Boulder dash! Not quite. Audley is heavenly (Click to enlarge)

The big picture

Be one with nature at this picturesque little town located in the Royal National Park in South Sydney. Around 45 minutes out of Sydney City by car, sits this tranquil little hidey-hole amidst the splendour of our States bushland. You may have crossed its’ weir on your way to Bundeena and not even noticed it. Audley is a small town and there may not be a whole heap to do in terms of nightlife and eateries, but you’ll fall in love with its magic nonetheless. If you’re craving some leisurely water or outdoor activities in the wilderness or looking for something romantic, you won’t regret visiting Audley.

The best way to get to here is by car and for those who enjoy winding roads, you’ll get your fix on this journey. The turn-off into Audley Weir is a little obscure so check the directions before you head off. Entry into the Royal National Park will incur a small fee that covers you for the day. You can get a train out to Engadine Station and walk to Audley on a marked trail if you’re game, but it is a 7km walk and you’ll probably be bushed by the time you get there. Get it?! ‘bushed’.

Find out more about Audley here.

Be bored no more

Leisurely rowing a boat does require some stamina so take a goer with you

For starters Audley is simply beautiful to look at. Bush and rugged stone boulders spoon a gorgeous freshwater river on one side of the weir and saltwater on the other, leading out to the ocean. Often you’ll find a bunch of people fishing off the weir in search of a saltwater catch, it appears to be a prime fishing spot. In terms of freshwater fishing, you’ll need to check for restrictions with the local Park authorities whose headquarters are conveniently located at Audley Weir in the picnic grounds. The Visitor Centre is where you’ll find all the information you need about the various activities and sights, including exploration tips for the area.

The main attraction is the river and the activities offered by the Audley Boatshed. This crazy old historic boatshed has been around since 1893 and is still kicking it 7 days a week, every day of the year (yes, EVERY day). You can hire a Row Boat, Kayak, Canoe, a very awesome Aqua Bike or even a Mountain Bike from a half hour to an entire day and their rates are more than reasonable. The picnic area here is rather beautiful also and it would be easy to just spark up a barbeque and kick back on a blankie for the day.

We chose the good old-fashioned Row Boat to venture out and it should be pointed out that we were less than graceful but we weren’t the only ones, so no pride lost. As you kick off from the boatshed and head out a little you come to a fork in the river where you must choose to go down either Kangaroo Creek or the well-known Hacking River. It was too hard to decide because we didn’t want to miss out, but unless we sliced the boat in half (and ourselves) a decision was needed. A coin was flipped, right we went and it was impossible to be disappointed. The beauty of this little oasis is the privacy that can be had. You can head out as far as the water will take you and back. Or you can find a little patch on your way to call your own for the day, whip out your packed picnic and although swimming isn’t allowed in the main picnic area, you may find yourself a little spot upriver to take a dip.

Want to take a dip? You can at this wee beautiful spot

There are a number of walking trails also that may twinkle your toes. The tracks here cater to all fitness levels from short flat trails to long walks for the more experienced bushwalkers. Talk to the folks at the Visitor Centre who can advise you of the ideal trails for you and recommended routes. Audley Boatshed can also kit you up with a Mountain Bike that you can fang (Aussie for ride fast) along the banks of the Hacking River. Just don’t tell the Park Rangers we suggested you fang it. Whether boating, walking or cycling you’ll come across some splendid lookouts, eye-consuming scenery and if you’re lucky an intimate encounter with some of the local wildlife. Looking to extend your adventure? There is a camping ground nearby within the Royal National Park precinct at Bonnie Vale that also offers a riverside adventure with a sweet spot for swimming and beaches just a stones throw away.

Are you hungry yet? Well don’t eat the wildlife, read on.

Eat, drink and be merry

The only place in town to grab a bite, not that you’d complain with the setting

There is only one other building in Audley aside from the Boatshed and that’s this here erection (pictured above). Handy word! It’s an all-in-one deal housing a function centre, cafe and the Royal National Park Visitor Centre. The recently refurbished Audley Dance Hall provides a perfect backdrop for your special day or event, set right on the banks of the river at Audley Weir. They have also taken over the now Dance Hall Cafe open every day for breakfast and lunch. Even though your choice is limited you won’t starve if you couldn’t be bothered packing a picnic or making use of the barbeque facilities. In saying this Audley is a great place to make the most of nature so don’t be lazy! Get creative and take a fresh seafood platter in an Eski with a bottle of pop. Go easy on the pop though, you’ve got a drive ahead of you.

Hot tips

Be sure to take some toilet paper and a bag and mind the bush critters. You’ll thank us after rowing somewhere secluded

Audley Weir is in a low-lying area geographically and as such is prone to flooding, often shutting off access to residents on either side of the weir. Be sure to check the flood status of the area if there has been recent heavy rainfall. Next time you’re on your way to Bundeena or Garie Beach, stop in at Audley and check it out. We promise you’ll want to come back here for a day. It is a popular spot during summer so secure your ride with the Audley Boatshed by booking ahead. You cannot, we repeat… cannot, come here and not go out on the water. Of course you don’t have to but that would just be silly! With lots of swooning and hooning potential, once again we have a winner. Got to love Sydney!

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Nearby

Bundeena, Cronulla Beach, Garie Beach, Wattamolla Beach

Location Map

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