Beginner Overnight Hike – Royal Coast Track

When

08/12/2026 - 09/12/2026    
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Bookings

Bookings closed (are you logged in?)

Where

Event Type

Trip Leaders

Seamus Smart
Austin Hsu

Image credit : NSW National Parks

 

Although it may be called the “Royal” Coast Track, don’t fear even common-folk can do this hike, its only the views that are regal.

Join Austin and I (Seamus) on a 2 day hike down to the Royal National Park, along the RCT from Bundeena to Otford. This’ll be a great first overnight hike if you’re looking to make that next step from day hikes, with plenty of time the first afternoon to relax at the campground and maybe go for a swim. If you’ve done an overnight hike before, come enjoy this chance to relax after a busy term.

 

The Plan

We’ll meet at Cronulla wharf at 9am , 30min before the 930am ferry. DON’T BE LATE, ferries once an hour

We’ll check everyone’s gear, maybe leave some unnecessary stuff behind, and hop on the ferry.

 

It’ll be a mixture of nice track, boardwalks and a bit of beach walking so be aware there may be some sand in your shoes by the end of it.

 

Day 1 walk:

We’ll get to Bundeena at 10am, and by the end of the day we’ll have walked ~18km to our campsite for the night.

Day 2 walk:

We’ll walk 10km to Otford Train station, potentially even stopping at the Figure 8 pools for a dip if the tides right. There’s a bit of a climb towards the end of the hike, but we’ll take our time and go slow. Secret q: What’s your favourite shapes flavour?

Once we get to the station that’s it! We’ll be able to hop on and ride home.

NPWS route description

All Trails Route

 

 

List of required gear

Asterisk* = available to borrow at the gear cupboard

NOTE the gear cupboard isn’t officially open for the rest of the term so if you need anything we’ll have to organise a special pickup time. Hence please make sure you list what you need in your comment.

Essential items

  • Hiking pack*
  • 3L water (IF YOU BRING LESS YOULL NEED TO BUY BOTTLES BEFORE WE GO)
  • Food ( 2x lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, and plenty of snacks to have and share!) Need inspo? click here
  • Sturdy  hiking shoes or boots
  • Head torch
  • Snacks for us all to appreciate : )
  • Tent* (can be shared between 2-4 people to reduce weight)
  • Sleeping mat*
  • Sleeping bag*
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant (please)
  • Money for the ferry (it doesn’t take opal) !!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Opal Card

Clothing (must be non-cotton and quick-drying)

  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Warm jacket (weather dependant)
  • Beanie (weather dependant)
  • Raincoat (weather dependant)
  • 2-3 pairs of socks
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses( optionally but highly recommended)

Cooking

  • Camp stove* (can be shared with a buddy)
  • Waterproof matches or a Bic lighter
  • Fuel
  • Small rubbish bag
  • Pot/pan
  • Lightweight mess kit

Other stuff

  • Phone + power bank
  • Personal medication
  • Toiletries / personal hygiene

Optional

  • Trekking poles
  • Map, compass, GPS (the trip leaders will hopefully remember to take these)
  • Camera
  • Water filtration/purification
  • Swimmers for the beaches
  • Towel for the beaches
  • Insect repellent

If you need any gear advice feel free to send me a message 0481006548, its a hobby of mine

A big tip is to only take what you need/will actually use…. the lighter your pack the more fun you’ll have!

 

Signup questions!

In your comment please answer:

  1. What hiking experience do you have? (Ok if its not much)
  2. How will you get to Cronulla wharf?
  3. What gear do you need to hire if any?
  4. Your answer to the secret question so I know you read the whole thing :0

Get keen! Once you’re approved I’ll make a messenger chat for further planning

 

Book

You must log in to request a spot.