The Karloo Track
Dharawal Country

3 h to 5 h

9.6 km
return

↑ 374 m
↓ -374 m

Moderate track
A popular trail for those wanting a well-signposted bush track, and a great place to swim. The Karloo Track follows the bush track from Heathcote Railway Station east, into the Royal National Park, to a great set of waterholes on Kangaroo Creek. This walk offers more than just a set of waterholes at the end, there are also fantastic views from the ridge, of the surrounding bushland. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Passing by a small set of cliffs and rock formations. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Karloo Pools. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2007.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-34.08794,151.0084249)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.) Train
DirectionsFrom M5 Motorway, M5, Riverwood.
  • Turn on to Fairford Road Offramp then drive for 400 m
  • Keep left onto Fairford Road Offramp, A6 and drive for another 15.3 km
  • Keep left onto New Illawarra Road, A6 and drive for another 55 m
  • Turn left onto Heathcote Road, A6 and drive for another 5.5 km
  • Continue onto Wilson Parade and drive for another 1.2 km
  • Turn right and drive for another 30 m
  • Turn right and drive for another 65 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From Heathcote Station, this walk heads south-east along Wilson Parade following the railway tracks. Shortly after passing the emergency services centre, the track comes to an intersection with a bush track signposted as the 'Karloo Track'.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 25 m back from the start).
There is a car park (about 25 m back from the start).
After another 40 m turn right.
After another 65 m turn left.
After another 30 m turn right, to head along Wilson Parade.
After another 20 m head through/around the gate.
Turn left.
After another 25 m pass the "Heathcote To Waterfall Info Board".
After another 85 m continue straight.
After another 205 m continue straight.
After another 190 m continue straight, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 420 m continue straight, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of Karloo Track & Kangaroo Creek Track) continue straight, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 25 m find the "Karloo Pool" (20 m on your left).
Karloo Pool
Karloo Pool

Karloo Pool is a popular swimming hole and informal picnic area. The pool is on junction of Kangaroo Creek and Heathcote brook, south east of Heathcote in the Royal National Park. The pool is surrounded by some very interesting rock formations, and a number of small cascades. There is some natural shade from the surrounding trees. There are no facilities.
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Karloo Pool is a popular swimming hole and informal picnic area. The pool is on junction of Kangaroo Creek and Heathcote brook, south east of Heathcote in the Royal National Park. The pool is surrounded by some very interesting rock formations, and a number of small cascades. There is some natural shade from the surrounding trees. There are no facilities.

After another 25 m pass the sign.
At the intersection of Karloo Track & Bottle Forest Track veer right, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 345 m turn left, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 950 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left).
After another 310 m come to the "Uloola Turrets" (25 m on your right).
After another 35 m come to the "Uloola Turrets" (35 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Karloo Track.
After another 580 m come to "Uloola Falls".
A ford.
About 15 m past the end is "Ulloola Falls Campsite".
Ulloola Falls Campsite
Ulloola Falls Campsite

This clearing has six camping sites (maximum of 18 people), and wood fires are not allowed. The site has a toilet, and there is usually water in the creek (treat before drinking). In drier periods, contact rangers regarding water availability. Pre-arranged camping permits are essential.
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This clearing has six camping sites (maximum of 18 people), and wood fires are not allowed. The site has a toilet, and there is usually water in the creek (treat before drinking). In drier periods, contact rangers regarding water availability. Pre-arranged camping permits are essential.

About 45 m past the end is a toilet.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 4.8 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

The Karloo Track


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 9.6 km
Time 3 h to 5 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There is one 4.8 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 4.8 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-27 m[toilet]
Campsite
4.8 kmUlloola Falls Campsite
Toilet
4.8 km[toilet]
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