Marley Track
Dharawal Country

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

11.1 km
circuit

↑ 302 m
↓ -302 m

Hard track
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 point on Bundeena Drive. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Marley Track sign post. | Photo by admin
White arrows marking track. | Photo by admin
Bush roach. | Photo by admin
Sandy track down to Deer Pool. | Photo by admin
Epacris Longiflora (Australian Fuschia Heath). | Photo by admin
Southern Marley Headland ruins. | Photo by admin
Rocky headland. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Sandy service trail Mowlee Ridge. | Photo by admin
Rock feature next to track. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-34.1031187,151.1157956)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Sir Bertram Stevens Drive
  • Turn on to Bundeena Drive then drive for 5.6 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park on the northern side of Bundeena Drive (1.7km east of Mainbar Rd), this walk crosses the road and heads into the bush between the two posts, following the arrow. Soon the track pass the 'Marley Track' sign and starts to head downhill. The track continues past the old concrete pipe (with white spray-painted arrows). The track passes a couple of rock platforms, but generally the track is narrow as it winds down the hill. Near Deer Pools, there is a clearing on the left as the track tends right, towards the waterfall. The track passes over the top of the waterfall to head up to a clearing on the other side.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a car park (about 15 m back from the start).
After another 1.9 km veer right, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 45 m find the "Deer Pool" (50 m on your left).
Deer Pool
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.
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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.

After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 275 m continue straight, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 150 m veer left, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 110 m (at the intersection of Little Marley Fire Trail & Marley Trail) turn left, to head along Little Marley Fire Trail (a vehicle track).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to West Marley Beach. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.2 km turn right.
After another 490 m find the "Little Marley Beach" (30 m on your right).
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.
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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.

After another 1.3 km come to the viewpoint.
After another 750 m turn right, to head along Little Marley Fire Trail.
After another 20 m pass the sign.
After another 1 km turn right, to head along Little Marley Fire Trail.
After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Little Marley Fire Trail & Marley Trail) turn left, to head along Marley Trail (a walking track).
After another 110 m veer right, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 275 m continue straight, to head along Marley Trail.
After another 90 m veer left.
After another 1.9 km come to the end.

An optional side trip to West Marley Beach.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 230 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 230 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Marley Track


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 11.1 km
Time 3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
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.
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.
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.
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.
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