The Goanna Track Circuit is an 11 kilometre grade 4 hike in Heathcote National Park, New South Wales, and usually takes around four hours to complete. Starting from Heathcote Station, the walk threads its way through a mix of bush tracks and management trails, following the line of the pipeline for much of the journey. The track weaves over ridges, through pockets of dense scrub and down to creek crossings, offering a variety of terrain that keeps the walk engaging. While some sections are rough and steep, the effort is balanced by quiet corners of bushland and occasional glimpses down to Heathcote Creek.
One of the highlights of this circuit is Lake Eckersley, a short side trip from the main trail. This calm stretch of water on the Woronora River is considered one of the prettiest spots in the park, with shady banks and clear water inviting you to pause for a rest or a swim. Picnic tables are tucked away nearby, making it a perfect place to break up the walk. The circuit also passes Battery Causeway, a concrete crossing over Heathcote Creek, where the sound of flowing water and the surrounding bushland create a natural pause point along the route.
The Goanna Track Circuit combines the ease of access from Heathcote Station with the sense of being deep in nature. Between the pipeline crossings, the rougher bush tracks and the quiet moments by the water, it offers a genuine bushwalking experience without leaving Sydney’s outskirts. For walkers looking to spend a half-day exploring the park’s more remote corners, this circuit provides both challenge and reward.
Side Trip – Lake Eckersley
From the circuit, a short track leads down to Lake Eckersley, one of the most scenic spots in Heathcote National Park. The path winds through dense scrub before descending to the edge of the Woronora River, where the lake’s still waters reflect the surrounding bush. It is a peaceful place to take a break, enjoy a swim, or simply sit and soak in the quiet atmosphere. After your visit, retrace your steps to rejoin the main walk.
Campground – Mirang Pool
For those wanting to extend their time in the park, Mirang Pool campground offers a simple but memorable overnight option. Nestled near Heathcote Creek, the campsite is reached by walking in from Heathcote Station. A signposted path leads down from the management trail above to the pools. There are no facilities, so campers need to carry in water and a fuel stove, but the setting beside the creek makes it a rewarding place to spend the night surrounded by bushland.
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.
Total distance: 11096 m
Max elevation: 193 m
Min elevation: 73 m
Total climbing: 346 m
Total descent: -346 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Heathcote National Park.
The Goanna Track Circuit begins and ends at Heathcote Railway Station, making it one of the more accessible walks in Heathcote National Park. If you are travelling by train, simply step off at Heathcote Station and follow the footpath past the car park to the Princes Highway, crossing at the traffic lights. From there, continue along Oliver Street before turning left onto Boundary Road, then right onto Freemans Road. The road passes the large scout camp and leads to the start of the management trail at the corner of Bella Vista Street, where the walk begins. If arriving by car, parking is available near Heathcote Station, providing a straightforward base for the circuit.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Heathcote National Park, tucked beside Waterfall in southern Sydney, is a place that rewards those looking for a more self-sufficient bushwalking or camping experience. Unlike some of the larger and busier reserves, Heathcote feels quieter and more rugged, with a character shaped by sandstone ridges, thick bushland, and the clear waters of Heathcote Creek. The park is easy to reach by train or car, yet once you are on the trail the city feels distant, replaced by the sounds of birdlife and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It is a favourite spot for hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in freshwater pools, making it a natural choice for a daytrip or an overnight walk.
The walking tracks here take you deep into the Australian bush, with paths that lead past rocky outcrops, shaded gullies, and hidden pools that invite a refreshing dip. For those keen to extend their time in the park, bush camping at Kingfisher Pool offers a chance to spend the night surrounded by the quiet of the creek and the bush. At the northern end of the park, the track to Mirang Pool provides a shorter option that is equally rewarding, with its tranquil picnic area set right by the water. Facilities throughout the park are limited, which adds to its appeal for walkers who prefer the simplicity and independence of carrying what they need and finding solitude along the way.
Heathcote’s landscapes change subtly with the seasons, and there is something to notice at any time of year. In spring, the gullies light up with the striking red blooms of Gymea lilies, their tall stalks standing out against the sandstone slopes. Summer days bring opportunities to swim in the deeper pools along Heathcote Creek, while the cooler months are perfect for longer walks, when the crisp air carries the scent of eucalyptus and the trails are at their most inviting. This is a park that offers more than just a walk in the bush; it provides a genuine sense of being away from it all, while still being surprisingly close to Sydney.
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Barden Ridge, Como, Engadine, Heathcote, Loftus, Lucas Heights, Menai, Miranda, Sutherland, Waterfall
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Heathcote National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
