Heathcote to Waterfall

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

10.1 km One way

481 m

Hard track

Spanning between Heathcote and Waterfall Railway Stations, this walk experiences many of the different environments that Heathcote National Park has to offer. From ridge tops to creek walking, this is a great way to enjoy a day, with a perfect spot for a break at the Heathcote Campsite. If the water's deep enough, also allow enough time to dip your toes in Heathcote Creek.

views from the pipeline track down to Heathcote Creek

looking upcreek from the Battery Causeway

Looking down at the creek from the track

The bushtrack between the Talooma Servicetrails

following the service trail towards the houses

(0km) Heathcote Railway Station → End of Freeman Rd

1 km

17 mins

-24m Very easy

From the station, this walk follows the footpath towards the highway, passing the left side of the car park, until it reaches the highway, which it crosses at the traffic lights. The walk continues along Oliver Street for a while before coming to the intersection with Boundary Road. Here, this walk turns left, following the road for a short distance before taking the first right onto Freemans Road and continuing past the large scout camp, to the end of the road, where it comes to the intersection with the management trail at the corner of Bella Vista Street.

(1km) End of Freeman Rd → Int of Scout Camp and Freeman Road bushtracks

400 m

9 mins

-47m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail, crossing under the high tension power lines and bending around to the right a short distance, before coming back around to the left and passing a management trail (which heads behind some houses). The walk continues down the hill, passing another trail on the left as the hill steepens and comes to an intersection with a rough bush track, opposite the power line tower at the bottom of the trail.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track on the opposite side of the management trail to the power line tower. The walk passes a burnt-out car shell before turning down the long steep hill and winding down to the 'T' intersection with a wider track.

(1km) Int of Scout Camp and Freeman Road bushtracks → Int. of Mirang Track and Friendly Tracks

330 m

7 mins

-37m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the track heading down along the side of the hill and through the thick bush. After a short while, the track comes to a large concrete pipeline, crossing it at the metal platform to the intersection with the management trail.

(2km) Int. of Mirang Track and Friendly Tracks → Int. of Mirang and Mirang Pool Tracks

940 m

21 mins

43m

-50m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mirang Pool' arrow along the asphalt trail down the long hill. After a short while, the trail bends around to the left, turning back towards the pipeline, and continues downhill until it flattens out and crosses a bridge at the pipeline. From here, the walk continues along the management trail, following the pipeline (with Heathcote Creek down the hill on the right) for a while before coming to the signposted intersection with the Mirang Pool track.

Mirang Pool camping ground

This campsite is nestled in Heathcote National Park, with walk-in access from Heathcote Station. The campsite is near Mirang Pool on Heathcote Creek - there is a signpost at the top of the stairs, leading down to the pools from the management trail above. There are no facilities provided at the campsite, and you will need to carry in your own water and fuel stove.

(3km) Int. of Mirang and Mirang Pool Tracks → Battery Causeway

1.4 km

29 mins

59m

-56m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lake Eckersley' arrow along the management trail, keeping the pipe line to the left, as it heads through the bush. After a while, the trail does a large 'S' bend, crossing the pipeline twice as before passing through a gate and up to the intersection with the Mirang Road service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the asphalt management trail, keeping Heathcote Creek and the valley to the right as the trail rounds a bend and heads up run parallel with the pipeline as the trail becomes gravel. From here, the walk continues along the management trail, keeping the pipeline on the left for about 750m. The walk then crosses over the pipeline using a timber bridge and 160m further along the management trail the walk passes a picnic table and crosses Heathcote Creek at the concrete Battery Causeway. (Here you may notice the 'Bullawarring Track - Waterfall 7km' sign[1] up to your left).

(4km) Battery Causeway → Int of Bullawarring and Goanna Tracks

1.3 km

30 mins

100m

-49m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection (on the western side of the causeway), this walk follows the somewhat over grown 'Waterfall 7km' arrow[2] on the 'Bullawarring Track' signpost, along the narrow track that initially heads up the hill away from the creek then bends left, keeping the valley to your left. The walk then follows this narrow track south, keeping Heathcote Creek down the hill to your left, as the track climbs up the side of the hill to flatten out high above the creek. From here, the track continues along the side of the ridge, with occasional views of the creek in the valley to the left, as the walk winds through thick bushland until coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Goanna Track'[ref img=114136.

