Uloola Track (Heathcote to Waterfall)

If you’re looking for a longer bush walk near Sydney, or an easy two-day walk with overnight camping, then try the Uloola Track, in the Royal National Park. At just over 11 kms long, the trail begins at Heathcote train station and ends at Waterfall train station, so it’s easily accessed with a train from the city. The walk includes a number of small creek crossings, swimming pools and a waterfall (seasonal) near the camping area.

Heathcote to Karloo Pools

From Heathcote train station, head east to Wilson St and past the Fire Brigade (SES) buldings to the start of the Karloo track. Descending away from the train station, the walking trail soon crosses Heathcote Brook and then climbs across broad rock shelfs to a ridge.

The trail follows this ridge east along a valley for about 2 kms until it crosses Heathcote Brook again, at Karloo Pools. A great spot for a swim and a picnic, Karloo Pools are a collection of freshwater billabongs formed at a sharp bend in Heatthcote Brook. There is plenty of leafy shade covering the flat rocks around the pools, which support all manner of birds and lizards.

Karloo Pools to Uloola Falls

Another 2.5 kms on from Karloo Pools is the camp ground at Uloola Falls. From Karloo Pools, the Uloola Track climbs up the valley for about 1 km, before heading across a rocky plateau at the top. Keep a close eye out for the yellow and red stripes painted on rocks that show the way across the plateau, as the track is easy to lose in places.  Eventually the track leaves the plateau, descending south east towards Heathcote Brook and Uloola Falls.

Uloola Falls Campground

This basic camping area has a toilet and enough space for about 6 tents, there is no water available (unless you boil/treat water from the brook) and fires are not permitted. Booking must be made with NPWS on 02 9542 068.

Uloola Falls to Waterfall

From the campsite, follow the walking signs up and over a  rocky  ridge for about 0.5 km. Flattening out, the track joins a wide, sandy fire trail which winds all the way back to the cricket oval behind Waterfall station, 5 km away. At the cricket oval, look to the west for signs highlighting the last stretch of the track to the train station.

Walking Trail Map

(Start at red marker)