Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

And Walk

Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

180 m
4 mins
3m
-8m

Easy track

From the toilet block, this walk follows the path down the hill and through the car park to the northern end of the picnic area, near the creek crossing.

Wattamolla Picnic Area

Wattamolla Picnic Area is found at the end of Wattamolla Road, about halfway along the coastline of Royal National Park. The area is blessed with a great beach, a lagoon and some wonderful creeks and rocks to explore. The small beach faces west and is tucked away in a deep bay. The lagoon sits behind the beach and is lined with sand on one side, and cliffs and rocks on the other shore. The picnic area has large open grassy areas, with some shade provided by trees and some picnic shelters. There is a small kiosk (often open weekends), toilets, electric BBQs and two car parks. There is water here, but needs to be treated before drinking. There is a gate on the road that is locked at night, the gate is open from 7am to 8:30pm.

Wattamolla Kiosk

The Wattamolla Kiosk in the Wattamolla Picnic Area provides basic supplies for day visitors. The kiosk does not keep strict hours and opens depending on weather and demand. It usually opens on weekends at around 10:30am and closes between 4 and 6pm. You can buy ice-creams, drinks and some hot food. For more information, call Audley Kiosk on (02) 9521 2240.

(0.18km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Wattamolla Dam

650 m
13 mins
31m
-17m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the northern end of Wattamolla Picnic Ground, this track crosses the wide, shallow creek (keeping the ocean to the right). The walk then follows the track marker along the bush track, winding up the other and gradually climbing up a long hill through high scrub to Wattamolla Creek, where there is a small dam creating a swimming hole in the creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.

Wattamolla Dam

Wattamolla pool (or dam), Royal National Park, is a small water hole on Wattamolla Creek, above the lagoon. The pool is on the Coast Track near Wattamolla picnic area and offers a quiet spot for a dip and a rest. The pool is formed by a small, constructed sandstone dam and fed by a small waterfall above.

Maps for the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.7 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 650m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 180m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 650m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 180m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 840m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 840m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 840m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 840m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam walk starts and ends at the Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block (gps: -34.138375, 151.11485)
Your main transport option to Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wpatwd
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wpatwd

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

And Walk

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

Download & Print Map and Notes

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave’s different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful cascading waterfall just near the cave to add even more variety. Just a bit north of the turnoff this walk describes a side trip to an old picnic area, a nice cool and shaded spot to rest.

(0km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertam Stevens Drive → Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track

650 m
12 mins
1m
-22m

Moderate track

From the car park on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (500m north of the intersection with McKell Ave), this walk heads between the boulders

[Pinch Point]

(on the western edge of the car park) then leads downhill[1] to get around to the back of the locked gate (56cm high) and sandstone wall[2]. From here the walk follows the wide dirt Lady Carrington Drive trail downhill past the ‘Forest Path’ information sign[3] and continues mostly downhill for just over 600m through the forest to come to a three-way intersection signposted with the ‘Walumarra Track’[4][5].

(0.65km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track → Bola Picnic Area intersection

70 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the main wide dirt trail[6], keeping the valley to the right. The trail bends right and leads down into the valley for about 60m passing the ‘red cedar’ information sign[7][8] to come to the signposted three-way intersection with ‘The Forest Path’[9] beside the the Bola Creek picnic area

[Picnic Table]

[10], just before the creek.

Bola Picnic Area

Bola Picnic Area, in the Royal National Park, is at the intersection of Lady Carrington Drive and Forest Island Track[11], beside Bola Creek[12]. You will find a small clearing[13] with a picnic table[14]

[Picnic Table]

in a gorgeous rainforest setting, surrounded by tall trees[15] and ferns scattered through the area. There is no car access to the picnic area, making this a lovely quiet area.

(0.73km) Bola Picnic Area → Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive

1 km
21 mins
25m
-42m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley 9km’ arrow[16] gently downhill along the wide trail to cross the culverted Bola Creek[17]. The trail then bends left and leads steeply up for about 200m where the trail then gently undulates through the forest[18][19] for about 800m before coming to the faint intersection, with the signposted ‘Limestone Cave’ bush track[20] (the timber sign is behind a tree on the left, before the signposted ‘Palona Brook’[21]).

(1.77km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Brook Picnic Area

110 m
2 mins
1m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the main wide trail as it soon bends to the right. After about 50m the trail crosses the signposted and culverted[22] ‘Palona Brook’[23] to come to a picnic area[24] (on the right-hand side). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Palona Brook Picnic Area

Palona Brook Picnic Area is found on the north side of Palona Brook along side the old Lady Carrington Drive[25]. The picnic area is home to a couple of wooden picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

[26][27] and is next to the steep gully and culvert that Palona Brook flows through[28][29]. A pleasant spot to rest when visiting the nearby sandstone cove or exploring the old road.

(1.77km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Cave and Waterfall

780 m
19 mins
69m
-9m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Limestone Cave 1.6km’ arrow along the track, heading up the hill and away from the road. The walk continues up a long hill, winding through dense forest for a short while before flattening out and continuing along the side of the hill. The walk winds through the bush and passes several rock overhangs and outcrops either side of the track, as the walk make its way along to the Palona Caves at the end of the track.

Palona Cave

Palona Cave is off Lady Carrington Drive, north of Bola Picnic Area, in the Royal National Park. Palona Cave is a large limestone overhang with a few cave decorations such as columns and stalactites. Being open to the environment, the cave has some green moss and is not reminiscent of other pristine white limestone caves. The cave is a unique feature for the area and is well worth allowing time to explore.

Palona Brook Falls

The waterfalls on Palona Brook are just beyond Palona Cave. The brook is ephemeral (not permanently running), but when it is running, the waterfalls are a cool place to explore on warm days. The waterfall is made of up two main cascades, with a short landing in between. The water falls into a reasonably small rocky pool.

Maps for the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.1 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 2.5km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 75m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 780m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (730m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 1.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 780m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 780m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave walk starts and ends at the Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertam Stevens Drive (gps: -34.148807, 151.03027)
Your main transport option to Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertam Stevens Drive is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-lcdtpc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-lcdtpc

Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

And Walk

Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

180 m
4 mins
3m
-8m

Easy track

From the toilet block, this walk follows the path down the hill and through the car park to the northern end of the picnic area, near the creek crossing.

