Wattamolla Lagoon is a calm, waterfall-fed lagoon behind the beach at Wattamolla in the Royal National Park, one of the best family swimming spots within reach of Sydney. Park entry fees apply, and it rewards an early start on summer weekends.
Key facts
- Type
- Natural pool
- Good to know
- Kids area, Lifeguards
- Facilities and access
- Open to visitors during park hours, 7am to 8:30pm daily; beach not patrolled
- Cost
- National park vehicle entry fee
- Lifeguards
- Beach patrolled in summer
- Dogs
- Not allowed (national park)
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings
- Town
- Royal National Park, NSW
What it's like
A creek spills over a small waterfall into a sheltered lagoon, held back from the open sea by a sand bar. The water is calm and gentle, good for young children, floating and lilos, and the ocean beach is a short walk across the sand. Bush and sandstone cliffs ring the whole cove. The cliffs and falls have also drawn jumpers for years, and several people have died after jumping into the lagoon, where shifting sand hides what's under the surface.
When to go
Weekday mornings outside the school holidays are best. On summer weekends the car park fills early, so arrive soon after the gates open, and check National Parks alerts before you go.
Getting there and facilities
Drive into the Royal National Park, where a vehicle entry fee applies, and follow the road to the Wattamolla picnic area, with toilets and picnic tables. Mobile reception is patchy.
Good to know
Don't jump from the rocks or the falls. Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer, so swim where they can see you.