Park alerts
Closures, fire bans and track conditions change quickly — especially after storms.
Check NPWS alerts →
Before you drive in
Plan Your Visit — Entry Fees, Hours & Tickets
- Entry $12 per vehicle per day
- Hours 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Gates lock 8:30 pm
- ParknPay / entry stations
There is no separate “ticket office” for most day visits — park entry is typically $12 per vehicle per day (vehicle). Confirm current fees and pay options on NPWS. Below: gates, Visitor Centre, weather, camping and what to pack.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →
Gates lock at night — if you’re still on a track after dark, you may be locked in. Plan exits before you start.
Know before you go
Know before you go
Gates lock at 8:30 pm — plan to be out or parked inside before then. Entry is separate from camping and cottage fees.
Park entry
$12 per vehicle per day — confirm on NPWS
Hours
7:00 am – 8:30 pm daily (gates lock at 8:30 pm)
Pay on arrival
ParknPay app or entry stations at Loftus, Waterfall and Otford
Northern access
Visitor CentreCronulla–Bundeena ferry for northern beaches and Bonnie Vale
Audley
8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily · 02 9542 0648 · maps, track advice and souvenirs
Orientation
Map & current alerts
Rough park location for planning the drive. Closures, fire danger and track status change — check NPWS before you leave, then use our maps page for walk PDFs.
Centred near Audley (Visitor Centre). Coastal day-use areas (Wattamolla, Garie) sit east of Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.
On the ground
Fees, rules & road signs
What you’ll see at entries and on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Tap any photo to enlarge.
Hubs
Explore the park
Camping, cottages, walks and beaches — the main overnight and day-trip hubs.
Camping
Bonnie Vale & Uloola Falls — North Era decommissioned. Book on 1300 072 757
Camping guide →Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW
Itineraries
Half-day Wattamolla, coastal day and camping weekend plans
See plans →Photo: Brett Darby Photography
Trails & walks
From 20-minute lookouts to the 26 km Coast Track
Trails hub →Photo: Brett Darby Photography
Beaches
17 beaches — hazard ratings and patrol info
Beaches guide →Photo: Brett Darby Photography
Wattamolla day trip
Lagoon, beach and parking tips — the Wattamolla Rd turn-off is a main day-use destination.
Wattamolla guide →Photo: Brett Darby Photography
Before you leave home
Three quick checks that save wasted trips — especially on weekends and school holidays.
Seasonal weather
Summer sun is harsh on clifftops; winter nights drop to 6–8°C on overnight hikes.
Weather guide →Maps & routes
Download our map guide or pick up a detailed topographic map at Audley before a long walk.
Map guide →Book ahead
Camping and cottage stays fill fast in school holidays. Park entry is separate from camping fees.
FAQ
Entry, tickets & hours FAQ
How much is Royal National Park entry / tickets?
There is usually no separate “ticket office” for day visits. Vehicle entry is typically $12 per vehicle per day — confirm current fees and payment options on NPWS. Pay via ParknPay or entry stations at Loftus, Waterfall and Otford. Larger vehicles (over 8 seats) use per-person rates on NPWS.
What are the park opening hours?
Park hours are typically 7:00 am – 8:30 pm with gates locking at 8:30 pm. Plan to be out or parked inside before lock time.
Where is the Visitor Centre?
Audley Visitor Centre is open about 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily (confirm on NPWS). Phone 02 9542 0648. Maps, track advice and souvenirs are available there.
Do I need a booking for a day trip?
Day visits do not usually need a booking, but camping and cottages must be booked. Check NPWS local alerts for closures before you leave.
Why are some areas closed at night on weekdays?
Some areas close sunset–sunrise Monday–Thursday (excluding school holidays) for deer control until 18 December 2026 — including Audley picnic flats, Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas, Lady Carrington Drive, Bonnie Vale, Garawarra Farm and sections of the Coast Track. Campground bookings can still access booked sites. Confirm on NPWS local alerts before night or early-morning plans. See NPWS local alerts.
Hotels, tours & day-trip kit
Stay outside the park and drive in, or book a guided experience. Gear links are optional — only what helps on rocky coast and long walks.
Nearby stays
Cronulla (north) · Miranda / Sutherland · Otford / Waterfall (south)
- Hotels & apartments in CronullaClosest beach access + ferry to Bundeena
- Miranda / Sutherland areaGood value, central for Audley & the middle of the park
- Otford / WaterfallBest for Coast Track start / southern end
All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official NPWS camping and cottage bookings are never affiliated.
Guided tours
Optional — day hikes (Wattamolla & Garie), Figure 8–style coasts, or browse all Royal NP tours
Always check swell and tide yourself — guides do not remove rock-platform risk.
What to bring
Practical kit for rocky coast and long day walks
- Reef shoesRocky platforms, Figure 8 access tracks, wet rock shelves
- UPF sun shirtExposed coast heath has little shade
- Day pack 20–30LWater, layers, first aid for Coast Track and day hikes
- Grip hiking shoesSteep sandstone and muddy fire trails after rain
- 2L+ water capacityMany coastal sections have no taps — fill at Audley or picnic areas
- Electrolyte tabletsHot summers; refill at picnic areas where available
- Light rain shellSoutherly changes hit the coast hard — even on “fine” mornings
- HeadlampGates lock in the evening; late Coast Track or track exits
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park fees and NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.
What next?