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.

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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.)

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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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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.

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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]

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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.

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