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Lady Carrington Drive

Royal National Park

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Overview

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.

Where
Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
Distance
10km one-way
Time suggested
1-2 hr
Grade
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Hat, drinking water, sunscreen
Please note
  • The track is an easy 1-2hr ride or 3hr walk one-way.
  • If you're riding a bike, please give way to walkers along this shared track.
  • You can organise a car shuffle if cycling or walking one-way in either direction. Ensure you allow plenty of time if travelling the return route.
  • Check the weather before you set out as Lady Carrington Drive can become boggy when it rains.

It’s unlikely that Lady Carrington rode a bike along this track, but luckily you can cycle this historic carriage route from Audley in the north to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the south.

This easy bike trail is sure to blow out the cobwebs as it follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley. Cycling over 15 creeks, each identified by its Aboriginal name, you’ll also pass blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching. Keep your ear out for the mimicking call of the lyrebird and your eyes peeled for lace monitors and echidnas.

With three picnic areas along the track, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop and soak up the atmosphere. At Palona Brook, there’s a short detour to explore the sandstone cave. Organise a car pick up at the other end, take a walk around Forest path, or turn round and do it all again.

Take a virtual tour of Lady Carrington Drive captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

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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