Wattamolla

Wattamolla is located approximately 16 km from the Farnell Avenue entry of the Royal National Park and 20 km from the Waterfall entry.

Via bus, it takes approximately 30 minutes to drive to Wattamolla from the Princes Highway turnoff at Farnell, and approximately 35 minutes from the Waterfall entry.

There is no need to pay at the toll booth. Show the Visitor Services Officer your Booking Confirmation and advise that student park use fees will be charged by National Parks following the excursion.

There is a bus drop off bay which provides the safest point to disembark students. There is bus parking available.

Degree of difficulty

Easy to Medium, depending on destination

Contact system

• Mobile phone reception is patchy; the most reliable reception is along the coast track south of Providential Point along the clifftops
• There is an emergency telephone at Wattamolla Picnic Area

Location details

Wattamolla is an expansive site along the coast of the Royal National Park. A vast picnic area looks over a lagoon and the ocean. The Coast Track passes through Wattamolla, part of which is usually accessed on excursion.

If walking to Curracurrang or visiting the beach, students will be in close proximity to water. The site is very exposed to rain bearing winds from the south and southeast. On very windy days activities may need to be modified to shelter from the wind. It is recommended that students wear sturdy footwear and carry wind/rain proof jackets. The site is very exposed and therefore sun safety practices should be encouraged.

The track follows the cliff line closely. Responsible behaviour is required. Students must follow the guidance of EEC teachers and remain on the designated track. Classroom teachers must walk at the back of the group and maintain close supervision of students. Close supervision is required during breaks, especially when close to cliffs.

A potential risk is snake bite. Snake advice will be given throughout the day. It is important that students keep to the centre of tracks. Vigilance is required from all participants.

The group is very likely to encounter members of the public. Supervising teachers need to be aware of where students are at all times. Child protection measures and supervision will be required when students access public toilets.

Once your booking is confirmed, we will email you a draft risk assessment and management plan to use in the preparation of your own plan. This plan details risks on excursion and controls to minimise them on the day.

Depending on the program, stage, timing and weather on the day, there are three main bushwalks from Wattamolla. Your Booking Confirmation should provide details about the walk for your excursion. The site map details the different destinations and walks:

Loop track around Providential Headland

Usually used for Factors that shape places.

This 2.5 km walk takes in stunning cliff tops views and an amazing lookout at Providential Point, overlooking crashing waves. Most of the track is along raised platform, with some sloped sections and sandstone steps. We usually take a short side trek further south to a viewing platform, looking south over Curracurrang Cove; Wollongong and Port Kembla are visible on clear days. Whales are often seen during peak season (June-July).

Walk to clifftops looking south over Curracurrang

Usually used for Beneath our feet.

This walk continues further south and descends about 80 m to an expansive sandstone platform. The total walk is about 3.5 km, including the Providential loop track. The walk is along raised platforms, steps and bare rock.

Walk to Curracurrang Cove

Usually used for Landscapes and landforms.

This walk continues even further south along the Coast Track and descends approximately a further 100 m to sea level at Curracurrang. It is a 5-6 km walk, depending on if Curracurrang Creek and the Providential loop are also included. The return walk to Wattamolla is steep uphill, and more time may be required.

There are public toilets at Wattamolla picnic area. Students should not access public toilets alone. Younger students should be supervised by a teacher; older students should take a buddy with them.

There is no drinking water available at Wattamolla. Taps at Wattamolla contain untreated water and should not be used as drinking water. Please advise students to bring 2 x water bottles, with a minimum of 1.2 L per student. EEC staff bring water containers during terms 1 and 4 so students can top up their water bottles on return to Wattamolla.