The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world, established in 1879. It is an ideal location for Sydneysiders to take a day trip to the bush and enjoy some bushwalking, scenic views, swimming and cycling, birdwatching and picnicking. There is a magnificent 26 km coastal walk from Beenleigh to Oatley - a two day hike for backpackers. Camping is permitted in the park or you can book the unmanned YHA hostel at Garie Beach. Caravanners are also welcome. Many other walking trails crisscross the park, taking you through diverse terrain and past waterfalls and billabongs.

Animal lovers can look for many species of native wildlife such as tiger quolls, red-necked pademelons, swamp wallabies, short-beaked echidnas and venomous snakes. In the whale migration season visitors can look for them from whale watching vantage points. Birdwatchers will be keen to spot a Powerful Owl or an osprey. Join a Discovery Tour to learn the significance of the Park to the original Dharawal aboriginal people and to see their cultural artefacts and rock engravings.

Location
Royal National Park is only 32 km from the centre of Sydney, in the shire of Sutherland.

Activities
Royal National Park is popular for bushwalking, swimming, hiking, cycling, birdwatching, whale watching, native wildlife spotting and camping.