Best Maps for the Royal National Park

by Christopher O'Keeffe July 24, 2026

Royal National Park is not a destination where one map should be expected to do everything. A successful journey may require detailed Port Hacking and Otford 1:25,000 topographic sheets, a broader Sydney road map for reaching the park, a nautical chart for boating on Port Hacking and, for planning or display, a large regional or historical wall map.

Royal National Park is remarkably close to Sydney.

From the city, it is possible to travel south through an increasingly dense metropolitan landscape and then, almost without warning, enter a world of sandstone ridges, rainforest gullies, coastal heath, beaches, lagoons, creeks and towering sea cliffs.

That apparent accessibility can be misleading.

Royal National Park covers approximately 16,000 hectares between Sydney and Wollongong. Established in 1879, it is recognised as the world’s second-oldest national park. Its landscape extends from the sheltered waters of Port Hacking in the north to Otford and the Illawarra escarpment in the south, with the Pacific coast forming its dramatic eastern boundary.

The park contains:

• Bundeena and Jibbon;

• Bonnie Vale;

• Audley and the Hacking River;

• Loftus and Waterfall;

• Marley Beach;

• Wattamolla;

• Curracurrang and Curracurrong;

• Garie Beach;

• North Era;

• Burning Palms;

• Figure Eight Pools;

• Palm Jungle;

• Otford;

• the complete 27-kilometre Coast Track.

A general Sydney map can show how to reach the park.

It cannot show the contour detail needed to understand the descent from the plateau to the Hacking River, the cliffs above the Pacific, the valleys behind the beaches or the terrain crossed by the Coast Track.

For serious planning, the Royal National Park is best understood through two adjoining NSW 1:25,000 topographic sheets:

1. Port Hacking 9129-4N, covering the northern part of the park;

2. Otford 9129-4S, covering the southern part.

Together, they provide the detailed topographic foundation required to understand the park from Port Hacking to Otford.

Explore Mapworld’s full New South Wales Maps collection, including topographic maps, road maps, wall maps, street maps and nautical charts.

---

The Best Royal National Park Maps: Quick Recommendations

Purpose	Recommended Mapworld product
Best map for northern Royal National Park	Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map
Best map for southern Royal National Park	Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map
Best complete detailed park coverage	Port Hacking and Otford 1:25,000 sheets together
Best map set for the Coast Track	Port Hacking 9129-4N plus Otford 9129-4S
Best broader topographic overview	Port Hacking 9129 1:100,000 Topographic Map
Best map for driving from Sydney	Sydney City Streets & Suburbs Map UBD 262
Best large Sydney planning map	Sydney & Region Hema Supermap
Best map for approaches from Wollongong and the south	Kiama & District Craigies Map
Best chart for boating on Port Hacking	AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking Nautical Chart
Best historical display map	Port Hacking Wall Map 1935

For most serious walkers, the strongest Royal National Park map kit is:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N;

• Otford 9129-4S;

• a baseplate compass;

• downloaded digital mapping;

• current NSW National Parks alerts;

• an emergency communication plan.

For a day visit to Audley, Bundeena or Wattamolla, a Sydney road map may be sufficient for the drive, but the relevant topographic sheet remains the best way to understand the surrounding tracks and terrain.

---

Why Royal National Park Requires Two Topographic Maps

The official NSW 1:25,000 topographic series divides the landscape into standard map sheets.

Royal National Park extends across the boundary between the Port Hacking and Otford sheets.

The northern half of the park is shown on Port Hacking 9129-4N.

The southern half is shown on Otford 9129-4S.

A visitor remaining around Bundeena, Audley, Jibbon or the northern coastal walks may need only the Port Hacking sheet.

A visitor exploring Garie, North Era, Burning Palms, Figure Eight Pools, Palm Jungle or Otford will need the Otford sheet.

Anyone walking the Coast Track between Bundeena and Otford should carry both.

This is not an inconvenience created by the maps.

It reflects the scale of the journey.

The Coast Track passes through a succession of landscapes rather than one small walking area:

• the villages and beaches around Bundeena;

• sandstone coastal platforms;

• heathland;

• broad cliff tops;

• Marley Beach;

• Wattamolla;

• Curracurrong;

• Garie;

• North Era;

• Burning Palms;

• rainforest and palm forest;

• the climb towards Otford.

A single tourist diagram can show the route as a line.

