Place · 0.6 mi away
Overview
Low stone wall remains on the southern Marley headland are what walkers casually call the Marley Homestead Ruins. You pass them on the Coast Track section between Big Marley and Little Marley Beaches. Think of this as a quick cultural waypoint—not a standalone destination—best appreciated as part of a wider coastal hike.
What You’ll See
- A scatter of low stone footings just off the formed path, consistent with former simple coastal structures.
- Big horizons: sweeping cliff‑top views, sculpted dunes behind Big Marley, and quiet sandy arcs at both Marley beaches.
- Wildlife: small nectar‑feeders like New Holland honeyeaters in the heath, skinks on the rock shelves, and from roughly June–October, migrating humpback whales offshore from the headlands.
A Bit of History
Royal National Park once had a tradition of informal fishermen’s huts and simple shacks along its coast. After the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1967, many of these structures were removed to restore natural values. The scattered stone footings on Marley headland are consistent with those former buildings—an understated relic of that era. Please leave stones where they are.
Getting There
- From Bundeena (Beachcomber Ave gate): Follow the Coast Track south; it’s about 9 km return to Big Marley, with the ruins located between Big and Little Marley.
- From Bundeena Drive (Marley car park): The Bundeena Drive to Marley walk is a signposted Grade 3, about 7.8 km return via Deer Pool to the beaches.
- Circuit option: A loop linking Deer Pool, Big Marley and Little Marley runs about 11–12 km.
- Public transport: Train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena, then walk from the Beachcomber Ave gate.
- Park entry fee applies ($12 per vehicle/day). There are no facilities or reliable drinking water on these routes—plan accordingly.
Current Access Alert (as of November 27, 2025)
The section of Marley walking track between the Marley car park and the fire trail is closed for repairs through December 31, 2025. Big Marley and Little Marley fire trails remain open. Always check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) alerts on the day you go.
Safety & Low‑Impact Tips
- Beaches here are unpatrolled, and Big Marley is rated highly hazardous—skip swimming and treat rips and rock platforms with caution.
- Sun, wind and exposure can be significant; carry all your water and sun protection.
- Stay on formed paths—dunes behind Marley are sensitive and easily damaged. View the ruins from the track edge only.
Best Time to Visit
For wildlife, June–October brings the best chance of spotting migrating humpback whales from the headlands. Otherwise, start early to beat heat and wind on this exposed stretch, and to enjoy quieter paths.
Finding the Ruins
Walk the Coast Track between Big Marley and Little Marley. On the southern Marley headland, just off the formed track, you’ll notice the low stone wall remains—an easy, quick pause before continuing your coastal walk.
Pros
- Easy cultural stop along the Coast Track between the Marley beaches
- Evocative stone footings hint at the park’s former coastal shack era
- Nearby headlands can be good for whale spotting June–October
Cons
- No facilities or signage; very low‑key stop on a longer walk
- Fragile dune system limits access—view from the track only
Tips
- View the stone remains from the track edge—don’t step into the dunes.
- Carry all your water; there’s none on the route or at the site.
- Check NPWS alerts for current closures, especially through December 31, 2025.
- Bring binoculars in whale season (June–October) and scan from the headlands.
- If you’re short on time, walk from Bundeena and turn around at Big Marley.
