Garie Beach, NSW: Royal National Park swimming beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Royal National Park, New South Wales, Garie Beach offers lifeguards, a kiosk and picnic tables. But, more importantly, a stunning setting between the cliffs.
Where is Garie Beach, NSW?
Garie Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, NSW. This Royal National Park beach is towards the southern end of the park, south of the better-known Wattamolla Beach.
Garie Beach is about 900 metres long, but it’s the setting that makes it look stunning. This New South Wales beach is sandwiched between 80 metre-high cliffs. Sea eagles and albatrosses are often spotted gliding around.
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Facilities at Garie Beach are pretty good. There’s a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, plus flushing toilets. The Garie Beach picnic area has a few tables for picnics, too. It’s the sort of beach where you can make a day of it if you wish. However, you do need to bring your own water, and plenty of it. The water supply around the beach is not suitable for drinking.
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Swimming at Garie Beach, Royal National Park
The Garie Surf Lifesaving Club provides lifeguards, and frankly they are needed. This Royal National Park beach is hazardous. There are often strong rips at Garie Beach, with rocks and boulders that the surf can crash you into. Swimming between the flags is pretty much essential, rather than merely recommended.
For surfers, the northern end of Garie Beach is the best bet, with a strong left-hand break near Garie Point. There are smaller beach breaks, too.
How to get to Garie Beach
To get to Garie Beach by public transport, you’ll need the Park Connections bus that weaves through the park on the way from Sutherland to Waterfall. Departures are infrequent, so check the Royal National Park bus timetable carefully.
If driving, Garie Beach is off Sir Birtram Stevens Drive from Waterfall. There’s a turn-off for the beach after about 5km.
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