Wattamolla Picnic Area

Wattamolla Kiosk

(0.18km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Wattamolla Dam

650 m
13 mins
31m
-17m

Moderate track

Wattamolla Dam

(0.84km) Wattamolla Dam → Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk

3.1 km
54 mins
73m
-47m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the swimming hole, this walk follows the bush track (with the swimming hole to the right) up the hill (east) and through the high scrub, as it winds up through some rocks, and up a long hill, to the intersection of the Marley service trail and the Coast Track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west down the spur, with the spur on the right of the track. The track then descends onto the saddle and continues north-west through the thick wall of scrub on either side, to the ‘T’ intersection approximately 400m down the hill.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail heading east, meandering through the thick green scrub over a number of small bumps (used for water diversion) as the track winds towards the coast. After a while, the management trail comes to the signposted intersection of the ‘Deer Pool’ bush track.

(3.94km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Deer Pools Clearing

560 m
11 mins
3m
-41m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west along the flat trail which runs through the scrub. The track continues for approximately 100m, then begins to descend after passing a rockshelf on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, following the sprayed white dashes through the dense scrub and coming to a clearing. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Deer Pool

Deer Pool, Royal National Park, is a small and picturesque set of falls that run into a pool with a sandy bank. The waterfall is fed by Marley Creek which continues its journey into Marley Lagoon, behind Big Marley Beach. Royal National Park was once home to many deer, who used to frequent these pools. This is a relaxing spot on a warm day, with the opportunity for a dip or a gentle massage in the cascade. Although a sign suggests camping is permitted by permit, permits are not issued for camping here.

(3.94km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk

1.1 km
20 mins
7m
-47m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, heading down the long gentle hill as it steadily winds down to the coast. There are views across Marley Lagoon on the left as the walk heads down to the end of the service trail, where it comes to a grassy clearing with a bush track on the other side.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Marley’ arrow up the short hill and over the rock platform, continuing along the defined bush track, winding down to the coast where it comes to the ‘T’ intersection with the Coast Walk bush track.

(5.09km) Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk → East Marely Beach

640 m
11 mins
12m
-13m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the coast, keeping the ocean to the right for a short while before the track descends steeply off the rock-shelf and down a rough bush track to the end of Marley Beach.
Veer right: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach until coming to a large green information sign on Aboriginal culture in the area. This is the start of a bush track that heads up the hill to continue along the coast.

Big Marley Beach

Big Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach, approximately 400m in length. The beach has a large dune area, behind which Marley Lagoon is found. The lagoon is fed by Marley Creek and the surrounding catchment. The beach is not patrolled and there are no other facilities. The south-facing beach has a rockshelf at either end. For information on this beach’s pollution levels, follow the ‘more info’ link. More info.

(5.73km) East Marely Beach → West Marley Beach

400 m
7 mins
9m
-8m

Moderate track

Turn around: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast along the beach until coming to the rock-shelf at the end. Marley Beach is very beautiful and, on a warm day, it would be a great spot to swim. On the rockshelf at the end of the beach, there are some shady spots to break from the walk. (At this, point there is also an intersection with a small bush track that heads up the hill and away from the beach.)

(6.12km) West Marley Beach → Little Marley Beach

680 m
12 mins
9m
-15m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the end of the beach, this walk heads up and along the rock-shelf to following the coast as the bush track weaves in and out of the short heath for a short while. The track then comes to an intersection with an unmarked bush track going off to the right and away from the cliffs.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track winding along the coast, keeping the ocean and the cliffs to the left. The track winds down the hill for a while before coming to the end of Little Marley Beach.

Little Marley Beach

Little Marley Beach, Royal National Park, is a yellow sand beach, approximately 140m long. The narrow beach faces north-east and has a rock platform at either end. The beach is not patrolled and has no other services. For information on this beach’s pollution levels, follow the ‘more info’ link below. More info.

(6.8km) Little Marley Beach → Wattamolla Dam

2.8 km
1 hr 8 mins
174m
-155m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Little Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast across the beach, keeping the ocean to the left as it climbs up the signposted bush track at the end to the clifftop. From here, the track follows the coast line for a short period before passing over numerous sections of metal footbridge. This continues through the scrub vegetation, with short periods where the track comes back onto the rockshelf above the cliff, until the track changes to purely being a well-managed bush track through the high scrub, as it winds along to the signposted intersection of the Coast Track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the bush track, heading down the long hill through the high scrub and down through some rocks, as it approaches the small swimming hole made by the dam in Wattamolla Creek.

(9.61km) Wattamolla Dam → Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block

840 m
17 mins
25m
-34m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the creek, (which may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) this walk heads west (keeping the swimming hole on the left) along the bush track. The walk winds through the tall scrub and down the long hill until crossing the wide, shallow creek to the Wattamolla Picnic Ground on the other side.
Continue straight: From the northern end of the picnic ground, this walk heads through the car park and across the grass to the toilet block.

(10.45km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Providential Point

600 m
12 mins
18m
-20m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the men’s toilet block, this walk heads to an sports-oval sized clearing. The walk heads to the eastern end of the oval. The track continues along the service trail from the oval, following the Providential Point signs. The track leads through the tree to another grass area, Providential Point Campsite. The walk continues past the campsite sign, heading east to the far side of the grass clearing to a ferny area. The track continues along the most worn and unobstructed single track for approximately 200m to the railed lookout on the headland. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Providential Point

Providential Point Lookout in Royal National Park, has views out to sea and back towards Wattamolla Beach, as well as views of the the cliffs on the north side of Wattamolla Bay to Boy Martin Point. The small lookout is fenced and perched on the rocks. Providential Point is the southern headland forming the bay that is home to Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon, at the end of Wattamolla Rd.

Maps for the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	10.4 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.7km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (370m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach walk starts and ends at the Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block (gps: -34.138375, 151.11485)
Your main transport option to Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wtbmb
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wtbmb

Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

And Walk

Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Heathcote Railway Station → Int of Wilson Parade and Karloo Track

200 m
3 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

From Heathcote Station, this walk heads south-east along Wilson Parade following the railway tracks. Shortly after passing the emergency services centre, the track comes to an intersection with a bush track signposted as the ‘Karloo Track’.

(0.2km) Int of Karloo Track and Wilson Pde → Karloo Pools

2.6 km
1 hr 6 mins
87m
-222m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection of Wilson Pde and the bush track at the large sign saying ‘Karloo Track’, this walk heads east away from the road. Shortly after, this turns to the north and goes behind the Rural FIrefighting Station (Emergency Services Centre), then the track turns back to the east and continues along the bush track. Gradually this turns to the south and goes slightly downhill until reaching Heathcote Brook. Just after crossing the brook, the track comes to an intersection with another bush track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads east. The track gradually rises onto the ridgeline and there are some reasonably good views over the surrounding valley. The track continues east in this manner then begins to gradually drop down off the ridge along the slightly rougher bush track until reaching Karloo Pools. This would be a good spot to take a break and get your toes wet.

