Photos | Royal National Park offers an alternative exercise area during COVID

The northern part of Royal National Park is within the shire's boundaries and presents as an appealing alternative to the crowded Esplanade at Cronulla and other walkways such as Como bridge and Silver Beach, Kurnell.

And the views can be spectacular, as Leader photographer Chris Lane reveals with an image he captured with his mobile phone from the lookout above Audley during an early morning walk this week on the fire trail from Grays Point.

Under state government public health orders, exercise and outdoor recreation is allowed "within your local government area or within 10km of your home".

"If there are more than two people in your household, you can go out together for exercise," the rules state.

"If you are driving to outdoor exercise and recreation within your local government area or within 10km from your home, you can only share a private vehicle (your car) with other people from your household."

The health orders require you carry proof of your address in case you are stopped by police.

A variable message board at the entrance to Royal National Park says entry is allowed "for exercise only".

The Audley Visitor Centre is closed for the duration of the lockdown.