Stage 1 of the Royal National Park Coast Track covers 16.6 km from Bundeena to Garie Beach, with 567 m of ascent and 608 m of descent. The highest point is 113 m. Allow about 6 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
The only overnight stop on the Coast Track: each booking is a raised timber platform for one two-person tent or two small one-person tents, at the Garie Beach picnic area. Advance booking is compulsory and places are few; shared flush toilets, cold beach showers and untreated water only.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or tourism sites but could not be checked on their own page. The only place you may sleep on the track is the Garie Beach campground, and you must book it in advance with NSW National Parks. There are no huts, no shops and no drinking water between Bundeena and Otford.
Emergency: call 000 (112 from a mobile). Signal is patchy. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.