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Tag: cliffs

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Eagle Rock Royal National Park

Close-up of Eagle Head

Eagle Rock in Royal National Park

Getting There

There are several ways to get to Eagle Rock, but we chose to start from Wattamolla car park. With great parking and toilet facilities, its a good place to start and finish the walk. A daily entry fee per car is payable and a ticket can be purchase in the carpark from a vending machine.

The Track

From the carpark, follow the coast track through coastal scrub and amazing ocean views. The 45 minute walk is generally flat, but there are several section with steep steps to climb. When we walked, the track was in excellent condition, with much of it on formed board walk. Steps are made of sandstone, carved into the slopes, while some areas travel over bare rocks. Where no track is obvious, like over rocks, it is well sign posted, making it easy to follow.

Several small creeks are crossed along the way, with steppingstones made from carved sandstone.

  • Flat Section of the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
    Flat Section of the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
  • Board Walk on the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
    Board Walk on the Coastal Track Through Coastal Scrub
  • Sandstone Stairway on the Coastal Track
    Sandstone Stairway on the Coastal Track
  • Stepping Stones Over a Creek
    Stepping Stones Over a Creek
  • Stepping Stones Over a Creek
    Stepping Stones Over a Creek

Coastal Views

The track passes coastal cliffs with magnificent ocean views, where we stopped to take photos and admire the scenery. The cliffs are high, so stay away from the edges. During the whale migration season, this is a favourite place for people to watch them going by.

  • Boardwalk Near the Cliffs
    Boardwalk Near the Cliffs
  • Coastal Cliffs
    Coastal Cliffs

Eagle Rock

One of the iconic sites in Royal National Park, Eagle Rock looks out over the ocean creating a great silhouette for photos. The path widens slightly when you are opposite, so that you can stop and take photos without blocking the path.

  • Eagle Rock Royal National Park
    Eagle Head Royal National Park
  • Eagle Rock
    Close-up of Eagle Rock

Water Falls

Curracurrong Creek forms a small waterfall that plunges into the ocean near Eagle Rock adding another interesting sight when it’s flowing after rain.

  • Curracurrong Creek Waterfall Near Eagle Rock
    The Curracurrong Creek Waterfall
  • Curracurrong Creek Waterfall
    Curracurrong Creek Waterfall

What did We Think of Eagle Rock?

This was a very enjoyable walk, with the track moving from coastal scrub to rugged coastal cliffs, with amazing views. With the waterfall and Eagle Rock at the end you get more interesting sights to see, making for a great day out.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia

Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

Federation Cliffs Walk

The five-kilometer Federation Cliffs Walk offers spectacular coastal views, with sandstone cliffs, a lighthouse and a shipwreck memorial.

Getting There

We chose to use public transport to the Federation Cliffs Walk, as this meant we could start at one end of the Walk and finish at the other, without having to return to the starting point. A ferry from Circular Quay took us to Watson’s Bay Wharf, where we started the walk, while the return trip was by bus to Central Station, from Diamond Bay Reserve.

The Gap Lookout and Walking Track

From Watsons Bay Wharf, we made the short walk to the Gap Lookout, where we started our walk. From the lookout, views of the cliffs and out to sea are amazing. Well-made and maintained walkways make the track easy to walk and from here heads south to Bondi and beyond.

Wreck of the Dunbar

Launched on 30 November 1854, the Dunbar was a first-class passenger and cargo carrier. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south, but heavy rain and a strong gale winds made navigating difficult. Possibly mistaking The Gap as the port’s entrance, the captain ran the ship onto the rocks. Of the 122 people on board, only one survived.

As a result of this tragedy and the loss of the Catherine Adamson at North Head nine weeks later, the Government built Hornby Lighthouse.

Containing one of Dunbar’s anchors, a memorial stands on the cliffs above the wreck site.

Dunbar Memorial
Dunbar Memorial
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

Signal Hill

Constructed in 1892-1893, Signal Hill Battery was one of many defensive forts built around Sydney. Originally armed with a BL 9.2-inch (234 mm) Mk VI breech-loading counter bombardment British Armstrong disappearing gun, the fort operated until just after World War Two. By this stage the original gun had been replace by two six-inch guns. Fortunately, the 9.2-inch is on display at North Head, near the Memorial Walk.

Memorial plaques give tribute to those who served here as well as providing historical context for the structures.

This is a great place to stop on your walk to understand some of Sydney’s history and admire the fantastic views.

Cliff Top Fortifications
Cliff Top Fortifications

Memorials

Walking along the Federation Cliffs Walk, you will come across many memorials, it is worth stopping to view them. Some are for loved ones lost overseas, while others commemorate the locations of fortifications or the service of military regiments.

Lieutenant Grieve's Memorial
Lieutenant Grieve’s Memorial

Macquarie Lighthouse

Designed by James Barnet and built from 1881 to 1883, Macquarie Lighthouse is 26m tall. Heritage listed, it is still fully operational and under the control of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The white tower makes an outstanding photo when set against a deep blue summer sky.

Macquarie Lighthouse on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Macquarie Lighthouse

The Grave Of Edmund Barton

Sir Edmund Barton, GCMG, PC, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. Located in South Head General Cemetery and marked by a cross headstone, Barton’s grave is difficult to find amongst all of the others found there.

An interesting place to visit because of the historical importance of Barton.

Edmund Barton's Grave
Edmund Barton’s Grave

Diamond Bay Reserve

Federation Cliffs Walk offers many superb views of the ocean and cliffs. One of the best is at Diamond Bay, where walkways and a viewing platform provide excellent views. Fishermen have constructed stairs and a gateway on the cliff face. The walkway provides a safe place for photographers

Waverley Council encourages visitors to Diamond Bay Reserve to stay away from the cliff’s edge. A 27 year-old woman past away recently after slipping when taking a photo on the cliff’s edge. Fencing and signs are there for your safety.

Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on