Covering a large section of central Royal National Park, this walk goes through the heath and scrub along a well managed and signposted track. The walk loops from Heathcote Railway Station around to Engadine Station. With public transport at both ends, toilets and water at both Uloola Falls and Reid's Park, this track has ample infrastructure to keep a walker out for a day, without losing the sense of getting away from it all.
(open in app)
There are closures in Royal National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Heathcote to Engadine via Audley
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 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
15km
Time
6 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
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).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
(0 km)
Heathcote Railway Station
to
Int of Wilson Parade and Karloo Track Track: Moderate - road
Length = 200 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
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'.
(0.2 km)
Int of Karloo Track and Wilson Pde
to
Karloo Pools Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.58 km
Time = 1 hr 6 mins
Climb = 87 m
Descent = -222 m
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
Alt = 132 m
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.
(2.78 km)
Karloo Pools
to
Uloola Falls Camp Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.26 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 125 m
Descent = -47 m
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'.
(5.04 km)
Uloola Falls Camp
to
Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.99 km
Time = 1 hr 16 mins
Climb = 105 m
Descent = -107 m
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'.
(9.03 km)
Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout
to
Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 556 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -92 m
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.
(9.59 km)
Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks
to
Currawong Flats Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 137 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -34 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
(9.59 km)
Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks
to
Kangaroo Creek Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.18 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 67 m
Descent = -95 m
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
Alt = 9 m
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.
(10.77 km)
Kangaroo Creek
to
Int of Engadine and Loop Track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.74 km
Time = 47 mins
Climb = 202 m
Descent = -10 m
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.
(12.5 km)
Loop Track Servicetrail (south-east)
to
Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.12 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -42 m
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.
(13.62 km)
Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail
to
Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 505 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -7 m
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.
(14.13 km)
Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south)
to
Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 242 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -4 m
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.
(14.37 km)
Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail
to
Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 327 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -15 m
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.
(14.7 km)
Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks
to
Int of Engadine Bush and Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 76 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
(14.77 km)
Int of Engadine Track and Bushtracks
to
Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 30 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
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'.
(14.8 km)
Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track
to
Engadine Railway Station Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 153 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region 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.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities 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.
From the intersection at the south end of Karloo Pools the track track heads south-east along the bushtrack.
It is worth noting that you have to cross the watercourse to find the trail on the other side. I spent 2 hours wandering in the bush South of the pools only to find that I was on the wrong side of the creek.
admin - re: Karloo Pools track
Super Administrator | 2009-01-19 09:44:04
Peter Dunn wrote:
From the intersection at the south end of Karloo Pools the track track heads south-east along the bushtrack.
It is worth noting that you have to cross the watercourse to find the trail on the other side. I spent 2 hours wandering in the bush South of the pools only to find that I was on the wrong side of the creek.
Thanks Peter
Sorry for the confusion. 2 hrs wandering would be very frustrating. Thanks for letting us know.
I have looked at our photos and made a quick update. We are starting a full review of the walks in the Royal this week. So this is great timing.
I hope you enjoyed the walk other than this.
thanks again for your time to help make these notes better
Matt :)
guy-francis vella - Engadine Signs
IP:211.30.181.xxx | 2010-01-01 11:57:53
After Kangaroo Creek there are no signs for engadine, even though the signs appear to have been replaced recently. The one track at the intersection at the 12.4km mark that we thought might go to engadine took us back to heathcote. We noted a lot of bush regeneration and thought that perhaps the track had been shut.
Damian Brown - Engadine Path
IP:202.171.188.xxx | 2010-01-04 06:08:59
I had the same problem, I got to the Robertson Roundabout coming from Heathcote, but couldnt find any track to Engadine - went around in circles, then eventually made my way back to Heathcote. I couldnt make sense of the directions after the entry at 9.57km, the directions dont match 'location to location' like the rest do, and didnt seem to match the signs - could be me, but Id be careful.
admin - re: Engadine Signs
Super Administrator | 2010-01-04 23:21:52
guy-francis vella wrote:
After Kangaroo Creek there are no signs for engadine
Hi guy-francis and Damian
Thanks for the feedback it is very valuable. I must humbly apologise for your detours. We have recently 'cleaned up' our notes to fix spelling errors, and it looks like part of these notes where put back in 'backwards' (ie instead of saying how to get away from Kangaroo creek, they where telling you how to get there. I have gone though our logs and the problem seems to only impacted these notes. And I have now fixed it up.
Thanks Again
Matt :)
Paul - Engadine
IP:152.76.1.xxx | 2010-02-15 00:14:11
It is confusing - but follow the sign - 1 only i think - to Kangaroo Ck and keep following the signs to Heathcote before (finally) finding signs to Engadine. I didn't see this walk on your website until after i had completed it. I was surprised how long it took, but i was quicker than your estimation. My biggest difficulty was over the rocky ridges going towards Audley where the arrows and the track were hard to find.
