Wedding Cake Rock and Big Marley Circuit

21/12/2024

Map: Explore Morning hike at Wedding Cake Rock and Big Marley Circuit | AllTrails

(10.02km Loop – Grade 3, Moderate, 2 Hrs 38 Mins)

Embarking on a journey to the iconic Wedding Cake Rock and the scenic Big Marley Circuit in Royal National Park is a rewarding experience for any nature enthusiast.

Getting There

Starting from Gregory Hills, NSW at 6:00 AM allowed us to make the most of the day ahead. The drive to Royal National Park takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. We took south on the M31, then took the exit toward Heathcote Road and continue Heathcote Road, towards Royal National Park.

Upon entering the park, proceed to Bundeena, a charming coastal village that serves as the starting point for the hike. Parking is available near the end of Beachcomber Avenue, where the trailhead begins. Given the popularity of the area, especially on weekends, arriving early ensures a better chance of securing a parking spot. We did free street parking on Scarborough Street, Bundeena.

Hiking to Wedding Cake Rock

The trail to Wedding Cake Rock is part of the renowned Coast Track, offering stunning ocean vistas and diverse landscapes. The hike is approximately 3.5 kilometres one-way and is considered moderately challenging, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the rock. The path is well-marked but can be steep and rocky in sections, so appropriate footwear is essential.

Safety Note (DO NOT CLIMB ON THE WEDDING CAKE ROCK)

Wedding Cake Rock is a fragile sandstone formation with a distinctive white appearance. Due to its instability, a safety fence has been installed around the rock to prevent accidents. For your safety, it's crucial to stay behind the fenced-off areas and avoid standing or sitting on the rock or cliff edges.

Continuing to Big Marley Beach

After appreciating the views at Wedding Cake Rock, continue south along the Coast Track towards Big Marley Beach. This section of the trail is less crowded, offering a serene hiking experience through coastal heathland. The distance from Wedding Cake Rock to Big Marley Beach is approximately 2 kilometres.

Return Journey

After enjoying the natural beauty of Big Marley Beach, we returned on the Big Marley Fire Trail (You could can return to Bundeena via the same trail, completing the circuit, which is safer). Turning point towards Bundeena from Big Marley Fire Trails is densely bushy and not suggested without proper gear/protection (Snake First Aid, Gaiter, High Ankle Boot, Hat, Bug Spray, Trekking Poles etc).

With the entire loop (Wedding Cake Rock and Big Marley Circuit) totaling around 10 kilometres. The circuit is generally considered moderately challenging and takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Tips

Parking – Free roadside parking available in surrounding streets of Beachcomber Avenue, Bundeena.

Underestimate the hike: The track has densely bushy, steep and rocky sections, so it’s not suitable for kids, prams or those with mobility issues.

Footwear - High ankle hiking boots are must.

Weather - Check the weather forecast before heading out.

Essentials - Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, anti-bug spray and a hat.

Respect Nature- As with any natural reserve, follow the Leave No Trace principles. Stay on marked paths, respect wildlife, and take your rubbish with you.

Swim unsafely: Always assess the water conditions before diving in and supervise children at all times. Do not take children if you are planning to take Big Marley Fire Trail as your return path.

Park Rule: Campfires are prohibited in the area.

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