Marley Walking Tour
Reconnect with nature on one of the best Royal National Park walks. Spend a day soaking up the invigorating natural beauty of Royal National Park, less than an hour from the centre of Sydney. Wind through fragrant bushland and along the majestic sandstone coastline and learn about the unique native flora and fauna that thrives where the bush meets the sea. You’ll also get up close to the park’s fascinating living history – from thousand-year-old Aboriginal carvings to Depression-era hermit caves.
Spend a day discovering Royal National Park walks
Try 'surfing' on Wave Rock and discover the striking sandstone formations of Prawn Rock, The Devils Dice and White Cliffs of Marley. Spot abundant birdlife, a swamp wallaby or maybe even an elusive echidna and ask our guides about their habits and habitats. Delight in whale watching during the May - November migration season. Taste bush tucker plants and learn about the Dharawal Aboriginal people who first inhabited this area thousands of years ago. Picnic beneath a rocky overhang and revel in the area’s fresh air and serenity on an iconic Sydney walk.
Expertly guided and fully catered, this full day walking tour is an eco-friendly way to escape the city and experience Sydney’s spectacular coastline. You’ll enjoy a relaxed experience with a good walking pace and easy camaraderie. Our experienced local guides will show you lesser-known spots and give you plenty of time to soak up your surroundings.
Meet at: 8:15am at Cronulla ferry wharf (city hotel pick up 7:00am)
Tour concludes: 5:30pm at Cronulla ferry wharf (city hotel returns approx. 6:20pm)
Distance: 15km (9 miles) Tour duration: 9 hours Walking time: approx. 7 hours
Departures: Saturdays and Sundays - Autumn/Winter 2013 (March-August). Available 7 days from Spring 2013 (September onwards). Check availability. Private and group tours available on request.
Guest numbers: Maximum 12 guests.
7:00am City hotel pick up (if requested).
8:15am Meet at Cronulla ferry wharf.
8:30am Ride the historic MV Curranulla ferry across Port Hacking to Bundeena.
9:00am Arrive Bundeena and begin walking:
Walk through the quaint, beachside village of Bundeena and across Jibbon Beach where the Royal Coast Track officially begins. From here, we’ll curve around the Jibbon headland where you’ll see Aboriginal rock carvings and take in the impressive views from Jibbon point. See the sandstone formations of Wave Rock, and Prawn Rock before continuing south alongside the seaside cliffs. We’ll visit a Hermit Cave and stop for a healthy picnic lunch before resuming walking towards the White Cliffs of Marley. Soak up the stunning coastal vistas on the way to Marley headland, another great vantage point where you can see across to Little and Big Marley beaches. From here, we’ll loop back along the fire trail to Bundeena and the ferry wharf.
5:00pm Ferry departs Bundeena.
5:30pm Ferry arrives in Cronulla.
6:20pm City hotel drop off (if requested).
Come prepared to hike, wearing enclosed, supportive shoes. Hiking boots are preferable, trainers or joggers are fine.
You’ll occasionally brush up against plants near the trail so long pants are preferable to shorts. The Australian sun is very strong, even on cloudy days, so we recommend wearing a shirt with sleeves to protect your shoulders. We recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen all year-round.
In cooler weather, wear layers so you can take a layer off when you’re warm from walking, and add a layer when you’re cool from resting. Check Sydney’s weather forecast – you may need to bring a raincoat as your tour will go ahead even if it is raining.
You will need to bring, and carry, approximately 1-2 litres of water (more if the weather is hot). You will be provided with a goody bag containing fruit and snacks, which you will also need to carry. The guide will be carrying your lunch. Remember to let us know any dietary requirements at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Essentials
* 1-2 litres drinking water
* Hat, sunscreen
* Raincoat or rainjacket if necessary
* Camera
This tour departs from and returns to Cronulla, a picturesque beachside suburb on Sydney’s southern edge. Cronulla has the feel of a big seaside town, with surf beaches sweeping along one side of the peninsula and the protected Port Hacking inlet on the other. It’s also the only Sydney beach with a direct train link from Central and Town Hall stations. The train ride takes approximately one hour and will take you virtually to the water’s edge. It’s a five minute walk from Cronulla station to Cronulla ferry wharf, where ferries leave for the village of Bundeena, on the edge of Royal National Park.
Public Transport
Trains to Cronulla run along the blue Illawarra line. They depart regularly from the city centre and the journey takes approximately one hour. Once you reach Cronulla train station, Cronulla ferry wharf is only a five minute walk away.
From Cronulla train station, exit the station and turn left. Take the pedestrian tunnel under the train line. Turn left, walk across the park and continue down the road to the right. Your guide will be waiting in the ferry shelter.
The best way to plan your trip on public transport is via 131500.com.au. This online tool gives you detailed instructions from your hotel address to Cronulla, including any service delays. You can also phone the Transport Infoline on 131 500. It’s how the locals travel, and economical too - calculate the cost of your fare.
By using public transport, you’re helping reduce carbon emissions and the environmental impact of your travels. As a champion of ecotourism, that’s something we wholeheartedly support! You can see how much carbon emission your train journey saves using this carbon calculator.
Hotel Pick-up
If you’re staying in a hotel, we offer a reliable pick-up and drop-off service at a cost of $60 per person. Our friendly, knowledgeable drivers will collect you from your city hotel at approximately 7am. If you’d like to take advantage of the service, please select this option when booking your tour. We can also pick you up and drop you off at the airport, conveniently located between Cronulla and the city centre.
By Car
It’s approximately 45 minutes by car from Sydney’s centre, or 30 minutes from Sydney Airport. We recommend allowing at least one hour for traffic conditions as it’s likely you’ll be on the road in morning peak hour.
From the city, drive south past the airport and follow the sign-posted route to Cronulla. Try Google Maps. Punch in “Cronulla ferry wharf, Cronulla NSW”. Free all day parking is available in Tonkin St, Cronulla, close to the ferry wharf.
If you’re touring the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive to or from Wollongong, you may prefer to meet us at Bundeena, close to the northern end of the drive. Ask us how.
