Burning Palms loop from Garawarra walking track

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Sponsor of Burning Palms loop from Garawarra bushwalking tracknotes

Map of Burning Palms loop from Garawarra
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Map Scale

1 km

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795 www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here

Otford

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-91294S

Port Hacking

1:100 000 Map Series

9129

Photo Gallery




	Garrawarra Farm +




	the squeezeway +




	the squeezway +




	The occassional view from the Garawarra Management Trail +




	The squeezway near Lilyvale track +




	Track betwen the Squeeze way and Burning palms +




	A view of the coast at sundown from the grasslands surrounding Burning Palms +




	Sunset south of Burning palms +




	The track through the grasslands +




	Burning Palms Beach +




	looking through to Burning Palms beach +




	light shining through fern +




	Burning Palms SLC +




	Burning Palms +




	walkway +




	Plenty of signs in Burning palms +




	looking down on Burning Palms beach +




	Looking down ridge burning palms on right +




	open forest +




	Small waterfall near Garawarra +




	Near the top of Era spur +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Burning Palms loop from Garawarra bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Burning Palms loop from Garawarra bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Burning Palms loop from Garawarra bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Burning Palms loop from Garawarra bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

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

		Length	8km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Track: Hard	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)

*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
3.3km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 3km is very steep. The remaining (1.9km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track
4.9km 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 (360m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
Around 4.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 4.2km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4km requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes

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Drive to Garawarra Farm Carpark
Drive to Garawarra Farm Carpark
Parking fees apply in the area. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

(0 km) Garawarra Farm Carpark to The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track Walk: Easy - road	Length = 87 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 2 m	Descent = 0 m
From the Garawarra Farm car park, this walk heads east out of the car park to turn right onto the main dirt road (that leads into the car park). A short distance down the road this walk comes to an intersection just beyond the locked gate marked with a 'Coast Walk' and a 'Garawarra Ridge Management Trail'^[1] signpost.

(0.09 km) The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track to The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks Track: Moderate - servicetrail	Length = 3.03 km	Time = 57 mins
	Climb = 90 m	Descent = -71 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Coast Track - Lilyvale' sign^[2] to head south along the wide management trail. Approximately 150m along, the track passes a small sign saying 'Cliff Track' and 'Burg Track'^[3]. The management trail continues to undulate to an intersection with a bush track heading off to the left (approximately halfway down). This is a small side trip which has fantastic views of the ocean and the cliffs. Back on the main service trail, the track continues along the flat until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the 'Lilyvale Track'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Burning Palms' arrow along the sandy service trail, winding through the bush for a short while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Coast Track'.

(3.11 km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks to Burning Palms Beach (southern end) Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 3 km	Time = 1 hr 20 mins
	Climb = 83 m	Descent = -307 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track, winding through the thick bushland and down a long hill for several hundred metres, gradually steepening before sharply turning left. After the change in direction, the track heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bush track. At this point, the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles like fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before emerging into grasslands. Continue straight: From the end of the palm jungle and the start of the grasslands, the walk heads through the grasslands and along the coast for a while before winding down to the signposted intersection with the Burning Palms track, near the rangers' hut.

(6.11 km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) to Figure 8 Pools Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 896 m	Time = 16 mins
	Climb = 15 m	Descent = -17 m
Turn right: (only to be attempted at low tide and low swell) From the beach, this walk follows the rocky passage beneath the rocky headland (keeping the headland to the right). The walk rounds the first prominent headland to a creek that drops off the cliffs above. This walk heads out onto a second prominent headland to the Figure 8 Pools. There are a number of Figure 8-shaped pools, but one main one. The pools are towards the sea, in line with the gully. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)

Figure Eight Pools	Alt = 4 m
Figure Eight Pools
The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean.

(6.11 km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) to Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 939 m	Time = 18 mins
	Climb = 79 m	Descent = -4 m
Veer left: From the intersection near the rangers' hut, this walk follows the Burning Palms arrow along the bush track winding around the back of the beach (which is to the right), until it joins onto a metal walkway. This continues until the trail passes several small cabins and begins to head steeply up the long hill, until the track reaches an signposted intersection at the top of the hill.

