Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

10.4 km Circuit

343 m

Moderate track

This walk is an excellent loop which takes in both the coast and the heathy inland of Royal National Park. Nearly the whole walk has views of the sea. Big Marley and Little Marley are great places to wet the feet. The dunes behind Big Marley are also worth exploring, as is Deer Pools if time allows.

(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

180 m

4 mins

-8m Easy track

From the toilet block, this walk follows the path down the hill and through the car park to the northern end of the picnic area, near the creek crossing.

Wattamolla Picnic Area

Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.

Wattamolla Kiosk

The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.

(0km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Wattamolla Dam

650 m

13 mins

31m

-17m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground, this track crosses the wide, shallow creek (keeping the ocean to the right). The walk then follows the track marker along the bush track, winding up the other and gradually climbing up a long hill through high scrub to Wattamolla Creek, where there is a small dam creating a swimming hole in the creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.

Wattamolla Dam

Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.

(1km) Wattamolla Dam → Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk

3.1 km

54 mins

73m

-47m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the swimming hole, this walk follows the bush track (with the swimming hole to the right) up the hill (east) and through the high scrub, as it winds up through some rocks, and up a long hill, to the intersection of the Marley service trail and the Coast Track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west down the spur, with the spur on the right of the track. The track then descends onto the saddle and continues north-west through the thick wall of scrub on either side, to the 'T' intersection approximately 400m down the hill.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail heading east, meandering through the thick green scrub over a number of small bumps (used for water diversion) as the track winds towards the coast. After a while, the management trail comes to the signposted intersection of the 'Deer Pool' bush track.

(4km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Deer Pools Clearing

560 m

11 mins

-41m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west along the flat trail which runs through the scrub. The track continues for approximately 100m, then begins to descend after passing a rockshelf on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, following the sprayed white dashes through the dense scrub and coming to a clearing. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Deer Pool

Deer Pool, Royal National Park, is a small and picturesque set of falls that run into a pool with a sandy bank. The waterfall is fed by Marley Creek which continues its journey into Marley Lagoon, behind Big Marley Beach. Royal National Park was once home to many deer, who used to frequent these pools. This is a relaxing spot on a warm day, with the opportunity for a dip or a gentle massage in the cascade. Although a sign suggests camping is permitted by permit, permits are not issued for camping here.

(4km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk

1.1 km

20 mins

-47m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, heading down the long gentle hill as it steadily winds down to the coast. There are views across Marley Lagoon on the left as the walk heads down to the end of the service trail, where it comes to a grassy clearing with a bush track on the other side.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Marley' arrow up the short hill and over the rock platform, continuing along the defined bush track, winding down to the coast where it comes to the 'T' intersection with the Coast Walk bush track.

(5km) Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk → East Marely Beach

640 m

11 mins

12m

-13m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the coast, keeping the ocean to the right for a short while before the track descends steeply off the rock-shelf and down a rough bush track to the end of Marley Beach.
Veer right: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach until coming to a large green information sign on Aboriginal culture in the area. This is the start of a bush track that heads up the hill to continue along the coast.

Big Marley Beach

Big Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach, approximately 400m in length. The beach has a large dune area, behind which Marley Lagoon is found. The lagoon is fed by Marley Creek and the surrounding catchment. The beach is not patrolled and there are no other facilities. The south-facing beach has a rockshelf at either end. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link. More info.

(6km) East Marely Beach → West Marley Beach

400 m

7 mins

-8m Moderate track

Turn around: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast along the beach until coming to the rock-shelf at the end. Marley Beach is very beautiful and, on a warm day, it would be a great spot to swim. On the rockshelf at the end of the beach, there are some shady spots to break from the walk. (At this, point there is also an intersection with a small bush track that heads up the hill and away from the beach.)

(6km) West Marley Beach → Little Marley Beach

680 m

12 mins

-15m Moderate track

Veer left: From the end of the beach, this walk heads up and along the rock-shelf to following the coast as the bush track weaves in and out of the short heath for a short while. The track then comes to an intersection with an unmarked bush track going off to the right and away from the cliffs.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track winding along the coast, keeping the ocean and the cliffs to the left. The track winds down the hill for a while before coming to the end of Little Marley Beach.

Little Marley Beach

Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach's pollution levels, follow the 'more info' link below. More info.

(7km) Little Marley Beach → Wattamolla Dam

2.8 km

1 hr 8 mins climb

174m

-155m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Little Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach, keeping the ocean to the left as it climbs up the signposted bush track at the end to the clifftop. From here, the track follows the coast line for a short period before passing over numerous sections of metal footbridge. This continues through the scrub vegetation, with short periods where the track comes back onto the rockshelf above the cliff, until the track changes to purely being a well-managed bush track through the high scrub, as it winds along to the signposted intersection of the Coast Track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the bush track, heading down the long hill through the high scrub and down through some rocks, as it approaches the small swimming hole made by the dam in Wattamolla Creek.

