🔍

Royal National Park

NSW 2232 • New South Wales

42
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
139.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
National ParkCoastalBushwalkingNatureHistoric
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About Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a protected national park locality in southern Sydney, approximately 29 kilometres south of the CBD, spanning 151 square kilometres across the Sutherland Shire and City of Wollongong local government areas. Established on 26 April 1879, it is the world's second oldest national park after Yellowstone, and one of Australia's most iconic natural reserves. The park encompasses dramatic coastal cliffs, heath-covered plateaus, rainforest gullies, and pristine beaches, with a tiny resident population of around 42 people.

The park offers an exceptional range of outdoor experiences including the famous 26-kilometre Coast Track, swimming at Wattamolla, Era, and Garie beaches, bushwalking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. It is a beloved escape for Sydneysiders seeking nature within easy reach of the city, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Audley Boatshed, historic picnic grounds, and the Hacking River add to the park's recreational appeal.

Royal National Park falls under postcode 2232 and is governed by the Sutherland Council (Local Government Area).

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2232
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Sutherland
Federal Electorate
N/A
State Electorate
N/A
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.13°, 151.05°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
139.16 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2232

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2232, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$57,523
Median 2023–24
$71,455
▲ 24.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$87,285

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2232; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Loftus Station
1.5 km
18 min (to park entrance)
Engadine Station
4 km
N/A – drive
Waterfall Station
3.5 km
N/A – drive/walk to south entrance

Bus Services

  • Seasonal shuttle services — Bundeena / Audley from Cronulla & Loftus ~30 min from Cronulla ferry

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
29 km
By Train
~45 min to Loftus via T4 Illawarra Line
By Bus
Limited – not suited for commuting
By Car (Peak)
~45–60 min via Princes Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~35 min

🛣️ This is a national park, not a residential commuter suburb. Entry by car via Farnell Avenue (Loftus) or Lady Wakehurst Drive. No regular bus services within the park.

Walkability Walker's Paradise (Nature Only)

Extensive walking trails throughout the park, but zero urban walkability — there are no shops, schools, or services within the park boundaries.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
42
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Sutherland Local Government Area, which contains Royal National Park. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
82.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.2%
Motor vehicle theft
49.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.3%
Non-DV assault
243.5 / 100k
2yr Up 16.2% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
6.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
101.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 9.8%
View all 62 offence types for Sutherland →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Royal National Park known for? +

Royal National Park is a protected national park locality in southern Sydney, approximately 29 kilometres south of the CBD, spanning 151 square kilometres across the Sutherland Shire and City of Wollongong local government areas.

How far is Royal National Park from Sydney CBD? +

Royal National Park is approximately 29 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around ~45–60 min via Princes Highway during peak hour and ~35 min off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately ~45 min to Loftus via T4 Illawarra Line.

Does Royal National Park have public transport? +

Royal National Park is served by Loftus Station station (1.5 km, approximately 18 min (to park entrance) walk) on the T4 Illawarra Line. Local bus services including Seasonal shuttle services also connect residents to Bundeena / Audley from Cronulla & Loftus.

What is the population of Royal National Park? +

According to the 2021 Census, Royal National Park has a population of approximately 42 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Royal National Park a good place to live? +

Royal National Park is well-regarded for its coastal lifestyle, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed community feel. It suits those who prioritise beach access and a quieter pace of life over proximity to a major city.

What is the postcode for Royal National Park? +

The postcode for Royal National Park in NSW is 2232.

Is Royal National Park a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Royal National Park is part of the Sutherland LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.