The walk to Palona Cave is a rewarding 5.1 kilometre return trip along a section of Lady Carrington Drive in Royal National Park. It’s graded as a level 4 walk and generally takes around two and a half hours to complete, allowing time to explore the cave and nearby waterfalls. While the start of the track follows a wide and gently graded fire trail, the experience gradually shifts into something more intimate and rugged as you head deeper into the forest and onto narrower paths.
Beginning from the car park off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, about 500 metres north of the McKell Avenue turnoff, the walk starts behind a row of boulders and a low gate. The trail initially leads downhill along Lady Carrington Drive, passing the Forest Path intersection and continuing through a lush forest of blue gums and ferns. Keep an eye out for small interpretive signs along the way that highlight the natural and cultural history of the area. The first kilometre or so is easy-going, with gentle gradients and good surface conditions, making it a pleasant lead-in to the more adventurous sections ahead.
As you pass Bola Creek, the trail dips briefly before rising again through tall trees and sheltered gullies. Before long, you’ll spot a small timber sign for the limestone cave track, tucked just off the main path. The turnoff is easy to miss, so slow your pace and keep a lookout. From here, the walk narrows and climbs steadily through denser forest, with rocky outcrops and overhangs adding texture and variety to the landscape. The change in geology becomes noticeable, with the soft sandstone giving way to the more unusual limestone formations that define Palona Cave.
The cave itself is a striking natural feature — a large overhang carved from limestone, weathered by time and exposure. Unlike the polished, sealed limestone caves often seen in more formal tourist settings, Palona has a raw, open feel. Moss and moisture create patches of green across the stone, and formations like stalactites and small columns give hints of the slow geological processes at work. It's a quiet place, ideal for sitting and taking it all in.
A short distance beyond the cave, Palona Brook trickles through the landscape. If there’s been recent rain, you’ll find the falls in flow, cascading in two stages into a rocky pool below. The brook isn’t permanent, so timing your visit after rainfall can make the experience even more rewarding. The surrounding area also includes a disused picnic site tucked into the bush, offering a shady spot to pause and take a break.
This walk blends natural diversity with a bit of local history, following an old carriage route before veering into country that feels far removed from the wider world. For walkers seeking a bit of solitude, some geological interest, and a peaceful bush experience within reach of Sydney, the Palona Cave track offers a satisfying combination of all three.
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Total distance: 5082 m
Max elevation: 108 m
Min elevation: 40 m
Total climbing: 182 m
Total descent: -180 m
Getting to the trailhead: Royal National Park.
The walk to Palona Cave begins at the junction of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, in the southern section of Royal National Park. The most straightforward way to get there is by car. From the Princes Highway, turn off at Waterfall train station and follow McKell Avenue into the park. At the end of McKell Avenue, turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and continue for about 500 metres until you reach the small parking area near the trailhead. A park entry fee applies when driving into Royal National Park, and it’s worth arriving early on weekends, as parking can be limited.
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
Located near Cronulla, just an hour’s drive from both Sydney and Wollongong, Royal National Park is a sprawling 16,000-hectare expanse of coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, lush rainforests, and tranquil rivers. Established in 1879, it holds the distinction of being the world’s second-oldest national park and remains a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known locally as "the Nasho" or simply "the Royal," this historic park offers an incredible variety of landscapes, making it a prime spot for walking, hiking, cycling, and countless other outdoor adventures.
From the towering sandstone cliffs along the Coast Track to the serene freshwater swimming holes of Karloo Pool, the park’s diverse terrain caters to all levels of walkers and hikers. Scenic bushwalks wind through dense eucalypt forests, past ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, and along windswept headlands where the ocean stretches endlessly to the horizon. Seasonal wildflowers bring bursts of colour to the landscape, while waterfalls cascade over rock ledges into pristine pools below. Whether you prefer a short family-friendly walk or a challenging full-day hike, Royal National Park offers trails suited to every experience level.
Beyond its network of tracks, the park is a playground for nature lovers. Picnic areas are scattered throughout, perfect for a relaxed lunch after a morning on the trails. Surfers flock to Garie Beach for its consistent waves, while birdwatchers can spot lyrebirds, black cockatoos, and sea eagles soaring overhead. In the cooler months, the clifftops provide one of the best vantage points for watching humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. Those looking to extend their visit can set up camp at North Era or book a stay in one of the historic cottages dotted throughout the park.
With its breathtaking scenery and wealth of outdoor activities, Royal National Park is an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking to explore New South Wales’ natural beauty.
Looking for more walks in or near Royal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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6 Reviews on “Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave Walk (5.1km)”
here’s the cave Sean Gynn