The short
| Distance | 2.2km Return (option to extend) |
| Grade | Medium |
| Type | Carrier |
| Time | A couple of hours |
| Conditions | Exposed, steep, limited or no reception |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, car parking, kiosk, toilets, showers |
| Getting there | Car – park at Garie Beach, at the end of Garie road in the Royal National Park. This is in Dharawal Country. |
The walk from Garie beach to Thelma Head takes in some of the Coast Track’s most scenic views. But you need to work for the views, it’s a heart pumper and exposed, so make sure you take plenty of water for you and bub.
A snack and a nappy change at Garie Picnic area before heading off 
Little Garie 
Cabins at Little Garie 
Looking back down at Garie from Thelma head 
Steep stone stairs leading up to Thelma head from North Era 
Looking south over North Era and the coast track
The long
Access
Park your car at the carpark at Garie Beach in the Royal National Park. Note, there is a $12 entry fee to the Royal National Park.
There is a kiosk that is usually open on the weekend and summer holidays that sells basic food and drinks. Toilet and shower facilities are also available.
The trail
The trail starts from the southern end of Garie beach. We walked along the sand for a while and eventually moved up onto the foot track that hugs the headland. This is a rockfall area though, so i recommend you walk for as long as possible along the beach.
Continue past Little Garie beach, the track is well signposted. Follow the signposts up past the cabins and then up the stairs to the top of the headland.
From Thelma headland, there are great views south to North Era and back to Garie headland. There is a basic wooden bench at the top of the headland which might offer some shade to stop for a drink, but no other suitable spots for a longer stop.
You could choose to continue south, down the sandstone stairs of the headland to North Era and lay a picnic rug down for a longer break. North Era is flat and grassy, however there is no shade here. Walking to North Era will add an additional 1km to the walk, making it 3.2km return, with 2 climbs.
Return the same way.
More info – resources
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/garie-beach-picnic-area
