Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through a very pretty environment that was definitely worth preserving.

Total climbing: 179m

This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr.

Total climbing: 74m

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.

Total climbing: 171m

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical artefacts, read the information signs, rest in the picnic areas and appreciate the magnificent native trees. You may well be lucky enough to spot lyrebirds. The southern end has the steepest sections with the walk becoming generally flatter as you head north.

Total climbing: 266m
Note: There is no car transport option to the start of this walk.

Winding next to Bola Creek, the Wallumarra bush track is very pretty, as is the track to Palona. Great rest areas at Bola Picnic Area, and next to the waterfall at Palona Cave, cap off a great walk. While the Wallumarra service trail and the side trip to the Beehives are not the most interesting tracks in Royal National Park, the Wallumarra bush track and the trail to Palona Cave make up for this.

Total climbing: 439m

Initially following a section of service trail, this walk heads along the ridge before descending to Bola Creek. The walk becomes more enjoyable after the service trail section, especially down on the creek as the walk winds its way through the forest. After a short break at the Bola Picnic Area, the walk circles around, following the Forest Path. This track was one of the first in Royal National Park (established in 1886) and still remains very pretty.

Total climbing: 470m

This isn’t a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year.

Total climbing: 50m

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track’s tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kiosk and is an excellent spot for a swim (when patrolled) and a picnic. This walk is good for those who can get dropped off at the top and meet their driver at the bottom, or you may choose to do a car shuffle, or retrace your steps back to Curra Moors car park.

Total climbing: 65m

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea.

Total climbing: 242m

This circuit around Lake Toolooma makes a lovely walk through Heathcote National Park. This walk mainly follows management trails and provides a few views of the lake. Although most of the walk is not in view of the lake, there are great views from the top of the western ridge.

Total climbing: 220m

This walk explores the heart of Heathcote National Park, and is easily accessed with a train station at either end. Although relatively close to the start of the walk, Kingfisher Pool, next to Heathcote Creek, is a great spot to break and enjoy the park. Mirang Pool, at the northern end, also offers an opportunity to cool down before the last walk up the hill.

Total climbing: 467m

This is a pleasant walk, taking you through some of Royal National Parks more diverse ecosystems. From Waterfall Station, the walk heads through the bush and heath, before descending to the rain forest and palms on the banks of the upper Hacking River. A great walk to explore Royal National Park’s floral diversity.

Total climbing: 368m

This walk covers a great cross section of the environments in the Royal National park, with plenty of places to rest and take in the views. The walk follows the Squeeze Way from Garie Rd, then heads down Stockyard Spur to Era Gully. The walk then heads up to the old Garawarra Farm, via Burgh Ridge, and back along the road to the Squeezeway and Garrie Rd. There are some optional side trips to North Era and to Burning Palms for people with extra time.

Total climbing: 271m

The walk down Stockyard Spur to Garie Beach is an excellent way to take in coastal views before following the Coastal Track. This is great if you are with a driver who is happy to drop you and wait for you are Garie Beach, or if you can do a car shuffle. You can always just walk back up. There are plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet if you wish to cool down on the walk, and you can see some of the houses built during the depression at North Era and Little Garie.

Total climbing: 142m

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest. From the beach the walk heads back up to Garawarra via an open grassy ridge, then through a nice shady forest track.

Total climbing: 398m

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct environments and gives a great cross section of what the park has to offer. The Figure Eight pools are on an ocean rock platform. Rock platforms can be very dangerous places, especially at high tide and during high seas. Only plan to visit the rock platform at low tide and low seas (see BOM website for forecast). Please also wear appropriate footwear for the walk and rock platforms.

Total climbing: 273m

This walk starts at the large Garawarra Farm car park taking the ridge straight down to the coast. Look for the change in vegetation as you descend along the spur to the Coastal Track, before beach hopping your way to Garie Beach. The track is a great way to see some of Sydney’s best coast, with plenty of opportunities to cool down, and maybe do a spot of fishing along the way. About half the track is through open grass land, giving panoramic ocean views, with opportunities to wander among some buildings from the depression era.

Total climbing: 156m

Using a variety of tracks, this walk follows the coast as well as going inland to Garrawarra Farm. With great coastal views and a magnificent palm jungle, this walk demonstrates perfectly, the diversity of the Royal National Park. Of historical significance are the houses scattered along the coast that were built during the depression. Take some time along the way to have a cool down at one of the many fantastic beaches.

Total climbing: 754m