The two topographic sheets show the country through which that line passes.

---

The Coast Track

The Coast Track is the defining long-distance walk through Royal National Park.

NSW National Parks lists it as a 27-kilometre, one-way, Grade 4 walk between Bundeena and Otford. It is normally recommended as a two-day journey, although very fit and experienced walkers may attempt it in a single long day.

The track passes dramatic coastal scenery, including:

• Jibbon and Bundeena;

• Wedding Cake Rock;

• Marley Beach;

• Wattamolla;

• Curracurrang;

• Curracurrong Falls;

• Eagle Rock;

• Garie Beach;

• North Era;

• Burning Palms;

• Palm Jungle;

• Otford.

The route may be well known, but it should not be treated casually.

The Coast Track includes:

• long exposed sections;

• steep climbs and descents;

• beaches and rocky ground;

• limited water;

• changing weather;

• sections distant from road access;

• cliff edges;

• creek crossings;

• limited or unreliable mobile reception.

Current alerts, closures, weather, water availability and camping arrangements should always be checked before departure. The official Coast Track page provides current advice and recommends submitting a trip intention to an emergency contact.

Which Maps Cover the Coast Track?

The northern stages are covered by:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N.

The southern stages are covered by:

• Otford 9129-4S.

For the complete journey, carry both.

---

1. Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map

The Best Map for Northern Royal National Park

The Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map is the essential detailed map for the northern part of Royal National Park.

It covers the Port Hacking estuary, the Cronulla Peninsula, surrounding suburbs and extensive park bushland.

The sheet is part of the official NSW 1:25,000 Topographic Series and measures approximately 1150 × 600 millimetres. At this scale, one centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground. The Port Hacking sheet uses 10-metre contour intervals and shows hydrology, roads, walking tracks, fire trails, buildings, carparks, vegetation, beaches, headlands, wharves, lookouts and reserve boundaries.

Royal National Park Areas Covered

The Port Hacking sheet is the principal choice for understanding:

• Bundeena;

• Jibbon Beach and Jibbon Head;

• Bonnie Vale;

• Maianbar;

• Port Hacking;

• Audley;

• the Hacking River;

• Loftus;

• Grays Point;

• northern park entrances;

• the northern section of the Coast Track;

• Marley and adjoining coastal country;

• roads and tracks approaching Wattamolla.

Exact sheet coverage should always be checked against the complete route, particularly where a walk approaches the southern map boundary.

Why This Sheet Is So Useful

Northern Royal National Park sits at the meeting point of suburb, estuary and wilderness.

Cronulla and the southern Sydney suburbs lie across Port Hacking from Bundeena and Maianbar. Roads and railway lines approach the park from the west, while the ocean coast remains largely undeveloped.

The Port Hacking map reveals how these landscapes fit together.

It allows users to understand:

• why Bundeena is geographically separated from Cronulla despite their proximity;

• how the Hacking River passes through the park;

• where road access ends;

• how fire trails connect with walking tracks;

• where the northern Coast Track leaves settled areas;

• how ridges divide estuarine creeks and coastal drainage;

• where beaches and cliff lines interrupt an apparently continuous coastline.

Best For

Choose Port Hacking 9129-4N for:

• Bundeena and Jibbon walks;

• Bonnie Vale;

• Audley and the Hacking River;

• Loftus-area tracks;

• northern Coast Track sections;

• Marley Beach approaches;

• kayaking and land-based planning around Port Hacking;

• outdoor education;

• emergency planning;

• environmental fieldwork.

---

2. Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map

The Best Map for Southern Royal National Park

The Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map is the essential detailed map for the southern half of Royal National Park.

Like Port Hacking, it is produced at 1:25,000 scale and measures approximately 1150 × 600 millimetres.

The map shows:

• contours;

• creeks and streams;

• roads;

• walking tracks;

• fire trails;

• buildings;

• vegetation;

• place names;

• points of interest;

• selected administrative boundaries.

Royal National Park Areas Covered

The Otford sheet is the principal detailed map for:

• Wattamolla and surrounding country;

• Curracurrang;

• Curracurrong;

• Eagle Rock;

• Curra Moors;

• Garie Beach;

• Little Garie;

• North Era;

• South Era;

• Burning Palms;

• Figure Eight Pools;

• Palm Jungle;

• Werrong;

• Otford;

• Garawarra;

• the southern Coast Track.

