Picnics and barbecues
There are picnic areas located at Sarahs Knob at the southern end of Pipeline Road, near Girronba Creek on Sydney Water's pipeline maintenance road, and at Kingfisher Pool and other pools along Heathcote Creek. These are low-key facilities, with limited parking provided at Sarahs Knob.
Walking
There is no internal public road system, which makes Heathcote National Park ideal for bushwalking, in keeping with its origins.
Cycling
Cycling on tracks and trails is a great way to experience the remarkable diversity of nature and magnificent landscapes found in parks.
There are literally thousands of kilometres of management trails open to cyclists criss-crossing parks in NSW. For the adventurous, exhilarating mountain bike single-track and multi-track experiences are available in certain national parks. For more information on cycling opportunities in the national parks of NSW go to our cycling home page. Please take time to find out about some simple Rules of the trail and safety when cycling in parks before setting out.
Bicycles can be ridden along the Pipeline Road, and are available for hire from the boatshed at Audley in the Royal National Park.
Swimming
There are excellent swimming spots in the pools along the gorges in the park.
Places to visit
Kingfisher Pool campground
Kingfisher Pool campground is located in the middle of Heathcote National Park, north west of Waterfall train station. The campground itself is positioned about 50m above the tranquil Kingfisher Pool.
You can access the site by foot only, as Heathcote National Park is a vehicle-free area. It’s quite a long walk along the Bullawarring track to the campground, so be sure to take plenty of water and a topographic map with you.
There are only six sites at this small campground, accommodating up to 18 campers and making for a peaceful bush atmosphere.
Activities: walking, swimming, camping
Getting there: Kingfisher Pool campground is located in the middle of Heathcote National Park, north-west of Waterfall train station. The campground itself is positioned about 50m above the tranquil Kingfisher Pool.
To get there:
- Take Pacific Highway to Waterfall
- Take the Kooraban Street exit ramp to Waterfall
- Turn right onto Kooraban Street, Waterfall.
- After the ramp, turn right onto Warabin Street, Waterfall.
- Park at the end of Warabin Street and walk in via the signposted Bullawarring track for 5.5km to the campground
Road access: Sealed road - no motor vehicle access.
Facilities: non-flush toilets, picnic tables
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
Lake Eckersley campground
Lake Eckersley campground sits on the shore of Lake Eckersley in the middle of Heathcote National Park.
There are only two sites at this small, basic campground, accommodating up to six campers. Lake Eckersley campground is also a great spot to stop for lunch or a swim when bushwalking.
You can access the campground by foot only, as Heathcote National Park is a vehicle-free area. Reaching the site involves quite a long walk, so be sure to take a Heathcote National Park map and plenty of water with you.
If you love the idea of self-sufficient camping in the Sydney bush, then look no further than Lake Eckersley campground.
Activities: walking, swimming, camping
Getting there: There are many walking tracks into the park. Get there on public transport, or drive to one of the suburbs surrounding the park.
Road access: Sealed road - no motor vehicle access.
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
Mirang Pool campground
Mirang Pool campground is located at the northern end of Heathcote National Park.
Enter from Heathcote train station and look for the Mirang Pool signpost at the top of the stairs leading down to the pools. You can access the site by foot only, as Heathcote National Park is a vehicle-free area. It’s quite a long walk to the site, so take plenty of water with you and cool off with a swim in Mirang Pool.
This small campground features only four campsites, accommodating up to 12 campers. There are no facilities, offering you an opportunity for an authentic and personal experience of the Australian bush.
Activities: walking, camping, swimming
Getting there: There are many walking tracks into the park. Get there on public transport, or drive to one of the suburbs surrounding the park.
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Online bookings: use a secure payment facility to book online
NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
