Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach Loop

This 10.4 km loop starts at Wattamolla and follows the Coast Track north past Little Marley Beach to Big Marley Beach, then returns inland on the Little Marley Fire Trail. Allow about four hours with time at both beaches. Most of the coastal path is easy walking on metal boardwalk, but sandstone underfoot, a few climbs and the full distance make it a moderate half-day. The fire-trail return avoids walking the whole coast twice; it is less scenic than retracing the coast. If you want more ocean views and whale-watching chances, the coastal return is about 9.25 km round trip.

From the Wattamolla picnic area, cross the creek and head through dense coastal vegetation. The first 600 m is mostly flat, with only occasional steps, before you reach Wattamolla Dam; a few rocks lead down to its sheltered pool. After that the track climbs on boardwalk. Sea glimpses begin at about 2 km, then the path leaves the vegetation for broad sandstone shelves. For roughly the next kilometre, boardwalk and bare rock take turns underfoot. The first clear view of Big Marley opens from this exposed section, before you drop toward Little Marley.

A short wooded stretch opens suddenly onto Little Marley’s golden sand. The beach is small, about 100 m long, with a headland at one end. From there, a nearly flat 650 m boardwalk continues to Big Marley. The larger beach is backed by dunes and has a much wilder surf; it is close to 400 m long, with a creek at the far end. The mapped route turns there before the short rise toward Marley Head. Strong waves and currents make Big Marley a poor choice for a casual swim.

From the creek at the far end of Big Marley, walk back about 650 m to the signposted Little Marley Fire Trail junction. The fire trail forms the loop back toward Wattamolla, with more climbing and fewer coastal views than the way out. Expect the short climb from Little Marley toward the cliff top to feel harder on a hot day. Keep the route simple at the signed junction: the 10.4 km figure is for the circuit, while turning around and retracing the Coast Track makes a shorter 9.25 km return.

Bring drinking water and food. Wattamolla has picnic grounds and barbecues, but no drinking-water refill is confirmed for the walk. Its car park can fill on weekends, so an early start makes the day easier. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in NSW national parks. From May to October, look seaward from the open sandstone for migrating humpback whales; birds are also noticeable through the greener inland stretch. For a photo, keep some patterned sandstone in the foreground when Big Marley first appears, then frame the surf with the dunes behind it.