Why the Otford Sheet Matters

Southern Royal National Park contains some of the park’s most dramatic terrain.

The coast is repeatedly broken by:

• high sandstone cliffs;

• deeply cut creeks;

• isolated beaches;

• steep forested slopes;

• headlands;

• rocky platforms;

• elevated plateaus.

On a small screen, two locations may appear close together.

The contours reveal the actual effort required to move between them.

The Otford sheet helps explain:

• the descent from plateau tracks to Garie Beach;

• the relationship between the Era beaches and the inland ridges;

• the steep country around Burning Palms;

• the climb through Palm Jungle towards Otford;

• why some apparent coastal shortcuts are impossible;

• where the Coast Track intersects roads, access routes and alternate tracks.

Best For

Choose Otford 9129-4S for:

• Wattamolla and Curracurrong walks;

• Garie Beach;

• Era and Burning Palms;

• Figure Eight Pools approaches;

• Palm Jungle;

• Werrong Beach;

• Otford;

• the southern Coast Track;

• terrain and emergency-access planning.

---

3. The Port Hacking and Otford Two-Sheet Set

The Best Complete Royal National Park Map Kit

For comprehensive 1:25,000 coverage of Royal National Park, purchase both sheets:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N;

• Otford 9129-4S.

Together, they allow the complete park to be viewed at the same scale and using the same NSW topographic conventions.

This is particularly useful for:

• the complete Coast Track;

• Duke of Edinburgh expeditions;

• outdoor-education groups;

• bushwalking clubs;

• trail-running planning;

• emergency services;

• environmental monitoring;

• fire and access planning;

• anyone exploring more than one part of the park.

Why Two Sheets Are Better Than a Phone Screen

A digital application may allow unlimited panning and zooming.

It does not always make the map boundary obvious.

Paper sheets encourage the walker to understand the journey in geographic sections.

The Port Hacking sheet answers:

How does the northern park connect with Sydney, Bundeena, the estuary and the northern coast?

The Otford sheet answers:

How does the southern park connect Wattamolla, Garie, the Era beaches, Burning Palms and Otford?

Placed together, they reveal the Royal National Park as one complete landscape.

---

Why 1:25,000 Is the Best Scale for Royal National Park

At 1:25,000:

• 1 centimetre represents 250 metres;

• 4 centimetres represent 1 kilometre;

• individual creeks and minor tracks can be shown;

• contour patterns remain clear;

• road and fire-trail relationships can be compared;

• local terrain can be examined without losing too much surrounding context.

This scale is particularly effective in Royal National Park because the landscape changes rapidly.

A route may pass from:

• ridge to gully;

• forest to heath;

• plateau to beach;

• sheltered river to exposed coastline;

• sealed road to remote walking track.

A broad road map may show that Wattamolla lies between Bundeena and Otford.

The 1:25,000 sheets reveal:

• the creeks draining towards it;

• the surrounding contours;

• the coastal cliffs;

• the access road;

• the walking tracks;

• the terrain crossed by the Coast Track.

Read 1:25,000 vs 1:50,000 vs 1:100,000 Maps for a complete explanation of topographic map scales.

---

Choosing Maps for Different Parts of the Park

Bundeena, Jibbon and Bonnie Vale

Carry:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N;

• a Sydney road map for access;

• current park information.

The Port Hacking sheet shows Bundeena’s relationship with:

• Port Hacking;

• Cronulla;

• Jibbon Head;

• Bonnie Vale;

• Maianbar;

• the northern coastal tracks;

• park roads and surrounding ridges.

Audley, Hacking River and Lady Carrington Drive

Carry:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N;

• Sydney UBD 262 for metropolitan access;

• offline mapping.

Audley appears close to Sydney’s suburbs but lies within a river valley surrounded by steep bushland. The topographic map explains the descents into the Hacking Valley and the limited road access between adjacent ridges.

Marley Beach and the Northern Coast Track

Carry:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N;

• Otford 9129-4S if continuing south;

• current Coast Track alerts.

The northern Coast Track passes through open coastal country where weather exposure, cliff lines and limited shade may be more important than distance alone.

Wattamolla and Curracurrong

Carry:

• Otford 9129-4S;

• Port Hacking 9129-4N if approaching from Bundeena;

• current access and parking information.

Wattamolla combines a lagoon, creek, beach and coastal headlands. NSW National Parks describes it as a popular base for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and bushwalking, but visitors must still check current alerts and bring their own drinking and cooking water.

