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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for The Karloo Track are found in each of the tabs below
Karloo Track
Time: 3 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1 km SW of Heathcote
Length: 5.6 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 5.6 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Royal National Park
Climb: 312 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 312 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a train station near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Moderate

A popular trail for those wanting a well-signposted bush track, and a great place to swim. The Karloo Track follows the bush track from Heathcote Railway Station east, into the Royal National Park, to a great set of waterholes on Kangaroo Creek. This walk offers more than just a set of waterholes at the end, there are also fantastic views from the ridge, of the surrounding bushland. (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 The Karloo Track

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of The Karloo Track bushwalking tracknotes
Map of The Karloo Track
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Heathcote Railway Station
Int of Karloo Track and Wilson Pde
Heathcote Brook Bushtrack
Starting point for this hiking track: Int of Wilson Parade and Karloo Track

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

Photo Gallery

 
The Karloo Bushtrack
 
The Karloo Bushtrack +
 
Passing by a small set of cliffs and rock formations
 
Passing by a small set of cliffs and rock formations +
 
The view from the top
 
The view from the top +

 
A small rock formation that the track passes
 
A small rock formation that the track passes +
 
The Karloo Trail
 
The Karloo Trail +
 
Karloo Pools
 
Karloo Pools +

 
Kangaroo Creek
 
Kangaroo Creek +
 
With major signposts at the important intersections this track is easily navigated
 
With major signposts at the important intersections this track is easily navigated +
 
Karloo Pools
 
Karloo Pools +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the The Karloo Track bushwalking track

Cross Section of the The Karloo Track bushwalking track



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

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the The Karloo Track 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 6km
Time 3 hrs
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
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)
*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
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).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the train to Heathcote Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Heathcote Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
(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 Int of Karloo and Heathcote Brook Tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 948 m Time = 20 mins
Climb = 11 m Descent = -48 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.

(1.15 km) Heathcote Brook Bushtrack to Karloo Pools
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.63 km Time = 46 mins
Climb = 76 m Descent = -174 m
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.

Catch the train from Heathcote Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Heathcote Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Heathcote Railway Station
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
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|

Drive to Heathcote Railway Station
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
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|

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
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

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 2.6 km
Paddy Pallin Adventure Equipment 587 Kingsway, Miranda (02) 9525 6829 10.6 km
Onrope 11 Nelson Ave, Padstow (02) 9709 6299 17 km
Boots Great Outdoors 23 Koonya Cct, Caringbah (02) 9542 8988 12.4 km
Jeffs Camping & Disposals Lvl2/ 444 Hume Hwy, Yagoona (02) 9708 5092 20.2 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to The Karloo Track.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from The Karloo Track
Click to re-center search
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 16 km (to the NNE)
3 VMG3 Mine commsite WESTCLIFF COLLIERY 23 km (to the SW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 35 km (to the NNW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
40 km (to the NNE)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 53 km (to the NW)

Weather and Park info

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.

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

Comments
Add NewSearch
Errol Registered | 2008-04-26 07:46:05
Hi Guys, just dicovered your wonderful site and have registered but to my dismay I find I am unable to print anything other than page one of any of the walks. Clicking on PDF version doesn't work, in fact nothing does. Will leave it with you, Cheers, Errol Higgins
admin - re: Super Administrator | 2008-04-26 08:09:06
Errol wrote:
Hi Guys, just dicovered your wonderful site and have registered but to my dismay I find I am unable to print anything other than page one of any of the walks. Clicking on PDF version doesn't work, in fact nothing does. Will leave it with you, Cheers, Errol Higgins

I replied to Errol via e-mail cause he had registered so I had the address. But for any on else.

Please be assured you should be able to print any of the PDFs in full even if you are not logged in.

After clicking on the PDF icon you should get a page that displayes the PDF there is then a "click to print" pdf link.
(If you go file print in internet explorer then it only prints what you see on the page) (or you can use the print control button on the PDF frame. :D
Andrew & Jane IP:58.173.80.xxx | 2009-01-11 16:55:18
We have just returned from this easy to follow and well used track.

From Heathcote to Karloo Pool took just 45 minutes and 55 minutes to return.

