Royal National Park is the third oldest national park in the world and first in Australia, established in 1879. It was originally named just National Park but renamed after Queen Elizabeth II traveled through it in 1954.
Royal National Park is 151 square km and is full of hikes, waterfalls, beaches and ocean panoramic views. I hiked the trail to Wedding Cake Rock and on to Marley Head with sweeping views over Marley Beach.
From Sydney, take the train to Cronulla. Get off the train, exit the platform, turn left and walk until a tunnel under the road. Pass through the tunnel and take the second road on the right with signs to Cronulla Ferry. Ferries leave on a 1939-built boat from Cronulla Wharf to Bundeena every hour on the 1/2 hour. Tickets at the time of writing are $6.80 per adult.
From Bundeena Wharf, head up Brighton Street, turn left on Scarborough Street and right on Beachcomber Avenue all the way to the trail-head.
MARLEY HEAD HIKE DETAILS
When: year-round
Where: start from Bundeena Wharf in Royal National Park
Difficulty: intermediate
Length: 2 hours for 7.4km return route
Directions: from the trailhead, the route is very clearly marked with Royal National Park posts
Bathrooms: yes, at the trailhead
Public Transit: yes, take the train from Sydney to Cronulla, then the ferry to Bundeena
