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.
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Helensburgh, Sutherland, Engadine, Cronulla, Waterfall
How to get to Royal National Park
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
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Royal National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.