Jersey Spring Walk (5km)

Jersey Spring is a 5km return walk in the Royal National Park, New South Wales. Graded as a level 2 hike, it’s accessible to most walkers and typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. Beginning near the Willow Tree Picnic Area, just south of Audley, the track follows the northern section of the historic Lady Carrington Drive, winding its way through a diverse and peaceful bushland setting.

The walk starts from the trailhead near Willow Tree, a riverside picnic area nestled along the Hacking River. It's a welcoming spot to begin your journey, with shaded tables, BBQs, grassy spaces, and essential amenities including tap water and toilets. The wide track follows the former carriageway of Lady Carrington Drive, gently climbing through open forest and gradually revealing glimpses of the river through the trees. Early in the walk, you'll pass beneath Gibraltar Rock, an impressive sandstone overhang where the trail crosses a section of old cobblestone. It’s a striking spot and a good place to pause, with a picnic table set under the overhang and views across to Wattle Forest.

As you continue along the trail, the path remains wide and easy to follow, tracing the edge of the Hacking River. Palms and towering gums line the route, and the bushland here is alive with the sound of birdlife. Several small brooks cross the track, many still bearing their traditional bird names, like Mullion (Eagle) and Wurrul (Bee Eater), a quiet reminder of the rich history embedded in the landscape. These small crossings are formed by stone culverts built into the road and, while weathered, still carry the marks of 19th-century engineering.

About two kilometres beyond Gibraltar Rock, you'll reach Jersey Spring. Tucked just off the track, two weathered sandstone troughs sit at the foot of a slope where the spring continues to trickle from the earth. Built in 1892, these troughs were once a vital water source for horses and travellers using the old road. While the water is no longer safe for drinking, the spring remains active and is accompanied by an information sign offering insight into its history. The spring was named after Victor George, the Earl of Jersey and Governor of New South Wales at the time.

A short distance further along the track leads to a quiet clearing beside the river. With no formal signage or facilities beyond a simple picnic table, the area offers a peaceful place to stop for lunch or simply enjoy the surroundings. The open grassy space, shaded by riverbank trees, provides a sense of stillness and a fitting point to reflect before retracing your steps back to Willow Tree.

This walk offers a gentle yet rewarding journey through a significant part of the Royal National Park’s heritage. The mix of natural beauty, historic features, and ease of access makes it an ideal choice for walkers seeking a quieter alternative to some of the park’s more popular routes.