Forest Island to Calala

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

8.9 km Return

296 m

Moderate track

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 is a clearing with some large trees providing shade, a picnic table and access to a beach on the bank of the shallow Hacking River.

Lady Carrington Drive gate Sir Bertram Stevens Dr end

Lady Carrington Dr near the Wallumarra Track

Lady Carrington Drive north of Forest Path intersection

Lady Carrington Drive north of Palona Brook

Burunda Brook sign on Lady Carrington Drive

Lady Carrington Drive crossing Tamur Brook

(0km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Sir Bertam Stevens Drive → Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track

650 m

12 mins

-22m Moderate track

From the car park on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (500m north of the intersection with McKell Ave), this walk heads between the boulders

[Pinch Point]

(on the western edge of the car park) then leads downhill[1] to get around to the back of the locked gate (56cm high) and sandstone wall[2]. From here the walk follows the wide dirt Lady Carrington Drive trail downhill past the 'Forest Path' information sign[3] and continues mostly downhill for just over 600m through the forest to come to a three-way intersection signposted with the 'Walumarra Track'[4][5].

(1km) Int of Lady Carrington Drive and Walumarra track → Bola Picnic Area intersection

70 m

1 mins

-3m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the main wide dirt trail[6], keeping the valley to the right. The trail bends right and leads down into the valley for about 60m passing the 'red cedar' information sign[7][8] to come to the signposted three-way intersection with 'The Forest Path'[9] beside the the Bola Creek picnic area

[Picnic Table]

[10], just before the creek.

Bola Picnic Area

Bola Picnic Area, in the Royal National Park, is at the intersection of Lady Carrington Drive and Forest Island Track[11], beside Bola Creek[12]. You will find a small clearing[13] with a picnic table[14]

[Picnic Table]

in a gorgeous rainforest setting, surrounded by tall trees[15] and ferns scattered through the area. There is no car access to the picnic area, making this a lovely quiet area.

(1km) Bola Picnic Area → Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive

1 km

21 mins

25m

-42m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Audley 9km' arrow[16] gently downhill along the wide trail to cross the culverted Bola Creek[17]. The trail then bends left and leads steeply up for about 200m where the trail then gently undulates through the forest[18][19] for about 800m before coming to the faint intersection, with the signposted 'Limestone Cave' bush track[20] (the timber sign is behind a tree on the left, before the signposted 'Palona Brook'[21]).

(2km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Cave and Waterfall

780 m

19 mins

69m

-9m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Limestone Cave 1.6km' arrow along the track, heading up the hill and away from the road. The walk continues up a long hill, winding through dense forest for a short while before flattening out and continuing along the side of the hill. The walk winds through the bush and passes several rock overhangs and outcrops either side of the track, as the walk make its way along to the Palona Caves at the end of the track. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Palona Cave

Palona Cave is off Lady Carrington Drive, north of Bola Picnic Area, in the Royal National Park. Palona Cave is a large limestone overhang with a few cave decorations such as columns and stalactites. Being open to the environment, the cave has some green moss and is not reminiscent of other pristine white limestone caves. The cave is a unique feature for the area and is well worth allowing time to explore.

Palona Brook Falls

The waterfalls on Palona Brook are just beyond Palona Cave. The brook is ephemeral (not permanently running), but when it is running, the waterfalls are a cool place to explore on warm days. The waterfall is made of up two main cascades, with a short landing in between. The water falls into a reasonably small rocky pool.

(2km) Int Palona Cave Trk and Lady Carrington Drive → Palona Brook Picnic Area

110 m

2 mins

-4m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the main wide trail as it soon bends to the right. After about 50m the trail crosses the signposted and culverted[22] 'Palona Brook'[23] to come to a picnic area[24] (on the right-hand side).

Palona Brook Picnic Area

Palona Brook Picnic Area is found on the north side of Palona Brook along side the old Lady Carrington Drive[25]. The picnic area is home to a couple of wooden picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

[26][27] and is next to the steep gully and culvert that Palona Brook flows through[28][29]. A pleasant spot to rest when visiting the nearby sandstone cove or exploring the old road.

(2km) Palona Brook Picnic Area → Calala

2.6 km

53 mins

96m

-102m Moderate track

Continue straight: From beside the Palona Brook picnic area, this walk heads gently uphill along the wide trail away from 'Palona Brook'[30] keeping the main valley to the left. The trail leads through the forest for about 400m to pass an old picnic table

[Picnic Table]

(about 20m[31] off the left-hand side of the trail) then about 600m later the trail leads past a small metal plaque (on a rock) reminding of the tragic loss of Alan Rendell, who died fighting bushfires here in 1988[32]. The walk now continues gently undulating along the wide trail for another 400m to pass signposted (and culverted) 'Burunda Brook'[33] in a pleasant rainforest environment. The trail continues to lead as it winds through the forest for just over 1km, passing the site of a repaired landslide[34], crossing a few culverted creeks[35] to then come to the sign posted and large 'Calala'[36] clearing (on the left).

Calala

The signposted 'Calala'[37] clearing lies between the old Lady Carrington Drive and the Hacking River. The large clearing[38] has a picnic table[39]

[Picnic Table]

and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. There is an informal steep track[40] that provides access to a small sandy beach[41] on the Hacking River, making this a lovely spot to rest on a warm day.

Maps for the Forest Island to Calala 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
Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Forest Island to Calala bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Forest Island to Calala

Altitude analysis for Forest Island to Calala

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	8.9 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 2.7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.7km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 3.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 2.7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 4.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Forest Island to Calala walk.

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

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

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Forest Island to Calala walk.

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

Curra Moors car park to Garie Beach

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track's tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kio

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Curra Moors Loop

9.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea.

Total climbing: 242m

Hard track

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

Couranga

9.8 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

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 f

Total climbing: 368m

Hard track

Garie Road to Era Loop

5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This walk covers a great cross section of the environments in the Royal National park, with plenty of places to rest and take in the views. The walk follows the Squeeze Way from Garie Rd, then heads down Stockyard Spur to Era Gully. The walk then heads up to the old Garawarra Farm, via Burgh Ridge,

Total climbing: 271m

Hard track

Stockyard spur to Garie Beach

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk down Stockyard Spur to Garie Beach is an excellent way to take in coastal views before following the Coastal Track. This is great if you are with a driver who is happy to drop you and wait for you are Garie Beach, or if you can do a car shuffle. You can always just walk back up. There ar

Total climbing: 142m

Hard track

Burning Palms loop from Garawarra

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

Garawarra Farm carpark to figure eight pools

6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct env

Total climbing: 273m

Hard track

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

3.9 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk starts at the large Garawarra Farm car park taking the ridge straight down to the coast. Look for the change in vegetation as you descend along the spur to the Coastal Track, before beach hopping your way to Garie Beach. The track is a great way to see some of Sydney's best coast, with ple

Total climbing: 156m

Moderate track

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

13.5 km Circuit, 7 hrs

Using a variety of tracks, this walk follows the coast as well as going inland to Garrawarra Farm. With great coastal views and a magnificent palm jungle, this walk demonstrates perfectly, the diversity of the Royal National Park. Of historical significance are the houses scattered along the coast t

Total climbing: 754m

Hard track