Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit, Royal National Park, Sydney

Wattamolla to Marley Beach is an excellent section of the Royal National Park Coast Track south of Sydney, taking in lots of cliffs and interesting rocks, plus tonnes of wildflowers in spring.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

The Royal National Park Coast Track is pretty special from start to end, and this section from Wattamolla to Marley Beach is no exception. There are many cliffs and interesting rocks, windswept beaches and bays, plus a large variety of wildflowers in spring. And you can make a partial circuit by taking fire trails inland for a while. The vegetation is predominantly heath. 

Track notes at the end.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit: The Scenery

I took lots of photos in spring 2018…

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
These Silky Purple Flags (a kind of native iris) were all over the place.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Marley Head
Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
My camera with lichen.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
A bluebottle.
Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Sophia up there.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Lots of cliffs.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Looking north.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Pretty big Gymea Lillies.

Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Grass tree spear.
Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
A hazy Illawarra Escarpment in the background.
Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
I was happy with this first attempt at a wildlife shot with my telephoto lens. One of many New Holland Honey Eaters on the track that day.
Wattamolla to Marley Beach Circuit
Another angle on that New Holland Honey Eater.

Track Notes

Starting at Wattamolla car park, (which can be chockers on summer weekends), walk north along the Coast Track until the first major intersection. Turn left onto Little Marley Fire Trail, then right at the next intersection, and you’ll eventually meet up with the Coast Track again. Turn left (north) to visit nearby Marley Beach, and then double back to return to Wattamolla via Little Marley Beach and lots of cliffs. There are track notes for this circuit at Wildwalks. A Google Maps search returns the Coast Track section, and you can see Little Marley Fire Trail if you zoom in enough.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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