(5km) Int of Bullawarring and Goanna Tracks → Int of Battery and Mooray Tracks

2.2 km

52 mins

118m

-144m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Waterfall' arrow on the Bullawarring Track signpost, winding along the bush track on the side of the hill for a long time, occasionally passing a rock platform with views of Heathcote Creek. The walk winds up and down a few steep rocky sections and crosses the dried-up creek in Python Gully. At this point, the track continues around the edge of the valley before descending quite steeply to Heathcote Creek, where it comes to the signposted intersection of the Mooray Track.

(8km) Int of Battery and Mooray Tracks → Kingfisher Pool camping ground

930 m

21 mins

48m

-32m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Waterfall' arrow on the Bullawarring Track signpost, heading along the bush track which follows Heathcote Creek. The track winds through the bush with small ups and downs, until it comes back down to the side of the creek, crossing at the rocks.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Waterfall' arrow on the 'Mooray Track' sign, heading down and across the creek at the rocks, following the painted track markers up the other side and along the bush track to a large open clearing. From here, the track follows the track marker though the clearing and along the bush track for a short while, coming to some large boulders. Here, the track turns right and then immediately left at the painted marker, climbing up onto the top of the rock platform. From the top of the platform, the walk follows the bush track, heading away from the creek for a short distance before turning left at the bush track and continuing to the Kingfisher Pool camping ground.

Kingfisher Pool camping ground

This campsite is located at a small clearing, just east of the junction of Heathcote and Kingfisher Creeks in Heathcote National Park. The campsite is above the creek on a flat clearing. The creek usually provides plenty of water (treat before use, and check with rangers before setting out) and an opportunity for a swim. At the campground, there is also a small pit toilet and picnic table. Open fires are not permitted, so bring your own fuel stove. Fees are payable in advance for the permit required to stay at this campsite.

(9km) Kingfisher Pool camping ground → Int of Heathcote Creek Bushtrail and Lake Toolooma Servicetrail

830 m

15 mins

15m

-15m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads away from the water for about 20m back to the main track, where this walk turns left to head east through the thick scrub for a while. There is an occasional view of the creek as the track heads along to a 'Y' intersection with another bush track that has been blocked off. Here, this walk turns left and continues along to the signposted intersection with a management trail.

(9km) Int of Lake Toolooma Servicetrail and Heathcote Creek Track → Int of Waterfall Gully and Lake Toolooma Servicetrail (west)

30 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north, crossing the creek and heading along the service trail for a very short period, before coming to an intersection with a bush track going off to the right.

(9km) Int of Waterfall Gully and Lake Toolooma Servicetrail (west) → Int of Bullawarring Track and Warabin Servicetrail

630 m

17 mins

83m

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bullawarring Track - Waterfall' sign[3] south-east away from the power lines, following the narrow but clear track for several hundred metres (ignoring faint tracks to the left). The track then lends slightly to the left and heads up the hill to an intersection with a service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow track and painted arrow[4] in the middle of the rock step, heading east up the rocky steps. The walk climbs up some rough rock steps with some carved foot-holes in the rock outcrop, to the top of some short cliffs. From here, the walk follows the rock platform at the top of the short cliffs, and the painted arrows, to the bush track which continues up the long rocky hill. The walk continues up a long set of wooden steps to the signposted intersection with a service trail.

(10km) Int of Bullawarring Track and Warabin Servicetrail → End of Warabin Rd

90 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, heading up the gentle hill towards the houses for a short while before coming to the end of Warabin Street.

Maps for the Heathcote to Waterfall 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
Appin	1:25 000 Map Series	90291S APPIN	NSW-90291S
Campbelltown	1:25 000 Map Series	90291N CAMPBELLTOWN	NSW-90291N
Campbelltown	1:50 000 Map Series	90291 CAMPBELLTOWN	CW-90291
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129
Wollongong	1:100 000 Map Series	9029 WOLLONGONG	9029

Cross sectional view of the Heathcote to Waterfall bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Heathcote to Waterfall

Altitude analysis for Heathcote to Waterfall

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	10.1 km
		Time	5 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, 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 gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.6km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.6km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.3km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

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

Infrastructure

Around 9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Heathcote to Waterfall walk.

