The Coastal Track – Wattamolla to Otford

Part two of the  Bundeena to Otford coastal track includes a camping stop at North Era Beach (since the closure of the camping facilities at Wattamolla). If you’ve walked from Bundeena to Wattamolla then this is a great place for lunch or a well-deserved rest, even a swim in the river or at the beach.

Leaving Wattamolla carpark head south for roughly 1km to Curracurrang Cove and Curracurrang Creek, which should be flowing year round. Stone middens in the cove are evidence of previous Aboriginal settlement. Continue south about 2kms to photogenic Eagle Rock and Eagle Lookout, which (in silhouette) does actually look a lot like an eagle!

From Eagle Rock continue on to Garie Beach and the famous Garie Beach YHA, basically a cabin that can sleep 12.  The YHA is always a popular with backpackers so it pays to book your bed well in advance if you don’t want to miss out. IT costs less than $20 per night, details from 02 9261 1111.

Garie Beach is as popular with surfers and picnickers, as it is accessible by car and is generally patrolled by surf lifesavers from the local surf lifesaving club. From Garie beach continue south to Little Garie Beach and finally to the North Era camping ground.

If you have walked the coastal track from Bundeeda, you have covered roughly 18km at this point, so enjoy your night’s sleep!  For information on camping at North Era beach contact the NPWS on 02 9542 068.

Assuming one camps at North Era, day two of the walk is a much easier prospect – Otford train station is just 7km away, so you can spend some time enjoying the beaches at North Era, Garie Beach and Burning Palms.

The walk continues south for about 2kms where it arrives at the local ranger’s hut and Burning Palms beach, another famous surf beach. The track then moves away from the beach and into the Palm Jungle, before opening to grasslands.

Heading slowly away from the open coastal terrain, the track now moves through denser bush and ferns, as it climbs towards Otford lookout and ultimately Otford train station.

Walking Trail Map

(Start at red marker)