The Royal National Park Experience Added: 10/04/2006

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Sydney Australia may not be unique by having a excess of National Parks close to the city boundaries but the national parks are themselves sufficiently unique to ensure visitors enjoy an individual experience whichever one they visit. The national parks around Sydney include the Sydney Harbour National Park comprising several small islands together with a wild, uncultivated landscape around the harbour itself that contains aboriginal carvings. The Botany Bay National Park experience includes scenic walks around the bay itself that features a Discovery Centre primarily focused on the first European landing in Australia. While further south is the Heathcote National Park and its lure of attractive swimming pools to cool down in and, if you’re interested in taking a long look at the rugged scenery there is an opportunity to bush camp. Further south just thirty-two kilometres from Sydney, and adjacent to Heathcote is the Royal National Park with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches including Wattamolla Beach, Burning Beach, Era Beach and Garie Beach. All the beaches compete in offering great surfing. Established in 1879 the Royal National Park is the oldest national park in Australia and can be reached using the coast road from Wallongong, a scenic route that will undoubtedly take your breath away. However if you choose not to drive it’s possible to witness the amazing landscape from a rail service that takes you close to the Royal National Park.

Apart from the allure of surfing boat hire is available including rowing, paddle and canoes or you might just want to swim? Water entertainment at the Royal National Park is possibly the best that you are likely to find anywhere. The best ocean swimming locations are those provided in the monitored shelters such as Wattamolla, Little Marley, Bonnie Vale and Jibbon. If you’re more interested in freshwater you won’t be disappointed swimming at Karloo Pool, Deer Pool, or Curracurrang.

As with most of the national parks found in Australia the Sydney Royal National Park follow countless trails across rugged but beautiful terrain and find a picnic spot that suits you. Walks are categorized by the effort required but most people will discover at least half a dozen likely to suit their pace. If walking is not your style don’t be put off about a visit to the Royal National Park. Well maintained roads run throughout the park with identified places along almost every route where you can pause to take-in the scenery.

Camping facilities are available at the Bonnie Vale camping ground which has hot showers and flush toilets. The North Era and Uloola Falls do not possess modern facilities in addition Uloola falls cannot be reached by car. That said Uloola Falls is the best camping site for those serious about experiencing the raw side of camping.

Whether you want to walk trails or bush camp within the Royal National Park you will require a permit that is obtainable from the Visitors Centre. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has a camping site at Garie Beach but for members only. In addition camping is only permitted at designated areas for your own safety do not set out alone or without obtaining agreement from the authorities. Finally wood fires are not permitted.

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