Salty Safaris National Park Hike and Waterfalls

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A guided day in the Royal National Park, under an hour south of Sydney: a coastal walk to Burning Palms Beach, lunch at the riverside Audley Dance Hall Cafe, and the beach and waterfall at Wattamolla. Pick-up is in the Eastern Suburbs or the city, and groups are capped at 12.

Days

Up to 8 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Max 12

Start / finish

Bondi Junction or CBD / Royal National Park / Bondi Junction
Bondi Junction, mid to late afternoon

Return

Bondi Junction, mid to late afternoon

Transport

Return transport from the Eastern Suburbs or CBD

Meals

Lunch

Route

Map of Salty Safaris National Park Hike and Waterfalls

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Included experiences

Royal National Park — guided coastal walk to Burning Palms Beach
Audley Dance Hall Cafe — coffee stop and lunch beside the Hacking River
Wattamolla — waterfall and beach, with time for a swim
On the track — wallabies, kangaroos and native birds

Salty Safaris National Park Hike and Waterfalls

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: BONDI JUNCTION TO AUDLEY

Pick-up is around 7am on Grafton Street outside Bondi Junction station, with a second stop in the city, then it's south for under an hour to the Royal National Park. Proclaimed in 1879, it is the second-oldest national park in the world, after Yellowstone in the United States. The first stop, at about 8:30am, is the Audley Dance Hall Cafe on the Hacking River, for coffee, a snack and the toilets before the walk. There are no more than 12 people in the group, so it's a quick, easy start.

MORNING: THE COAST WALK TO BURNING PALMS

Mid-morning the guided walk begins, about two and a half hours on bush and coastal track to Burning Palms Beach, with cliff-top views straight down to the ocean and beaches you can only reach on foot. The beach is said to take its name from the cabbage tree palms early sailors saw burning on the slopes. Tucked into the gullies along this coast are the Depression-era shacks of Burning Palms and Era, built by Sydney families in the 1930s and still in use. Wallabies and kangaroos are often seen on the track, and your guide fills in the history as you go.

MIDDAY: LUNCH BY THE HACKING RIVER

Around midday you're back at Audley for a sit-down lunch overlooking the Hacking River, which is included. Audley has been the park's picnic ground since the 1880s, and the old boatshed below the cafe still hires out rowboats and canoes. Native birds, from kookaburras to brush turkeys, are bold here, so keep an eye on your plate. It's a relaxed hour to rest your legs before the last stop of the day.

AFTERNOON: WATTAMOLLA AND HOME

After lunch the group drives to Wattamolla, where a waterfall spills into a lagoon right beside the beach, for about an hour. In 1796 the explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders sheltered here in their tiny boat, the Tom Thumb, and called it Providential Cove. Bring swimwear and a towel for a dip in the lagoon or the sea. Then it's the drive back north, with drop-off in the mid to late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up in the Eastern Suburbs (Grafton Street outside Bondi Junction station) or the CBD; your pick-up point and time are confirmed when you book.
Departure time: About 7am; runs on weekends, usually Saturdays.
Duration: Up to 8 hours door to door, including a walk of about 2 to 3 hours.
Fitness: The operator welcomes all fitness levels; the walk is on bush and coastal tracks, so wear sturdy shoes.
Please note: Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

What to bring

Water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen
Towel and swimwear for Wattamolla
Camera

What is included

Return transport from the Eastern Suburbs or the CBD
Guided coastal walk
Coffee stop at Audley Dance Hall Cafe
Sit-down lunch at Audley Dance Hall Cafe
Visit to Wattamolla beach and waterfall

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.