Royal NP's Coast Track over the weekend

Last weekend we finished the famous walk from Bundeena to Otford. This walk brings you through extremely variable habitats and terrain (beaches, bush, grass land, dry eucalypt forest, grassy woodlands, palm jungle, etc.). The cliffs provide spectacular views. A variety of wildlife can be watched and observed during the walk.

Fantastic formations along the coast of the Tasman Sea.

 We started via Jibbon Beach and the South Head of Port Hacking. That adds about 5 km to the 26 km Coast Track. Unfortunately, we where not able to locate the aboriginal stone engravings in Bundeena. For some reason, the track markings that indicate their position where missing or not readable. And so where the information boards.
The weather was pretty good. It was partly cloudy with a few showers but that wasn't too bad at all. Especially the many ups and downs make you feel warm enough. So a few dribbles and a breeze was always welcome.

The bush provides some shadow but not all the time. Sun protection is essential during this mostly rather exposed walk.

 I was surprised, how much water we used! We carried 6.5 L with us to Bundeena. That was almost used up before we arrived at the camp site. So once more, I was lucky to have my Katadyn Vario filter with me. A bit untrained and carrying about 18 kg, the final approx. 2 km of the (altogether 23 km) we did that day, where a bit hard, but beautuful.
The track conditions between Bundeena and North Era where good and the track was well marked. Only at Wattamolla Beach we first ran in the wrong direction (towards Providential Point) as we found the whole place and its signs a bit confusing.

That's us at Eagle Rock.

Almost there: After almost 23 km in the first day, the camp site at North Era is close.

The camp site at North Era is quite spacious and with toilets. It was a bit dirty (waste from previous visitors) and features two camp-fire places (although open fire there prohibited according to Park and Wildlife Service). A free map for rough orientation can be found here. The park authorities have a free map as well. They both don't provide topographic information. There is more information and recommendations for this walk to my NSW page..

A selection of wildlife encountered during the walk

• Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
• Eastern Spinebill
• New Holland Honeyeater
• Great Cormorant
• Australian Pelican
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Whip Bird
• Superb Fairy-wren
• Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
• Swamp Wallaby
• Red Fox
• Rusa deer
• Many unidentified Skinkidae and Agamidae
• amongst many more...