(7.05 km) Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) to Garawarra Farm Carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road	Length = 1.17 km	Time = 26 mins
	Climb = 144 m	Descent = -14 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads straight up the hill away from the sea. There are some magnificent views, both up and down the coast. Shortly after, the track comes to a clearing, and intersection with a bush track going off to the right, back down the hill. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading up the hill and away from the ocean, towards the thick forest at the top of the ridge. The track winds up the long hill to the treeline, where it continues up through the forest, climbing to the top of the long hill where it gradually flattens out and comes to the intersection of the 'Squeeze Way' service trail at the end of the Garrawarra Farm car park. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads across the car park, following the right-hand side for a short while before it comes to the signposted intersection of 'The Burgh Track'^[4], before reaching the paddock.

Drive from Garawarra Farm Carpark
Drive from Garawarra Farm Carpark
Parking fees apply in the area. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions

	To the start of the walk Drive from:		From the end of the walk Drive to:

Near by

Campsites in the park
Bonnie Vale camping ground
North Era camping ground
Uloola Falls camping ground

Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Engadine Disposal & Outdoor Centre Pty Ltd	1042 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine	(02) 9520 3367	13 km
Paddy Pallin Adventure Equipment	587 Kingsway, Miranda	(02) 9525 6829	17.3 km
Boots Great Outdoors	23 Koonya Cct, Caringbah	(02) 9542 8988	18.5 km
Onrope	11 Nelson Ave, Padstow	(02) 9709 6299	27.2 km
Hurstville Disposals & Outdoor Centre	235 Forest Rd , Hurstville	(02) 9580 4445	24.4 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Burning Palms loop from Garawarra.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Burning Palms loop from Garawarra Click to re-center search
3	VMG3	Mine commsite WESTCLIFF COLLIERY	20 km (to the WSW)
1	SYD01	12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE	24 km (to the NNE)
7	SYD07	7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN	46 km (to the NNW)
5	SYD05	Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA Emergency use only	50 km (to the N)
8	ROB08	Communications Site MT MURRAY	56 km (to the SW)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Illawarra/Shoalhaven fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: 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 and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

°C (feels like °)

km/h from the

% humidity (as at )

A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Royal National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Royal National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Closed areas: The Coast track upgrade
The Coast track will be undergoing construction works between Beachcomber Ave and Marley Beach over a 9 month period. Works include resurfacing, installation of raised board walk and stairs and will be undertaken between October 2015 and May 2016. During the works it will be necessary, at times, to close the Coast Track for visitor safety. Please be aware that during closures the full coast track walk will not be possible and you may need to plan your route to start and finish at a different location. The Royal National Park alerts page will be updated regularly so please check it before you leave home. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Royal National Park area office on (02) 9542 0632 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Wedding Cake Rock
Access to Wedding Cake Rock is prohibited. National Parks and Wildlife Service has undertaken a geotechnical assessment of the rock, which found that there is high chance that it could collapse at any time. Safety fencing has been erected to protect the public while a more permanent solution is developed. This is a really beautiful location and a spectacular rock formation to look at, but the key is doing it at a safe distance from the edge.

Safety alerts: Audley precinct in wet weather
Access across the Audley Weir may be closed due to river flooding during times of wet weather. During wet weather, NPWS advise park visitors to visit Live Traffic NSW to ascertain the status of the Weir crossing before commencing their travel to the park. During times of closure, access to Bundeena, Maianbar residential areas, Royal National Park Visitor Centre, including the Audley Dance hall and cafe, is via McKell Ave Waterfall.

Walker Feedback

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Dolly - North Era 5.0km

Registered | 2009-04-08 07:58:49

Did this walk 7 Apr 09. Great walk and easy track to follow. The climb out of Burning Palms wasn't as steep as it looks. :D

The only variation to the notes that I found was at the intersection of The Squeeze Way and the Burning Palms Track, the sign for North Era says 5.0km and not 6.5km.