Ulloola Falls Campsite

This clearing has six camping sites (maximum of 18 people), and wood fires are not allowed. The site has a toilet, and there is usually water in the creek (treat before drinking). In drier periods, contact rangers regarding water availability. Pre-arranged camping permits are essential.

(2.78km) Karloo Pools → Uloola Falls Camp

2.3 km
45 mins
125m
-47m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses Kangaroo Creek at Karloo Pools, then follows the ‘Waterfall via Uloola Falls’ arrow up the hill between the rocks and along the rocky bush track. The track climbs up the long hill for a while, then it flattens out for a short while passing a sign pointing back to ‘Heathcote’, before continuing up another long rocky hill to the top of the ridge. From the top of the hill, the track continues through the trees which quickly open out into scrub. The walk follows the yellow painted markers across all the rock surfaces, until it gradually starts to descend down the end of the ridge, steadily winding down until coming to a large flat clearing. Here, the walk turns right and crosses the Uloola Brook, then continues along the bush track heading away from the brook for a short while, passing the sign with arrows to ‘Waterfall’ and ‘Heathcote’ before coming to the ‘Uloola Falls Bush Campground’.

(5.04km) Uloola Falls Camp → Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout

4 km
1 hr 16 mins
105m
-107m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the campsite, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ signpost along the bush track. This gradually climbs up a long rocky hill, passing the occasional painted yellow directional marker. At the top of the ridge, the track flattens out and continues through the scrub, frequently crossing scattered rock surfaces with occasional painted markers. The track continues in this manner for a long while, until reaching an intersection with a bush track on the right, and a sign pointing back to ‘Uloola Falls’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ arrow along the bush track. The walk winds among the banksia and gum trees as it follows the defined rocky bush track along the ridge for a long while, before coming to the intersection, with multiple signposts including ‘Audley’ and ‘Robertsons Roundabout’.

(9.03km) Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout → Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks

560 m
18 mins
1m
-92m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley 0.5km’ on the ‘Robertsons Roundabout’ signpost, heading along the bush track. The track steps up onto the short rock shelf and continues up the short hill to the top of the ridge and down the other side, winding steadily down the long rocky hill. The walk then zigzags down a few sets of rock steps before coming down to the signposted intersection of the ‘Robertson Roundabout’ track.

(9.59km) Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks → Currawong Flats

140 m
4 mins
0m
-34m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading in the opposite direction to the Heathcote and Engadine arrows, winding down the hill via the rock steps that the track continues down to the banks of the Hacking River at Currawong Flats. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

(9.59km) Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks → Kangaroo Creek

1.2 km
27 mins
67m
-95m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Heathcote’, ‘Engadine’ and ‘Kangaroo Creek’ arrows[1] along the bush track, steadily climbing up and along the side of the hill. The track provides views of the river (down to the right) as it heads up to the intersection, and a sign pointing back towards ‘Audley’[2].
Veer right: From the intersection the track follows the Kangaroo Creek and Heathcote arrows along the bushtrack heading up the short rocky hill and along the side of the ridge, providing great views over the valley as it continues along for a while until coming to the top of a large metal staircase which it follows down to the bottom of the valley, coming to Kangaroo Creek.

Kangaroo Creek Pools

Kangaroo Creek Pools are found on the junction of Engadine Creek and Kangaroo Creek in the Royal National park. This is where Kangaroo creek begins to widen before it joins the Hacking River. The creek is lined with rock and provides a nice place for a splash and cool down. The is some limited shade from the trees in the valley. There are no facilities.

(10.77km) Kangaroo Creek → Int of Engadine and Loop Track

1.7 km
47 mins
202m
-10m

Hard track

Continue straight: From here the track crosses Kangaroo Creek at the rocks and continues up the wooden steps, passing the Heathcote sign as it heads up the long rocky hill. As the track climbs top half of the hill it steadily flattens out until reaching the top where it continues along for a short while before starting to climb again. From here the track continues up the wooden steps and the rocky bushtrack all the way to the top of the hill, where it continues through the bush to the signposted intersection of the Loop Trail.

(12.5km) Loop Track Servicetrail (south-east) → Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail

1.1 km
23 mins
26m
-42m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Heathcote’ arrow along the defined bush track, passing the ‘no bicycles’ sign and continuing through the thick gum tree forest for a while before coming to the signposted intersection with the the Loop Trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Engadine’ arrow along the bush track through the thick gum tree forest. The walk passes a small bush track signposted as ‘closed for rehabilitation’ before crossing the small Forest Brook. The track then heads up the gentle rocky hill, flattening out to continue through the thick bush for a while before coming to the intersection with the management trail.

(13.62km) Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail → Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south)

510 m
5 mins
12m
-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading west through the thick gum tree forest. The track winds across the dried up Gnarra Rill Creek bed and soon reaches the signposted intersection with a wide bush track.

(14.13km) Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south) → Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail

240 m
4 mins
1m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Engadine’ arrow along the wide bush track for approximately 25m before coming to the ‘Y’ intersection with a bush track, at the ‘no bicycles’ signpost.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading north through the dense bushland. After a while, the track passes a sign permitting bicycles, and comes to the large signposted intersection with a management trail.

(14.37km) Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail → Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks

330 m
6 mins
1m
-15m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection the track heads north-west along the servicetrail. After a relative short period with the the servicetrail changes to being a wide bushtrack and approximately 50m after the track changes style it comes to an intersection with another bushtrack coming up from the west.

(14.7km) Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks → Int of Engadine Bush and Servicetrail

80 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading north west along the narrow bushtrack. Approximately 30m after this the track crosses a small creek with steep banks on either side. On the other side of the creek the track continues for another 30m before coming to an intersection with a servicetrail.

(14.77km) Int of Engadine Track and Bushtracks → Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track

30 m
0m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail north-east for a short distance before coming to an intersection marked by a sign pointing back to ‘Audley 6km’, and the bush track on the right is marked ‘track closed for regeneration’.

(14.8km) Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track → Engadine Railway Station

150 m
3 mins
6m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west along the management trail for a short distance before coming out at a long clearing behind Engadine train station. From here, this walk turns left and heads along beside the railway until reaching a short set of stairs heading up into train station.

Maps for the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	15 km
		Time	6 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.6km is very steep and the remaining 670m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

12km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (460m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 15km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 14km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 840m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Heathcote to Engadine via Audley walk starts at the Heathcote Railway Station (gps: -34.088184, 151.0081)
Your transport options to Heathcote Railway Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Heathcote to Engadine via Audley ends at the Engadine Railway Station (gps: -34.067891, 151.01472)
Your transport options to Engadine Railway Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-hteva
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-hteva

Robertson’s Roundabout

And Walk

Robertson’s Roundabout

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Ironbark Flat Picnic Area → Visitor Centre

100 m
2 mins
7m
0m

Easy track

From the Ironbark Flats, this walk heads alongside the visitor centre to turn up the stairs between the Visitor Centre and the toilet block, meeting Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.

