Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic shack community adds character to the climb over Thelma Head
- Reliable wallaby sightings near North Era campground
- Optional quick detour to South Era via rock shelf at low tide
CONS
- Long, steep stair climb that can feel hot and exposed
- Strong rips and surf make the Era beaches poor for swimming
- Garie car park can fill quickly on busy weekends
Park at Garie Beach car park; daily park entry fee applies. It can fill quickly on weekends and is locked overnight—plan to exit before sunset.
Steep stair climb over Thelma Head; very little shade. Only use the North–South Era rock shelf at low tide and with small swell. Strong surf and rips at the Era beaches. Check park alerts and book North Era camping well in advance.
Overview
A quick hit of Royal National Park coastline without committing to a big day. This out-and-back walk runs 2.9 miles total (4.6 km return) between Garie Beach and North Era, with about 197 m of climbing and one steep stair section over Thelma Head. Expect sweeping ocean views, three beaches in close succession, and a good chance of wallabies near North Era. It’s generally easy to moderate, with the stair climb providing most of the effort.
Route
From the Garie Beach car park, follow the signed coastal path toward the Figure Eight Pools/Coast Track. The track hugs the cliff for roughly 500 m to Little Garie Beach. From here, climb steep stairs through a small shack community—about 600 m with ~90 m of gain and a handy bench halfway. After a short, flatter top at Thelma Head, descend a well‑built staircase ~400 m to North Era Beach and the campground just behind it. Return the same way.
If you want a bonus beach, continue to South Era. At low tide and calm swell, you can rock‑hop around the headland in a few minutes; at any tide, take the Coast Track over the hill behind the beach (about 700 m between the two Era beaches).
Best time to hike
Go early or late for softer light and cooler temps—this route is exposed with little shade. Weekends can be busy and the Garie car park fills quickly, so weekdays are friendlier. If you’re planning the rock‑shelf link between the Era beaches, time it for low tide and small swell only. In whale season (May–Oct), scan the sea from Thelma Head.
Know before you go
- Surf at the Era beaches is powerful; they’re better for a paddle than a swim.
- The low‑tide rock option between North and South Era is conditions‑dependent; otherwise use the hill route.
- Park entry fees apply, and the Garie car park is locked overnight—plan to exit before sunset.
- Bring water, sun protection, and a wind layer; there’s very little shade. Sturdy shoes help on the long staircases.
- Download park maps before you go; reception can be patchy.
- North Era Campground requires advance booking and has limited sites; it’s the only designated campground on the Coast Track.
Extend your day
This segment forms part of the larger Coast Track. If you’re linking sections, remember there’s no public transport within the park—arrange pick‑ups or a car shuffle.
Where it starts
-34.1699, 151.0660Wildlife on this trail
Near Garie Beach to North Era
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayLittle Garie BeachSmall cove on the Coast Track with big views and winter whales
0.2 mi awayGarie BeachSurf-ready beach with a picnic area and winter whale watchingTrailhead · Parking
0.3 mi awayLittle Garie Cabin CommunityHeritage shacks by the sea, reached on a quiet coastal track
0.5 mi awayGarie North Head LookoutShort, steep climb to sweeping sea cliffs above Garie BeachParking · Scenic Viewpoint
1.7 mi awayBurning Palms TrackShort, steep dash to a wild beach and heritage shacks.Moderate · 2.2 mi · 1.8 hr
1.7 mi awayFigure Eight Pools WalkCoastal trek to a tiny photogenic pool; safe only at low tide.Moderate · 4 mi · 3 hr
2.5 mi awayForest PathShaded rainforest loop with benches, birds, and creekside calm.Easy · 2.7 mi · 1.3 hr
3 mi awayPalona Cave TrackRainforest stroll to a limestone cave and a waterfall after rainEasy · 3.2 mi · 1.8 hr