Garie, North Era and Burning Palms

Carry:

• Otford 9129-4S;

• compass;

• downloaded digital mapping;

• current track information.

This section contains repeated descents and climbs between elevated coastal terrain and beaches.

Figure Eight Pools

Carry:

• Otford 9129-4S;

• official current safety information;

• tide and swell information;

• appropriate footwear and preparation.

A map shows the approach and surrounding terrain.

It does not determine whether the rock platform is safe at a particular time.

Conditions at exposed coastal rock platforms can change rapidly. Official warnings and current marine conditions must take precedence over a planned itinerary.

Palm Jungle and Otford

Carry:

• Otford 9129-4S;

• a Sydney or Illawarra road map for transport arrangements;

• current track alerts.

The final southern section of the Coast Track leaves the beaches and climbs through forest towards Otford. The contour detail makes the final ascent much easier to understand before beginning it.

---

4. Port Hacking 9129 1:100,000 Topographic Map

The Best Broader Topographic Overview

The Port Hacking 9129 1:100,000 Topographic Map provides a broader view than the two 1:25,000 sheets.

At 1:100,000:

• 1 centimetre represents 1 kilometre;

• the sheet covers approximately 54 by 54 kilometres;

• contour intervals are generally 20 metres;

• roads, streams, settlements, vegetation and administrative boundaries are shown.

Best For

Choose it when:

• planning at regional scale;

• comparing Royal National Park with Greater Sydney and the Illawarra;

• displaying a broad operations area;

• planning road or support access;

• detailed track-by-track navigation is not required.

Its Limitation

The 1:100,000 map covers much more land.

It cannot provide the same fine detail as Port Hacking and Otford at 1:25,000.

Use 1:100,000 for the overview.

Use 1:25,000 for the walk.

---

5. Sydney City Streets & Suburbs Map UBD 262

The Best Road Map for Reaching the Park

The Sydney City Streets & Suburbs Map UBD 262 is the strongest conventional road and suburban map for approaching Royal National Park from Greater Sydney.

Its reverse side covers Greater Sydney at 1:110,000, extending south to Clifton beyond Royal National Park. It shows arterial roads, tollways, suburban areas, industrial districts and natural park areas.

Best For

Use it to plan access through:

• Sutherland;

• Loftus;

• Engadine;

• Heathcote;

• Waterfall;

• Cronulla;

• Bundeena ferry connections;

• metropolitan roads approaching park entrances.

UBD or Topographic Map?

The UBD map answers:

How do I reach the park from Sydney?

The topographic sheets answer:

What does the landscape look like after I enter it?

Carry both when the journey combines metropolitan driving with serious walking.

---

6. Sydney & Region Hema Supermap

The Best Large Planning Map

The Sydney & Region Hema 1000 × 1430 mm Supermap provides a large-format view of Greater Sydney at approximately 1:70,000.

Its coverage extends:

• north to Gosford;

• west to Penrith;

• east to the coast;

• south to Sutherland and Royal National Park.

The laminated surface can be marked and wiped clean, making it useful for:

• clubs;

• schools;

• emergency planners;

• outdoor educators;

• businesses;

• group briefings;

• route and transport planning.

It is not a field replacement for Port Hacking or Otford.

It is an excellent map for seeing how Royal National Park connects with the entire Sydney basin.

---

7. Kiama & District Craigies Map

The Best Regional Map for Southern Approaches

The Kiama & District Craigies Map is useful for travellers approaching the park from Wollongong, the Illawarra or farther south.

Its northern coverage reaches Helensburgh, described on the map as the gateway to Royal National Park, while extending south through Kiama and Nowra and west towards the Southern Highlands.

Best For

Choose it when:

• combining Royal National Park with Wollongong;

• travelling the Grand Pacific Drive;

• approaching Otford from the south;

• continuing towards Kiama or the South Coast;

• planning a longer coastal driving holiday.

It provides road and touring context rather than close bushwalking detail.

---

8. AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking Nautical Chart

The Best Chart for Boaters

Royal National Park is not explored only on foot.

Port Hacking is used by:

• sailors;

• recreational boaters;

• fishers;

• kayakers;

• marine clubs;

• coastal operators.

The AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking Nautical Chart provides official marine coverage at 1:25,000 scale.

