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Wedding Cake Rock

Greater Sydney

Royal National Park

KEY INFO

Distance (kms):

5.7 kms

Time (hrs):

Allow 2.5 hrs

Elevation gain (m):

151 m

Max. elevation (m):

57 m

Difficulty (Grade):

Moderate (Grade 3)

Route type:

Out-and-back

Traffic:

Moderate

Access:

2WD Sufficient

Click to see full image.

A fantastic walk along the top of the cliffs to a lookout with views to the incredible Wedding Cake Rock.

This moderately trafficked walk is located at the end of Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena, in Royal National Park.


From the car park, follow the fire trail about 200m, taking the second left turn onto the well-signed trail to Wedding Cake Rock, which actually forms part of the multi-day Coastal Track. 


Follow the track through the coastal forest for a further 700m, before breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs await. 


Where the track meets the cliffs, this lookout is referred to as The Balconies, offering great views of the rugged cliffs north and south, as well as out to the ocean. 


Continue south along the track, with more stunning coastal views, including the Waterrun and Heart Rock. 


You will soon arrive at Wedding Cake Rock, an extremely fragile rock formation made of white blocks of sandstone, that are contrasted against the darker tones of the rest of the cliffs.


The rock formation is slabby, with its defined edges and deep cracks making it resemble a slice of a layered cake – hence its name.


The fact the rock formation sits perched high on cliffs above the ocean below makes it even more dramatic.


The white colour is caused by iron leaching. While this gives the rock its beautiful colour, it also makes it dangerously soft and at very high risk of collapse. 


Note that the location is fenced, not only for the safety of visitors, but to protect this fragile natural wonder, so stay behind the fence.


While walking, admire the wildlife, with spring wildflowers, wallabies and birdlife aplenty. The track is also a great spot to watch whale migrations (July to November).


To return, simply retrace your steps. There are also options to extend the walk, continuing along the Coastal Track to Marley Beach.


This is a great walk to add to a day-trip of the park, hitting the top sights in the park, including Figure 8 Pools, Wattamolla Falls and Providential Point, Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls, and Bungoona Lookout.


Track: The trail mostly involves relatively well-maintained graded paths and constructed boardwalks, however there are some rocky and uneven sections as well. The track is mostly flat, however there are some short, steep sections with steps. The track is well-signed and easy to follow. 


Difficulty: The track is well-maintained and mostly flat, with only a few short, steep sections involving steps. It is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels with time. 


Care should be taken near the edges at the lookouts, with many not protected by safety rails. Always stay behind the fence at Wedding Cake Rock, not only for your safety, but also the protection of the rock.


Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way you came.

getting there

The walk is located at the end of Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena in Royal National Park, 1.25 hours drive south of Sydney. 


The small car park is typically ample for how trafficked the walk is.

best time to go

The walk can be completed year-round. 


Be sure to check the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service website for updates regarding track closures.


Note that there are park fees associated with entering many national parks in New South Wales. Check the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information.

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Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure. 

I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.   

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