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Category: Bushwalking

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Karloo Pools Track Royal National Park

Karloo Pools

Karloo Pools Track

Getting There

Heathcote railway station is a great place to start the Karloo Pools Track, having ample car parking, or providing easy access from Sydney’s rail network.

We chose to use the train from Central Station, which was a quick and convenient trip taking just under an hour.

From the train station, walk through the car park, past the Sutherland Shire Rural Fire Brigade building to the start of the track.

Information Board
Information Board at the Start of the Track

The Karloo Pools Walking Track

NSW Parks and Wildlife maintain the track and manage the Royal National Park. They give the track a rating of three, meaning that it is well sign posted, with some steep areas and unformed paths and is moderately challenging.

Compared to other grade 3 and 4 tracks we have walked, this would be at the high end of grade 3. Several steep areas also had steep slopes adjacent to the track, so care was needed not to slip down.

The walk starts with an easy walk through eucalyptus forest, passing the outskirts of Heathcote before descending through the valley. In places you need to climb over rocks, but the scenery is amazing and worth the effort.

Climbing up to opposite valley, you are rewarded with views over the National Park. From here the track descends to the Karloo Pools.

Upper Flat Section of the Track
Upper Flat Section of the Track in Eucalypt Forest
Steep Section of the Track
Steep Section of the Track
Big Rocks on the Path
Big Rocks on the Path
Rocky Path Going Uphill
Rocky Path Going Uphill
Karloo Pools Walking Track
Karloo Pools Walking Track

Karloo Pools

Surrounded by forest and rock outcrops the pool’s setting is picturesque and rewards your hour’s walk to get there. Whether you want to relax in the shade, swim in the pool or sit on the rocks, it’s a great place to enjoy lunch.

This is a popular swimming hole, it is often crowded particularly in summer, so be prepared to share it with others. Although we only saw a few people on the walking track, several dozen were there when we arrived around 10:30am.

We relaxed there after the walk, had lunch and spent time taking photos before walking back to the train station.

Karloo Pools
Karloo Pools
Kangaroo Creek next to Karloo Pools
Kangaroo Creek next to Karloo Pools

What Did We Think?

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk and pools, as it was a little challenging, with a great reward. Remember to wear good walking shoes, because you will need them in some of the more difficult places. There is no lifeguard on duty so take care when swimming and supervise children. It is also important to check the the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s page, because the park may be closed, or warnings in place.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Knapsack Gully Viaduct Lapstone Zig Zag Railway

Knapsack Gully Viaduct

The Viaduct’s History

Designed by John Whitton, The Knapsack Gully Viaduct once formed part of the the Lapstone Zig Zag , which climbed the eastern side of the Blue Mountains to Glenbrook. The construction stands 40 metres high. and 118 metres long, making it an impressive structure when viewed from below. Originally used for rail transport, the bridge was modified in 1926 becoming a section of the Great Western Highway for normal vehicle use. The upgrade of the M4 however, has bypassed this section of road. This is great as it can be used for bikes, and hiking, as there are some great walking tracks nearby. This beautiful piece of construction is heritage listed.

Access to the Knapsack Gully Viaduct

Setting off from the car park at the trailhead, we found the walk to the viaduct very easy because it is flat and well maintained. From here, a steep track made of roughly formed steps descends to the base of the bridge. These are difficult to negotiate in places, but we had no issues with this because we wore sturdy footwear.

The reward for climbing down is a magnificent view of the viaduct from the valley floor, where the scale of the arches can really be appreciated. There is a canopy of vegetation, and large rocks, on which we were lucky enough to see a bearded dragon lizard sunbaking. We managed to take some great photos.

Climbing back to the roadway on the opposite side of the gully, we found the track blocked by fallen trees, so did a little bit of climbing to get over it. We really appreciated the walk and seeing this massive bridge in all its glory.

John Whitton Memorial

Sitting next to the trailhead carpark is the John Whitton Memorial. This obelisk has (or had – some are missing) plaques commemorating the viaduct’s construction. Specifically, they commemorate the designer, John Whitton and the builders who lost their lives during its construction. A short walk from the carpark, it’s worth looking at, along with th ruins of the gate-keeper’s cottage nearby.