It shows Botany Bay and Port Hacking, including marine approaches and inshore features. The current Mapworld listing identifies a latest edition dated 6 February 2026 and offers the chart in 120 gsm paper or an edge-sealed laminated format with a writeable soft-matte front.

Important Difference

The Port Hacking topographic map and AUS 198 nautical chart are both produced at 1:25,000.

They are designed for entirely different purposes.

The Topographic Map Shows

• land contours;

• roads;

• walking tracks;

• fire trails;

• buildings;

• vegetation;

• streams;

• reserve boundaries.

The Nautical Chart Shows

• navigable water;

• depths;

• channels;

• marine hazards;

• coastal approaches;

• aids and information relevant to boating.

Do not use the topographic map as a substitute for an official nautical chart.

Do not use the nautical chart as a substitute for the Otford and Port Hacking walking maps.

Read How to Choose the Correct AUS Nautical Chart and How to Read a Nautical Chart.

---

9. Port Hacking Wall Map 1935

The Best Historical Map

The Port Hacking Wall Map 1935 presents the district before decades of suburban development and transport change.

The Department of Lands map includes:

• Port Hacking;

• Kurnell;

• Cronulla;

• Sutherland;

• Georges River;

• Woronora River;

• the area then labelled The National Park;

• Garawarra;

• Stanwell Park.

Best For

Choose it for:

• local history;

• libraries;

• schools;

• councils;

• heritage organisations;

• family connections with the Sutherland Shire;

• decorative display;

• comparison with modern topographic mapping.

It is available in paper, laminated, canvas and timber hang-railed finishes.

It should not be used for current navigation.

Its value lies in showing how the district was understood and represented in 1935.

---

Paper, Waterproof or Laminated?

The Port Hacking and Otford topographic sheets are available in three practical finishes.

Paper

Paper is best for:

• planning at home;

• economical map sets;

• permanent pencil notes;

• mounting or framing;

• use inside a protective map case.

Paper is light and easy to fold, but it must be protected from rain, mud and repeated rough handling.

Waterproof Tyvek®

Waterproof Tyvek is the strongest field option for most bushwalkers.

It is:

• waterproof;

• tear resistant;

• flexible;

• foldable;

• suitable for repeated use;

• easier to carry than a rigid laminated sheet.

Both Royal National Park sheets can be supplied on waterproof and tear-resistant Tyvek.

Laminated

Lamination is best for:

• outdoor-education groups;

• repeated planning;

• emergency services;

• vehicles;

• offices;

• map marking;

• display.

A laminated map can be marked with suitable whiteboard markers and wiped clean. Map Dots can also be used to identify locations without permanently marking the map.

Best Choice for the Coast Track

For most walkers:

• Tyvek is the most practical premium field format;

• paper is suitable when carried in a waterproof case;

• lamination is best for briefings and repeated organisational use.

---

What Contours Reveal in Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a coastal landscape defined by vertical change.

The high plateaus may appear almost level from the road.

Creeks have cut deeply into them.

Beaches often lie below steep slopes.

Cliff lines interrupt direct coastal movement.

Contour lines reveal:

• the descent into the Hacking River valley;

• the climb away from beaches;

• the steep slopes around Garie;

• the ridges separating coastal creeks;

• the ascent towards Otford;

• the difference between a plateau walk and a valley crossing.

Closely Spaced Contours

Indicate steep ground.

These may correspond with:

• cliffs;

• escarpments;

• steep gullies;

• difficult beach approaches.

Widely Spaced Contours

Indicate gentler ground.

These may correspond with:

• plateaus;

• broad ridges;

• open heath;

• flatter valley floors.

V-Shaped Contours

Usually point into valleys or upstream along drainage lines.

Understanding these patterns allows a walker to visualise the landscape before entering it.

Read:

• What Is a Topographic Map?;

• How to Read a Topographic Map;

• Australian Topographic Map Symbols Explained.

---

Maps and Digital Navigation Should Work Together

Digital navigation is extremely useful in Royal National Park.

The NSW National Parks app allows users to download park maps for offline use.

A phone can provide:

• GPS position;

• downloaded route files;

• track recording;

• current alerts;

• emergency coordinates;

• access to weather information.

But it remains dependent on:

• battery power;

• functioning hardware;

• correctly downloaded data;

• an undamaged screen;

• reliable position information;

• the user recognising when the route or location is wrong.

