Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit

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2 hrs 30 mins

6.8 km Circuit

139 m

Moderate track

On this loop walk you will enjoy some grand ocean views, a few secluded beaches, rock shelves and some Aboriginal engravings. The walk starts in the community of Bundeena and follows the roads to Jibbon Beach then along the track to Jibbon Head and Shelley beach, then a long stretch of sandy management trail through the heath. The walk also describes a side trip to Bundeena Lookout.

Sign at intersection at the northern end of Jibbon Beach

Clearing at northern end of Jibbon Beach

Looking back along the rockshelves at Shelley Beach

Sign and gate at the end of Beachcomber Rd

Bundeena

Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B's and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches - Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking. More info.

(0km) Bundeena Ferry Wharf → Corner of Loftus and Neil Streets

940 m

18 mins

29m

-18m Very easy

From the Bundeena Wharf at the end of Brighton St, this walk follows the road up the hill to the intersection at the car park. The walk turns left onto Loftus Street and heads up the hill, past Tom Jones Way and Beach St. Following Loftus St, the road bends right and then turns left (passing the 'no entry' traffic signs), walking against the flow of traffic on this one-way section of Loftus St. The walk comes to a footpath at the intersection with Neil Street.

(1km) Corner of Loftus and Neil Streets → Northern end of Jibbon Beach

750 m

12 mins

-14m Easy track

Continue straight: From the corner of Neil and Loftus Streets, this walk heads down the footpath between the houses and onto the end of Jibbon Beach. From here, the walk follows the beach past the large 'Royal National Park' sign and, after several hundred metres, comes to an intersection and a large green sign saying 'Jibbon Loop Track'[1], approximately 90m from the end of the beach.

Jibbon Beach

Jibbon Beach is in the Royal National Park, just east of Bundeena. The yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach is about 800m long and looks north across the entrance to Port Hacking. The beach is in a bay that forms part of a popular harbour for sailing boats. There is a rock shelf at either end of the beach. From the north-eastern end of the beach, there is a track leading to the Jibbon Head Aboriginal engravings site and Little Jibbon Beach. There are no patrols or other facilities at this beach.

(2km) Northern end of Jibbon Beach → Little Jibbon Beach intersection

490 m

9 mins

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Jibbon Head' sign[2] about 100m to the end of the beach (keeping the water to the left). The track then steps up a few rocks and turns right (away from the water), heading through a grassy clearing and then through a tunnel formed by the thick vegetation. The track soon emerges on an unfenced rock platform with great views across the water to Cronulla. Here, the walk heads back into the bush to cross a gully (with an informal track leading left to Little Jibbon Beach). The track then climbs out of the gully to a smaller rock platform and intersection marked with a green metal pole.

Little Jibbon Beach

Little Jibbon Beach is found just north of Jibbon Beach in the Royal National Park. The small beach can be accessed via the Jibbon Head track. This north-facing beach has great views across Port Hacking towards Cronulla. This is not a nudest beach (as some believe) - If you see nudest bathers, they can be reported by calling Crime Stoppers on 131 444.

(2km) Little Jibbon Beach intersection → Jibbon Head Aboriginal Engravings

40 m

1 mins

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the water and cliff edge, following the track into the thick bush. The track soon leads to a large clearing and rock platform with several Aboriginal engravings - please take care not to step on or near the engravings. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Jibbon Head Aboriginal Engravings

These Aboriginal engravings are found on the western side of Jibbon Head, just above little Jibbon Beach. The large rock shelf has a number of large engraving of both marine and land animals. Most are in good condition - the whale is particularly large, so you will need to stand right back to see it. Take care not to walk on the engravings - lets preserve this site for many generations to come.

(2km) Little Jibbon Beach intersection → Jibbon Head

240 m

4 mins

-8m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track along the top of the cliff, keeping the water to the left (and ahead). The track soon heads away from the cliff (and water view), passing through the dense bush for about 150m, and then emerges on a long rock platform with views across the water to Cronulla and north to Botany Bay National Park. Here, the walk turns right to follows a track back into the bush, marked with a green post. The track leads up some steps to a large rocky area and a 'Jibbon Head' signpost[3].

Jibbon Head

Jibbon Head is in Royal National Park, and is the southern headland forming the entrance to Port Hacking. The headland is home to the Jibbon Aboriginal engravings site. The view from Jibbon Head looks across the port to Cronulla Beach and Botany Bay National Park.

