Tucked within Sydney's Royal National Park, Burning Palms Beach is a wild, patrolled surf beach reachable only on foot via the Burgh Ridge Track (30-min walk from Garawarra Farm car park). Sheltered by headlands and fringed by lush coastal bush, this secluded stretch of golden sand offers energetic waves, rock platforms to explore at low tide, and a refreshing escape from the city crowds. The striking "palm jungle" along the access track adds a tropical feel to this iconic NSW coastline gem.
Burning Palms Beach
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 0.8 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Andi Winata TThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Rip Currents
Burning Palms is an energetic open-ocean beach known for strong and frequent rip currents, especially on bigger swell days.
Low risk: Large Surf
Southerly swells can produce powerful waves and dumpers that make swimming and snorkeling hazardous.
Low risk: Rock Platforms
Exposed rock shelves at the beach margins can be slippery and hazardous, especially when wet or during high tide.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Sydney, drive south via the Princes Highway to the Garawarra Farm car park (off Lady Wakehurst Drive near Lilyvale). From there, take the Burgh Ridge Track — a 30-minute bushwalk downhill to the beach. Alternatively, reach it via the Coast Track from Bundeena or Otford. Park entry fee: $12 per vehicle per day.
Parking & facilities
Garawarra Farm car park (unsealed, limited spaces) is the closest access point. Also accessible via Garie Beach car park with a longer walk. Park entry fees apply.
parkingtoilets
Royal National Park entry: $12 per vehicle per day (up to 8 seats). No additional beach fees.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports