Wattamolla Beach, Lagoon and Jump Rock

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2013-10-25 by Tom Desu ⇒ follow

[ADVERT]Even though only a stones-throw from the greater Sydney area, the drive out to Wattamolla reminds any city-weary passenger that they are indeed living in a country renowned for its vast outback. Sweeping views of the surrounding Royal National Park fly past while travelling along the one lane roads bordered by dirt and dust so typical of Australia outside the cities and towns.

Leaving the car in the beach car park, a small cascading creek surrounded by gums and mossy rocks guides us to the ocean; the water flowing past washing away all cares as a day lazing in shade or in sun, surrounded by national park wilderness lies ahead.

There are two ways to get to the beach, a regular visitor tells our group, "the short way or the long way". Jumping a fence labelled Do Not Cross, we find ourselves sitting atop a cliff face, dropping straight down into a lagoon that opens its mouth to the ocean. The short way, it turns out, is ten vertical metres then a quick swim across the lagoon. The long way is a board walk that skirts the lagoon and meets the beach next to the ocean.

Passing a good half hour on top of the cliff, my party opts for the walk around. While other youths dive over the edge into the waters below, a piece of advice; jumping has been made illegal due to a number of injuries occurring by misjudging water depths. Enough to deter this fear-of-heightsy writer.

Arriving at the beach is an experience in itself, as salt water laps at the beach on one side and the fresh water lagoon peppered with people playing in the shallows and fishing from the side curves away into the wilderness. Trees line the beach offering shade to those not wanting to get wet, and white sand appealing to those with an appetite for sunlight.

For those chasing more of an adventure, the beach is surrounded by coastal walks, all a part of the 26 kilometre Coast Track . If you're in the mood for a picnic there are free BBQ's and amenities located next to the car park. Note, there is a fee of $11 for entry to the national park, and bringing your own water is recommended.

Just over a one hour drive in good traffic from Sydney city, visiting such a naturally beautiful location alone is worth the trip, no matter how you spend your day at Wattamolla Beach.