Heathcote to Audley Hike (10km)

The Heathcote to Audley hike is a rewarding 10-kilometre walk through the diverse landscapes of Royal National Park in New South Wales. Graded as a level 4 track, it typically takes just over four hours to complete and offers a satisfying blend of bushland, swimming holes, and scenic ridgelines. While it has some steeper sections, it’s well-marked and manageable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Along the way, you'll pass through areas of scrub, heath, and open woodland, encountering popular rest stops like Karloo Pools and Uloola Falls. Both are great places to pause and soak up the surroundings—Uloola Falls even has a toilet nearby, making it a practical spot for a break.

The walk begins at Heathcote Station, where you head southeast along Wilson Parade, shadowing the railway line for a short distance. After passing the emergency services centre, you’ll reach the start of the Karloo Track. From here, the route winds behind the local fire station before heading downhill through eucalypt forest towards Heathcote Brook. Crossing the brook, the track gently ascends to a ridgeline with glimpses into the valleys below, then drops down again through rougher terrain before arriving at the inviting Karloo Pools—a popular swimming spot with a series of rock pools tucked into the bush.

Crossing Kangaroo Creek, the track continues uphill past a wayfinding sign, then begins a steady climb through exposed rocky sections and more open terrain. Painted yellow markers help guide the way as you navigate across sandstone surfaces and through pockets of low-lying scrub. Eventually, you’ll descend into a large, flat clearing, cross Uloola Brook, and follow signs leading to the Uloola Falls Bush Campground. It’s a quiet, scenic place to catch your breath or even stay overnight if you're making a weekend of it.

Beyond the campground, the trail climbs again, winding through more scrub and rock platforms, always guided by the familiar yellow paint marks. The landscape becomes more rugged in places, but the trail is clear and eventually brings you to a signed intersection pointing towards Audley. The track continues along the ridge, surrounded by banksia, gums, and open heathland. After passing a few more signposted junctions, you’ll reach the ‘Robertsons Roundabout’ signpost, marking your final descent.

From here, it’s a steady walk down rock steps and through shaded forest until you emerge at Currawong Flats beside the Hacking River. The path meanders along the riverbank, eventually crossing a bridge and leading you onto Lady Carrington Drive. Following the road past picnic areas and riverside lawns, the final stretch brings you to the Royal National Park Visitor Centre at Audley. It’s a fitting end point, where you can rest, grab something to eat, and reflect on the journey through one of Australia’s oldest and most beloved national parks.

This hike offers not just physical variety, but a sense of progression—starting from a suburban edge, moving through remote-feeling bushland, and finishing in a riverside setting complete with visitor amenities. It’s an excellent day walk for those looking to experience some of the park’s highlights without committing to an overnight trip, and one that rewards walkers with moments of quiet beauty along the way.