Another interesting area that is quite easily accessible from Sydney are the stations just south of the Royal National Park. Unfortunately, the trip here also takes about 2 hours, but the trip to the Blue Mountains takes much longer. I’ve driven through the area a few times by car, but never hiked through. So I decided for an easy and quite short hike, early 2023 around the small village of Stanwell Park.
Perched between soaring cliffs and golden beaches, Stanwell Park is one of New South Wales’ most breathtaking coastal towns — and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Just an hour south of Sydney, this seaside gem offers a unique blend of dramatic escarpments, lush bushland, and endless ocean views. In this video, we take you on a hike around Stanwell Park, uncovering the trails, lookouts, and landscapes that make this place so special.
The adventure begins at Stanwell Park Beach, a sweeping crescent of golden sand framed by the steep Illawarra Escarpment. This beach is not only beautiful but also iconic — a favorite spot for surfers, families, and paragliders launching from the cliffs above. From here, the hiking options unfold in every direction. Head inland, and you’re immediately climbing into dense bushland with trails leading toward lookouts and ridges. Stay coastal, and you’ll find pathways that hug the shoreline, revealing dramatic sea views and rocky platforms where waves crash endlessly below.
One of the most famous vantage points near Stanwell Park is Bald Hill Lookout. A short but steep walk brings you to this spectacular clifftop, where panoramic views stretch across the Pacific Ocean, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and down the coast toward Wollongong. It’s also one of the world’s best-known hang gliding and paragliding sites — so don’t be surprised if your hike is accompanied by colorful gliders soaring gracefully overhead. Watching them launch and drift along the cliffs adds a thrilling dimension to the walk.
For those who love a mix of bush and coast, the trails through the Royal National Park and along the Illawarra Escarpment are within easy reach of Stanwell Park. Hiking here immerses you in native forest alive with bird calls, while offering occasional windows to the sea far below. Depending on your route, you can link up with longer walks — such as the track to Wodi Wodi Ridge or sections of the Coast Track — or simply enjoy shorter circuits that loop back to town.
Another highlight of hiking around Stanwell Park is the chance to see the Sea Cliff Bridge, an engineering marvel that sweeps gracefully out over the ocean. Walking or driving this bridge is a must, but seeing it from the surrounding cliffs is unforgettable. The bridge seems to float above the waves, a perfect symbol of this stretch of coastline where human design meets raw natural beauty.
The rainforest pockets here provide a contrast to the open coastal views. Shady gullies filled with ferns and palms give way to sunlit ridges and open lookouts. After rain, small streams trickle through the forest, and the air is filled with the earthy scent of wet leaves. Every step offers something new: a sudden view of the Pacific, a canopy alive with bird calls, or the quiet solitude of a shaded path.
Back in Stanwell Park village, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Cafés and picnic spots offer the perfect place to recharge after a hike, while the beach invites you to cool off with a swim or simply sit back and watch the waves. With its mix of coastal energy and escarpment tranquility, Stanwell Park feels both adventurous and peaceful — the kind of place where you could spend hours exploring, yet still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
Practical tips: Hiking around Stanwell Park can be tailored to your fitness and time. Short walks to Bald Hill and the Sea Cliff Bridge are accessible and rewarding, while longer routes into the escarpment or along the coast provide full-day adventures. Good footwear, water, and sun protection are essential, especially on exposed sections of track. Public transport is available, with a train station in Stanwell Park connecting to Sydney, making it an easy day trip.
Hiking around Stanwell Park is more than just a walk — it’s a journey through some of New South Wales’ most spectacular landscapes. From the golden sands of the beach to the cliffs of Bald Hill and the curves of the Sea Cliff Bridge, this area blends natural beauty with a sense of adventure. Whether you come for a short stroll or a full day on the trails, Stanwell Park will leave you with views, memories, and moments that last long after the hike ends.
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