(0.1km) Royal National Park Information Centre → Eastern side of Currawong bridge

150 m
3 mins
0m
-6m

Very easy

Turn sharp right: From the Royal National Park Information Centre, this walk heads west off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and along Lady Carrington Drive, through the gate (open during the day). The walk continues down along this road to come to a white bridge on the right.

(0.25km) Eastern side of Currawong bridge → Currawong Flats

130 m
2 mins
2m
-2m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the bridge over to the western bank of the Hacking River. On the other side of the river, the track turns right and goes through the Currawong Flats until coming to an intersection with a bush track going up to the left, signposted with a ‘Robertons Roundabout’ sign.

(0.38km) Currawong Flats → Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks

140 m
4 mins
34m
0m

Hard track

Turn left: From Currawong Flats, this walk follows the steps beside the ‘Robertson Roundabout’ sign heading up the hill. The track then winds up the hill through the bush for a while until it flattens and comes to the signposted intersection of the Robertson Roundabout a short distance later.

(0.52km) Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks → Int of Engadine and Robertson Track (North-West)

340 m
7 mins
40m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Heathcote’, ‘Engadine’ and ‘Kangaroo Creek’ arrows[1] along the bush track, steadily climbing up and along the side of the hill. The track provides views of the river (down to the right) as it heads up to the intersection, and a sign pointing back towards ‘Audley’[2].

(0.86km) Int of Robertson Roundabout (Northwest) and Engadine Bushtrack → Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout

390 m
9 mins
54m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south up the hill. (It is necessary to follow the arrow markers in this area as the track becomes quite faint and overgrown in places.) Once reaching the top of the hill, there are great views as far as Cronulla. From here, the track turns to the south-east and continues through the bush, coming to an intersection, signposting the way to ‘Uloola Falls’.

(1.24km) Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout → Ironbark Flat Picnic Area

1.1 km
29 mins
9m
-135m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley 0.5km’ on the ‘Robertsons Roundabout’ signpost, heading along the bush track. The track steps up onto the short rock shelf and continues up the short hill to the top of the ridge and down the other side, winding steadily down the long rocky hill. The walk then zigzags down a few sets of rock steps before coming down to the signposted intersection of the ‘Robertson Roundabout’ track.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading in the opposite direction to the Heathcote and Engadine arrows, winding down the hill via the rock steps that the track continues down to the banks of the Hacking River at Currawong Flats.
Turn right: From the end of the bush track, this walk heads through Currawong Flats, keeping the river on the left, until reaching the bridge. The track turns left and crosses the Hacking River on the bridge, to come to Lady Carrington Drive.
Turn left: From the bridge, this walk heads along the road, keeping the river to the left. Passing the park lands and picnic area, the road the meets Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and a short distance further comes to the Royal National Park Information Centre.
Turn sharp left: From the visitor centre, this walk passes between the centre and the toilet block, heading down the stairs and onto the large, grassed clearing of Ironbark Flats.

Maps for the Robertson’s Roundabout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Robertson’s Roundabout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Robertson’s Roundabout

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.3 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

940m of this walk has short steep hills and another 760m is flat with no steps. Whilst another 340m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 270m is very steep.

Quality of track

1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 790m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (310m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 730m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Robertson’s Roundabout walk starts and ends at the Ironbark Flat Picnic Area (gps: -34.07549, 151.0556)
Your main transport option to Ironbark Flat Picnic Area is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-rr
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-rr

The Karloo Track

And Walk

The Karloo Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Heathcote Railway Station → Int of Wilson Parade and Karloo Track

200 m
3 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

(0.2km) Int of Karloo Track and Wilson Pde → Int of Karloo and Heathcote Brook Tracks

950 m
20 mins
11m
-48m

Moderate track

(1.15km) Heathcote Brook Bushtrack → Karloo Pools

1.6 km
46 mins
76m
-174m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads east. The track gradually rises onto the ridgeline and there are some reasonably good views over the surrounding valley. The track continues east in this manner then begins to gradually drop down off the ridge along the slightly rougher bush track until reaching Karloo Pools. This would be a good spot to take a break and get your toes wet.

Maps for the The Karloo Track walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the The Karloo Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Karloo Track

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.6 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 1.6km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

1.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 950m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (200m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 200m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Karloo Track walk starts and ends at the Heathcote Railway Station (gps: -34.088184, 151.0081)
Your transport options to Heathcote Railway Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-tkt
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-tkt

Willow Tree to Calala

And Walk

Willow Tree to Calala

Download & Print Map and Notes

Willow Tree

Willow Tree is a picnic area[1] in the Royal National Park. It is found on the south side of Audley, between the old Lady Carrington Drive and the Hacking River. The picnic area has a large shelter[2] with 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

, an open grassy area[3], parking[4], BBQ’s, tap water, garbage bins[5], recycling and toilets

[Toilet]

. The picnic area stretches along the river bank and provides a lovely spot to stop and enjoy the park[6] .

Lady Carrington Drive

Opened in 1886 by Lady Carrington, this road was formally named ‘Lady Carrington Road’ (later changed to ‘drive’), and started on the southern side of the then newly constructed Audley weir. The road became popular among people exploring the region. The road follows the Hacking River’s east bank and then Bola Creek to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Much history has been preserved, with several drinking troughs still filling with water and many sandstone retaining walls still standing. The brooks that the old road crosses have been named using the traditional names of birds, the following is a list with the English name in brackets. Mullion (Eagle), Wurrul (Bee Eater), Burowa (Bustard), Karonga (White Crane), Gorra Worra (Laughing Jackass), Buralga (Native Companion), Kobardo (Parrot), Birumba (Plover), Dirijiri (Wagtail), Murrindum (Quail), Dumbal (Crow), Tamur (Bronze winged Pigeon), Burunda (Swan), Karani (Duck), Palona (Hawk) Brooks.

(0km) Lady Carrington Drive gate (Willow Tree) → Gibraltar Rock

430 m
8 mins
6m
-11m

Easy track

From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Lady Carrington Drive’ sign[7] around the locked gate[8] and along the management trail[9] (keeping the picnic area and river to the right). This walk winds along the trail gently uphill for about 400m to step onto the cobblestone section

[Trip Hazard]

below the overhanging Gibraltar Rocks[10] beside the picnic table

[Picnic Table]

Gibraltar Rock

Gibraltar Rock[11], Royal National Park, is a sandstone overhang found near the northern end of Lady Carrington Drive. The old road passes under the rocks and is home to a small section of sandstone cobblestone[12]. At this point, the old road offers great views of the Hacking River[13] and across to Wattle Forest picnic area. These and many other sandstone formations, together with the history, make this old road quite interesting to explore. There is a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

under the overhang.

