Garie Beach to Helensburgh Hike (11km)

Garie Beach to Helensburgh, also known as the Burgh Track, is an 11-kilometre hike through the Royal National Park in New South Wales. Graded as a level 4 track, it typically takes around four and a half hours to complete. The trail offers a mix of coastal and forest scenery, beginning with rugged ocean cliffs and sweeping views before transitioning into the tranquil embrace of eucalypt forest. As the track winds inland, hikers experience a shift in terrain, from open headlands to shaded bushland, culminating in the final stretch towards Helensburgh.

Starting at the Garie Beach car park, the track follows signs towards North Era, tracing the coastline with the sea ever-present to the left. The path weaves between the ocean and the base of a large grassy hill, leading to the secluded cluster of Little Garie cabins. Past the Little Garie Community Hall, the track begins a steep ascent, aided by wooden steps installed to manage erosion. Reaching the top of the ridge, the effort is rewarded with expansive coastal views before a descent into North Era Bush Campground.

From North Era, the track climbs a grassy hill, keeping the ocean in sight. The route threads its way between rustic beachside cabins before meeting an intersection where two rough bush tracks diverge. Pressing onwards, the trail heads inland, ascending through tall grass to the top of Burgh Ridge. The climb is steady, leading into a dense forested section before arriving at the Garrawarra Farm car park, where the landscape briefly opens up.

Beyond the car park, the walk continues along a short stretch of bushland, crossing a small creek before merging with a broader, unnamed management trail. Here, the environment begins to shift once more, with the track winding westward through thick scrub. The descent becomes more pronounced, following a series of scattered wooden steps that lead towards Lady Wakehurst Drive. This section of the trail is particularly striking, as the path is enveloped by a canopy of eucalypts, creating a cool, shaded passage.

Upon reaching Lady Wakehurst Drive, the track veers northwest, passing signs for the Burgh Track and Helensburgh. A narrow footpath leads downhill, tracing one of the many tributaries of the Hacking River. The creek crossing is aided by large boulders, which serve as natural stepping stones. Beyond the water, the trail climbs gently up a bank before emerging onto an old disused management trail, where several signs point the way towards Helensburgh.

The most challenging section of the walk begins at the intersection of the Hacking River Firetrail. The path takes a sharp right turn, heading north along a rugged management trail that undulates through the landscape. As the route bends westward, the gradient steepens significantly, climbing towards a ridgeline. The ascent is strenuous, but the track eventually flattens out, offering a brief reprieve before reaching a large fenced clearing marked by a ‘Royal National Park’ sign. Here, the walk turns right, following the perimeter of the fenced area for nearly 500 metres before connecting with a short track that leads to the end of Halls Road.

The final leg of the journey transitions from bushland to suburban streets. From Halls Road, the route follows Gardiner Place before reaching Parkes Street, where a right turn leads downhill along a footpath. The last stretch takes hikers along Tunnel Road and Wilsons Creek Road before descending via a set of steps to Helensburgh Railway Station, marking the end of this diverse and rewarding hike.