Plan the day
Suggested itineraries
Ready-made day and weekend plans using our guides — pick one, check NPWS alerts, then follow the links for detail.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →How to use these plans
- Treat them as templates — swap beaches if car parks are full or swell is wrong.
- Always re-check gates, fees and alerts the morning you leave.
- Figure 8 is not a casual add-on; use the safety guide or a suitable guided option from tours.
- Want hotels outside the park? See where to stay.
- Free printable: Wattamolla half-day checklist (browser Print → Save as PDF).
3–5 hours
Half-day: Wattamolla lagoon & picnic
Beach and lagoon time at Wattamolla with an early start for parking.
Best for: Families, first-timers, easy day trip from Sydney
Open plan →6–9 hours
Full day: Coast highlights (Garie or Coast Track section)
A full day on the coast — either Garie Beach base or a Coast Track segment with tide awareness.
Best for: Walkers comfortable on uneven tracks; not ideal in extreme heat
Open plan →1–2 nights
Weekend: Bonnie Vale base camp
Book Bonnie Vale, day-trip to beaches and short walks, cottages as alternative.
Best for: Car campers who book ahead; northern access via Bundeena
Open plan →Stays, tours & gear for your plan
Optional hotels, a guided Wattamolla–Garie day, or kit for rocky coast — after you lock NPWS conditions.
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
All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official NPWS camping and cottage bookings are never affiliated.
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
What next?