(0.43km) Gibraltar Rock → Jersey Spring

2.1 km
39 mins
54m
-47m

Easy track

Continue straight: From Gibraltar Rock[14], this walk follows the old dirt road, keeping the Hacking River to the right. After 100m, the trail passes over Mullion Brook on an old sandstone culvert[15]

[Trip Hazard]

and past a series of palm groves[16]. The walk continues along the trail as it gently undulates and winds along the side of the Hacking River for just shy of 2km to come to the two[17] sandstone ‘Jersey Spring’[18] troughs.

Jersey Spring

The Jersey Spring is beside the old Lady Carrington Drive in the Royal National Park. The permanent spring feeds into two sandstone troughs, built in 1892 to provide water for horses and people traveling along the road. The troughs are still fed by the same spring (although it has moved overtime and the water is no longer suitable for drinking). The springs are named after Rt. Hon. Victor George (Earl of Jersey), the 17th governor of NSW. More info.

(2.48km) Jersey Spring → Jersey Spring clearing

130 m
3 mins
5m
-5m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the ‘Jersey Spring’ troughs[19], this walk follows the old Lady Carrington Drive management trail past the ‘Jersey Spring’ information sign[20] keeping the river to the right. The trail winds gently downhill for about 100m to come to the large unsignposted Jersey Spring clearing[21][22] and picnic table

[Picnic Table]

[23].

Jersey Spring Clearing

The Jersey Spring Clearing is an open grassy area between the old Lady Carrington Drive and the Hacking River. The clearing is not formally named but is just south of the Jersey Spring. This is a great area to stop, rest

[Picnic Table]

and enjoy the journey along the old road

(2.61km) Jersey Spring clearing → Calala

2.6 km
51 mins
74m
-80m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Jersey Spring clearing[24], this walk follows the main wide management trail[25] (old road), keeping the clearing and river to the right. The walk passes some interesting rock formations walls[26][27] (on the left) and heads through some palm groves[28][29]. Over the next 1.5km the trail passes over three main creeks before coming to the signposted Kobardo Brook. (Kobado Brook has an old small sandstone water trough[30]). Over the next 1km, the walk continues along the trail as it crosses three more culverted creeks (Birumba, Dirijiri and Murrindum Brooks)

[Trip Hazard]

before coming to ‘Calala’[31], a signposted clearing[32] and picnic table[33]

[Picnic Table]

Calala

The signposted ‘Calala’[34] clearing lies between the old Lady Carrington Drive and the Hacking River. The large clearing[35] has a picnic table[36]

[Picnic Table]

and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. There is an informal steep track[37] that provides access to a small sandy beach[38] on the Hacking River, making this a lovely spot to rest on a warm day.

Maps for the Willow Tree to Calala walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Willow Tree to Calala bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Willow Tree to Calala

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	10.5 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (430m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Willow Tree to Calala walk starts and ends at the Lady Carrington Drive gate (Willow Tree) (gps: -34.079304, 151.05522)
Your main transport option to Lady Carrington Drive gate (Willow Tree) is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wttc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-wttc

The Coast Track

And Walk

The Coast Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

Bundeena

Bundeena is a small township at the northern end of Royal National Park and the southern side of the entrance to Port Hacking. The town can be accessed by car or ferry. There are a few B&B’s and other accommodation options and a number of cafes to choose from. Bundeena has a mixed atmosphere, partly a beach holiday community but also home to some permanent residents. There are two main beaches – Hordens Beach to the west and Jibbon Beach to the east. Both are nice beaches inside Port Hacking. More info.

(0km) Bundeena Ferry Wharf → Int of Beachcomber Rd Service Trail and Coast Walk

1.8 km
34 mins
71m
-23m

Moderate track

From Bundeena Ferry, on Brighton St, this walk turns left into Loftus St, goes past Mary St and turns right into Bournemouth St. The walk turns left into Scarbourough St and takes the first right into Beachcomber Av. Beachcomber Av is followed south and gradually to the east until reaching the entry into the Royal National Park. This is marked by several large information signs.
Continue straight: From the end of Beachcomber Av, this walk heads around the locked gate, following the ‘Coast Walk’[1] sign along the wide management trail. After about 50m, the trail passes a track (on the left) and continues until coming to an intersection with a wider sandy trail (on the left, which leads to Jibbon Head).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the asphalt management trail heading towards the green signposts nearby, where it comes to the signposted intersection of the ‘Coast Track’[2].

(1.76km) Int of Beachcomber Rd Servicetrail and Coast Walk → Bundeena Lookout

690 m
12 mins
4m
-27m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Coast Track’ signpost along the wide, sandy bush track as it winds through the short, thick scrub for a while before arriving at the coast, where there are great views across the South Pacific Ocean.

Bundeena Lookout

This unfenced, informal lookout is perched high on the cliffs, looking east over the South Pacific Ocean. The lookout is not signposted nor officially named, but provides great view south along the escarpment. Cliff edge may be unstable and fragile – keep a safe distance.

(2.45km) Bundeena Lookout → West Marley Beach

3.9 km
1 hr 19 mins
136m
-156m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track winding south along the coast line, keeping the ocean to the left as it winds in and out of scrub and across several rock surfaces. On a few occasions, the track will split into two and meet up again a short while later – just stick to the track closer to the coast. This walk follows the track markers until coming to a large gully, where it winds to the bottom via some steep rock steps. Once at the bottom, the track crosses the small stream at the wooden bridge and continues up the other side of the gully, climbing up the wooden steps and the hardened path to the top. From the top of the gully, the track continues along the path heading through the high heath for about 1.5km, until coming to an intersection with a management trail. This intersection is marked by a signpost saying ‘Coast Walk’.
Veer left: From the signposted intersection, the walk follows the coast, keeping the ocean to the left. The track winds down the long hill to the end of Marley Beach, and comes to a large green information sign.
Continue straight: From the end of Marley Beach, this walk follows the coast along the beach until coming to the rock-shelf at the end. Marley Beach is very beautiful and, on a warm day, it would be a great spot to swim. On the rockshelf at the end of the beach, there are some shady spots to break from the walk. (At this, point there is also an intersection with a small bush track that heads up the hill and away from the beach.)

