Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Igor Karni
Royal National is a protected national park located in Sutherland Shire within the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated in Dharawal country, just south of Sydney. The park is 151 square kilometers and is the third oldest national park in the world! Visitors come to the park for its variety of natural sights and landscapes, such as coastal heathlands, rainforests, valleys, mangroves, rock pools, and more.
If you’re interested in exploring Royal National Park by electric bike, this article will answer all your questions before you embark on your cycling trip!
Are e-bikes allowed in Royal National Park?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed in Royal National Park. However, cyclists should ensure that their e-bike abides by New South Wales’ electric bicycle laws.
New South Wales e-bike laws permit two classes of e-bikes, as per the NSW Vehicle Standard Information (VSI) 27. It states that cyclists can legally ride their bicycles on all public roads and designated areas if their e-bike falls into the classification of one of the two options:
- A “pedelec” bike with a 250w motor, with speed, limited to 25km/h, and must be EN15194-certified
- An electric bike with a 200w motor, with the motor cutting out at 25km/h. These units may be fitted with a throttle, which means no pedaling is required in its initial take-off.
Read also: What are electric bicycle rules and regulations in Australia? And, what are specialized e-bike insurance companies in Australia?
How is Royal National Park organized, is it ready for cycling?
Royal National Park is very well organized for cycling! Trails that are suitable for cyclists in this park include public roads, management trails, and a select number of single tracks. Additionally, specially marked mountain biking tracks are bi-directional.
However, cyclists should be aware that the park abides by a “no sign, no ride” policy, which means riders are only allowed to stay on existing signposted trails and are not permitted on walking tracks, wilderness areas, and nature reserves.
Visit NSW’s “Cycling in Royal National Park” guide for more cycling details.
Where to stay during the trip?
Hotels and other rental options near the park include Sydney Executive Garden Apartments, Royal National Park Cottages, Bundeena Base Holiday Home, Hilltop Cottage, Reids Flat Cottage, Cronulla Beach Break, Sutherland Motel, and Nightcap at Caringbah Hotel. Visit Booking.com for more details and recommendations.
As well, the three campgrounds in the park include Bonnie Vale, North Era, and Uloola Falls. Advanced bookings are typically required to stay at these campgrounds. Visit the Royal National Park’s “Camping” webpage here for more details.
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
Though it is recommended to bring food and snacks with you while on your cycling trip, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from that are either in or near Royal National Park.
For quick bites, visit cafes like Audley Dance Hall Café & Events, White Horse Coffee, Big Red Café, and Café di Casa. For dine-in or sit-down spots, top options include Moim Japanese Kitchen, Mike’s Grill and Bar, Kuroneko Ramen, The Urban on Lantana, Pizza League Italian Restaurant, Hoomiko Sushi, and Raya Thai Indonesian Restaurant.
What gear should I take on the trip?
Here is a list of gear that you should bring on your e-bike trip: an Australian standard approved helmet, an e-bike charger, a backpack, protective eyewear or sunglasses, windproof and waterproof clothing, lightweight clothing layers, gloves, and pads (if mountain biking), comfortable enclosed shoes or bike shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
It is also recommended to bring at least 2 liters of water per person, snacks, garbage bags, a bike repair kit and pump, lights, a first aid kit, a map, and compass or GPS, a personal locator beacon if traveling through remote areas, and a hydration pack if taking full-day or multi-day cycling trips.
For riders who are planning to camp, be sure to additionally bring equipment such as your tent, sleeping back, cutlery, dishware, a valid ID, your booking information, and your wallet.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike?
Currently, there are no official maps or lists of e-bike specific charging stations in Royal National Park. However, cyclists may be able to charge their e-bikes at some cafes, restaurants, hotels, residences, and campgrounds. Be sure to ask for permission beforehand if choosing any of these options.
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in Royal National Park?
The terrain within Royal National Park varies greatly, including coastal cliffs, beaches, inlets, and river valleys. In order to safely tackle the various and often uneven landscapes, we recommend using an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or a hybrid e-bike.
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
Where can I rent an e-bike in Royal National Park, or should I take one with me?
There is one e-bike rental option for riders going to Royal National Park, which we will highlight later in the article. However, due to limited rental options, you may want to bring your e-bike with you. If you choose this option, double-check before you travel that it meets the New South Wales e-bike laws and specifications.
Read also: What are the best-known e-bike brands in Australia? And, What are e-bike financing options in Australia?
What else I can do while on an e-bike trip in Royal National Park?
There are many activities and sights to see while on your e-bike trip to Royal National Park!
First, don’t miss out on the variety of hiking trails the park offers, including The Coast Walk, Forest Path, and Karloo Walking Track. If you’re visiting between May and October, go whale watching to see majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. During periods of low tides, you can view the famous, naturally formed Figure Eight Pools.
Learn about indigenous history by viewing the artwork at the Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings Site. Lastly, you can choose from 11 fresh and saltwater spots like Garie Beach, Jibbon, Wattamolla, Little Marley, Curracurrang, and more, where you can swim, surf, take part in water sports, or relax on the beach.
What is the best time of the year to visit Royal National Park on an e-bike?
While the weather at Royal National Park is suitable at all times of the year, we recommend that cyclists go during the warmer months, which range from September – November (spring season) and December – February (summer season).
This is because the winter months (June – August) may get too windy and chilly for cyclists, as average temperatures range from 6 to 17 degrees Celsius. Visitors should also bear in mind that March is typically the wettest month with the most rainfall.
The main benefit of visiting in spring is to see the budding foliage and flowers in bloom, such as the heathland wildflowers, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. Summertime is optimal for swimming and surfing, with average temperatures ranging from 16 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Resources to help plan your trip
Visit the Australian National Parks’ webpage for Royal National Park here, and Royal National Park’s official website here.
Riders who want to determine which cycling trails they would like to traverse can visit Trail Forks’ webpage for Royal National Park. This resource shows which trails are suitable for e-bikes and their corresponding distances, difficulty levels, and terrain types.
For cyclists who are interested in renting an e-bike for their visit, Sydney Electric Bikes has options to rent for 3 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, or one week, as well as offering tours. Rentals also include riding instructions, a local map, a helmet, and a lock.
For further recommendations on things to do while in Royal National Park, view The Culture Trip’s and Trip Advisor’s recommendation lists!
And finally, if you’re interested in learning more about the restaurant and food options in Royal National Park, access Trip Advisor’s list here!
Read also: Check out Australia’s best travel destinations by electric bike.
Do not miss highlights of the Australian Royal National Park in this video:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