A paper topographic map provides:

• a stable regional overview;

• contour information;

• adjoining tracks;

• creeks and valleys;

• alternate routes;

• geographic context beyond the screen.

The strongest navigation system combines:

• paper topographic map;

• compass;

• offline digital mapping;

• current official information;

• suitable emergency communication.

Read:

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps;

• GPS vs Paper Maps;

• GPS Disruption in Australia;

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters.

---

Carry a Compass

A compass does not replace the map.

It gives the map direction.

Used together, a map and compass allow a walker to:

• orient the sheet;

• identify north;

• measure a bearing;

• check whether a track is travelling in the expected direction;

• compare the map with visible terrain;

• navigate when digital equipment becomes unavailable.

Browse Mapworld’s Compass collection.

Read:

• Compass Buying Guide;

• How to Take a Bearing.

The compass should be practised with before it is needed.

A bushfire closure, missed junction or failing phone battery is not the moment to learn the fundamentals.

---

Current Information Still Matters

A printed topographic map is a snapshot of the landscape and mapped infrastructure.

It may show:

• a track;

• a campground;

• a bridge;

• a road;

• a carpark;

• a building;

• a creek crossing.

It cannot tell you whether that feature is available today.

Before entering Royal National Park, check:

• local park alerts;

• track closures;

• fire danger;

• weather;

• tide and swell conditions;

• parking restrictions;

• campground bookings;

• drinking-water availability;

• public-transport timetables.

Royal National Park may close during poor weather or elevated fire danger, and individual tracks or areas may be closed independently.

Use the map to understand the geography.

Use current official information to determine how the journey should proceed.

---

Why Buy Royal National Park Maps from Mapworld?

Mapworld’s New South Wales Maps collection brings together road, topographic, wall and nautical mapping across the state.

For Royal National Park, Mapworld can provide:

• Port Hacking 1:25,000 topographic mapping;

• Otford 1:25,000 topographic mapping;

• broader Port Hacking 1:100,000 coverage;

• Sydney road and suburban maps;

• large Greater Sydney planning maps;

• South Coast and Illawarra touring maps;

• official Port Hacking nautical charts;

• historical Port Hacking maps;

• compasses;

• waterproof and laminated finishes.

The NSW collection specifically identifies the official 1:25,000 topographic series as essential for serious bushwalking in the Royal National Park area.

A general retailer may supply one metropolitan street map.

Mapworld provides the layers needed to understand the complete journey:

• the road to the park;

• the terrain within it;

• the coastline beside it;

• the waterways entering it;

• the history behind it.

---

Complete Royal National Park Map Directory

Essential Topographic Maps

• Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map 1:25,000

• Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map 1:25,000

• Port Hacking 9129 Topographic Map 1:100,000

Road and Regional Maps

• Sydney City Streets & Suburbs Map UBD 262

• Sydney & Region Hema Supermap

• Kiama & District Craigies Map

• New South Wales Maps, Guides and Atlases

Marine Mapping

• AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking Nautical Chart

• New South Wales AUS Nautical Charts

Historical and Display Maps

• Port Hacking Wall Map 1935

• Australia — East Coast, Botany Bay and Port Hacking 1848–1853

Supporting Collections

• Australian Topographic Maps

• New South Wales Maps

• Compasses

• Maps of Australia

• Wall Maps of New South Wales

---

Related Mapworld Articles

Continue reading with:

• NSW Topographic Maps Explained

• What Is a Topographic Map?

• How to Read a Topographic Map

• Australian Topographic Map Symbols Explained

• 1:25,000 vs 1:50,000 vs 1:100,000 Maps

• How to Find the Right Topographic Map Sheet

• Compass Buying Guide

• How to Take a Bearing

• How Maps Improve Spatial Thinking

• The Decline of Map Reading Skills—and Why It Matters

• Paper Maps vs Google Maps

• GPS Disruption in Australia

• How to Choose the Correct AUS Nautical Chart

• How to Read a Nautical Chart

• Best Wall Maps for New South Wales

• Best Maps for the Blue Mountains

• Why Specialist Map Shops Remain Important

---

Final Verdict

The best map for Royal National Park depends on which part of the park is being explored.

Best Northern Park Map

The Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map is the essential sheet for Bundeena, Jibbon, Bonnie Vale, Audley, the Hacking River and the northern Coast Track.