(6.33km) West Marley Beach → Little Marley Beach

680 m
12 mins
9m
-15m

Moderate track

Little Marley Beach

(7km) Little Marley Beach → Wattamolla Dam

2.8 km
1 hr 8 mins
174m
-155m

Moderate track

Wattamolla Dam

(9.81km) Wattamolla Dam → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

650 m
13 mins
17m
-31m

Moderate track

Wattamolla Kiosk

Wattamolla Picnic Area

(10.46km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Overflow Carpark

340 m
8 mins
21m
-4m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the northern end of the picnic ground, this walk heads through the car park and across the grass to the toilet block.
Turn right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the signs to the Overflow Car Park. (This is the upper car park.) At the back of the car park, this walk comes to an intersection with a large management trail, with a gate and signpost saying ‘Garrie 5.8km’.

(10.8km) Overflow Carpark → Curracurrang Cove

1.4 km
26 mins
28m
-49m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the car park, the walk follows the management trail climbing up the long hill. The walk passes two large water towers as it continues along for a while, before coming to a great lookout over the ocean, marked by a sign saying ‘Curracurrang’. From the lookout, the walk continues along the cliff edge, keeping the ocean to the left as it follows the bush track. The track winds along the coast to Curracurrang Cove, where there is an intersection with another bush track that heads up and away from the ocean.

Curracurrang Cove

Curracurrang Cove is a small cove about 1km SW of Wattamolla, on the coast of the Royal National Park. The cove faces east and is where Curracurrang Creek meets the ocean. The creek, the cove and the surrounding rocks provide great scenery, making this a relaxing place to stop and enjoy. There is evidence that Aboriginal people lived in this cove. There are a few middens in the area, some rock shelters and Curracurrang creek provides a near-permanent water supply. The cove was first occupied 7500 years ago and was used as a regular campsite by the Dharawal people. More info.

(12.22km) Curracurrang Cove → Eagles Rock Lookout

1.9 km
44 mins
108m
-82m

Moderate track

Turn left : Keeping the ocean to the left, the track climbs up out of Curracurang Cove and continues all the way up to the top of the large hill, winding through the thick heath across the top and down the other side to Curracurang Creek at the bottom. After crossing the creek, the track follows the bushtrack heading up short hill and along the bushtrack winding through the scrub for a short while before coming to the Eagle Rock lookout at the information signpost.

Eagle Rock Lookout

Eagle Rock lookout is an informal lookout marked by an information sign on the Coast track in the Royal National Park. The lookout is about halfway between Garie Beach and Wattamolla. Eagle rock is a piece of the cliff line that looks amazingly like the head of an eagle, with the eye and all. The lookout is about 150m west of the Eagle Rock on the other side of Carracurrong Creek. Eagle Rock is often used as an icon for the Royal National Park. Carracurrong Creek also forms a waterfall into the ocean nearby.

(14.16km) Eagles Rock Lookout → Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail

140 m
3 mins
9m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: Keeping the ocean to the left the track follows the bushtrack heading through the heath along the coast for a short while until it comes to the intersection of the bushtrack at the end of the service trail, marked by the two post’s where the sign has been pulled off.

(14.3km) Int. Coastal Walk and Curra Moors Brook Trail → Garie Beach Lookout

2.5 km
54 mins
129m
-64m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the bush track and the rockshelf, keeping the ocean on the left. This continues, with the track becoming a narrow trail that goes through the scrub. In various sections, metal walkways have been built to stabilise the environment in the area. This continues until reaching an intersection with a track, heading off to the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track around the left-hand side of the ‘Curra Moors car park’ sign, following the cliffs and keeping the ocean on the left of the track. After several hundred metres of high scrub, the track emerges out into the opening which has fantastic views of Garie Beach and the hills to the south.

Garie Beach Lookout

Garie Beach Lookout is an unofficial lookout on the hill at the eastern end of Garie Beach. The lookout has no facilities and is simply a spot on the Coast track. The lookout provides great views looking southwest along the coast along Garie Beach, Royal National Park and down to Wollongong.

(16.83km) Garie Beach Lookout → North-East End of Garie Beach

510 m
13 mins
6m
-105m

Hard track

Continue straight: From Garie Beach Lookout, this walk follows the bush track heading down towards Garie Beach, winding down the long hill, descending the steep rock and wooden steps to the bottom of the hill where the walk continues through the grassy clearing to the end of the beach.

(17.34km) North-East End of Garie Beach → Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk

380 m
7 mins
11m
-5m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the end of Garie Beach, the walk follows the coast across the beach, keeping the ocean to the left until coming to the base of some timber steps, which lead up the hill on the right.

(17.72km) Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk → Garie Beach YHA

340 m
10 mins
48m
-9m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs away from the ocean. The track winds up the hill steeply then continues for approximately 350m along the hillside, in and out of a gully, to rise up to the cabin signposted as ‘YHA Garie Beach’. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

YHA Garie Beach – Destroyed

**On 02/12/2010 this hut was completely destroyed by fire and plans for the future are not yet decided . Accommodation no longer available
Garie Beach YHA Youth Hostel, in Royal National Park, is a basic but comfortable cabin. The unstaffed and locked cabin is situated north of Garie Beach car park, high on the hill behind the next gully.
The cabin contains solar lighting, water, gas kitchen, a ‘loo with a view’ and the capacity to sleep twelve people. You need to provide your own bed sheets and toilet paper. The cabin costs $17.50/adult per night, with the potential to rent the youth hostel out for a week. The key must be picked up from YHA Kent St, Sydney, prior to arrival at the YHA. The key has a $50.00 deposit. To make a booking phone 9261 1111. More info.

(17.72km) Int. Garie Beach YHA Trk → Garie Beach Car Park

310 m
6 mins
5m
-6m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean on your left, for approximately 200m to Garie Beach car park on the right.

Garie Beach

Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods. More info.

(18.03km) Garie Beach Car Park → North Era Bush Campground

1.6 km
43 mins
121m
-121m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the Garie Beach car park, the walk follows the sign to ‘North Era’, keeping the sea to the left. This track follows the base of the large grassy hill between the rocks and the ocean, to the Little Garie cabins and up past the Little Garie Community Hall.
Continue straight: From the community hall in Little Garie, the walk heads steeply up the hill, following the track to the south-west. To prevent erosion of the hill, wooden steps have been installed. From the top of the ridge, the track continues down the other side, keeping the ocean on the left while winding down into North Era Bush Campground.

North Era camping ground

North Era camping ground, Royal National Park, is a large dune area situated directly behind North Era Beach. This camping spot is popular with surfers, and it also has a toilet and a cleared area to pitch your tent. A maximum of 36 people (12 sites) can camp here, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Open fires are not permitted, you can carry a fuel stove for cooking. A camping permit is required from NPWS before arriving (Phone:(02) 9542 068). Water is often available from the creek (treat before drinking), If dry you can walk to Garie Beach for water, although the water here may also be dried up, during a dry period it is best to carry all your water with you.