Lake Toolooma Trail

6.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Moderate track

Heathcote to Waterfall Overnight Walk

10.8 km One way, 2 Days

Following Heathcote Creek, this walk is a great overnight walk, often used to introduce new walkers to overnight hikes. A well-signposted and defined track leads you to a campsite with a reasonable level of facilities. There are great views of Heathcote Creek along the way, and many of Heathcote's v

Total climbing: 503m

Hard track

Waterfall to Heathcote

10.8 km One way, 5 hrs

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 offe

Total climbing: 467m

Hard track

The Goanna Track Circuit

11 km Circuit, 4 hrs

The Goanna Track is a short but pleasant bush track with some good views down over Heathcote Creek. Mostly along management trail, this walk follows the pipeline from Heathcote out to the Goanna Track circuit. Be sure to go down to Lake Eckersley as this is arguably the prettiest part of the walk. I

Total climbing: 484m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Heathcote to Waterfall walk.

Heathcote to Audley

10 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

Passing through scrub and heath, this track goes into the Royal National Park along a well managed bush track, passing great pools and sections of creek at Karloo Pools and Uloola Falls. With some lovely rest spots at both of these places (especially with the toilet at Uloola) this walk is very plea

Total climbing: 327m

Hard track

Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

15 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

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 Rei

Total climbing: 635m

Hard track

Uloola Track (Heathcote to Waterfall)

11.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This pleasant walk takes you from Heathcote to Waterfall Station. This walk ventures into central Royal National Park along a well maintained bush track. The walk goes via a beautiful set of waterholes and rock flats at Karloo Pools. The walk continues to the peaceful campsite at Uloola Falls and t

Total climbing: 388m

Hard track

The Karloo Track

5.6 km Return, 3 hrs

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

Total climbing: 312m

Moderate track

Engadine to Audley

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

From Engadine Railway Station, this walk ventures into the centre of the Royal National Park, through light scrub. Highlights include Tuckawa Rill Creek, where the cascading water and small rock pools contrast beautifully with the surrounding dry bushland. On from here, there are great views of the

Total climbing: 181m

Hard track

Gibraltar Rock

858 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts near the Willow Tree Picnic Area (near Audley). The walk follows a short section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive to a large sandstone overhang called Gibraltar Rock. At the base of the overhang is a rare sandstone cobble section of road. At Gibraltar Rock, there are also

Total climbing: 17m

Easy track

Jersey Spring

5 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting near the Willow Tree Picnic Area (near Audley), this walk follows the northern section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive to Jersey Spring. Past the sandstone overhang of Gibraltar Rock, this walk follows the old road and the Hacking River, enjoying the palms and tall gums along the way.

Total climbing: 118m

Easy track

Willow Tree to Calala

10.5 km Return, 4 hrs

On this walk you follow the historic Lady Carrington Drive from Willow tree picnic area to Calala before returning the same way. The walk passes two icons on the old road, Gibraltar Rock and Jersey Spring whilst crossing several small brooks. At Calala you will find a large clearing and natural sh

Total climbing: 282m

Moderate track

Winifred Falls

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

Winifred Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Royal National Park. This walk not only goes to the magnificent falls but has the optional side trip down to the beautiful South West Arm Pools. Anice Falls are not as great as Winifred but worth the visit. The walk then continues through the heath to

Total climbing: 179m

Hard track

Robertson's Roundabout

2.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

From the Royal National Park Centre, this walk crosses the Hacking River before rising steeply up onto the ridge to fantastic views of the Hacking River. If you look into the distance you can see Cronulla on the horizon at the highest points. Towards the end of the circuit, with good views of the su

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Audley to Gibraltar Rock

2.2 km Return, 45 mins

This walk starts at the historical and beautiful Audley picnic area and dance hall. Have a picnic or enjoy a coffee from the cafe, before wandering along the quiet public road alongside Hacking River. After heading around the locked gate, you walk along the old Lady Carrington Drive trail for about

Total climbing: 55m

Easy track

Bungoona Path

918 m Return, 20 mins

This is a smooth and mostly flat walk with a fantastic lookout in the Royal National Park. The concrete path starts at the Area Office car park, passes a pleasant and usually quiet picnic area, then winds gently down through the bush. The path leads to the fenced Bungoona Lookout, where you can en

Total climbing: 30m