Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

Download & Print Map and Notes

6 hrs 30 mins

15 km One way

635 m

Hard track

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.

The heath abounds with flowers (Narrow-leaf Drumstick)

(0km) Heathcote Railway Station → Int of Wilson Parade and Karloo Track

200 m

3 mins

-2m Moderate track

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'.

(0km) Int of Karloo Track and Wilson Pde → Karloo Pools

2.6 km

1 hr 6 mins climb

87m

-222m Moderate track

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

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.

(3km) Karloo Pools → Uloola Falls Camp

2.3 km

45 mins

125m

-47m Moderate track

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'.

(5km) Uloola Falls Camp → Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout

4 km

1 hr 16 mins climb

105m

-107m Moderate track

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'.

(9km) Int of Uloola Track and Robertson Roundabout → Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks

560 m

18 mins

-92m Moderate track

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.

(10km) Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks → Currawong Flats

140 m

4 mins

-34m Hard track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

(10km) Int of Engadine, Audley and Uloola Tracks → Kangaroo Creek

1.2 km

27 mins

67m

-95m Hard track

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

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.

(11km) Kangaroo Creek → Int of Engadine and Loop Track

1.7 km

47 mins

202m

-10m Hard track

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.

(13km) Loop Track Servicetrail (south-east) → Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail

1.1 km

23 mins

26m

-42m Moderate track

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.

(14km) Int of Engadine Track and Jacana Servicetrail → Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south)

510 m

5 mins

12m

-7m Moderate track

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.

(14km) Int of Engadine and Gnarra Rill Bike Track (south) → Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail

240 m

4 mins

-4m Moderate track

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.

(14km) Int of Engadine Track and The Ave Servicetrail → Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks

330 m

6 mins

-15m Moderate track

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.

(15km) Int of Audley and Engadine bushtracks → Int of Engadine Bush and Servicetrail

80 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

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.

(15km) Int of Engadine Track and Bushtracks → Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track

30 m

0m Moderate track

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'.

(15km) Int of Engadine Railway Servicetrail and Engadine Track → Engadine Railway Station

150 m

3 mins

0m Moderate track

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.

Maps for the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley 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
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

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

Altitude analysis for Heathcote to Engadine via Audley

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	15 km
		Time	6 hrs 30 mins
		.
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

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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley walk.

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

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Heathcote to Engadine via Audley walk.

Heathcote to Waterfall

10.1 km One way, 5 hrs

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

Total climbing: 481m

Hard 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

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

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

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

Very easy

Couranga

9.8 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

This is a pleasant walk, taking you through some of Royal National Parks more diverse ecosystems. From Waterfall Station, the walk heads through the bush and heath, before descending to the rain forest and palms on the banks of the upper Hacking River. A great walk to explore Royal National Park's f

Total climbing: 368m

Hard track

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

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