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(19.63km) North Era Bush Campground → Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth)

1.1 km
27 mins
96m
-20m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the North Era Bush Campground, the walk heads up the grassy hill, keeping the ocean to the left. Just before the buildings, the walk comes to an intersection with a track on the right (which heads into the trees).
Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the ocean to the left as it winds down between the cabins to the beach at the bottom. From here, the walk continues around the back of the beach following the coast, and up between the houses to the large clearing before the top of the hill. Here, the walk comes to an intersection with two rough bush tracks towards the top of the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill and through the ferns, heading up and away from the cabins but still keeping the sea to the left of the track. This continues until the track comes to a large sign saying ‘Coast Track’.

(20.75km) Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) → Burning Palms Beach (southern end)

940 m
18 mins
4m
-79m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burning Palms’ along the bush track, winding down the side of the hill, past the cabins, then at the bottom the track joins onto a metal walkway that soon changes to a narrow bush track. This passes behind Burning Palms Beach until coming to a sign saying ‘Otford via Palm Jungle’.

(21.69km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) → The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks

3 km
1 hr 20 mins
307m
-83m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection near the rangers’ hut, the walk follows the ‘Otford’ signpost along the defined bush track up and along the coast. After walking through grasslands for some time, the track comes to a very faint intersection with the Figure Eight Pool’s track, just before the dense palm jungle[5].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading up into the palm jungle. After entering the jungle, the track is quite clear but in some places there are obstacles, such as fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before turning inland and climbing steeply up to the top of the large hill. At the top, the track flattens out and heads towards the ocean, soon arriving at an intersection with a management trail. At this point there are several signposts pointing towards ‘Otford’ and ‘Carawarra Farm’.

(24.69km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks → Otford Lookout

1.9 km
43 mins
58m
-118m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the track follows the Otford arrow down the service trail, as it winds through the bush to the end where it becomes a bush track. From here, the track continues along the well-managed bush track through a beautiful section of ferns. After a while, this begins to gradually descend until reaching an intersection marked with a signpost for ‘Werrong Beach’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, winding down the hill for a short while before coming to the fenced-off edge of the cliffs, which it follows keeping the ocean to the left as it winds down the hill. After a while, the track changes back to a bush track and continues down some wooden stairs to a car park signposted as ‘Otford Lookout’.

(26.57km) Otford Lookout → Otford Train Station

800 m
24 mins
37m
-97m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the lookout and the car park, this walk follows the ‘Otford Station’ sign along Lady Wakehurst Drive to quickly meet Fanshawe Rd. This walk turns right onto Fanshawe Rd, which it follows down the long hill until it comes to the intersection of Station St. At the intersection, this walk turns left and continues along the road, passing the intersection with another road heading down to the right and coming to the ‘T’ intersection of the next dirt road. From here, the walk continues down the hill following the ‘Otford Station’ signs down the steep concrete path, and down the steps to the station.

Maps for the The Coast Track walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the The Coast Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Coast Track

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	7 hrs 12 mins	20 km
2	3 hrs 12 mins	7.7 km

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	27.4 km
		Time	2 Days
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

19km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.5km is very steep. Whilst another 3.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.5km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

16km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (2km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 15km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 12km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 10km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 27km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 17km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 10km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Coast Track walk starts at the Bundeena Ferry Wharf (gps: -34.082703, 151.15107)
Your transport options to Bundeena Ferry Wharf are by;
Ferry. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The The Coast Track ends at the Otford Train Station (gps: -34.210782, 151.00562)
Your transport options to Otford Train Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-tctto
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-tctto

Jibbon Head Engravings

And Walk

Jibbon Head Engravings

Download & Print Map and Notes

Bundeena

(0km) Corner of Loftus and Neil Streets → Northern end of Jibbon Beach

750 m
12 mins
2m
-14m

Easy track

From the corner of Neil and Loftus Streets, this walk heads down the footpath between the houses and onto the end of Jibbon Beach. From here, the walk follows the beach past the large ‘Royal National Park’ sign and, after several hundred metres, comes to an intersection and a large green sign saying ‘Jibbon Loop Track’[1], approximately 90m from the end of the beach.

Jibbon Beach

Jibbon Beach is in the Royal National Park, just east of Bundeena. The yellow sand, crescent-shaped beach is about 800m long and looks north across the entrance to Port Hacking. The beach is in a bay that forms part of a popular harbour for sailing boats. There is a rock shelf at either end of the beach. From the north-eastern end of the beach, there is a track leading to the Jibbon Head Aboriginal engravings site and Little Jibbon Beach. There are no patrols or other facilities at this beach.

(0.75km) Northern end of Jibbon Beach → Little Jibbon Beach intersection

490 m
9 mins
9m
-6m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Jibbon Head’ sign[2] about 100m to the end of the beach (keeping the water to the left). The track then steps up a few rocks and turns right (away from the water), heading through a grassy clearing and then through a tunnel formed by the thick vegetation. The track soon emerges on an unfenced rock platform with great views across the water to Cronulla. Here, the walk heads back into the bush to cross a gully (with an informal track leading left to Little Jibbon Beach). The track then climbs out of the gully to a smaller rock platform and intersection marked with a green metal pole.

Little Jibbon Beach

Little Jibbon Beach is found just north of Jibbon Beach in the Royal National Park. The small beach can be accessed via the Jibbon Head track. This north-facing beach has great views across Port Hacking towards Cronulla. This is not a nudest beach (as some believe) – If you see nudest bathers, they can be reported by calling Crime Stoppers on 131 444.

(1.25km) Little Jibbon Beach intersection → Jibbon Head Aboriginal Engravings

40 m
1 mins
3m
-1m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the water and cliff edge, following the track into the thick bush. The track soon leads to a large clearing and rock platform with several Aboriginal engravings – please take care not to step on or near the engravings.

Jibbon Head Aboriginal Engravings

These Aboriginal engravings are found on the western side of Jibbon Head, just above little Jibbon Beach. The large rock shelf has a number of large engraving of both marine and land animals. Most are in good condition – the whale is particularly large, so you will need to stand right back to see it. Take care not to walk on the engravings – lets preserve this site for many generations to come.

