In a park famous for its incredible coastline, The Uloola Track between Heathcote and Waterfall offers the chance to see an inland part of Royal National Park that fewer people explore.
Along the way you’ll stop at the pretty Uloola Falls - which is one of our favourite picnic spots in the park - and you’ll get the chance for a mid-walk dip at one of Sydney’s most captivating swimming holes (Karloo Pools). It’s so beautiful that even in winter I find myself tempted to make the plunge!
The fact that the trail takes you from one train station to another, with absolutely no road walking whatsoever, makes this an excellent choice when you want to explore without a car.
Here’s what to expect from the trail, which is one of the best bush walks in the park.
Uloola Track
The stats
Distance: 11.2km
Elevation: 224m
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of trail: One way
The Uloola Track isn’t an easy walk, but it definitely isn’t hard either - which is how it is graded by Parks NSW. It’s a trail that is flat for the majority of the way, but has a steep uphill section to Heathcote Train Station once you leave Karloo Pools.
A lot of the track is firetrail, but from Uloola Falls to Heathcote it gets a little rougher under foot. However, most people should be able to do the entire hike in 3 - 4 hours.
Starting the trail to Uloola Falls
You can walk this trail in either direction. Most people tend to start at Heathcote but we prefer to save our favourite bit of the walk for last so we always start at Waterfall.
Starting from Waterfall Station you cross the car park and will immediately see the Uloola Track trail sign and within a minute you’re straight into the bush.
The bush gets fairly dense straight away and it’s hard to believe how close it really is to the station.
You’ll start the walk on a narrow shady track before coming into a clearing which is used as a helipad. The trail isn’t marked here but you cross over the field and take the path on your left.
The path then becomes a fire trail. It’s lined with dense vegetation on either side but there’s no denying that the first half of the walk is pleasant without being spectacular!
Although having said that we have seen echidnas on this part of the track before which is always very special!
The majority of this section of the walk is flat, there is the occasional incline but it’s very gentle.
After 4km the path narrows and you start to get some gorgeous plants either side of the trail. It feels much more foresty and from this point in, the walk gets a lot more interesting!
After around 5km the track begins to descend and on a clear day you get a great view of the city. It always amazes me to see it there when I’ve felt so throughly ensconced in the bush!
The city is out there somewhere!
The descent continues for around 600m before you reach a toilet (the only one on the trail) and then you are just moments away from Uloola Falls.
Uloola Falls
You’ll first pass the campsite - which looks like a nice spot if you want to spend the night - and then you follow the sign post to the falls.
Depending on how much rain there has been there will either be a good flow or…… an almost non existent one. We’ve visited lots of times when there is virtually no water and it is still a lovely spot.
There is a great view over the forest and lots of shady spots where you can sit and enjoy a picnic or have a bit of a rest.
To get to the best view of the falls (and a good spot even if they aren’t really flowing) walk along the top of the falls and follow the little overgrown bush track for a minute or so, and you’ll come out at a ledge with a great view.
It also feels quite private because not many people come this way. If it’s taken already then beside the top of the falls also makes a great picnic spot (this is the one you can see in the photo above).
Continuing on to the Karloo Pools
A couple of trails lead away from Uloola Falls, so make sure you follow the one marked for Karloo Pools.
You’ll head uphill on a rocky track, but it’s not very steep and it isn’t long before the trail flattens. It’s a narrow path and quite rocky so you have to watch your feet a bit.
There are some points where the trees thin out and you can see all the way to the city in the distance.
After heavy rain this part of the walk does get quite waterlogged. It’s passable, but you’ll definitely come out with some pretty muddy boots!
After around 800m you begin the descent down to Karloo Pools. It’s quite rocky all the way down which makes it slower going than you might expect.
It’s not difficult but you have to watch your footing and if the rock is wet the odd bit can be slippery.
The plantlife starts to get more impressive and when you hit the forest it even begins to feel a bit tropical. We love this part of the walk, and the trail is completely flat again, which is relaxing after the rocky descent.
After a few hundred metres of leisurely walking through the forest, you’ll climb down a couple of rocks to the pool.
Karloo Pools
Karloo Pool is one of the best wild swimming spots in Sydney. It’s simply gorgeous with emerald coloured water and backed on one side by a tree covered cliff.
The water is pretty cold year round but it’s refreshing on a hot day. It’s big enough that you can have a proper swim and the setting is just beautiful.
We have to pinch ourselves that you can live in a city and have swimming holes like this on your doorstep!
It does get really popular on weekends so if you want a quiet dip you’re better off coming midweek or early in the morning on a weekend.
If you didn’t stop for a picnic at Uloola Falls, then this makes for another great spot, with lots of large flat (and smooth) rock to set up on.
The adventurous can clamber to one of the higher ledges for an epic view.
Continuing on to Heathcote Station
Most of the elevation on the walk comes in this next section of track.
The trail continues by crossing over the water on the furthest side of the pool - normally this is fairly dry, if there has been heavy rain it will have some water but still shouldn’t flood your boots.
Once over the water you head straight on to a narrow bush track and begin the ascent. It’s quite rocky, with the odd tree root to watch for and it is steep for a few hundred metres.
The path then flattens a little before climbing again and then it will flatten before climbing more gradually.
It doesn’t take long to reach a long break in the climb where you are walking along a ridge with some lovely bush views to your right and pretty swirly cliffs to your left.
This bit is always a favourite after the short but steep bit of elevation up from the pool.
After the ridge there is the odd bit of climbing still to do but it’s more gentle and overall it’s predominantly flat.
You’ll head back into a the forest and there are some more really beautiful plants and trees before it starts to thin out and you know you are close to the station.
Happily the bush track takes you all the way to Heathcote Station, just as it did from Waterfall. We’re used to having to do a bit of road or residential walking on a station to station walk, but not on this one!
All in all it’s a fantastic walk, the first bit along the fire trail is not so exciting but it’s great to do a linear walk and not have to go back on yourself.
Essential information about the Uloola Track
Picking your direction
This trail can be done in either direction, but the thing to keep in mind is that Heathcote to Karloo Pools is the steepest part of the track. So if you would rather do a steep downhill and a gradual uphill, then start at Heathcote Train Station.
However, Heathcote to Karloo Pools is also the most picturesque section. As we always prefer to end on a high, we recommend starting at Waterfall. This way you start with the mundane fire trail and finish the hike with the best bit.
Getting to the trail
This is the hike to do if you don’t have a car! The trail goes between Waterfall and Heathcote train stations, making it incredibly easy to do by public transport. It takes about an hour from Central Station - just hop on the blue line (Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra line) in the southerly direction. If you go on a Sunday, the return journey will be $2.80! #bargain
If you have a car, you can park at either train station for free, and then get the train to the other one. The trails both come out at the train stations, so there’s no extra hiking needed.
Park Fees
This is one of the few trails in Royal National Park that won’t incur a fee!
Packing suggestions for Royal National Park
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially in Royal National Park. Being on the coast, the conditions can change rapidly, so packing correctly can make a big 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
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
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Are you planning to hike the Uloola Track? What is your favourite walk in Royal National Park? Let us know in the comments below!
