We’ve slowly being making our way around all the walks in Garigal National Park and noticed that the Heath Trail had 5 star ratings online. That was me sold and we headed straight there to check it out for ourselves.
I definitely wouldn’t rate the Heath Trail (as a return walk) as 5 stars, but if you make it into a loop using the Frenchs Creek Track, it is definitely a great choice.
It’s a fairly easy walk, which takes you through pretty bushland before arriving at the Cascades, which is one of our favourite spots in the whole park, and the perfect place for a paddle and a picnic.
The Frenchs Creek Trail completes the loop and is gorgeous. Here’s what to expect from the whole circuit.
Heath Trail with Frenchs Creek
The stats
Distance: 8.5km
Elevation: 228m
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of trail: Circuit
This combination loop is moderate overall, with some rough and steepish sections.
We recommend allowing 2.5 - 3 hours to do the walk, and allow some more time if you fancy a break at the Cascades or the waterfall.
Starting the trail
I’m not going to lie, this is definitely not the best of starts to a trail.
You walk past a gate with a big private property sign on it (walkers are allowed to use it) then turn right 230m later (it’s not signposted). Passing through the metal gate 120m later, you’ll walk past a house with two pretty unfriendly dogs, before you finally reach the sign that says ‘Heath Trail’ at 400m, and you can relax knowing you’ve made it onto the right track.
Unfortunately you still have a way to go on the bit of the track that I really didn’t rate at all, but it is worth it so don’t give up.
You’ll begin heading downhill on a wide and rocky fire trail which is shared with mountain bikers. We didn’t see a single other walker but it was really popular with bikers.
There are also many repeater towers which really detract from the bush setting.
Onto the good bit
After a kilometre the trail begins to flatten and the the scenery gets prettier. At just over 2km in I had forgiven the beginning of the walk, as the trail became much nicer, both under foot, and the general scenery.
The path is narrower and you feel more enclosed in the bush. The amount of plants and flowers increase and there are lots of pretty overhangs.
Whilst the track is really easy to follow, there are a couple of side trails that could derail you, you don’t want to make any turnings until you come to the sign for the Cascades Trail, which is 4km into the walk.
Just before the turning there is a creek crossing, but unless there has been a huge amount of rain you won’t get your boots wet! Once you reach the Cascades Trail sign post you need to turn left.
Roughly 400m later you’ll reach the Cascades. The latter part of the track undulates a bit but is generally much flatter than the earlier part of the trail.
The Cascades
The Cascades is one of our favourite places in the whole of Garigal National Park. It’s a beautiful spot, particularly after rain, when the small cascades will be running.
There are huge rocky platforms which make great picnic spots, and even if it’s busy, there is so much space that you can really spread out so that it never feels crowded.
It’s a really nice place to have a paddle and there is a deep waterhole which would be great for swimming if it didn’t suffer from urban run off.
Allow plenty of time to relax at the Cascades because it is definitely one of those places you don’t want to leave.
The Frenchs Creek Track
We’re so glad we decided not to retrace our steps on the Heath Trail and took the Frenchs Creek Track instead.
This was our favourite part of the walk, and there was no one else on the trail at all! Apart from the first 650m which is on a wider path, it’s a proper bush track which is narrow and not possible to cycle on.
It follows the very pretty Frenchs Creek which has so many beautiful tree ferns.
After 1.3km of relatively flat trail, you’ll begin to ascend and the track gets a bit rougher - not difficult but it’s not smooth anymore.
It’s all very pretty with a variety of vegetation and even some bamboo! The climb never feels particularly steep and the changing scenery totally distracts you from the fact you are going uphill.
Once you’ve been on the French Creek Track for 2.1km look out for an unmarked path to your left.
Follow it gently downhill for a few minutes and you’ll find a tall and beautiful waterfall, which we didn’t even know existed! It’s a real find and one we’ll be back to visit after some decent rainfall.
Back on the main trail and you’ll find another unmarked path on the left 200m later. This leads to an even bigger and more magnificent waterfall, but unfortunately it is a bit of a scramble.
You can see the upper and middle falls without too much effort, but getting to the bottom for best views, requires using ropes for the last little bit.
The upper falls
The middle falls
There is a rope there but as we were losing the light we ended up deciding to save this one for another day.
Keep an eye out just by the turn off for the waterfall if you’re walking early or late in the day, because we spotted a wallaby at the top of the path, although they were too quick to get a photo!
Once you’re back on the main trail you need to take the right hand turn which isn’t signposted, but is very obvious - at 2.6km into the track - to get up onto the road.
From the road it’s roughly 1.5km of walking on quiet residential streets to get back to your car. There is a little more uphill to go but it’s very shallow until the last few minutes when it steepens just before you reach your car. There are still lots of nice bush views along the way, which looked particularly special silhouetted in the twilight.
The little bit of road walking is well worth it for being able to make a loop track and take in the gorgeous scenery along Frenchs Creek.
Packing suggestions for Garigal National Park
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Bushman Spray: Good for keeping off the mozzies and any other bugs. Check it out on Amazon.
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Essential information about the Heath and Frenchs Creek Circuit
Where to park
You’ll want to park on Ralston Avenue which is a quiet residential street with no time limit or parking fee.
Public transport to the walk
Getting to the start of the walk by public transport is pretty easy from the city. Hop on the 271 bus and it will stop about 800m from the start of the trail in Belrose.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support!
Like it? Pin it!
Follow us on Social Media
What’s your favourite walk in Garigal National Park? Let us know in the comments below!
