Forest path is a 4.4km, grade 3 hike located in Royal National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Forest path is one of the oldest walking tracks in Royal National Park and has a rich history. Start the walk from the stone gates on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, also the entrance point to Lady Carrington drive. This almost-circular loop is suitable for walkers of all fitness levels and is a great one for the kids. Following Forest path, you'll cross the lower slopes of Forest Island, a hill isolated by the Hacking River and Bola Creek which almost surround it.
Discover why the community protested for this beautiful rainforest area to be protected from logging, so many years ago. You'll pass a variety of native plants and flowers that are home to a range of birdlife. Marvel at the tall eucalypts and casuarinas, the dense thickets of cabbage tree palms and the Gymea lilies which flower during winter.
Unpack your picnic lunch at Bola Creek picnic area and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the rainforest and the sounds of trickling water.
For a longer walk, the track also links up with Couranga walking track. Or, you can stop for a picnic at the nearby Upper Causeway picnic area too.
Take a virtual tour of Forest path captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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Getting there
To Lady Carrington drive - South. Forest path is in the southern precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:Turn off Princes Highway at Waterfall train stationFollow McKell Avenue to the endTurn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and continue for approximately 0.5km Park entry points Lady Carrington drive - South See on map Parking Parking is available at the southern end of Lady Carrington drive, off Sir Steven Bertram Drive.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Gallery
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.