Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Little Marley Fire Trail & Bundeena Drive (-34.1119289,151.0861516)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Princes Highway, A1 Turn on to Acacia Road, A1 then drive for 3.3 km Turn sharp left onto Farnell Avenue and drive for another 13 km Turn left onto Bundeena Drive and drive for another 2.3 km
Finish	(-34.1702411,151.0664035)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the intersection, this walk heads through the green National Park gate and along the sandy management trail. The trail meanders through the thick green scrub, passing a Geodetic Station and continues down the long, gentle ridgeline between the Marley and Wattamolla Creeks (to the north and south respectively). After a long while, the trail starts to head up a soft hill for a short distance before coming to a large intersection with another management trail.
From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the trail, around the spur (which is on the left of the trail). The track then rises onto the spur and continues south-east through the thick wall of scrub on either side. The track continues for approximately 400m to an intersection, where there is a 'Coast Track' sign.
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.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Little Marley Fire Trail & Bundeena Drive Start heading along Little Marley Fire Trail (a vehicle track). After 150 m pass the "Mount Bass" (10 m on your left).
	After another 3.2 km veer right, to head along Little Marley Fire Trail.
	After another 1 km turn right. After another 15 m pass the sign. After another 470 m head up the steps (about 30 m long)
	After another 260 m continue straight. After another 570 m pass the waterfall (55 m on your left).
	After another 25 m continue straight.
	After another 25 m turn left. After another 35 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 25 m find the "Wattamolla Picnic Area" (10 m on your right). 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.
	Turn left. After another 15 m veer right. After another 30 m pass the sign (10 m on your left). After another 6 m find the "Wattamolla Kiosk" (30 m on your left). 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. After another 30 m pass the toilet (7 m on your left)., female. After another 45 m pass the toilet (on your left)., male.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Providential Point. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Continue straight.
	After another 40 m veer left.
	After another 90 m turn left. After another 25 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 315 m veer right.
	After another 195 m veer right.
	After another 460 m veer right. After another 520 m find the "Curracurrang Cove" (25 m on your right). Curracurrang Cove Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people.
	Continue straight. After another 370 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 255 m head up the earthen steps (about 45 m long)
	After another 380 m continue straight. After another 30 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your left).
	After another 810 m veer right. After another 95 m find the "Eagle Rock Lookout" (on your left). Eagle Rock Lookout Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby. After another 55 m continue straight, to head along Curra Moors Fire Trail. After another 15 m pass the "Coast Track" (8 m on your left). After another 980 m cross the ford.
	After another 520 m (at the intersection of Curra Moors Fire Trail & Curra Moors Track South) continue straight, to head along Curra Moors Track South. After another 35 m pass the sign.
	After another 1 km (at the intersection of Curra Moors Track & Curra Moors Track South) turn left, to head along Curra Moors Track South. After another 40 m pass the sign.
	After another 1000 m (Curra Moors Track (south)) turn right (a walking track). After another 35 m pass the "Curra Moors Track (south)".
	After another 160 m continue straight. After another 60 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your left). After another 170 m head down the steps (about 325 m long) Then find the "Garie Beach Lookout" (5 m on your right). Garie Beach Lookout Garie Beach Lookout is an unofficial lookout on the hill at the eastern end of Garie Beach. The lookout has no facilities and is simply a spot on the Coast track. The lookout provides great views looking southwest along the coast along Garie Beach, Royal National Park and down to Wollongong. After another 25 m come to the viewpoint. After another 280 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	After another 600 m continue straight. After another 265 m find the "Garie Beach" (65 m on your left). Garie Beach Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods. After another 35 m pass a seat (20 m on your left)., has no backrest. After another 7 m pass the car park (15 m on your right).
	Continue straight.
	After another 20 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m come to the end. About 20 m past the end is "Garie Surf Living Saving Club". About 20 m past the end is a seat., has no backrest. About 65 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Providential Point.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a picnic table (about 145 m back from the start). There is a sign (about 125 m back from the start).
	After another 310 m continue straight. After another 300 m continue straight.
	After another 20 m come to the end. About 10 m past the end is "Providential Point". 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 550 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Mowlee Ridge to Garie Beach

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	14.9 km
Time	4 h 30 min to 5 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 3.7 km apart with the largest gap of 9 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5 km apart with the largest gap of 14.9 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	6 km	[toilet]
Toilet	6 km	[toilet]
Seat	14.9 km	[seat]
Seat	15 km	[seat]
Toilet	15 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

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.

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.

Curracurrang Cove
Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people.

