Wattamolla beach rests peacefully in Sydney's Royal National Park, which was established in 1879 and boasts the title of World's second oldest national park (after Yellowstone in the USA). Wattamolla takes its name from the local Aboriginal word meaning, "place near running water." A perfect description for this aquatic wonderland. Wattamolla is a beautiful combination of beach and fresh water lagoon, separated by a sandbar. The unpatrolled beach, though not suitable for surfing (Wattamolla is a cove, so protected from swells) is clear and sparkling most days, and if you're lucky you might even see a seal or two swim into the cove to say hi. But be careful of the curious bluebottles, whose corpses often line the shore in summertime. Sheer cliffs frame the lagoon, which is perfect for toddlers and children, and it is a popular spot for cliff jumping (but it is illegal, and the varying depths of the lagoon have caused serious injuries). Wattamolla offers easy access to over 100 kilometres of walking tracks spanning the National Park, including the popular coastal walk from Bundeena to Otford The grassed cliff-top above the beach provides picnic tables, barbeque facilities, and not-too-scary public toilets. The car park is huge, but come weekends and (especially) public holidays finding a spot can be near impossible. Your best bet is to avoid Wattamolla altogether on these occasions, and visit midweek. Vehicle entry fee into the National Park- $11 read more

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So I spend 6 months a while back in the Bundeena area and visited this beach from time to time. Tucked away in the Royal National Park it is secluded and not crowded on the times I visited. There is plenty of place near the parking area to picnic. You can literally walk right up to the edge of the cliffs that surround the beach and jump off...which many folks have, but is discouraged.........by a small little railing. That is was I love about country...they don't legally look at such things as we Yanks do. The small railing says....if you are stupid enough to jump off...then we won't be responsible for you if you do....and I like that approach. We Yanks in our country try everything to make sure someone doesn't jump off such places. It is a nice little place to visit south of Sydney. read more