The Waterrun

Sculpted sandstone ledges and a creek crossing above the ocean
The Waterrun, Royal National Park
InsideRoyal National Park

Overview

The Waterrun is a natural rock platform and small creek crossing on the northern stretch of the Coast Track. It sits between The Balconies and Wedding Cake Rock and makes a scenic pause on the popular Bundeena-side day walk.

What You'll See

Expect sculpted Hawkesbury Sandstone with striking straight lines and step-like ledges. After rain, the creek can sheet across the platform and spill toward the sea, turning the spot into a photogenic highlight. On clear days, the clifftops offer big ocean views, and during whale season you may spot migrating humpbacks passing offshore.

Getting There

Start from Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena at the northern end of the Coast Track. The path here is mostly formed track and boardwalks. Allow roughly 45–60 minutes at an easy pace to reach The Waterrun, with the option to continue south toward Wedding Cake Rock (which is fenced off due to instability).

Geology Snapshot

The cliffs and platforms are Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone. Natural bedding planes and jointing create the ruler-straight lines and steps visible across the rock. The small creek exploits these weaknesses, carving them more sharply over time.

Wildlife

You’ll pass through coastal heath with seasonal wildflowers and birds like honeyeaters and wrens. From the clifftops, keep an eye out for seabirds and, roughly June–November, migrating humpback whales.

Safety & Logistics

There are no amenities at The Waterrun itself. Carry all the water you need—there’s no drinking water along the track, and the park authority recommends bringing at least 2L per person. Stay well back from unfenced cliff edges and avoid wet or wave-washed rock. Park entry fees apply (around $12 per vehicle per day), gates are generally 7:00–20:30, and you can also reach Bundeena by ferry from Cronulla. Check official park alerts before you go.

Best Time to Visit

Visit after rain if you want the creek flowing across the rock. For wildlife, June–November aligns with whale migration. Plan your outing within gate hours and pair it with the Bundeena-to–Wedding Cake Rock section for a satisfying half-day.

Pros

  • Distinctive sandstone platform with etched lines and steps
  • Easy add-on from Bundeena on the Coast Track

Cons

  • No facilities or drinking water nearby
  • Exposed cliff edges and slippery rock when wet

Tips

  • Start from Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena and allow 45–60 minutes to reach it.
  • Carry at least 2L of water per person; there are no taps on the track.
  • After rain is best if you want the creek flowing over the rock.
  • June–November offers your best chance of spotting migrating humpbacks from the cliffs.
  • Obey fencing at Wedding Cake Rock and stay well back from cliff edges.
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