(2km) Jibbon Head → Shelley Beach

570 m

10 mins

14m

-10m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Jibbon Head, this walk follows the 'Shelley Beach' sign[4] , keeping the water to the left. The track weaves in and out of the scrub as it follows the coastline until heading down to the grassy area at the top of Shelley Beach (marked with a green pole).

Shelley Beach

Shelley Beach is a sandy and rocky beach, south on the east side of Jibbon Headland, near Bundeena. The beach is in a small bay looking east. There is sand at the upper section of the beach and a rock platform leading onto the water. The dense heath is in clumps at the top of the beach, providing some shade. There is no life saving service or any other facilities at this beach.

(3km) Shelley Beach → Int of Jibbon Loop and Coastal Walk tracks

20 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From Shelley Beach, this walk heads up the hill away from the water to the green signpost, visible up the hill. The signpost is found in a grassy clearing and has a number of signs including one pointing back to 'Shelley Beach'[5].

(3km) Shelley Beach Int → Int of Jibbon Head and Beachcomber Rd Service Trails

2.1 km

39 mins

55m

-21m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bundeena via Coast Track' arrow[6] along the wide trail. The sandy trail winds uphill through the dense heath. The walk continues along this trail for quite some time, as it turns further inland. At the end of the trail, the walk comes to a 'T' intersection with the Beachcomber Avenue management trail.

(5km) Int of Jibbon Head and Beachcomber Rd Service Trails → Bundeena Lookout

760 m

14 mins

12m

-27m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the asphalt management trail heading towards the green signposts nearby, where it comes to the signposted intersection of the 'Coast Track'[7].
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Coast Track' signpost along the wide, sandy bush track as it winds through the short, thick scrub for a while before arriving at the coast, where there are great views across the South Pacific Ocean. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Bundeena Lookout

This unfenced, informal lookout is perched high on the cliffs, looking east over the South Pacific Ocean. The lookout is not signposted nor officially named, but provides great view south along the escarpment. Cliff edge may be unstable and fragile - keep a safe distance.

(5km) Int of Jibbon Head and Beachcomber Rd Service Trails → End of Beachcomber Av

130 m

2 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north around a sweeping left-hand bend along the sealed management trail. Soon, the trail leads past a track (on the right) then passes around a locked gate at the end of of Beachcomber Ave and a 'Coast Walk' information sign[8].

(5km) End of Beachcomber Av → Bundeena Ferry Wharf

1.6 km

30 mins

21m

-61m Easy track

Continue straight: From the end of Beachcomber Ave, this walk heads along Beachcomber Ave north-west and gradually around to the north, until turning left into Scarbourough St. The first right is taken into Bournemouth St, then left into Loftus St. The walk continues along this road until turning right into Brighton Rd. Bundeena Ferry is located at the end of Brighton St.

Maps for the Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit

Altitude analysis for Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	6.8 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.7km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2.5km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (570m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 4.7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit walk.

Jibbon Head Engravings

2.6 km Return, 45 mins

On this walk, you will enjoy a stroll along Jibbon Beach and then head through the bush to the Jibbon Head Aboriginal engraving site. The site is a special and historic place, with some clear engravings and others more faded. The site is best viewed in the late afternoon sun, or after rain. Take

Total climbing: 35m

Moderate track

Jibbon Loop Track

5.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is an enjoyable way of exploring Jibbon Head and its beaches. From the township on Bundeena, walk through the streets and then along the beautiful Jibbon Beach. At the northern end of Jibbon Beach, a track leads through the bush to an Aboriginal engraving site, then to the point of Jibbo

Total climbing: 94m

Moderate track

Bundeena to Marley Head

10.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs 20 mins

From Bundeena, this walk heads south to the coast and then loops around Marley Head. The environment changes from heath to open, rocky platforms along the cliffs. There are great views from Marley Head, and the section between Marley and Bundeena Lookout is just astounding. Look out for lizards in t

Total climbing: 274m

Moderate track

Bundeena to Marley Beach

12.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Going from the small town of Bundeena, to one of the largest beaches in the Royal National Park, this walk has great views of the Coast as it heads south through the heath and along the rockshelf. The walk then descends to Marley Beach, which offers the opportunity to swim and explore the lagoon, be

Total climbing: 417m

Moderate track

Bundeena to Little Marley Beach

14 km Return, 5 hrs

Exploring the coastline of the Royal National Park, this walk has fantastic views and a great place to wet the toes at Little Marley Beach. Bundeena is a great place to start the walk, with places to grab a bite to eat. You can also catch the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, an excellent way to star

Total climbing: 441m

Moderate track

The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house commu

Total climbing: 1244m

Hard track

The Coast Track

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea an

Total climbing: 1351m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bundeena to Jibbon Head Circuit walk.

