Forest path is a 4.4km, grade 3 hike located in the Royal National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
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
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
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.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Gallery
If you have any great 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.
Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.