Uloola walking track
Royal National Park
Overview
A perfect day trip from Sydney, Uloola walking track is a long but picturesque walk through the waterfalls, wildflowers and sandstone formations of Royal National Park.
- Distance
- 11km one-way
- Time suggested
- 4 - 6hrs
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Check the weather before you set out as Uloola walking track can become boggy when it rains.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
You won’t believe this long walk is only an hour from the centre of Sydney. Uloola walking track meanders through the picturesque highlands of Royal National Park, and you’ll soon forget you’re so close to civilisation. It’s also a popular mountain biking track, so keep your eye out for cyclists.
After passing Couranga walking track, continue through the heathlands and you’ll be dazzled by a wildflower display in the spring. Keep an eye out for the towering gymea lily that shoots a striking red flower in the warmer months. The track follows the ridge line with some great scenic views. Look for the intriguing ‘whaleback’ formation in the sandstone.
Stop overnight at the pretty Uloola Falls campground. From here, you can loop back to Heathcote along Karloo walking track or continue on to Audley. If you’re into birdwatching, be sure to look for the quirky hanging nest of the water-loving rock warbler under the sandstone ledges.
Take a virtual tour of Uloola walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Map
Map
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/uloola-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Uloola walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
11km one-way
Time
4 - 6hrs
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Uloola walking track is in the western precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:
From Waterfall:
- Turn off Princes Highway at Waterfall train station
- Uloola walking track starts at the rear of the station’s carpark
Alternatively, if starting from Audley:
- Drive across Audley Weir and take a right turn after Weir Cafe
- Head over Varneys Bridge and follow the signs
- The walking track starts at either Currawong Flat or Wattle Forest picnic area
Parking
Parking is available at Waterfall train station and Audley. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
Royal National Park covers a wide range of landscapes, from open grassland to ocean-fronting clifftops. It's a good idea to pack clothing suitable for all weather conditions along with water, sunscreen and a map on your visit. Royal National Park shines in all seasons, though summer and winter each offer a few special attractions.
Summer
Visit the majestic Garie Beach to surf or just relax. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer. Plus, the panorama from Garie North Head is just amazing, so be sure to take your camera. The beach at Bundeena's Bonnie Vale is a great swimming spot, as are Jibbon, Wattamolla and Little Marley beaches. If a freshwater swim is more your thing, try Karloo Pool, Deer Pool or Curracurrang. The summer holiday information has important tips to help you plan your day to Royal National Park during the busy holiday period .
Winter
Winter is a great time to tackle the popular Coast track from Bundeena to Otford. Not only will you be greeted by spectacular coastal scenery, you can also see whales from the cliffs (June to August). Complete the walk in small sections or undertake the entire 26km over two days. Plan a visit during spring to admire the stunning heathland wildflowers on display. Head along the Coast track or the Curra Moors Loop track or walk to Wises track to see them in bloom. .
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
42°C (1977)
Winter temperature
Average
6°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
-0.6°C (1968)
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
254.5mm
Facilities
The nearest toilet facilities are located at Waterfall train station.
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Visitor centre
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Royal National Park Visitor Centre
2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232 - 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
Learn more
Uloola walking track is in Royal National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A date with history
When exploring Royal National Park you can see a range of Aboriginal sites and artefacts. The best way to find out more about Aboriginal cultural heritage in the park is on a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery ranger. You might also spot one of the 80 historic remnants from the park’s Victorian-era establishment, including ornamental trees and residential remains.
- Audley heritage tour Take a guided tour through the historic Audley Valley, in the heart of Royal National Park. You’ll explore heritage-listed buildings and learn how this popular day trip destination came to be.
- Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
- Lady Carrington Drive This historic cycling track near Audley and a short drive from Sydney follows the river and offers birdwatching, pretty picnic areas and history to explore.