Serina - Engadine...
IP:121.91.100.xxx | 2010-11-07 12:21:22
could not work out how to get onto the path leading to engadine after kangaroo creek.. Could not find any signage for engadine. Ended up coming out of the bush a 10min walk from Heathcote station
admin - re: Engadine...
Super Administrator | 2010-11-07 22:36:00
Serina wrote:
could not work out how to get onto the path leading to engadine after kangaroo creek
Hi Serina
Thanks for the feedback. Sorry you had trouble, it sounds like you got close. Looks like we need to add this to our walks that need re-walking and updating. This link shows the a few of the signs that where then when we wrote these notes http://www.wildwalks.com/i.html?image_id=31783
Sounds like you turned left onto one of the trail leading into Engadine (instead of continuing straight) as we intended.
If you can work out where things when wrong for you, please send me the details and I can add a note for future walkers.
Thanks
Matt :)
trialex
IP:203.49.163.xxx | 2010-11-23 00:08:14
Great walk.
Unfortunately there was a lot of rubbish at Karloo Pools - if you are walking the opposite way to the directions (i.e. Engadine to Heathcote) you could carry a rubbish bag and walk some of the rubbish out quite easily.
We found the path leading away from Kangaroo Creek quite easily. Cross the river at the end nearest to the metal staircase, then continue down the creek for about 10 metres, the path is on the left with a sign and a small Lions club post.
If you are planning on using the toilet at the campground, some hand sanitizer might be a good idea :-)
Philip - Waratah
IP:192.148.117.xxx | 2011-08-20 18:32:30
On an unrelated note, the plant you have labelled as Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) is actually a waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
admin - re: Waratah
Super Administrator | 2011-08-21 21:38:23
Philip wrote:
....is actually a waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
Thanks Philip
Oops, silly me - thanks for pointing that out. Fixed it up now.
Matt :)
Jules
IP:61.95.125.xxx | 2012-03-17 03:30:04
Just walked this after heavy rains in Sydney which turned the track into a creek!
Must note that many sections are heavily overgrown, had to double back a couple times on Ridge Track as painted markers are faded (and positioned to be seen when traveling southwards). Was lucky to find trail south of Karloo Ponds on the first go.
Took about 5 hours including Audley if you set a brisk pace.
Walk uphill from Audley to Engadine a killer! ^_^
Sir Walksalot - shrub
IP:122.108.152.xxx | 2012-04-15 11:20:48
As per Jules post above, the track is getting pretty overgrown, makes it slighty uncomfortable having shrub/branches brush against you for a good part of the walk.
Deviated slightly by not walking all the way down to Audley, and towards the end of the track by going back to Heathcote station instead of Engadine to get to my car. Fairly fast pace walking doing this was 3.5 hours.
Might be nicer with long sleeves/pants!
Chili Brown - Nice Walk, First Hike.
IP:124.149.161.xxx | 2013-12-25 20:43:22
Looking at the directions I was a bit worried that I would get confused but didn't have any major problems finding the way.
Only issue was at Kangaroo Creek, which seems where other people have had trouble too. Not too hard to find, when you come off the stairs keep going straight there wasn't really a clear track but Heathcote sign is pretty much opposite the stairs.
As per what others have said most of the arrows are faded but the track, although overgrown in some places is still easy to follow, long sleeves/pants a good idea.
Very enjoyable.
Tejas - Really nice walk
IP:110.20.186.xxx | 2014-08-05 12:24:28
This was a really nice walk as the title suggests with the sense of civilisation still there with the planes and car noise around Audley.
That said really worthwhile. Nice views at the start on the rocks, you can see the city skyline. As above it is overgrown, mostly the section from Uloola Falls camp to Audley. Take it slow, don't rush as it is uneven in parts and you could easily lose your footing when concentrating on keeping those branches from swiping your face.
Kangaroo Creek is a really nice area. Perfect place to rest before heading up the final climb up the ridge.
Adrian Hill - Track condition
IP:120.18.191.xxx | 2014-11-15 05:05:49
Track condition seems to have improved since some of these comments. Did the walk today (Nov 15, 2014) and found it generally good.
Thanks for the tips at Kangaroo Creek (go straight) - that definitely helped.
Very nice walk and stopping at Audley is worth it.
Greg & Brendan - Wet but enjoyed it
IP:110.20.123.xxx | 2015-04-04 06:22:49
Walked it today with my 13 yo son (his 1st bush walk). Had no drama's with finding the track but can understand how more cautious people would find leaving Kangaroo Pools a bit unnerving. The track was very wet Brendan & I were completely soaked but enjoyed the walk nonetheless
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
Check out the facilities at 
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)