Cronulla to Botany Bay Discovery Centre

13.1 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This coastal walk starts from Cronulla station and follows the beaches around to the Boat Harbour Aquatic reserve, then continues along the Cape Bailey walk, winding through thick heath and between hanging swamps. The walk finishes at the Botany Bay Discovery Centre. There is an alternate exit to th

Total climbing: 185m

Hard track

Bundeena Road to Marley

9.7 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk is the most direct route down to Big and Little Marley. The beaches are fantastic, secluded areas with Big Marley hosting a large sand dune and lagoon. The beaches are not patrolled and can have dangerous surf conditions, so take care. Deer Pool, and it's waterfall, is also a highlight on

Total climbing: 245m

Hard track

Deer Pools

3.8 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk down to Deer Pools takes you through the heath, which is common in Royal National Park. This bush opens out onto Deer Pool, a beautiful little cascade and pool of water. A lovely walk to one of the well known landmarks in the park.

Total climbing: 109m

Hard track

Marley Track

11 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk takes you down from the ridge to the quiet Deer Pool on Marley Creek. You pass the Big and Little Marley beaches, with an optional side trip to Wattamola Dam. This side trip is well worth it on a hot day to take a dip. The walk then leads away from the coast to loop back to the starting po

Total climbing: 353m

Hard track

Winifred Falls

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

Winifred Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Royal National Park. This walk not only goes to the magnificent falls but has the optional side trip down to the beautiful South West Arm Pools. Anice Falls are not as great as Winifred but worth the visit. The walk then continues through the heath to

Total climbing: 179m

Hard track

Gibraltar Rock

858 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts near the Willow Tree Picnic Area (near Audley). The walk follows a short section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive to a large sandstone overhang called Gibraltar Rock. At the base of the overhang is a rare sandstone cobble section of road. At Gibraltar Rock, there are also

Total climbing: 17m

Easy track

Jersey Spring

5 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting near the Willow Tree Picnic Area (near Audley), this walk follows the northern section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive to Jersey Spring. Past the sandstone overhang of Gibraltar Rock, this walk follows the old road and the Hacking River, enjoying the palms and tall gums along the way.

Total climbing: 118m

Easy track

Willow Tree to Calala

10.5 km Return, 4 hrs

On this walk you follow the historic Lady Carrington Drive from Willow tree picnic area to Calala before returning the same way. The walk passes two icons on the old road, Gibraltar Rock and Jersey Spring whilst crossing several small brooks. At Calala you will find a large clearing and natural sh

Total climbing: 282m

Moderate track

Robertson's Roundabout

2.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

From the Royal National Park Centre, this walk crosses the Hacking River before rising steeply up onto the ridge to fantastic views of the Hacking River. If you look into the distance you can see Cronulla on the horizon at the highest points. Towards the end of the circuit, with good views of the su

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Audley to Gibraltar Rock

2.2 km Return, 45 mins

This walk starts at the historical and beautiful Audley picnic area and dance hall. Have a picnic or enjoy a coffee from the cafe, before wandering along the quiet public road alongside Hacking River. After heading around the locked gate, you walk along the old Lady Carrington Drive trail for about

Total climbing: 55m

Easy track

Mt Bass- Winifred Falls

6.7 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk follows Mount Bass Fire Trail, then a bush track, to Winifred Falls. Be prepared to get your feet wet crossing upper Winifred Falls. The Winifred Falls are really nice, and can be complemented by the brilliant side trip down to to South West Arm pools. These pools are a great place for a

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach

13.3 km One way, 5 hrs

This is a long and scenic walk down to Garie Beach. The walk travels along the ridge and then the heath covered cliff edge, with views over the coast and far out to see, as it meanders along to the beautiful Garie Beach. The descent from the headland onto Garie Beach also gives magnificent views of

Total climbing: 357m

Hard track