Maps for the Jibbon Head Engravings walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Jibbon Head Engravings bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Jibbon Head Engravings

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.6 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 750m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 530m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 1.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 800m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 490m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 800m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 490m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Jibbon Head Engravings walk starts and ends at the Corner of Loftus and Neil Streets (gps: -34.081412, 151.15876)
Your main transport option to Corner of Loftus and Neil Streets is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-jhe
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-jhe

Engadine to Audley

And Walk

Engadine to Audley

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Engadine Railway Station → Int of Engadine Track and Bushtracks

180 m
3 mins
0m
-6m

Moderate track

From the train station, this walk exits via the gate at the bottom of the platform 2 steps, then follows the management trail north, keeping the train tracks to the left. Soon, the walk turns right at the ‘Engadine Track’ signpost, following the ‘Audley 6km’ arrow along the narrow management trail. Soon, the walk comes to an intersection with another management trail, at another ‘Audley 6km’ sign. (Note: Straight ahead is a bush track, closed for rehabilitation.)
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley 6km’ arrow along the management trail. Very soon, the walk comes to an intersection with a bush track on the left, marked with a ‘track closed for regeneration’ sign.

(0.18km) Int of Engadine Bush and Servicetrail → Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks

80 m
1 mins
0m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection the track heads south-east along the bushtrack. Approximately 30m along the trail the trail crosses a small creek with steep banks and joins up with the track on the other side. Approximately 30m after this the track comes to an intersection with another bushtrack, coming up from the west.

(0.26km) Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks → Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail

330 m
6 mins
15m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: this track ignores that trail and continues south-east long the bushtrack. After approximately 50m the track changes to being a servicetrail. This continues along the flat for short time before coming to a large intersection with trails going in several directions.

(0.59km) Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail → Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south)

240 m
4 mins
4m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ arrow along the bush track. The walk occasionally passes bicycle track markers as it heads through the bush, coming to the signposted intersection of bush tracks.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the wide bush track for approximately 25m before coming to an signposted intersection with another bush track.

(0.83km) Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south) → Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail

510 m
5 mins
7m
-12m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ arrow along the bush track as it heads through the thick gum tree forest. The track crosses the dried up Gnarra Rill Creek bed then continues along until coming to an intersection with a service trail, at some ‘no bicycles’ signs.

(1.33km) Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail → Loop Track Servicetrail (south-east)

890 m
18 mins
29m
-26m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading east. The track heads through the thick gum tree forest for a while before it crosses the small Forest Brook and continues up the short rocky hill on the other side. Shortly, the walk passes a small bush track, signposted ‘closed for rehabilitation’ then soon comes to the signposted intersection of the Loop Trail.

(2.22km) Int of Engadine and Loop Track (North-west) → Kangaroo Creek

2 km
52 mins
23m
-202m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ arrow along the bush track, winding through the thick gum tree forest for a while before passing a ‘no bicycles’ signpost and coming to the signposted intersection with the Loop Tail.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Audley arrow along the bushtrack, passing another sign to Audley shortly after as it heads along to the top of a long hill. From here the track follows the bushtrack as it heads down the long rocky hill until it flattens out after a set of wooden steps. From here the track follows the bushtrack for a while before it starts to head down another long hill, winding all the way down the rocky bushtrack to the bottom of the valley where it passes a sign pointing back to heathcote and comes to Kangaroo Creek.

Kangaroo Creek Pools

(4.19km) Kangaroo Creek → Int of Engadine and Robertson Track

840 m
20 mins
94m
-27m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the creek the track crosses at the rocks to the base of the large metal staircase which it climbs as it climbs up the side of the valley, all the way to the top of the staircase where it continues along the bushtrack. From here the track follows the bushtrack heading up and around the side of the hill, providing views of the valley down to the left as it heads along to the signposted intersection of the Robertson Roundabout.

(5.03km) Int of Engadine and Robertson Track (North-West) → Currawong Flats

480 m
11 mins
1m
-74m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Audley’ arrow[1] along the bush track, winding down and along the side of the hill. There are views of the river down to the left as the walk steadily descends towards the bottom of the valley, until it comes to an intersection and a sign pointing to ‘Robertson Roundabout’[2].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading in the opposite direction to the Heathcote and Engadine arrows, winding down the hill via the rock steps that the track continues down to the banks of the Hacking River at Currawong Flats.

(5.51km) Currawong Flats → Royal National Park Information Centre

280 m
5 mins
8m
-2m

Easy track

Turn right: From the end of the bush track, this walk heads through Currawong Flats, keeping the river on the left, until reaching the bridge. The track turns left and crosses the Hacking River on the bridge, to come to Lady Carrington Drive.
Turn left: From the bridge, this walk heads along the road, keeping the river to the left. Passing the park lands and picnic area, the road the meets Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and a short distance further comes to the Royal National Park Information Centre.

(5.79km) Visitor Centre → Ironbark Flat Picnic Area

100 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the visitor centre, this walk passes between the centre and the toilet block, heading down the stairs and onto the large, grassed clearing of Ironbark Flats. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp left.

Maps for the Engadine to Audley walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Engadine to Audley bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Engadine to Audley

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.8 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.7km of this walk is very steep and another 1.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 950m is flat with no steps and the remaining 510m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (420m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 3.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Engadine to Audley walk starts at the Engadine Railway Station (gps: -34.067891, 151.01472)
Your transport options to Engadine Railway Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Engadine to Audley ends at the Royal National Park Information Centre (gps: -34.075314, 151.05654)
Your main transport option to Royal National Park Information Centre is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-eta
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-royalnp-eta

And Walk

Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

Easy track

Wattamolla Picnic Area

Wattamolla Kiosk

(0.18km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Wattamolla Dam

Moderate track

Wattamolla Dam

Maps for the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam walk

Cross sectional view of the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamolla picnic area to Wattamolla Dam

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

(0km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertam Stevens Drive → Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track

Moderate track

(0.65km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track → Bola Picnic Area intersection

Easy track

Bola Picnic Area

(0.73km) Bola Picnic Area → Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive

Moderate track

(1.77km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Brook Picnic Area

Moderate track

Palona Brook Picnic Area

(1.77km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Cave and Waterfall

Hard track

Palona Cave

Palona Brook Falls

Maps for the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave walk

Cross sectional view of the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Wattamolla to Big Marley Beach

(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground

Easy track

Wattamolla Picnic Area

Wattamolla Kiosk

(0.18km) Northern End Wattamolla Picnic Ground → Wattamolla Dam

Moderate track

Wattamolla Dam

(0.84km) Wattamolla Dam → Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk

Moderate track

(3.94km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Deer Pools Clearing

Hard track

Deer Pool

(3.94km) Int. Mowlee Ridge Trail and Marley Trk → Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk

Moderate track

(5.09km) Int. Coastal Trk and Chimney Trk → East Marely Beach

Moderate track

Big Marley Beach