According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, during 2020-21, almost 50% of Australians had at least one chronic condition. There’s a lot of us out there and the effect on our daily lives varies widely. 

For me, I have this desperate urge to explore and ramble, residing in a body that thinks spending a day in bed is a good time. Prior to approaching any new activity I always ask myself, “Will this be worth the subsequent pain and fatigue?”

It seems like a silly question but it’s an equation that people with chronic illness do all the time. Do they have ‘enough spoons’ left to get through the day. (You can read more about the spoon theory here).

I had been mulling over heading out to the iconic Wedding Cake Rock in the Royal National Park for some time. Thanks in part to its popularity and a huge fissure appearing along the cliff's edge, the blinding white sandstone structure has been fenced off. This isn’t one of those discreet fences either. This is an imposing and, frankly, ugly fence and Wedding Cake Rock was a 7km return walk from where we set out in Bundeena. 

After hanging around at The Balconies, a gorgeous stretch of sandstone surrounded by coastal shrubbery and the blues and greens of the ocean, I ran through the question again, “Can I do this? Will it be worth it?”

And on that crisp Autumn day, when I was feeling pretty good, I decided that it would be worth a try. 

Now 7km is one thing. The RNP is stunning so a meander over boardwalks, distracted by its beauty is relatively easy. But no one mentioned the incline! Or the steps. Lots of them (although many are very ‘Insta-worthy’). 

As I stopped frequently to rest, pretending to be taking in the view, my internal monologue started to change – it became external. As other hikers, and joggers passed, I started asking them, “How much longer?” And “Is it worth the walk?”

Their answers were surprising. 

Every single one of them said, “No”. Many mentioned the multitude of other beautiful vantage points along the way, that walking another kilometre or so beyond Wedding Cake Rock offered sweeping views of pristine beaches far below, while others mentioned the imposing fence. 

I sat and did the maths once again. I had already used so many ‘spoons’ in getting so far, did I have any more rattling around in the drawer? A couple of ladies said that there was “only a few more steps and then you’re there” and so I kept going. 

Rounding that corner and seeing that stark white sandstone – its sharp angles jutting out, the deep crevice threatening to loosen it from the cliff face at any time – was a breathtaking moment. Sure the fence was there, but as you lingered, it dissolved away.

I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do walks like this and I don’t know how much longer Wedding Cake Rock will remain before it tumbles into the ocean. So, was it worth it? For me, on that day, it was a resounding yes.  

More information about the area here

3 more local walks that are worth the effort

• Mt Keira Summit Park – Incredible views, lyrebirds, fungi and a walk as easy or difficult as you make it.
• Maddens Falls – A fabulous waterfall at the end of a relatively easy walk. See if you can spot the pythons and echidnas that live in the area.
• Port Kembla Eastern Breakwall – About a kilometre each way, this walk is one of my favourites due to the very predictable fur seal (and occasional whale) spotting to be done.