Park alerts
Closures, fire bans and track conditions change quickly — especially after storms.
Check NPWS alerts →
Before you drive in
Plan Your Visit — Entry Fees, Hours & Tickets
- Entry $12 per vehicle per day
- Hours 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Gates lock 8:30 pm
- ParknPay / entry stations
There is no separate “ticket office” for most day visits — park entry is typically $12 per vehicle per day (vehicle). Confirm current fees and pay options on NPWS. Below: gates, Visitor Centre, weather, camping and what to pack.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →
Gates lock at night — if you’re still on a track after dark, you may be locked in. Plan exits before you start.
Know before you go
Know before you go
Gates lock at 8:30 pm — plan to be out or parked inside before then. Entry is separate from camping and cottage fees.
Park entry
$12 per vehicle per day — confirm on NPWS
Hours
7:00 am – 8:30 pm daily (gates lock at 8:30 pm)
Pay on arrival
ParknPay app or entry stations at Loftus, Waterfall and Otford
Northern access
Visitor CentreCronulla–Bundeena ferry for northern beaches and Bonnie Vale
Audley
8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily · 02 9542 0648 · maps, track advice and souvenirs
On the ground
Fees, rules & road signs
What you’ll see at entries and on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Tap any photo to enlarge.
Hubs
Explore the park
Camping, cottages, walks and beaches — the main overnight and day-trip hubs.
Camping
Bonnie Vale & Uloola Falls — North Era closed 2026. Book on 1300 072 757
Explore →Itineraries
Half-day Wattamolla, coastal day and camping weekend plans
Explore →Trails & walks
From 20-minute lookouts to the 26 km Coast Track
Explore →Beaches
17 beaches — hazard ratings and patrol info
Explore →
Wattamolla day trip
Lagoon, beach and parking tips — the Wattamolla Rd turn-off is a main day-use destination.
Wattamolla guide →Photo: Brett Darby Photography
Before you leave home
Three quick checks that save wasted trips — especially on weekends and school holidays.
Seasonal weather
Summer sun is harsh on clifftops; winter nights drop to 6–8°C on overnight hikes.
Weather guide →Maps & routes
Download our map guide or pick up a detailed topographic map at Audley before a long walk.
Map guide →Book ahead
Camping and cottage stays fill fast in school holidays. Park entry is separate from camping fees.
FAQ
Entry, tickets & hours FAQ
How much is Royal National Park entry / tickets?
There is usually no separate “ticket office” for day visits. Vehicle entry is typically $12 per vehicle per day — confirm current fees and payment options on NPWS. Pay via ParknPay or entry stations at Loftus, Waterfall and Otford.
What are the park opening hours?
Park hours are typically 7:00 am – 8:30 pm with gates locking at 8:30 pm. Plan to be out or parked inside before lock time.
Where is the Visitor Centre?
Audley Visitor Centre is open about 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily (confirm on NPWS). Phone 02 9542 0648. Maps, track advice and souvenirs are available there.
Do I need a booking for a day trip?
Day visits do not usually need a booking, but camping and cottages must be booked. Check NPWS local alerts for closures before you leave.
Hotels, tours & day-trip kit
Stay outside the park and drive in, or book a guided experience. Gear links are optional — only what helps on rocky coast and long walks.
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
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.
What next?