Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

7 hrs

13.5 km Circuit

754 m

Hard track

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.

The church and community hall at Little Garie

South Era Beach (notice the depression house)

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

The grasslands on the top of many of the hills

Garie Beach

Garie Beach, Royal National Park, is a large, south-east facing, yellow sand beach. The beach is backed by steep headlands and gullies. There is a large car park at the end of Garie Rd for access to the beach. Garie Beach is popular for surfing, patrolled 9am-5pm from December to January. Facilities include toilets, kiosk, picnic tables, cold showers and Surf Life Saving Club. The water from the shower should be treated before drinking, this water comes from a tank and may be unavailable during dry periods. More info.

(0km) Garie Beach Car Park → Little Garie

750 m

20 mins

59m

-47m Moderate track

From the Garie Beach car park, the walk follows the sign to 'North Era', keeping the sea to the left. This track follows the base of the large grassy hill between the rocks and the ocean, to the Little Garie cabins and up past the Little Garie Community Hall.

(1km) Little Garie → North Era Bush Campground

850 m

23 mins

62m

-74m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the community hall in Little Garie, the walk heads steeply up the hill, following the track to the south-west. To prevent erosion of the hill, wooden steps have been installed. From the top of the ridge, the track continues down the other side, keeping the ocean on the left while winding down into North Era Bush Campground.

(2km) North Era Bush Campground → Int of Burgh Ridge Track and Era Track (East)

910 m

20 mins

59m

-20m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the North Era Bush Campground, the walk heads up the grassy hill, keeping the ocean to the left. Just before the buildings, the walk comes to an intersection with a track on the right (which heads into the trees).
Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the ocean to the left as it winds down between the cabins to the beach at the bottom. From here, the walk continues around the back of the beach following the coast, and up between the houses to the large clearing before the top of the hill. Here, the walk comes to an intersection with two rough bush tracks towards the top of the hill.

(3km) Int of Burgh Ridge Track and Era Track (East) → The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track

1.3 km

32 mins

181m

-13m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill and away from the ocean, winding through the tall grass to the top of the hill, where it comes to a 'T' intersection with the track at the top.
Veer right: 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.

(4km) The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track → The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks

3 km

57 mins

90m

-71m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Coast Track - Lilyvale' sign[1] to head south along the wide management trail. Approximately 150m along, the track passes a small sign saying 'Cliff Track' and 'Burg Track'[2]. 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'.

(7km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks → Int. Fig 8 Pool Trk and Coastal Trk

2.1 km

1 Hr

66m

-252m Hard track

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.

(9km) Int. Fig 8 Pool Trk and Coastal Trk → Burning Palms Beach (southern end)

880 m

20 mins

17m

-55m Hard track

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.

(10km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) → Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth)

940 m

18 mins

79m

-4m Moderate track

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.

(11km) Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) → North Era Bush Campground

1.1 km

27 mins

20m

-96m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track heading down the hill, keeping the ocean to the right as it winds down to the intersection with the faint bush track in the large grassy clearing on the side of the hill, above some of the cabins at Era.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill past the cabins to the bottom where it comes to South Era beach. From here, the walk continues around the back of the beach, keeping the ocean to the right as it continues up the other side to the top of the ridgeline where it comes to the intersection with a faint bush track (heading off to the left).
Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, the walk crosses the headland and open grassy area, down towards the beach (keeping the ocean to the right), coming to a 'North Era Bush Campground' sign just before the beach.

(12km) North Era Bush Campground → Garie Beach Car Park

1.6 km

43 mins

121m

-121m Moderate track

Continue straight: Keeping the ocean and the coast to the right, the walk heads north across the North Era Bush Campground to the base of the large grassy hill, which it climbs steeply to the top. Upon reaching the top, the walk continues down the other side of the hill, winding down the bush track and wooden steps, until reaching the Little Garie Community Hall at the base of the hill.
Continue straight: From the Little Garie Community Hall, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the sea to the right of the track as it leads into the gully. The walk passes several old cabins as it approaches the bottom, where the track passes a 'Coast Walk' sign, providing information on erosion issues in this area. From here, the walk heads between the ocean on the right and the base of the large grassy hill on the left as the track narrows. This continues until arriving in the Garie Beach car park.

Maps for the Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit 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.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

Altitude analysis for Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

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	13.5 km
		Time	7 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3km is flat with no steps. The remaining (3km) is very steep.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (360m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.5km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 13km 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 4.2km 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 Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit walk.

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, week

Total climbing: 242m

Moderate track

Stockyard spur to Garie Beach

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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 ar

Total climbing: 142m

Hard track

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

3.9 km One way, 2 hrs

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 ple

Total climbing: 156m

Moderate track

Garie Road to Era Loop

5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

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,

Total climbing: 271m

Hard track

Garawarra Farm carpark to figure eight pools

6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

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 env

Total climbing: 273m

Hard track

Burning Palms loop from Garawarra

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views

Total climbing: 664m

Hard track

Otford to Helensburgh

12.9 km One way, 5 hrs 15 mins

Largely along service trails and well managed bush tracks, this walk goes from train station to train station through parts of southern Royal National Park. The bush track between Garrawarra and the Hacking River is incredibly beautiful as it winds its way down the hill through shrouded eucalypt for

Total climbing: 589m

Hard track

Otford to Figure of Eight Pools via Burning Palms

13.2 km Return, 6 hrs 30 mins

From Otford Train Station, this walk enters the Royal National Park at the coast. There are great views of Wollongong down the coast. The walk also passes through the magnificent Palm Jungle and Burning Palms beach. This is a great spot to go, wet the toes, and enjoy the environment. The walk then c

Total climbing: 732m

Hard track

Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit

13.4 km Circuit, 6 hrs

Exploring the southern coast of Royal National Park, this walk experiences different trails and environments, with dense forest at Palm Forest to the open grasslands along the Coastline. With a short side trip out to the Figure of Eight Pools, this walk becomes a great day in the bush. The views fro

Total climbing: 706m

Hard track

The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house commu

Total climbing: 1244m

Hard track

The Coast Track

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea an

Total climbing: 1351m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit walk.

Garie Beach to Eagle Rock

7.7 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk, from Garie Beach to Eagle Rock, is another great way to explore the Royal National Park coastline. Eagle Rock is an iconic rock formation in the park, and this lookout provides a great view of it. The walk then returns to the expansive Garie Beach, offering more great views as you head d

Total climbing: 344m

Hard track

Garie Beach YHA

1.3 km Return, 45 mins

**On 02/12/2010 this YHA was completely destroyed by fire and plans for the future are not yet decided** This track is the only access to Garie Beach YHA. If you leave your car in the Garie Beach car park it is easy to head up to the hostel, before spending the rest of your time down at the beach. T

Total climbing: 68m

Moderate track

Curra Moors car park to Garie Beach

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Royal National Park

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