Exploring Wedding Cake Rock: A Guide To The Trail

Wedding Cake Rock is a popular yet fragile rock formation located in Sydney's Royal National Park. The rock is fenced off due to safety concerns, and visitors are advised not to stand, sit, or venture too close to the edges. The walk to Wedding Cake Rock is approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) from Bundeena along the Coast Track and takes around one hour each way. The track is rough, steep, and rocky, so appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended. There is no car park at or near Wedding Cake Rock, so visitors should plan accordingly. The walk offers sweeping ocean views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and impressive views of the unique rock formation.

Where is Wedding Cake Rock?

Wedding Cake Rock is located in the Royal National Park in Sydney, Australia. The park is about an hour's drive south of the city. The rock itself is just north of Marley Beach and is a highlight along the famous Coast Track. The Coast Track is a challenging route that stretches from Bundeena to Otford and offers incredible coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers, and whale watching.

The Wedding Cake Rock trail is a 4.8-mile loop trail that starts at the end of Beachcomber Avenue in Bundeena. The trail follows the Big Marley fire trail around Jibbon Hill and towards Marley Beach. Near Marley Beach, turn left onto the Coast Track and follow the sea cliffs to Wedding Cake Rock. The walk to the rock is approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) or about an hour each way from Bundeena. The trail is rough, steep, and rocky, so appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended. It is also important to bring enough food and water for the return trip, as there are no amenities along the trail.

The rock is a popular and fragile sandstone formation known for its stark white colour, which is caused by iron leaching. This process makes the sandstone layers dangerously soft, prone to cracking, and at high risk of collapse. For safety reasons, the rock is fenced off, and visitors are advised to enjoy the views from a distance.

How to get there by public transport

Wedding Cake Rock is located in Sydney's Royal National Park, and there are a few ways to get there by public transport. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Option 1: Train and Ferry

• Take a train to Cronulla. The train ride takes about 50 minutes from the city.
• Exit the station, turn left, and walk through the pedestrian tunnel to the ferry wharf.
• Catch the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, a village in Royal National Park. The ferry ride is a scenic 25-minute trip across the Hacking River.
• From Bundeena wharf, walk for about 30 minutes to get to Beachcomber Avenue, the start of the Wedding Cake Rock hike. Alternatively, you can take the "Bundeena Loop" shuttle bus from Bundeena to the start of the walking track, a 5-minute trip.
• Follow the walking track from Beachcomber Avenue to Wedding Cake Rock. This walk should take about an hour each way and offers stunning views of the coast.

Option 2: Train and Shuttle Bus

• Take a train to Sutherland Station.
• From Sutherland Station, meet the "Bundeena Loop" shuttle bus, which will take you to "Coast Trackhead (North)". This bus is operated by a private company, so the Opal Card is not valid, and fares start at $9.
• Follow the walking track from "Coast Trackhead (North)" to Wedding Cake Rock. This walk should take about an hour each way.

Additional Information:

• The ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena is not part of the Opal card system, so bring cash for the ticket.
• The walk to Wedding Cake Rock is challenging in parts, so wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
• There are no shops, toilets, or rubbish bins along the walking track, so come prepared.
• The track has limited phone reception, so consider downloading the Emergency Plus app before your visit, which will help emergency services locate you.

What to wear

The walk to Wedding Cake Rock is described as challenging and steep and rocky, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Wear comfortable, covered shoes—no thongs, flip-flops, or sandals. The paths vary in structure, and some can be quite small and narrow. Depending on the time of year, there may be puddles, and surfaces can be slippery. Wear waterproof boots if it's been raining.

It's also important to wear a hat and sunscreen, even in winter, as the track is pretty exposed. Take a rain poncho if you're visiting in winter, as the weather can change quickly in Australia.

It's also worth noting that there are no shops in the national park, so take plenty of water and food, and carry out any rubbish.

What to bring

Wedding Cake Rock is a popular rock formation along the challenging Coast Track in Sydney's Royal National Park. The walk to Wedding Cake Rock is rough, steep, and rocky, so it's important to come prepared. Here's a list of things to bring for your trip:

• Appropriate footwear and clothing: The trail can be challenging, with varied terrain and steep sections, so make sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes suitable for hiking. It's also a good idea to dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.
• Water and food: There are no drinking water sources or food options available along the trail or at the lookout, so be sure to carry enough water and food for the entire trip.
• Rubbish bags: Remember to take your rubbish with you when you leave. As there are no rubbish bins at the site, bring rubbish bags to dispose of your waste responsibly.
• Toiletries: There are no toilets along the trail or at Wedding Cake Rock, so it's advisable to use the toilet facilities before starting your journey.
• Sun protection: The trail is exposed, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays, even during winter months.
• Map and directions: While there are signposts along the trail, it's still a good idea to bring a map or download one on your phone. This will help you navigate the route and locate the rock formation more easily.
• Mobile phone: Although phone reception on the track is limited, it's a good idea to carry your phone for emergencies. Make sure to download the Emergency Plus app, which can help emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS.
• Cash: If you plan to take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, bring cash as they do not accept credit cards.

By bringing these essential items, you'll be well-prepared for your walk to Wedding Cake Rock and can focus on enjoying the stunning views and unique rock formation.

How long it takes

The time it takes to walk to Wedding Cake Rock depends on where you start your journey. The rock is located in the Royal National Park in Sydney, just north of Marley Beach. The nearest access point is via a 3km (1.8-mile) walk along the Coast Track from Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock. This walk takes approximately one hour each way and is challenging in parts, with steep and rocky terrain.

If you are driving, you can park your car at the start of the Royal National Park Coastal Walk by entering "71 Beachcomber Ave, Bundeena" into your GPS. From there, it is a 30 to 40-minute walk to Wedding Cake Rock.

If you are using public transportation, you can take a train from the city to Cronulla, which takes about 50 minutes. Then, catch the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, a village in the Royal National Park. The ferry ride takes 25 minutes, and from Bundeena wharf, it is a 30-minute walk to Beachcomber Avenue, the start of the Wedding Cake Rock hike.

The entire Wedding Cake Rock trail is a 4.8-mile loop that takes an average of 2 hours and 4 minutes to complete. The trail offers breathtaking views of the coast and an opportunity to spot wildlife. It is important to note that the actual rock is fenced off for safety reasons, and visitors should not attempt to climb or sit on it.

Frequently asked questions