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What do you get when you cross one of the world’s oldest national parks with one of Sydney’s newest hotels? You get all the best ingredients for a fantastic weekend away with the fam. 

The Royal National Park in Sydney’s Sutherland shire is not only the first national park in Australia, but it is the second the oldest in the world, making it a must-do on any trip to Sydney’s southern outskirts. Think beautiful beaches like Wattamolla, bushy terrain, swimming holes and plenty of flora and fauna to fill an Instagram page for a month. Here are three great reasons to add a Southern vaycay to your travel to-do list.

With more than 15,000 hectares of bushland filled with Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings, Historic Sites and incredible beach and bush views, it’s a 2021 Summer must-do… and here’s why.

Beautiful Beaches

Parkies divide the Royal Nation’s beaches into four distinct groups - there’s one for boaties (Jibbon Beach); one for surfers (Garie Beach); one for Instagrammers (Wattamolla Beach) and one that’s perfect for picnics (Bonnie Vale Beach). Whatever your choice, make sure you pack a swimsuit, sunscreen and all the summer essentials. And be prepared to share your patch of paradise with other likeminded souls.

Bushwalks Galore

There are plenty of walks to choose from in Royal National, but for those that want a good, solid walk with a reward at the end, The Figure Eight Pools walk is a must-do. This picturesque hike - it’s classified as hard but is pretty easy going for most of the way along the boardwalk - just look out for wayward roots on the forest walk - leads walkers to two pools that have joined together to form a 4m long perfect figure eight on a rocky ledge, but there are plenty of other pools to visit on this picturesque walk around the headlands. 

The shortest walk is a steep 3.5km path that winds down to the ocean and however you choose to visit, make sure you let your fingers do some walking to the online Figure Eight Warning System, which gives tidal forecasts of up to four days in advance and will ensure you don’t get caught out by large tidal swells.

Insider tip: If the tides work, time your trip for sunrise or sunset. You can thank us later.

A Refreshingly Simple Sleepover

The construction team are putting the final touches on the brand-new Travelodge Hotel Hurstville, which is expected to open in early 2022. Travelodge which sits adjacent to the Illawara Catholic club, features subtle interiors by Chada, complete with a natural colour palette and plenty of greenery; a rooftop bar and restaurant with a vergola and unobstructed views to Bowral, Botany and Mittagong; a ground floor St Marks Road Co. grab ‘n go; and the largest corporate function space outside of Sydney’s CBD.

Just 22 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and 7 kilometres from Sydney Airport, a stay in Hurstville allows you to take a step back from the bustle of the city without missing out on great shopping, dining, events, and opportunities to get out into nature. Local attractions include, Jubilee Oval, Brighton-Le-Sands Beach and, of course, the breathtaking Royal National Park.

** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions. Please check the Royal National Park website prior to visiting. **