Royal National Park
The Royal National Park is a protected national park that is located in Sutherland Shire in the Australian state of New South Wales, just south of Sydney and is situated on Dharawal country.
The 151-square-kilometre (58 sq mi) national park is about 29 kilometres (18 mi) south of the Sydney central business district near the localities of Loftus, Otford, and Waterfall.
It is the third oldest national park in the world after Bogd Khan Uul in Mongolia, established in 1783, and Yellowstone in the US, established in 1872. It was founded by Sir John Robertson, Acting Premier of New South Wales, and formally proclaimed on 26 April 1879. Its original name was just National Park, but it was renamed in 1955 after Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia passed by in the train during her 1954 tour.The park was added to the Australian National Heritage List in December 2006.
- 1 Overview
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2
Geography, flora and fauna
- 2.1 Coastal heathland
- 2.2 Littoral rainforest
- 2.3 Exposed uplands
- 2.4 Valley sides
- 2.5 Valley floors
- 2.6 Riparian forest
- 2.7 Mangroves and salt marsh
- 2.8 Tidal rockshelves and rock pools
- 3 Park highlights
- 4 Heritage listings
- 5 Naturism
- 6 See also
- 7 Notes
- 8 References
- 9 External links
Links
Images Gallery
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The majority of the park's coastline is dominated by tall cliffs, forming unique features such as Wedding Cake Rock (pictured), facading vast heathland.
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Many species of Eucalyptus, such as the Eucalyptus luehmanniana, thrive in the Royal National Park.
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The "Forest Island", a section of forest in the park's south mostly flanked by the Hacking River. In raised valley floors such as these, many more species of flora thrive than in other environments of the park.
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Couranga Track view of Waterfall Creek, one of many that run throughout the park
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A tributary of the Hacking River, beside Lady Carrington Drive
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The National Falls, the namesake of the nearby suburb of Waterfall, as it appeared in December 2010
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Wattamolla, a lagoon and beach complex popular among visitors of the Royal National Park during summer
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The "Eagle Head" rock formation on the Coast Track, as viewed in November 2016
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Hidden local secrets like this waterhole are found in the many creeks throughout the park.
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Werrong Beach, Royal National Park, New South Wales.
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Comments
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Royal National Park is a gem just a couple of hour drive or train ride from the city of Sydney. It was a great experience to hike and see amazing scenic points in between, beautiful coastal walk and beautiful beaches. The hike to the Figure 8 Pool requires moderate fitness level and a must do while in Sydney. Don’t forget to check the tides before you go. Some people also camp there to explore the whole National Park which should be a great experience if you’re a camper. If not, you can do day trips to explore the different parts of the park. Highly recommend it.
3 months ago -
A great little gem so close to the city. If you haven't been here before, it is a must - for a quick day trip or swim, or a short camping 🏕️ gateway. The old and the young will enjoy.
a month ago -
Stunning National Park! This park is incredibly beautiful with activities to suit everyone. It has incredible costal heathland walks to bushy trail leading to glorious swimming spots. But if that’s not for you then they have a delightful cafe beside. This park is without a doubt an amazing place to visit!
a month ago -
What a fabulous way to spend a sunny Autumn Monday morning. Not many people about. For the outdoors type, there's something for everyone. Less than 10 minute drive from Chatswood. Even easier to catch 259 bus and cross the road safely using the underpass. You could simply enjoy a walk, you could cycle, you could fish [in certain areas only], maybe have a row. Enjoy a picnic - ample toilet facilities throughout the park. We managed to find Baker`s Cottage. Nice little bit of history there. Also, with recent wet weather we got some nice photos of mushrooms.
2 weeks ago -
One of my favorite places in NSW. So many options to enjoy nature. Kayaking is a great one!
3 months ago -
Fantastic experience in a little secluded cove for an Australia Day celebration with friends and family. If you come to here, make sure you take all your rubbish with you to preserve the beauty of this spot. Leave nothing but footprints and other people will be able to enjoy it as much as you.
6 months ago -
Busy hike worth going early Morning - probably avoid mid day as the sun is relentless along this stretch with not Much shade. Walk is fairly moderate difficulty with some sealed parts and some more bare bones Views are spectacular
5 months ago -
This is one of my favourite National Parks to visit. There are so many places to go, things to see and do here. My favourite would be the beautiful coastal walk from wattamolla beach to eaglehead rock. The views along the coast are amazing and if you are lucky you might spot some whales. We will be going back here and doing some more hikes and activities. It was $12 admission for the day into the park. Plenty of parking at the places we went. A lot of nature in the park to enjoy. Be careful of snakes. Love this park.
11 months ago