Best Southern Park Map

The Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map is the essential sheet for Wattamolla, Curracurrong, Garie, North Era, Burning Palms, Figure Eight Pools, Palm Jungle and Otford.

Best Complete Park Coverage

Carry both Port Hacking and Otford.

Together, they provide detailed 1:25,000 coverage of the park from Port Hacking to the Illawarra escarpment.

Best Maps for the Coast Track

Use:

• Port Hacking 9129-4N for the northern stages;

• Otford 9129-4S for the southern stages.

Best Broader Topographic Map

The Port Hacking 9129 1:100,000 sheet provides a useful regional overview but does not replace the detailed 1:25,000 maps.

Best Road Map

The Sydney UBD 262 Map is the strongest choice for reaching the park from Sydney.

Best Large Planning Map

The Sydney & Region Hema Supermap is ideal for schools, clubs, offices and group briefings.

Best Marine Chart

The AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking Chart is the correct specialised product for boating and marine planning.

Best Historical Map

The Port Hacking Wall Map 1935 is the strongest heritage and decorative option.

Best Field Format

Waterproof Tyvek is generally the strongest choice for bushwalking.

Paper is best for economical planning.

Lamination is best for repeated marking, instruction and organisational use.

Best Complete Map Kit

For a serious Royal National Park journey, carry:

• the relevant Port Hacking or Otford sheet;

• both sheets for the Coast Track;

• a baseplate compass;

• offline digital mapping;

• current park and weather information;

• appropriate emergency communication.

Royal National Park is close to the city.

It should not be mistaken for an urban park.

The road may place a visitor beside Audley, Wattamolla or Garie Beach.

Only the topographic map reveals:

• the valley behind the road;

• the cliff beyond the track;

• the ridge above the beach;

• the creek separating two apparently close locations;

• the limited routes through a complex coastal landscape.

In a park where river, forest, plateau and ocean meet within a remarkably small area, that wider understanding matters.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best map of Royal National Park?

The complete detailed map set consists of the Port Hacking 9129-4N and Otford 9129-4S 1:25,000 topographic sheets.

Which map covers northern Royal National Park?

The Port Hacking 9129-4N Topographic Map.

Which map covers southern Royal National Park?

The Otford 9129-4S Topographic Map.

Which maps cover the Coast Track?

The Coast Track crosses both the Port Hacking and Otford sheets.

How long is the Coast Track?

NSW National Parks lists the Coast Track as a 27-kilometre, one-way, Grade 4 walk normally completed over two days.

What does 1:25,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground.

Are the maps waterproof?

Yes. Port Hacking and Otford can be supplied on waterproof and tear-resistant Tyvek.

Are the maps available laminated?

Yes. Laminated versions are durable and can be marked with suitable whiteboard markers.

Can Map Dots be used on the maps?

Map Dots can be applied to laminated maps to identify locations without permanently marking the sheet.

Is the Port Hacking sheet enough for the complete Coast Track?

No. The southern Coast Track continues onto the Otford sheet.

Is the Otford sheet enough for Figure Eight Pools?

The Otford sheet provides the relevant detailed topographic coverage, but walkers must also check official safety advice, track alerts, tides and swell conditions.

What map should I use for driving from Sydney?

Use the Sydney UBD 262 Map or Sydney and Region Hema mapping for metropolitan and road access.

What map should I use for boating on Port Hacking?

Use the AUS 198 Botany Bay and Port Hacking nautical chart, supported by current Notices to Mariners and approved electronic navigation.

Can I use the topographic maps for boating?

No. They are designed for land and terrain navigation. Use an official nautical chart for navigation on the water.

Can I use AUS 198 for bushwalking?

No. A nautical chart does not provide the land-contour, track and vegetation information of the Port Hacking and Otford topographic sheets.

Should I carry a compass?

A compass is recommended for serious or remote bushwalking, but it should be practised with before the journey.

Should I carry a paper map when using a phone?

Yes. A paper map provides an independent overview and remains available if the device, battery or downloaded data fails.

Where can I buy Royal National Park maps?

Mapworld supplies the Port Hacking and Otford topographic maps in paper, waterproof and laminated formats, together with Sydney maps, nautical charts and historical Port Hacking wall maps.

Written by Christopher O’Keeffe
Managing Director of Mapworld and specialist in maps, navigation and cartographic products.

Share:

---

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Map Guides, Travel Tips & Reviews