Rob - Garrawarra to Burning Palms

IP:58.96.24.xxx | 2010-04-27 23:13:35

Hi

I did this walk on the weekend and it was great!

The pdf describing the walk makes the start a little over-complicated. The section entitled “Garawarra Farm Carpark to The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track” threw us a bit as there are no signs anywhere for ‘the squeeze way’. Also, there is a sign to the Burgh Ridge Track’ on the other side of the car park, which we mistakenly took first off.

I think that recommending walkers look for the metal gate and 'Coast Walk' signpost is all you need. At this signpost there isn’t actually an arrow or direction for the ‘Coast Track’ – there are 2 tracks but it isn’t clear which one is Coast track.

I suggest you advise people to take the track to the right as you look at the sign, or follow the arrow to North Era, which gets you on the correct track.

As soon as your instructions get to the “Approximately 50m along, the track passes a small sign saying 'Cliff Track' and 'Burg Track….” Everything is fine!

Great walk and all other instructions were great and up to wildwalks usual high standards!

Thanks

Rob
0421339***

admin - re: Garrawarra to Burning Palm

Super Administrator | 2010-04-27 23:13:55

Rob wrote:

The section entitled “Garawarra Farm Carpark to The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track” threw us a bit

Hi Rob
Thanks for your feedback and kind words about wildwalks. Your feedback was well written and very helpful. I reviewed our notes, trip log and photos and gee-wiz you are right it could have been clearer. Sorry for your extra detour. I have now updated the notes at the begining of this walk, they should be clearer now. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks
Matt :)

Gabor - Garrawarra to Burning Palms

IP:14.203.127.xxx | 2014-03-16 21:16:13

Hi All,
We did this walk with my wife this Saturday. This was our first walk in RNP (we only did walks in Blue Mountains so far), and we absolutely loved it! It includes a lot of variety! We will definitely return!
Get ready for muddy parts, because there are a few. I am not sure if these are the usual conditions.
Also keep it in mind, that nearly all the ascent is in the last part of the walk! Save some of your strength for that! :-)
The scenery is amazing all the way. It worth taking sidetrips to the left on the first 3 km of the walk(until the intersection). There are a few faded tracks which lead out to beautiful lookouts.
At the start we were also a bit confused which way to go, but after a couple minutes of thinking, and map-checking we easily found our way.
Strongly recommended walk.

Thank you Wildwalks for the amazing job you have done/are doing! I love the detailed information and maps you provide! You beat every other similar page! Whenever I plan a walk, I start typing “wildwalks.com”.

Gabor

Peter Donley - Burning Palms loop from Garawa

IP:58.107.232.xxx | 2014-06-22 01:05:33

Hi
I have been doing this walk for several years and have only recently discovered the old heritage and indistinct track called the "squeezeway" leading down the escarpment from the main firetrail about 1.5km south of Garrawarra Farm. The track leads down through the forest and Lomandra grass to meet with the coast track in the vicinity of Figure Eight Gully (indicsted on your maps). But this is not the way you describe despite your repeated use of the name "Squeezeway" in your track notes.
It seems you are describing the main tourist route that forms the Garrawarra - Palm Jungle - Burning Palms Loop.

I am also intrigued by the photo titled "Track between the Squeeze way and Burning palms" - this seems to be a very overgrown track but is not the one I know as the true "squeezeway".

I hope you can shed some light on your use of the description "squeezeway"

admin - Squezeway

Super Administrator | 2014-06-26 10:07:52

Hi Peter.
Thanks for the feedback. I was on the understanding that the Squeeze way was the wider track/trail at the top of the escarpment. I got this from a few maps. (but it is also signposted as cliff track and a few other names). If you can email me with the details of where you got your info from I would be keen to compair the sources and sort it out.
Thanks
Matt :)

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