Trail Fast Facts
Forest path is a 4.4km, grade 3 hike in Royal National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 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.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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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.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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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
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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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.