Couranga

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs 30 mins

9.8 km Return

368 m

Hard track

This is a pleasant walk, taking you through some of Royal National Parks more diverse ecosystems. From Waterfall Station, the walk heads through the bush and heath, before descending to the rain forest and palms on the banks of the upper Hacking River. A great walk to explore Royal National Park's floral diversity.

(0km) Waterfall Station → Cricket Oval Eastern Gate

590 m

11 mins

-20m Hard track

From the top of the ramp, this walk crosses the road bridge towards the station car park. The walk passes through the gap in the fence behind the car park, then follows the 'Uloola Falls' sign along the track through the dense scrub. After some time, the walk opens out at the cricket oval and follows the left-hand edge around to the signposted intersection of the 'Uloola Track'.

(1km) Cricket Oval Eastern Gate → Int. Couranga Trk and Uloola Trk

560 m

10 mins

14m

-8m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Uloola Falls' arrow around the locked gate and along the management trail. The trail heads straight through the bushland (which gradually thins out) as the walk continues to the signposted intersection of the 'Couranga Track'.

(1km) Int. Couranga Trk and Uloola Trk → Int. Waterfall Ck Trk and Couranga Trk

3.2 km

1 hr 15 mins climb

40m

-242m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign for 'Couranga Track' along the narrow track (just to the left of the sign) down the hill, along a ridge top. The track then soon winds left, heading down the side of the ridge. The track heads down the hill to a point where it meets a creek. On the rock before the creek is a painted white arrow indicating the track direction, down the hill. The track continues for some time down the gully with the creek on the left. The track then heads around the hill crossing many creek beds as it gently descends to an intersection next to the Hacking River. The intersection is marked at the river by a 'Car Park 1km' sign.

(4km) Int. Waterfall Ck Trk and Couranga Trk → Int. McKell Ave and Waterfall Ck Trk

500 m

10 mins

36m

-4m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track, keeping the creek below on the left. The track bends around to the right and continues along for about 30m, before crossing the creek at an elevated rock platform. On the opposite bank, the walk climbs up into a grassy clearing. Crossing this, the track continues up the long hill on the other side, through tall eucalyptus trees and ferns. At the top of the hill, the track flattens out and continues to the intersection of Mckell Ave.

Maps for the Couranga walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Appin	1:25 000 Map Series	90291S APPIN	NSW-90291S
Campbelltown	1:50 000 Map Series	90291 CAMPBELLTOWN	CW-90291
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129
Wollongong	1:100 000 Map Series	9029 WOLLONGONG	9029

Cross sectional view of the Couranga bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Couranga

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	9.8 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

3.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (500m) is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 4.3km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 560m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 4.3km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 560m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 4.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 1.1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Couranga walk.

Uloola Track (Heathcote to Waterfall)

11.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This pleasant walk takes you from Heathcote to Waterfall Station. This walk ventures into central Royal National Park along a well maintained bush track. The walk goes via a beautiful set of waterholes and rock flats at Karloo Pools. The walk continues to the peaceful campsite at Uloola Falls and t

Total climbing: 388m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Couranga walk.

Lake Toolooma Trail

6.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This circuit around Lake Toolooma makes a lovely walk through Heathcote National Park. This walk mainly follows management trails and provides a few views of the lake. Although most of the walk is not in view of the lake, there are great views from the top of the western ridge.

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate track

Waterfall to Heathcote

10.8 km One way, 5 hrs

This walk explores the heart of Heathcote National Park, and is easily accessed with a train station at either end. Although relatively close to the start of the walk, Kingfisher Pool, next to Heathcote Creek, is a great spot to break and enjoy the park. Mirang Pool, at the northern end, also offe

Total climbing: 467m

Hard track

Forest Island to Calala

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive, this walk takes your to Calala, a quiet clearing on the Hacking River. Travelling along the old road, this walk passes a few shaded brooks as it winds alongside the Hacking River. There is the chance for a side trip to Palona Cave and waterfall. Calala

Total climbing: 296m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical

Total climbing: 266m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave's different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful

Total climbing: 171m

Hard track

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through

Total climbing: 179m

Moderate track

Wises Track

4.1 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This isn't a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year.

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate track

The Wallumarra Track to Bola Creek

4.7 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr.

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Wallumarra to Palona Cave

11.8 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Winding next to Bola Creek, the Wallumarra bush track is very pretty, as is the track to Palona. Great rest areas at Bola Picnic Area, and next to the waterfall at Palona Cave, cap off a great walk. While the Wallumarra service trail and the side trip to the Beehives are not the most interesting tr

Total climbing: 439m

Hard track

Wallumarra Track to Forest Way

12.5 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Initially following a section of service trail, this walk heads along the ridge before descending to Bola Creek. The walk becomes more enjoyable after the service trail section, especially down on the creek as the walk winds its way through the forest. After a short break at the Bola Picnic Area, th

Total climbing: 470m

Moderate track

Heathcote to Waterfall

10.1 km One way, 5 hrs

Spanning between Heathcote and Waterfall Railway Stations, this walk experiences many of the different environments that Heathcote National Park has to offer. From ridge tops to creek walking, this is a great way to enjoy a day, with a perfect spot for a break at the Heathcote Campsite. If the water

Total climbing: 481m

Hard track

Heathcote to Waterfall Overnight Walk

10.8 km One way, 2 Days

Following Heathcote Creek, this walk is a great overnight walk, often used to introduce new walkers to overnight hikes. A well-signposted and defined track leads you to a campsite with a reasonable level of facilities. There are great views of Heathcote Creek along the way, and many of Heathcote's v

Total climbing: 503m

Hard track