Sydney enjoys some of the best beaches and while one is often reluctant to leave its shores, once in a while, it pays to to escape the heavy traffic, the ebb and flow of people and take to the road.
The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world. Located approximately 30 kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD, it is a leisurely drive down the Princes Highway, or via a more scenic route through Brighton-le-Sands with views of the long stretch of beach that hugs Botany Bay.
On the Road
Road Murals
Along the way, you’ll pass murals with colourful birds, trees and dolphins on either side of the road. Once you reach the entrance to the park at Audley, there is an entrance fee of $11 per vehicle.
Hacking River, Royal National Park
You’ll pass over a small bridge with views of the Hacking river then continue ascending along a winding road that eventually stretches before your eyes. Take the first left turn into Bundeena and you’ll find yourself amidst a tranquil small town, with a sandy beach and a mermaid-like statue called Spring across the bay.
Statue at Bundeena: Spring by Judit Shead
Bundeena Bay
M.V. Curranulla
The M.V Curranulla is a commuter service that runs hourly between Bundeena and Cronulla, transporting passengers across the Port Hacking River.
Bundeena, which derives its name from an Aboriginal word that means ‘noise like thunder’, offers secluded bays, bushland and quiet beaches which make it an ideal place to relax or you just gaze at its natural beauty under the shimmering sun.
Leaving Bundeena behind, head back towards the main road and continue travelling south and take the next left turn into Wattamolla. The lure of the blue the waters ahead beckons and a short drive leads you to the coast, an oasis of natural beauty with a large picnic area set in tranquil surrounds.
Wattamolla derives its name from the Aboriginal language meaning a ‘place near running water’, and that is exactly what you will find – a stretch of fine sand separates the lagoon and the beach, with waterfalls on the side.
The Lagoon and the Beach at Wattamolla
Waterfall at Wattamolla
Lagoon meets beach
The beach
Love in the late afternoon
Couple on the edge of dappled light
Shadows in the sand
Wattamolla has BBQ facilities and is a suitable spot for an intimate and romantic get-together. Pack a picnic basket with a selection of gourmet foods, find a secluded spot and feed one another by the waterfall. In the warmer months, bring a towel and a swimsuit and stretch out on the sand, with the beach in front and the lagoon behind you.
Royal National Park
i’ve got fond memories as a kid visiting wattamolla 🙂
It’s lovely, isn’t it… I have fond memories of visits there when I first met Mr G 🙂
It looks so quiet and peaceful there. Would love to swim in that bay!
I must go for a swim in summertime. Not brave enough to try in winter like some people were doing!
What stunningly gorgeous pictures, Corinne. Sigh. I’d love to be there right this minute. 🙂
Thanks Krista, I know you’d love it, including the little hike to get to the beach 🙂
@foodloverkathy @Gourmantic I’ve caught this ferry from Cronulla and bushwalked here. It is fabulous and a lovely day outing.
This comment was originally posted on Twitter.
Lovely. It looks really unspoilt there. Great that you have all that within easy reach. I like the ‘commuter boat’ and that Bundeena statue pic at night is stunning too.
It’s nice to get away from the city and enjoy the serenity while still within a reasonable drive from the cbd. Next time, we must take the ferry!
i love this place!
What a gorgeous place Australia is! I can’t wait to travel there one day and hit the road just like you did – the beach shots are so beautiful, would love to be there!
You’d love it here! 🙂
This place is really great coz it’s so under rated and people just don’t realise there is so much to do there!
It’s a lovely area and the beauty of it is that it’s only a short drive away.
Wow, I’m sold! Looks great there. I love all the road murals along the highway.
I’m not sure if the murals are cute or kitsch but they certainly look better than plain concrete walls!
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[…] parks and an impromptu romantic picnic is never far away. With its beach, lagoon and waterfall, Wattamolla in the Royal National Park is an ideal spot to lay a picnic rug, unpack a basket with a selection of cheese, cured meats and […]