Surrounded by bushland, coastline, rivers and bays and the Royal National Park, the Sutherland Shire has beautiful bushwalks to enjoy. Getting out into nature is one of our favourite things to do in the Sutherland Shire to feel refreshed, relax and feel calm – and of course get some exercise in the beautiful outdoors. Here are five of our favourite hikes in the Sutherland Shire.
South West Arm Creek via Winifred Falls Track
This gorgeous swimming spot can be reached by small boat at high tide, from Grey’s Point or from the Winifred Falls track in the Royal National Park which is what we did. Just drive into Warumbul Road (you’ll need to have a NSW National Parks membership or pay $12 for your entry) and just a minute down the road you’ll see the Winifred Falls track sign on the right.
From here it’s around 30 minutes flat and downhill walking on a wide fire trail – be careful as some spots can be a bit slippery – to Winifred Falls. Walk to the left past Winifred Falls and follow the bush track for a few minutes and you’ll emerge at the rocks at the end of South West Arm Creek. There are flat rocks for picnicing, a big rock on the left to jump off and a rope swing on the right. Have a great day!
Winifred Falls
Winifred Falls is a pretty waterfall on the track in and its perfect for smaller children as it has a shallow pool with lovely overhanging rocks and soft water falls. Follow the steps above to reach it.
Beautiful Karloo Pool
This is an easy bushwalk to the crystal clear Karloo swimming hole in the Royal National Park – one of Sydney’s most beautiful swimming holes. It’s about 20 metres long and 10 metres wide and perfect for a dip or a swim – although it can be so cold being a waterhole so I have only ever managed a dip!
Just park on the eastern side of Heathcote train station, cross the road and head a little south. You’ll see the signs on your left. Follow the track for about 40 minutes and you’ll emerge at this stunning waterhole. Go early, because it can get busy, and take a picnic. It’s just beautiful and the nature will make you feel so amazing.
Jibbon Beach Loop Track
The Jibbon walk takes you along the beach, through the bush, past stunning lookouts and some of NSW’s most well-preserved Aboriginal rock engravings.
Either drive to Bundeena or take the ferry from Gunnamatta Wharf in Cronulla. From Bundeena Wharf, walk up Brighton St and turn left into Loftus Street and then onto Jibbon Beach. Walk along the beach an dat the far end you will find the track and boardwalk.
Walk along beautiful Jibbon Beach – make sure to keep an eye out for the 3000 middens in above the tideline – with views across the Port Hacking to Gunnamatta. At the end of the beach you’ll enter the bush you’ll pass tall golden grass, native flowers and messy scrub, scamper over rocks and look out from vantage points over the Pacific Ocean – keep an eye out for migrating whales. FYI you may get more than you bargained for if you look out over the nudist beach. The boardwalk will take you past the Aboriginal rock carvings.
Cape Solander and the Kamay National Park
Cape Solander in the Kamay National Park in Kurnell is a coastal park named after botanist Daniel Solander. Its huge sandstone cliffs and multiple vantage points make it a fabulous location for whale spotting – and you’ll likely see dolphins, seals and other marinelife too. Popular walks include the solar powered Bailey lighthouse (around five kilometres return) and further south to the rock platforms (six kilometres return). Take a picnic and sit on the rocks and enjoy the view. If you’re after a longer walk you can start here and walk all the way back to Cronulla along Boat Harbour and around Bate Bay.
Eagle Rock & Curracurrang Falls from Wattamolla
A fabulous 90 minute return walk through beautiful heath and wildflowers, along clifftops and over rises. It’s mostly on boardwalks and is a stunning walk. We saw many types of birds and an echidna! Eagle Rock and the falls are stunning. Walk or bike ride along this track.
Start from the car park and Wattamolla in the Royal National Park and follow the Coast Track south until you reach Eagle Rock. Return the way you came.
Wattamolla to Little Marley on the Coast Track
Follow the boardwalk north past the Wattamolla Dam swimming hole towards Little Marley. Keep an eye out for snakes – we saw a huge sleeping red belly black snake – and enjoy the use and the coastline. It’s only 4 kilometres to Little Marley – bring a picnic and sit in the shade or on the rocks, swim and wander over to check out the lagoon.
Little Marley Beach via Deer Pool from Bundeena Drive
This 3.8 kilometre track takes you from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach with a stop at the beautiful little Deer Pool on the way, less than 2 kilometres from the start of the track. It’s a small sandy beach under a waterfall surrounded by bush and is lovely as a destination or as a stop on your way to Little Marley.
Bushwalking tips:
- Take enough water with you (2L per person)
- Always take your rubbish with you
- Pack a small first aid kit
- Wear sunscreen and a hat