Otford to Helensburgh

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs 15 mins

12.9 km One way

589 m

Hard track

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 forest and low lying scrub.

The view of the Coast from just south of the Werrong Beach Intersection

The occassional view from the Garawarra Management Trail

Near where the track meets the Bola Heights Trail

The Burgh Track as it goes down to Lady Wakehurst Dr.

The view just east of Lady Wakehurst Dr.

The shaded forest east of Lady Wakehurst

The servicetrail at Int of Hacking River and Burgh Tracks

(0km) Otford Train Station → Otford Lookout

800 m

24 mins

97m

-37m Moderate track

From the top of Otford Station, this walk follows the signs to 'Royal National Park' up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk turns left and climbs up the steep concrete path for approximately 50m to the top, where it comes to the intersection marked as 'Station Rd'. This walk turns left and follows the flat dirt road, passing an intersection with another road on the left. The walk continues along to the next intersection, where it turns right onto Fanshawe Rd. This walk follows Fanshawe Rd up the long hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt road signposted as 'Lady Wakehurst Drive'. At the intersection, this walk turns left and crosses the road, continuing for approximately 25m until coming to a car park and the entry into Royal National Park. There is a large green sign here saying 'Otford Lookout'.

(1km) Otford Lookout → The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks

1.9 km

43 mins

118m

-58m Moderate track

Veer right: From Otford Lookout, the walk heads up the stairs on the seaward side of the car park, winding up the hill and along the fenced of cliffs, keeping the ocean to the right as it steadily climbs up the hill. After a while, the track breaks away from the cliff and continues along the bush track, climbing up the hill until coming to an intersection marked with a signpost saying 'Werrong Beach'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Coast Track along the bush track, winding up the long hill the the top, where it flattens out and continues along a well-managed bush track through a rather beautiful section of ferns. After quite a while, the track joins onto a flat service trail which it follows, undulating gently until it comes to the signposted intersection of the North Era bush track.

(3km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks → The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track

3 km

57 mins

71m

-90m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Garawarra Farm' arrow along the service trail, winding through the bush for a short while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Lilyvale Track'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside keeping the sea to the right of the track. After a short time, the track passes a small bush track that goes off to the right. (This sidetrack is about 20m long and offers some great views of the ocean and cliffs.) From the intersection, the track continues to undulate across the hillside before flattening out and soon coming to a signpost saying 'Cliff Track' and 'Burg Track'. Approximately 150m beyond this sign, there is a large gate and car park. This is signposted as 'Coast Track'.

(6km) The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track → Garawarra Farm Carpark

90 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the car park, following the right-hand side for a short while before it comes to the signposted intersection of 'The Burgh Track'[1], before reaching the paddock.

(6km) Garawarra Farm Carpark → Int of Lady Wakehurst Drive and Burgh Track

1.6 km

34 mins

16m

-171m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the 'Burgh Track' sign, this walk follows the sign away from the car park, keeping the paddock to the left. The track heads into the dense bushland, crossing a small creek and continuing along for a short while before coming to the intersection with the unnamed management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, heading west through the bush and away from the service trail. The track winds through the dense scrub for a short while, before starting to drop down a long hill, which gradually steepens as it continues down the scattered wooden steps. At the bottom, the walk comes to the intersection with Lady Wakehurst Drive.

(7km) Int of Lady Wakehurst Drive and Burgh Track → Int of Burgh and Hacking River Tracks

890 m

19 mins

48m

-18m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north-west along the bush track, away from Lady Wakehurst Drive. The track soon passes two signs saying 'Burgh Track', following the one that also points to 'Helensburgh', passing two large boulders. The track soon tends downhill, following one of the tributaries of the Hacking River. The walk crosses the creek using the boulders as stepping stones. After a short climb up the bank, the track continues slightly further alongside the creek to an old disused management trail, marked by several signs pointing the way to 'Helensburgh'. At this point, the track turns and leads up the hillside to an intersection with the Hacking management trail, marked by a small trailmarker signpost.

(8km) Intersection of Hacking River Firetrail and Burgh Track → End of Halls Rd

3.5 km

1 hr 19 mins climb

214m

-114m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the management trail. The track undulates as it winds its way around the hill, tending west. Gradually, as the walk turns to the west, the track begins to rise steeply. The track goes up to the ridgeline and then flattens out for some time. The trail comes to an intersection and large fenced-in clearing (a tip), marked by a large sign saying 'Royal National Park'. Here the walk turns right to follow the fence for just shy of 500m before following a short track to the end of Halls Road.

(12km) End of Halls Rd → Helensburgh Railway Station

1.2 km

24 mins

25m

-69m Moderate track

Turn left: From the end of Halls Rd, this walk heads south along the road, immediately passing Gardiner Pl on the right. After a while, the walk comes to a 'T' intersection with Parkes St. The walk turns right onto Parkes St, heading downhill along the footpath until reaching Tunnel Rd (signposted), opposite a 'Helensburgh' Station sign. The walk turns right and goes along Wilsons Creek Rd for a short while before turning left and taking the the steps down to Helensburgh Railway Station.

Maps for the Otford to Helensburgh 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
Appin	1:25 000 Map Series	90291S APPIN	NSW-90291S
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 Otford to Helensburgh bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Otford to Helensburgh

Altitude analysis for Otford to Helensburgh

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	12.9 km
		Time	5 hrs 15 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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 (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

10km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.1km is flat with no steps. The remaining (250m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

10km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (360m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.8km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.5km 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

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 3.6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (3.5km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Otford to Helensburgh walk.

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

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 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

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

13.5 km Circuit, 7 hrs

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 t

Total climbing: 754m

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 Otford to Helensburgh walk.

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

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

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

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

Curra Moors car park to Garie Beach

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track's tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kio

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Curra Moors Loop

9.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea.

Total climbing: 242m

Hard track

Forest Island to Calala

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive, this walk takes your to Calala, a quiet clearing on the Hacking River. Travelling along the old road, this walk passes a few shaded brooks as it winds alongside the Hacking River. There is the chance for a side trip to Palona Cave and waterfall. Calala

Total climbing: 296m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical

Total climbing: 266m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave's different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful

Total climbing: 171m

Hard track

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through

Total climbing: 179m

Moderate 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