Royal National Park
for Canoeing, Boating, Cycling, Trekking & Whale Watching
Just south of Miranda is Sydney's beautiful heritage listed Royal National Park. A picturesque and expansive park nestled in south Sydney, with its east side facing the Tasman Sea. The Royal National Park covers a wide range of different terrain and ecosystems. It varies from forests with deep river valleys, to coastal cliffs dotted by beaches to landscapes of steep plateaus to mangroves and marshes. It also has small inlets and rock pools along the coastline.
A wonderful place to take the family or for a day of adventure with friends, the Royal National Park has something for everyone.
There are numerous cycling and walking trails, BBQ areas and picnic sites throughout the park. Over 100 kilometres of walking tracks take in a wide range of scenery. Cycling is allowed on fire trails and on specially marked tracks within the park. Try the Curra Moors loop track for cycling or the Karloo walking track for a moderate trek. For views of the sea, you can't go past the coast track. Also perfect for whale watching during the months of May to October.
You can hire a boat or canoe to row along Hacking River inside the park. Boat and canoe hire starts at AUD$20 for 1 hour hire to $40 for a day hire. The river ends near a beautiful mini waterfall where shallow river beds provide an excellent place to swim or dip on a hot day.
Audley Boat Hire (inside Royal National Park):
http://www.audleyboatshed.com/index.html
For swimming, fishing and snorkelling activities within the park, the Wattamolla picnic area offers a popular spot for these activities. The kids will love the calm waters of the lagoon for snorkelling, swimming and liloing. Unpack a picnic under the shade of the cabbage tree palms and do some serious unwinding, or head to the beach for a spot of fishing.
If you didn't bring a picnic or food for BBQ, there is a cafe called Weir Cafe inside the park.
If you'd love a coastal experience without all the sand then this scenic lookout has all the bases covered: Governor Game lookout is a great spot for a break on a car tour of Royal National Park. It offers brilliant coastal views and lovely heathlands, is an ideal spot for birdwatching, and a great place for whale watching during the migratory season.
To find out where the whale watching hot spots are, visit this website for tracking:
http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/WAW/Whale-Watching/Whales-Sighting-Map
A fee of $11.00 applies when taking a car into the Royal National Park.
Location: 159 Farnell Avenue, Royal National Park, NSW
Sydney Tramway Museum
for a glimpse into the past
The Sydney Tramway Museum has an extensive collection of trams from cities all over Australia (including Sydney) and from around the world. There are two tram lines from the museum used to run tram rides for museum visitors. One line runs 1.5 km north almost to Sutherland railway station, paralleling Rawson Avenue. The second line utilises a former railway branch off CityRail's Illawarra railway line that is 2 km into the Royal National Park boarding Sydney's southern boundary.
The Sydney Tramway Museum is run entirely by volunteers and self funds its day to day activities, restorations and construction programs from gate takings and donations from the public. A great place to visit and ride the trams for an interesting experience, travelling back in time.
Adult prices are $18 and kids tickets are $10.
Cronulla Beach
Cronulla beach, is a gorgeous beach located to the east of Miranda. A beautiful beach with expansive views of the deep blue ocean and clean beige sand, it's a perfect place for a swim or surf. Dotted with cafes and restaurants, there is something to do there for everyone.
The name "Cronulla" is derived from an Aboriginal word kurranulla, meaning 'place of pink seashells'. Cronulla beach is the only beach that is patrolled in the winter months (check for flags before swimming). The beach is wheelchair accessible, has disabled toilets and a free beach wheelchair service.
If you dislike the crowds and dirty sand at Bondi, Cronulla beach offers a beautiful alternative.
Location: Cronulla NSW Australia
Accommodation
Looking for suitable accommodation in Miranda? Then look no further than the
Metro Hotel Miranda, decorated and strictly non-smoking, this brand new space also offers disabled rooms which have the option of an adjoining room. Situated in the premier corner position, our suites have kitchenettes and magnificent views over Sydney city.
For the shop-o-holics, Miranda's Westfield shopping centre - one of Australia's largest shopping and entertainment centres - is adjacent to the Metro Hotel Miranda, just a short stroll away. While at the same time Metro Hotel Miranda offers a close proximity to Cronulla Beach - a ten minute drive away or five minute train ride away. And for your peace of mind, a large public hospital is near by - Sutherland Hospital - only a fifteen minute walk away. Metro Hotel Miranda is the only hotel near Cronulla which does not impose minimum night stays.
Metro Hotel Miranda Location: Cnr Kingsway and Jackson Ave, Miranda NSW 2228 Australia
Book Here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/sydney-hotels/metro-hotel-miranda-11
Renovated and modern superior floor rooms special: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/257
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