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Forest path

Royal National Park

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Overview

Forest path is an easy walk in Royal National Park. It's great for kids and just 1 hour south of Sydney. Wander through cabbage tree palms and Gymea lilies on the path beside Bola Creek and the Hacking River.

Where
Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Distance
4.4km loop
Time suggested
1hr - 1hr 30min
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing

Forest path is one of the oldest walking tracks in Royal National Park and has a rich history. Start the walk from the stone gates on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, also the entrance point to Lady Carrington Drive. This almost-circular loop is suitable for walkers of all fitness levels and is a great one for the kids. Following Forest path, you’ll cross the lower slopes of Forest Island, a hill isolated by the Hacking River and Bola Creek which almost surround it.

Discover why the community protested for this beautiful rainforest area to be protected from logging, so many years ago. You'll pass a variety of native plants and flowers that are home to a range of birdlife. Marvel at the tall eucalypts and casuarinas, the dense thickets of cabbage tree palms and the Gymea lilies which flower during winter.

Unpack your picnic lunch at Bola Creek picnic area and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the rainforest and the sounds of trickling water.

For a longer walk, the track also links up with Couranga walking track. Or, you can stop for a picnic at the nearby Upper Causeway picnic area too.

Take a virtual tour of Forest path captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/NSW Government

    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.

  • Upper Causeway picnic area, Royal National Park. Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

    Upper Causeway picnic area

    Upper Causeway picnic spot offers a lovely rustic base for walking and cycling in the forest along Lady Wakehurst Drive in Royal National Park, near Waterfall.

  • Couranga Track, Royal National Park. Photo © Andy Richards

    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.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Conservation and coastal engravings in Royal National Park

The conservation and coastal engravings project in the Royal National Park is working to preserve one of the region’s finest expressions of Aboriginal culture: the Jibbon Headland Aboriginal engravings. A new boardwalk and viewing platform limit the foot access that was damaging the engravings, while encroaching soil and vegetation are being removed.

Aboriginal engravings in Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

General enquiries

Operated by

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.

  • 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
See more visitor info

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