rock-platform risk.
What to bring
Practical kit for rocky coast and long day walks
- Reef shoesRocky platforms, Figure 8 access tracks, wet rock shelves
- UPF sun shirtExposed coast heath has little shade
- Day pack 20–30LWater, layers, first aid for Coast Track and day hikes
- Grip hiking shoesSteep sandstone and muddy fire trails after rain
- 2L+ water capacityMany coastal sections have no taps — fill at Audley or picnic areas
- Electrolyte tabletsHot summers; refill at picnic areas where available
- Light rain shellSoutherly changes hit the coast hard — even on “fine” mornings
- HeadlampGates lock in the evening; late Coast Track or track exits
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees and NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy
Related guides
- Garie Beach guide
- Wattamolla Beach & lagoon
- Figure 8 Pools safety guide
- The Coast Track
- Weather & seasons
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.
What next?