(10km) Wattamolla Dam → Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block

840 m

17 mins

25m

-34m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the creek, (which may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) this walk heads west (keeping the swimming hole on the left) along the bush track. The walk winds through the tall scrub and down the long hill until crossing the wide, shallow creek to the Wattamolla Picnic Ground on the other side.
Continue straight: From the northern end of the picnic ground, this walk heads through the car park and across the grass to the toilet block.

(10km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Providential Point

600 m

12 mins

18m

-20m Easy track

Continue straight: From the men's toilet block, this walk heads to an sports-oval sized clearing. The walk heads to the eastern end of the oval. The track continues along the service trail from the oval, following the Providential Point signs. The track leads through the tree to another grass area, Providential Point Campsite. The walk continues past the campsite sign, heading east to the far side of the grass clearing to a ferny area. The track continues along the most worn and unobstructed single track for approximately 200m to the railed lookout on the headland. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Providential Point

Providential Point Lookout in Royal National Park, has views out to sea and back towards Wattamolla Beach, as well as views of the the cliffs on the north side of Wattamolla Bay to Boy Martin Point. The small lookout is fenced and perched on the rocks. Providential Point is the southern headland forming the bay that is home to Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon, at the end of Wattamolla Rd.

Maps for the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach 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.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
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 Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

Altitude analysis for Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

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	10.4 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
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

4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.7km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (370m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach walk.

Providential Point

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

Providential Point is a quick and easy walk to see some beautiful coastline. The walk passes through the Providential Point campsite and continues out to the fenced cliff edge. These views are complemented by the large cliffs on either side of the lookout on this great short walk.

Total climbing: 49m

Easy track

Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

1.7 km Return, 45 mins

This short return walk starts from the Wattamolla picnic area car park, and winds north along the Coast Track to the Wattamolla Dam. The small dam is nestled below a waterfall on Wattamolla creek and is a great spot for a quiet dip before lunch.

Total climbing: 59m

Moderate track

Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Lookout

7.4 km Return, 3 hrs

The walk from Wattamolla picnic area to Eagle Rock is an excellent way to see the the Royal coastline and the Eagle Rock formation. This walk heads south from Wattamolla, following the Coast Track, leaving the sea cliffs for a while to pass through some beautiful heath, then back to the coast, to th

Total climbing: 292m

Moderate track

Wattamolla to Garie Beach

7.6 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

The Wattamolla to Garie Beach walk is a scenic coastal stroll which takes you along the top of the coastal cliffs, before dropping down to the fantastic Garie Beach. The coastal cliffs give views out to sea, with many ledges also giving views down onto the waves crashing into the rock. The descent o

Total climbing: 317m

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

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

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

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

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 Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach walk.

Wattamola picnic area to Curracurrang Cove

3.1 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This return walk starts from the southern car park at the Wattamolla picnic area and winds south, further into the Royal National Park. The walk follows the service trail that provides views across the coast and then follows a bush track down into Curracurrang Cove. The cove is a nice narrow nook

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Wises Track

4.1 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This isn't a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year.

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate 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

The Wallumarra Track to Bola Creek

4.7 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr.

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Wallumarra to Palona Cave

11.8 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Winding next to Bola Creek, the Wallumarra bush track is very pretty, as is the track to Palona. Great rest areas at Bola Picnic Area, and next to the waterfall at Palona Cave, cap off a great walk. While the Wallumarra service trail and the side trip to the Beehives are not the most interesting tr

Total climbing: 439m

Hard track

Wallumarra Track to Forest Way

12.5 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Initially following a section of service trail, this walk heads along the ridge before descending to Bola Creek. The walk becomes more enjoyable after the service trail section, especially down on the creek as the walk winds its way through the forest. After a short break at the Bola Picnic Area, th

Total climbing: 470m

Moderate 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

Flat Rock Creek

294 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk explores a piece of the Royal National Park, with lovely wildflowers in spring, and some great sandstone rock formations. The main highlight is the creek. Flat Rock Creek, as the name suggests, has a solid and flat bed. The rock is red in colour and the water flows across the widt

Total climbing: 21m

Moderate track

Forest Island to Calala

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive, this walk takes your to Calala, a quiet clearing on the Hacking River. Travelling along the old road, this walk passes a few shaded brooks as it winds alongside the Hacking River. There is the chance for a side trip to Palona Cave and waterfall. Calala

Total climbing: 296m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical

Total climbing: 266m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave's different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful

Total climbing: 171m

Hard track

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through

Total climbing: 179m

Moderate track