Grade 4

Garie Beach: Garawarra and Burning Palms Circuit Hike (13.5km)

Royal National Park

New South Wales

13.5km

7 hrs

Grade 4

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the stunning Garawarra and Burning Palms Circuit, a 13.5km hike in the Royal National Park, New South Wales, starting and ending at Garie Beach Carpark. This Grade 4 trail, near the town of Heathcote and just 54km from Sydney, offers a blend of coastal and inland scenery, historic Depression-era cabins, and lush rainforest. Set aside around 7 hours to complete this moderately challenging route, refresh with a dip at secluded beaches, and admire the incredible diversity of one of Australia's oldest national parks.

Max elevation: 293m

Min elevation: 8m

Total Ascent: 648m

Hike overview


Content use


Every trail on this site has been personally mapped and refined to support Australia’s hiking community. While some information was provided by land managers to support this project, each listing reflects significant personal work. Please do not copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or any other platform. This is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Walk map and GPX file

Garie Beach: Garawarra and Burning Palms Circuit Hike (13.5km)


Getting there


Closest towns to this walk: Audley, Barden Ridge, Bundeena, Caringbah, Cronulla, Engadine, Heathcote, Helensburgh, Loftus, Maianbar, Menai, Miranda, Otford, Oyster Bay, Stanwell Park, Sutherland, Sylvania, Waterfall, Wattamolla, Wollongong, Woodenbong, Woronora, Woronora Heights

Getting to the trailhead in Royal National Park.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region


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 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Garie beach: garawarra and burning palms circuit hike (13. 5km)

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.