Eagle Rock Lookout
Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.

Garie Beach
Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Cronulla Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  18°C
  Shower or two easing.
  70% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely during the late morning and early afternoon. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  10°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon and evening.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  9°C → 15°C
  Possible shower. Windy.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  9°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, with possible small hail along the coastal fringe. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  9°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  10°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  11°C → 17°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Royal National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Ironbark Flat picnic area partial closure
  Some sections of Ironbark Flat picnic area, particularly near the river foreshore, will be closed from Wednesday 12 June 2024 until the end of August 2024, dependant on conditions. The closure is due to post-flood turf repairs and to allow the new turf to establish.
  Please take note of signage and barriers in place protecting the work area.
  
  The Audley Dancehall and Cafe, Royal National Park Visitor Centre and unaffected portions of the picnic areas will remain open to visitors during the repair works.
  
  For further information, please contact Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Other planned events: Pay Machine notice
  Pay machines in this park are being upgraded from Thursday 22nd of July to Thursday 1st of August 2024.
  The upgrade is designed to enhance reliability for your convenience. During this process park use fees can be paid as follows:
  
  Coin payments may not be accepted at pay machines; however, credit card payments are accepted.
  
  Credit card payments can also be made at vehicle entry stations, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, and the Park’nPay app.
  
  Cash payments can be made at the Royal National Park Visitor Centre.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Visitor Services & Compliance Team on 02 9542 0666.
  
  Closed areas: The Coast track partial closure
  Walking the full length of The Coast track from Otford to Bundeena or Bundeena to Otford is not currently possible due to several track closures along its length. These closures are necessary due to erosion, rockfall risk and ongoing track upgrade works.
  Please note the following closures:
  
  Palm Jungle Loop track between Burning Palms, Werrong lookout is closed for track upgrades and storm impact remediation until December 2024.
  
  The Garie to Little Garie section of The Coast track is closed due to hazardous rockfalls and erosion.
  
  North Era campground is closed until further notice.
  
  Garie Road, Garie Beach and the Garie precinct is closed until further notice due to damage and subsidence of the road surface. Walkers approaching from the north (e.g. from Wattamolla or Bundeena) should exit the track via Curra Moors track.
  
  Bushwalker access is available for the following sections of The Coast track:
  
  South bound access - Bundeena to Curra Moors track via Wattamolla and return only. No access to Garie Beach.
  
  North bound access - is via Garawarra Farm Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track to North Era and return, during track upgrades.
  
  Figure 8 Pools access - Access via Garawarra Farm only to Garawarra Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track.
  
  For further information please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Temptation Creek track and trail closures
  Fire trails and walking tracks in the Temptation Creek Precinct will be closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July to Friday 6 September 2024 for fire trail maintenance works. The closed areas are:
  
  Florence Parade vehicle trail, between Farnell Avenue and Grays Point Road.
  
  Anana Hill vehicle trail, between Angle Road and Greenhaven Road.
  
  Temptation Creek vehicle trail
  
  Gardiners Garage vehicle trail
  
  Northern section of Rawson Parade vehicle trail. The section between Loftus Oval and the NPWS Royal National Park area office carpark will remain open.
  
  Grays Point School walking track
  
  Savilles Creek walking track.
  
  Please do not enter closed areas and follow instructions of NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 9542 0632.
  
  Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program
  Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Wednesday 30 May to Friday 29 December 2024 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.
  The affected areas include:
  
  All picnic areas in the Audley precinct
  
  Asset protection zones adjacent to Maianbar, Bundeena and East Heathcote.
  
  Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas
  
  North Era campground and coastal areas between Garie Beach and Figure 8 Pools
  
  Garrawarra Farm
  
  Lady Carrington Drive
  
  Bonnie Vale campground and picnic area.
  
  These closures will be signposted at entry points to the closed areas. If you have approved bookings to camp you can still access campsites during these times.
  Ground shooting will not take place during school holidays or on weekends or public holidays.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Werrong Beach track
  Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park is closed until further notice due to landslides. Signs will be in place around the closed area.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: North Era campground closed
  North Era campground is closed until further notice due to operational activities. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Safety alerts: Curra Moors track in poor condition
  Sections of Curra Moors loop track are in poor condition due to erosion. Please use caution and be aware of unstable edges.
  Planning for repairs is in progress. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Garie Road closed due to damage
  Garie Road is closed until further notice due to damage to the road surface.
  This road may remain closed for some time to allow for extensive repairs. A reopening date is not currently known.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check Live Traffic NSW for updates before driving to Garie Beach.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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