Grade 4

Loftus to Winifred Falls Hike (12km)

Royal National Park

New South Wales

12km

4 hrs

Grade 4

One way

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: The Loftus to Winifred Falls hike in New South Wales is a 12km, Grade 4 trail nestled in the heart of the Royal National Park. Starting and ending at Loftus Train Station, just 32.8km from Sydney CBD, this challenging yet rewarding journey winds through dense woodland, sandstone ridges, and open heath, leading to the secluded beauty of South Western Creek's clear pools and cascading falls. The trail offers a unique blend of serene bushland and hidden waterfalls, with occasional glimpses of Sydney's skyline on a clear day.

Max elevation: 174m

Min elevation: 12m

Total Ascent: 388m

Hike overview


Content use


Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Walk map and GPX file

Loftus to Winifred Falls Hike (12km)


Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Royal National Park.

Get there with Google Maps

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

About the region


Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Royal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty 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

Reviews

Loftus to Winifred Falls Hike (12km)


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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

Loftus to winifred falls hike (12km)

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.

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