Garie Road to Era Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 15 mins

5 km Circuit

271 m

Hard track

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, and back along the road to the Squeezeway and Garrie Rd. There are some optional side trips to North Era and to Burning Palms for people with extra time.

Grass lands at the lower end of Stockyard Spur

South Era Beach (notice the depression house)

The grasslands on the top of many of the hills

From Burgh track looking down on Burning Palms

Track intersection near Garawarra car park

(0km) Int. Garie Rd and The Squeeze way → The Squeeze way and Stockyard Gully Trk

430 m

9 mins

10m

-22m Moderate track

From the intersection, this walk heads away from Garie Rd and the gate towards the 'No parking along this road' sign and the 'No Stopping' signs. The walk then continues for approximately 200m along the relatively flat management trail, before heading downhill. The trail leads to the bottom of a small rise where there is an unmarked intersection with a bush track on the left. There is a round soccer ball-sized rock here.

(0km) The Squeeze way and Stockyard Gully Trk → Int. Stockyard Spur Trk and Coastal Walk

1.1 km

26 mins

-188m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads away from the management trail, winding through the bush for approximately 50m before heading down the hill. The track follows the top of the ridge, winding down among many large rocks for approximately 100m, then continuing south-east down the hill to an area with an open, clear, forest floor. After approximately 100m, the forest floor becomes thick with grasses, and the walk continues through this to an open canopy, which overlooks houses to the right of the ridge. The walk then heads up through the open grass area to the intersection.

(2km) Int. Stockyard Spur Trk and Coastal Walk → North Era Bush Campground

230 m

5 mins

-18m Moderate track

Turn left : From the top of the ridge, the walk crosses the headland and open grassy area, down towards the beach (keeping the ocean to the right), coming to a 'North Era Bush Campground' sign just before the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(2km) Int. Stockyard Spur Trk and Coastal Walk → Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth)

900 m

22 mins

78m

-16m Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the ridge, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the ocean to the left as it winds down between the cabins to the beach at the bottom. From here, the walk continues around the back of the beach following the coast, and up between the houses to the large clearing before the top of the hill. Here, the walk comes to an intersection with two rough bush tracks towards the top of the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill and through the ferns, heading up and away from the cabins but still keeping the sea to the left of the track. This continues until the track comes to a large sign saying 'Coast Track'.

(2km) Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) → Burning Palms Beach (southern end)

940 m

18 mins

-79m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burning Palms' along the bush track, winding down the side of the hill, past the cabins, then at the bottom the track joins onto a metal walkway that soon changes to a narrow bush track. This passes behind Burning Palms Beach until coming to a sign saying 'Otford via Palm Jungle'. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

(2km) Int of Coast Track and Burgh Ridge Track (Sth) → The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track

1.1 km

25 mins

144m

-12m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads straight up the hill away from the sea. There are some magnificent views, both up and down the coast. Shortly after, the track comes to a clearing, and intersection with a bush track going off to the right, back down the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading up the hill and away from the ocean, towards the thick forest at the top of the ridge. The track winds up the long hill to the treeline, where it continues up through the forest, climbing to the top of the long hill where it gradually flattens out and comes to the intersection of the 'Squeeze Way' service trail at the end of the Garrawarra Farm car park.

(3km) The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track → Int. Garie Rd and The Squeeze way

1.5 km

28 mins

32m

-34m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection the track heads away from the farm keeping the no stopping sign on the right of the service track. The track continues for some time relatively flat to lead down a small steeper section at the bottom of which is the intersection marked by a rock on the right of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the flat of the management trail, keeping the 'No stopping' signs on the right. The trail continues for approximately 200m along the management trail, to wind onto Garie Rd.

Maps for the Garie Road to Era Loop 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	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Garie Road to Era Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Garie Road to Era Loop

Altitude analysis for Garie Road to Era Loop

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	5 km
		Time	2 hrs 15 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

2.9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (110m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1.1km) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

3.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.1km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (110m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 3.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Garie Road to Era Loop walk.

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

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

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

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

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views

Total climbing: 664m

Hard track

Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit

13.4 km Circuit, 6 hrs

Exploring the southern coast of Royal National Park, this walk experiences different trails and environments, with dense forest at Palm Forest to the open grasslands along the Coastline. With a short side trip out to the Figure of Eight Pools, this walk becomes a great day in the bush. The views fro

Total climbing: 706m

Hard 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

The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house commu

Total climbing: 1244m

Hard track

The Coast Track

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea an

Total climbing: 1351m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Garie Road to Era Loop walk.

Garie Beach to Eagle Rock

7.7 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk, from Garie Beach to Eagle Rock, is another great way to explore the Royal National Park coastline. Eagle Rock is an iconic rock formation in the park, and this lookout provides a great view of it. The walk then returns to the expansive Garie Beach, offering more great views as you head d

Total climbing: 344m

Hard track

Garie Beach YHA

1.3 km Return, 45 mins

**On 02/12/2010 this YHA was completely destroyed by fire and plans for the future are not yet decided** This track is the only access to Garie Beach YHA. If you leave your car in the Garie Beach car park it is easy to head up to the hostel, before spending the rest of your time down at the beach. T

Total climbing: 68m

Moderate track

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, week

Total climbing: 242m

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

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

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