A waterfall spilling into a calm lagoon beside a sheltered beach — Wattamolla packs three swimming spots into one perfect Royal National Park cove.
Family
Wattamolla means “place near running water” in Dharawal, and the name undersells it: here a creek pours over a sandstone shelf into a broad green lagoon, which drains across a sandbar into a sheltered ocean beach. Waterfall, lagoon and beach in one cove — it’s the Royal’s most complete swimming spot, and midweek it can feel like a private discovery.
Swimming and exploring
The lagoon is calm, deep and family-friendly; the beach beyond the sandbar offers gentle surf inside the cove. Please don’t jump from the waterfall ledge — it’s prohibited and injuries are common. Walkers can pick up the Coast Track here for clifftop views towards Eagle Rock and Wedding Cake Rock further north.
Planning your visit
The car park fills by mid-morning on summer weekends and entry gates close when it’s full — arrive before 9 am or come midweek. Bring a picnic; there are barbecues and toilets but no kiosk. Add nearby waterfalls and hidden places in the Royal National Park to make a full day of it.
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Photo Gallery
Facilities
Car park, toilets, picnic tables and barbecues; no kiosk — bring supplies
Photography Tips
Shoot the falls from the lagoon's western edge in early light; a mid-morning swim shot from the sandbar catches lagoon and beach in one frame.
Insider Tips
Arrive early — gates close when the car park is full. Cliff jumping from the falls is banned and dangerous; swim in the lagoon instead.
Getting There
Enter Royal National Park via Audley or Waterfall and follow Sir Bertram Stevens Drive to the signposted Wattamolla Road (about 40 minutes from southern Sydney). Park entry fee applies per vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Wattamolla?
Yes — the lagoon is calm and family-friendly, and the beach inside the cove offers gentle surf. Both are unpatrolled, so supervise children.
Can you jump off the Wattamolla waterfall?
No. Jumping from the falls is prohibited by NSW National Parks and has caused serious injuries — enjoy the falls from the water below instead.
Does Wattamolla cost money?
Entry is by Royal National Park vehicle fee (about $12 per day). Walkers and cyclists enter free; the car park itself has no extra charge.
Why does Wattamolla car park close?
On busy summer days the car park reaches capacity by mid-morning and rangers close the gates — arrive before 9 am or visit midweek.
