Royal National Park : Experience The Best Of Australia’s Nature

The royal national park is a 151- square – kilometre protected national park located in the Australian state of New South Wales. The park consists of the settlements of Maianbar and Bundeena. The park is filled with numerous picnic spots, barbecue spots and houses a ton of walking and cycling trails. It is the second-largest national park in the world lead by Yellowstone national park in the United States. The park is a part of the Australian National Heritage list. The park has been victims of multiple bushfires in the past, but as in Australian nature, it regenerates after every native fire, although some signs of the fire still remain. 

Getting There

The Royal National Park is just an hour drive south Away from Sydney. Generally recommended taking at least 2 days to explore the park fullest. For those with time constraints, it’s best explored as a full day trip from Sydney. You can reach the park along the Princes Highway, or via Otford if you’re staying in Wollongong. The park can also be accessed by public transport via trains or busses directly from Sydney if the self-drive is not an option. Inside the park, you can also find bus services offered by the Royal National Park visitor centre. Royal National Park Visitor Centre is the place to go if you’d like to take home a souvenir of your visit.

Also Read: The Best Places to See Australia’s Incredible Wildlife

Things To Do

Flora and Fauna

The most commonly sighted fauna in the region would be the Australian pelican. It is the largest flying bird in Australia and has the longest bill amongst any bird species in the world. Pelicans breed throughout the year, congregating on secluded beaches and islands in large colonies.

The Royal National Park also houses one of the best-known Australian native plants, The Waratah. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, and blossoms majorly in spring.

One of Australia’s tallest native plants, the cabbage tree palm can also be found here. It is easily identifiable with glossy green leaves and the trunk can reach unto a height of 30m. 

Gymea Lilly and Grass Tree are amongst the other magnificent plant life that can be found in this area. 

A Place To Charge Up

Hiking, swimming and rowing are few amongst the rejuvenating activities that can be done in The Royal National Park. The park offers immense beauty and natural scenes to cherish. A combination of which makes it a perfect spot for camping and barbecuing amongst others. It consists of over 100kms of walking trails and cycling trails. Mountain biking the East Heathcote trails is one amongst the most sought out activities in the region. 

Also Read: Conquering Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia’s Highest Mountain

Breathtaking Environment

The national park is one amongst the first sites to be set aside for Conservation in Australia. This is the point in Australia where open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests.

Walk with History

The Royal National Park houses a range of Artefacts and Aboriginal sites. The best way to explore these sites is with the guidance of a Discovery Ranger. 

Garie Beach

Garie Beach is a long and wide beach with majorly people visiting for surfing. The scenery can be described as beautiful, the headlands as rugged and the Surf quite dumpy. 

Wedding Cake Rock

The Wedding cake rock is a highlight along the highly famous coast track in the Royal National Park. Consisting of sharp edges and deep cracks, the rock stands out pure white against the other coastal cliffs. Due to Iron leeching the structure is fragile and it is best advised not to sit on these rocks or venture too close to the cliffs for one’s own safety.

Werrong Beach

The Wearing beach is considered as one of the hidden gems in the Royal National park. The beach far from the mainland and you’re at one with nature in this place. Common for people to pitch their overnight stay here if the place is covered in two nights. It is usually less crowded because of the challenge it puts forward to reach the destination and it common amongst single men, women, romantic couples, families and old-timers who’d just been sitting chilling with each other. It is one of the friendliest places and appeals to both extroverted and introverted mindsets. 

Also Read: Dear Down Under – a love letter of best things to do in Australia

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Australia itself would be during the warmers days in December to February. It is the peak season time and attracts visitors from all around the globe. These months see the lowest amount of rainfall and days although still not hot, can range between 16 to19 degrees centigrade. However being the peak season time, a large number of crowds. If thin crowds and off-peak rates are the goals of your trip, then off-peak season between February and march or October and November would be the ideal time to plan the trip. The days are considerably warm and relatively dry.

Plan Your Trip To Sydney

Starting from providing one-stop-shop for all travel necessities Pickyourtrail not only ensures smooth and hassle-free experience but at the same time the cost-effectiveness is kept at check too with their Australia tour packages. The itinerary building platform considers various factors like interests and budget to deliver the brand promise of ‘Craft Your Holiday, Your Way’, completely online. The travel company works in liaison with the tourism board of Australia.