A place to get active
Who needs a gym? At Royal National Park you can hike, swim and row to your heart’s content. Hire a paddleboat from the Audley boatshed or surf the renowned Garie Beach. Jog along sandstone cliffs, attempt over 100km of walking tracks or try mountain biking the East Heathcote trails (be sure to note the ‘no sign–no ride’ policy). Located at Audley, just 32km from Sydney city, the park offers incredible beauty and natural diversity just minutes from the highway and train station. Spanning Port Hacking to Helensburgh, the park features multiple entry points and is well signposted, though it’s always a good idea to take a Royal National Park map.
- Audley boatshed Hire a kayak and spend a few relaxed hours paddling up Kangaroo Creek from Audley Boatshed in Royal National Park, near Loftus.
- Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
- Bundeena Drive to Marley walk This rewarding walk from Bundeena Drive to Little Marley Beach leads through heath, past fresh water pools and creeks, and on to scenic beach views in Royal National Park.
- Bush playgroup activities in Sydney’s south Join Bush Play School for a day of creativity in Sydney’s south. Their nature play activities are a great way for kids to learn about the world around them.
- Garie Beach picnic area A perfect day out, Garie Beach is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and is great for swimming, whale watching, fishing, surfing and walking options.
Exceptional environments
The park was one of Australia’s first areas of land set aside for conservation. In this natural haven, open ocean, sandstone cliffs and wetlands meet grassy woodland, rainforests, coastal heathland and eucalypt forests. You’ll also find some significant geological sites, including fascinating beach ridges at Cabbage Tree Basin.
- Bundeena to Wattamolla guided coastal walks Delight your senses on this coastal adventure run by M8 Explorer. With their knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides, explore beautiful coastline on a 4hr hike in the Royal National Park, beginning and ending with stops for delicious meals.
- Curra Moors loop track A challenging walk through heath and waterfalls, the Curra Moors loop track offers scenic sandstone cliff and coastal views, waterfalls and great birdwatching.
- Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
- Guided forest therapy walk in Royal National Park Slow down and de-stress in Sydney’s beautiful Royal National Park on this guided forest therapy walk with Nature Being Australia.
- Palm Jungle loop track A challenging yet spectacular walk, Palm Jungle loop track takes in rainforest, cliff tops, beaches and scenic coastal views in Royal National Park, near Otford.
Home to the feathered and furry
Many visitors regularly spot native wildlife in the Hacking River Valley area, so keep an eye out for possums, sugar gliders and wallabies. This Sydney park is also home to a huge number of bats, amphibians and reptiles. Plus, birdwatchers are in luck - over 300 bird species have been recorded here, look out for sulphur-crested cockatoos, crimson rosellas, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets.
- Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla Senior students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Geography excursion at Wattamolla. Located in Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers students a complex site to study biophysical interactions.
- Birds of Providential Point self-guided audio tour Discover native birdlife on this self-guided audio tour to beautiful Providential Point near Wattamolla in Royal National Park. You’ll walk through sun-dappled coastal forest and grassy glades as you learn about local birds and hear their calls.
- Bonnie Vale guided nature walk Join a NPWS guide for an immersive nature experience in Royal National Park. Setting out from Bonnie Vale campground, you’ll explore coastal bushland, mangrove tracks and rocky shorelines.
- Couranga walking track Vivid wildflowers pepper this medium walking track near Waterfall. Only an hour from Sydney, it offers several picnic spots and birdwatching opportunities.
- Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.
Plants
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Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.
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Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)
With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.
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Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa)
The magnificent Gymea lily is one of the most unusual Australian native plants, found only along the coast and surrounding bushland of the Sydney Basin, from Newcastle to Wollongong. In spring this giant lily shoots out spectacular red flowers that can reach heights of 2-4m.
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
Environments in this park
Education resources (1)
School excursions (12)
- The earth's environment at Wattamolla, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla, Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography
- Living world wet and dry environments, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology
- The Australian colonies at Jibbon Beach, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), History
- Community and remembrance at Jibbon Beach, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History
- Environmental change and management at Wattamolla, Stage 5 (Years 9-10), Geography
- Past in the present at Jibbon Beach, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), History
- The earth's environment at Audley, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Places are similar and different, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Living world WildTracker at Audley, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Science and Technology
- WildThings at Audley, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology
- A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale, Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Biology