Knapsack Gully Viaduct
Knapsack Gully Viaduct
Knapsack Gully Viaduct
Knapsack Gully Viaduct
Bearded Dragon on the Valley Floor
Bearded Dragon on the Valley Floor
John Whitton Memorial
John Whitton Memorial

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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North Head Sanctuary and Tunnels

North Head Tunnels

North Head


Operated by Sydney Harbour Trust, North Head is an ex-army heritage listed site. Staffed by volunteers, the Visitor Centre is an ideal point to start your exploration of the area as they can provide you with an overview of what’s available. Our visit on a Sunday corresponded to the day that a guided tour was running for the site and underground tunnels. For a small fee a guide shows groups around while explaining the importance of each area. Importantly this is the only way to gain access to the tunnels which form a major part of the site.

Getting to North Head

Public Transport

Ferries to Manly run from Circular Quay, taking around 30 minutes for the trip. Alternately, the Manly Fast Ferry takes 20 minutes, but is more expensive. There is a Fast Ferry service to Q Station Wharf, if you want to start here instead of Manly.

From the Manly Ferry Wharf, bus 135 takes 20 minutes to drive to North Head. This bus runs every hour and connects well with the ferry arriving and departing Manly. Located outside the main entrance, bus stops are easy to find.

Walking

Taking 40 minutes, the shortest walk winds through Manly’s streets, past Q Station and onto North Head. A more scenic track runs along the shore, taking you past fantastic clifftop lookouts and historical gun emplacements, before passing Shelly Beach and ending at Manly Beach. At 4.2 km long, the scenic track takes around an hour one way, but has wonderful scenery to enjoy along the way.

Starting at Q Station, a 1.3 km track passes through bush land, passes the Third Quarantine Cemetery before ending at the North Head Sanctuary Visitors’ Centre. This well paved track is an easy 20-minute walk, with great views over Sydney Harbour.

Headstones in the third Quarantine Cemetery
Headstones in the third Quarantine Cemetery
Headstones in the third Quarantine Cemetery
Headstones in the third Quarantine Cemetery

Driving

Located outside the Visitor Centre is a pay for use car park, which makes driving yourself a convenient option

North Fort Tour


Starting with a short film on Sydney’s history of fortifications which was informative and gave us an insight into their original appearance.

View of South Head From North Head
View of South Head From North Head
View of Sydney From North Head
View of Sydney From North Head

Memorial Walk


The walking tour started with the Memorial Walk which is a paved pathway winding through Australian bush land. Many of the paving stones have been inscribed with the names of servicemen which gives a personal touch to the area.


Progressing along the path takes you to all the memorials for wars Australia has been involved in. Each of the memorials is made of Sydney sandstone and engraved with an overview of the conflict. The Gallipoli Memorial contains the only non-native species in the area, a cutting from the lone pine.

Memorial Walk
Memorial Walk
World War 1 Memorial
World War 1 Memorial
Lone Pine Gallipoli Memorial
Lone Pine Gallipoli Memorial

Fortifications


Continuing to the above ground fortifications we saw the remains of gun emplacements which now consist of concrete structures without any guns. The only remaining gun is a 9.2 inch (23.37 cm) barrel which is on display next to the forts.

9.2 Inch Gun
9.2 Inch Gun

Underground Tunnels


The highlight of the tour was the underground tunnels. These consist of the rooms and the tunnels needed to service the guns and protect the military personnel manning the forts. Our guide took us through each room, explaining their function and how each was operating when the fort was working.

In the magazine, dummy shells give an idea of the size of the projectiles used and a rack has them set up to show how it would have looked. Even the old diesel generators are in place, giving an idea of the power needed to run the fort.

Well lit with well maintained walkways, the tunnels were easy to walk through with some good photographic opportunities. Stairs in several areas are steep, but not very long, so should not be a problem for most people. Unfortunately, people with mobility issues will not be able to take the underground tour.

Dummy Shells in the Magazine
Dummy Shells in the Magazine
Underground Diesel Generator in the North Head Tunnels
Underground Diesel Generator in the North Head Tunnels
The Tunnels
The Tunnels
North Head Tunnels
North Head Tunnels

Food and Drinks

At the end of the tour, you can also walk down to the restaurant for food and beverages.

What Did We Think

North Head is a great place to visit, as it covers, Sydney’s history, with fantastic views and bush walks. Being easy to get to either by public transport or car makes it a great day out.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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