Exploring Australia's Royal National Park

The Royal National Park lies 18 miles south of Sydney and is one of the world's oldest national parks. (It's second only to Yellowstone National Park) The entry fee is $12 which gets you access to 11 beaches, opportunities to bush walk the interior, spots to watch migrating whales and a chance to visit one of the park's top draws, the Figure Eight Pools. Mr. UR, my daughter and I paid a visit to Royal on a beautiful, sunny day in November. Our goal was to take a short 20 minute walk from the car park to see the spectacular coastal views. As my daughter put it "a short scenic walk that's easy even for old people ( that would be her parents). That's not exactly how it played out.

After driving form Sydney and through the lush bush of the national park, we parked and paid our entrance fee at the parking lot. Starting off we walked downhill through a dense forest of gum trees until we reached the clearing and could see the ocean in the distance. There's a nice boardwalk when you come to the clearing and even a bench to sit and enjoy the views.

 We decided to take the downhill path past the historic beach shacks to Burning Palms Beach. It was almost completely deserted, there was one or two other groups of hikers - and it's a gorgeous stretch of sand.( If you continue on you will eventually come to the famous Figure Eight Pools. Be aware that this walk is entirely dependent upon the tide)We had a rest and enjoyed the beach for awhile.

But whoever goes down must come back up.  Straight uphill, I might add. So what started out as a leisurely 20 minute stroll turned into an hour and a half hike.( It might've taken so long for lots of rest breaks for me!) If you're considering visiting Burning Palms Beach, it was definitely worth it for the fantastic views, a gorgeous stretch of beach and to experience a little of Australia's bush land. Plus, it was good for me. As for the man we met coming down carrying a 10 foot log on his shoulder who was headed to his holiday house and does this hike all the time, more power to you.

A little exhausted from the hike

Our adventure wasn't over yet though. We then drove along the coast on the Grand Pacific Drive, which goes from Royal National Park  to Woolongong, to visit the Sea Cliff Bridge. Our first stop was Bald Hill Lookout and Hang Gliding Spot. It's a small park with benches, restrooms and parking that usually has hang gliders floating over the Pacific. The day we visited was too windy for hang gliding. In fact, I think it was one of the strongest winds I've ever experienced. Fantastic views of the ocean and the coastal drive though. And the coolest restrooms I've ever seen. Automatic closing doors, automated sinks and piped in music. They're free, too. Stop here just for the restrooms

Our next stop was the Sea Cliff Bridge, a 52 million dollar engineering marvel that is considered one of the highlights of the Grand Pacific Drive. The bridge connects the coastal villages of Coalcliff and Clifton and there is parking available on either side so you can walk along the bridge to enjoy the views. 

For an hours drive outside of Sydney and a $12 fee, Royal National Park is great for a visit for great views and some time outside of the city. 

How about you? Have you been to Royal National Park?


Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand and The Weekend Wanderlust Weekend Travel Blog Party