Salty Safaris Sydney: Hidden Beaches and Waterfalls Day Trip

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A small-group day trip from Sydney to the hidden beaches and rock pools of the Royal National Park, with a guided coastal hike, lunch by the river and a stop at a secret waterfall and beach.

Days

Full day, about 8 hours

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Bondi Junction / Bondi Junction
Bondi Junction, about 3 to 4pm

Return

Bondi Junction, about 3 to 4pm

Transport

Return transport from Bondi Junction with a guide

Meals

Lunch overlooking the river

Route

Map of Salty Safaris Sydney: Hidden Beaches and Waterfalls Day Trip

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Included experiences

Royal National Park — guided coastal hike of 2 to 3 hours
Wattamolla — waterfall, rock pools and beach
Burning Palms — rock pools
Riverside lunch in the national park
Wildlife — kangaroos, wallabies and native birds

Salty Safaris Sydney: Hidden Beaches and Waterfalls Day Trip

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: BONDI JUNCTION TO THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Your guide collects you at 7am from Bondi Junction, next to the train station, for the drive south along the coast to the Royal National Park. It was set aside in 1879, which makes it Australia's first national park and the second in the world after Yellowstone. On the way in you stop at Audley, the old picnic ground on the Hacking River, for a coffee, a snack and the toilets before the walk. Groups are small, so introductions are done before you're out of the city.

MORNING: CLIFF TOPS AND HIDDEN BEACHES

The guided hike takes two to three hours, along the coast to the rock pools at Burning Palms, with views from cliffside slopes down to beaches you can only reach on foot. The name is said to come from cabbage tree palms that early sailors saw burning on the hillsides. Your guide tells the story of the small shack settlements tucked into these valleys, built by city families during the 1930s Depression and still handed down today. Keep watch for wallabies, and for kangaroos and their joeys in the clearings along the way.

MIDDAY: LUNCH OVERLOOKING THE RIVER

Lunch, included, is back at Audley, at the Dance Hall Cafe with tables overlooking the Hacking River as it winds through the park. Day-trippers have rowed this stretch of water since the 1880s, and the boatshed below still hires out rowboats. Native birds and other wildlife come up close while you eat, so it's worth keeping your camera on the table. It's a good chance to rest before the afternoon's swim.

AFTERNOON: WATTAMOLLA AND BACK TO BONDI JUNCTION

The last stop is Wattamolla, where a waterfall drops into a lagoon beside a sheltered beach, with rock pools at its edges. George Bass and Matthew Flinders sailed in here in 1796 in their tiny Tom Thumb and named it Providential Cove. Take a swim under the falls or in the sea, then it's the drive back north to Bondi Junction, where you arrive at about 3 to 4pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Bondi Junction, next to the train station.
Departure time: 7am.
Finishes: Back at Bondi Junction at approximately 3 to 4pm.

What to bring

Comfy, sturdy walking shoes
A refillable water bottle
Sunblock

What is included

Return transport from Bondi Junction (next to the train station)
Guided hike to and from the national park trail
Lunch overlooking the river
Visit to a hidden waterfall and beach

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.