The first third of the outward trip is a slight downhill walk; the second third was flat along the ridge line and the last third was a steeper decent to the pool.

The climb back out on the return took roughly 20 minutes mainly due to the slightly higher than comfortable steps of rock.

A number of people were passed in either direction and roughly 10 or so people found at the pool itself including children.

A great little walk away from it all and don't forget your swimwear, especially on a warm day. :D
Richard IP:203.206.3.xxx | 2010-01-25 09:10:21
Information at the top of the walk seems to be inconsistent with the map. The length is given as 5.6 Km; this seems somewhat more than is described in the track notes, or what is show on the walk map.
admin - re: length Super Administrator | 2010-01-25 09:54:28
Richard wrote:
Information at the top of the walk seems to be inconsistent with the map. The length is given as 5.6 Km;

Hi Richard
Thanks for taking the time to report this. I think the 5.6km is correct. The length includes the return leg of this walk. So in this case the track is 2.8km long, but you need to walk 5.6km in total. I hope that makes sense. If I have missed the point please let me know. Please let me know other issues you find, it helps make wildwalks better.
Hope you enjoy the walk
Matt :)
Richard IP:203.206.3.xxx | 2010-01-25 20:28:14
Matt,

Thanks for the clarification. Can I suggest for clarity that the Track Notes describe "Length" as "Section Length"? That way, fools like myself won't read it as the cumulative distance from the start! :-)
admin - re: Super Administrator | 2010-01-27 03:40:17
Richard wrote:
Matt,Can I suggest for clarity that the Track Notes describe "Length" as "Section Length"?

Great idea, I am doing some work on how we render track notes in the next few weeks, so I will look at this more then. In the meantime I have added a popup tip to the full walk length (at the top of the page) to explain this concept.
Thanks again for your feedback
Matt :)
Sydnat - Beautiful IP:124.169.4.xxx | 2010-09-27 09:30:03
Beautiful walk, especially on a hot day. Karloo pool is a lovely spot for a swim. Lying on a rock listening to the sound of trickling water was *so* relaxing! Quite popular, plenty of families turning up there. Beautiful piece of bush. From start of track at fire station took exactly 45 mins each way at a fairly leisurely pace.
Rashid Idris - Love this Site IP:129.78.32.xxx | 2011-12-01 05:28:30
Hi,

Love this site mate. Just started bushwalking and found this site really informative and good. Keep up the good work.

Rashid
admin - re: Love this Site Super Administrator | 2011-12-01 23:26:59
Rashid Idris wrote:
Hi,
Love this site mate. Just started bushwalking and found this site really informative and good. Keep up the good work.
Rashid

Hi Rashid
Thanks for the kinds words. I hope you enjoy your new found hobby, it is a great way to explore these amazing areas. Glad you are finding wildwalks helpful.
Happy walking
Matt :)
Johnsons - Lovely walk, beautiful reward IP:58.107.253.xxx | 2011-12-28 07:33:55
We did this walk today, based on reviews and photos from this website. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We had lovely weather, not too hot, not too cold, the terrain is reasonably easy, we took our 5 and 10 year olds, who are not the most athletic kids, but they managed quite easily and NO COMPLAINING! The swim at Karloo Pools was amazing, it was like a hidden outback billabong.. Just beautiful and totally worth the walk. It took us about 50-60 min each way, at a very leisurely kid pace, including a few stops here and there. Would thoroughly recommend.
Ken D - Excellent walk IP:58.178.39.xxx | 2012-12-28 02:11:20
I took the girlfriend who isnt a bushwalker, took us 35 min down, and 40 back up.

Saw an Echidna, 2x Goannas, and plenty of birds & Lizards.

En excellent walk for somewhere so close!
Christy - Nice Walk :) IP:49.180.170.xxx | 2014-01-27 01:02:49
Very nice walk, great for kids as they love the pools down the bottom of the track.

Stopped at the pools for lunch and had a nice, steep walk back.
Me - Me IP:124.169.136.xxx | 2014-03-08 04:54:55
Great site , I've done many walks in the Royal but finding at site that has more is great.
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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