Heathcote to Waterfall Hike (11.5km)

The Heathcote to Waterfall walk offers a chance to explore the wild heart of Heathcote National Park while still being remarkably easy to reach, with train stations at both ends of the track. Despite its accessibility, this walk feels remote once you step into the bush. Kingfisher Pool, tucked beside Heathcote Creek and not far from the start, is a lovely spot to pause and soak in the quiet of the park. At the northern end, Mirang Pool provides another inviting place to rest or cool off before the final climb towards Waterfall.

The track follows Heathcote Creek through varied landscapes that showcase the diversity of the national park. It makes a rewarding introduction to overnight hiking for children or those new to multi-day walks, with well-marked paths and a campsite that provides just enough facilities without taking away from the experience of being immersed in nature. The scenery along the way shifts between shaded gullies, rocky outcrops, and open ridges with occasional glimpses down to the creek. A side trip to Lake Eckersley is highly recommended, especially for lunch on the first day, with the lake beautifully positioned to break the journey.

Starting from Heathcote Railway Station, the walk begins with a short stretch through suburban streets before reaching the management trail that leads into the bush. From here the path winds beneath power lines, past a mix of old bush tracks and service trails, before narrowing into steep descents that bring you closer to the sounds of the creek. Occasional signs point the way towards Mirang Pool, and before long the trail meets the pipeline that threads its way through the valley. The Battery Causeway is a key crossing point, with a picnic table nearby and a chance to look upstream towards the Bullawarring Track, which branches south to Waterfall.

Beyond the causeway, the walk climbs and descends along narrow bush tracks, keeping Heathcote Creek close at hand. The route passes Python Gully, crosses rocky outcrops, and opens to views down to the valley before descending again towards the water. Kingfisher Pool is reached after several hours of steady walking, a quiet campsite beside the creek where a swim or a rest by the water’s edge makes for a perfect break. From here, the track pushes on through dense scrub and rocky climbs before the final approach into Waterfall.

Side trip: Lake Eckersley

For those wanting a longer outing, the side trip to Lake Eckersley branches off from the Battery Causeway. This detour winds down to the Woronora River, a peaceful spot well worth the effort. It is best enjoyed as a lunch stop, with the return journey retracing your steps before continuing on the main track.

Campgrounds

Camping options along the route add flexibility to the walk. Mirang Pool, about three kilometres from Heathcote, offers a basic bush campsite reached by a short descent from the management trail. Facilities are absent here, so walkers need to carry in water and a fuel stove. Kingfisher Pool, further along at around nine kilometres, is more established, with a flat clearing above the creek, a pit toilet, and a picnic table. The creek generally provides a good water source, though it should always be treated before use. Permits are required and must be arranged in advance.

The full walk covers just over ten kilometres between Heathcote and Waterfall. It can be tackled in either direction, as a return trip, or with a car shuffle between stations. Many walkers simply rely on the convenience of the train to link both ends. Whether completed as a day walk or enjoyed as an overnight hike, this track combines accessibility with the feeling of being far removed from the city, making it one of Sydney’s most enjoyable bushwalking experiences.