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.
Royal National Park is a popular destination for cyclists due to its easy access, close proximity to a large population and the relatively flat to undulating terrain.
Due to the popularity of cycling in the park a network of trails suitable for bicycle access has been identified. They include public roads, management trails and a carefully selected series of single track in the Loftus and Heathcote areas.
The single tracks were selected for their ability to sustain moderate to heavy bicycle use with minimal maintenance as well as being safe for all users. The single tracks link with existing fire trails to form a network of loop tracks which provide a diverse riding experience catering for the beginner to the advanced rider.
The park has a 'no sign-no ride' policy. Cycling is permitted on all management trails, and only on single tracks where a sign indicates that cycling is permitted. If a track does not have a cycling post and sign the it is not permissible to ride on.
Volunteering program: a small group of dedicated cyclists is working closely with National Parks to help keep the cycling trails maintained and accessible for all riders. Contact the park office for more information.
Map: view the cycling in Royal National Park map [PDF 1.1MB].
For mobiles: download cycling in Royal National Park, including map [PDF 1.4MB]; PDF designed for viewing on a mobile device, incorporating all the cycling information for the park.
East Heathcote trails
Mountain biking (medium difficulty)
General information
You can do a variety of loop tracks from Heathcote train station or nearby streets. The terrain is generally flat, although there are some steep sections at creek crossings.
Map: view a map of cycling trails in Royal National Park [PDF 1.1MB].
For mobiles: download cycling in Royal National Park, including map [PDF 1.4MB]; PDF designed for viewing on a mobile device.
Lady Carrington drive
- 10km each way (one-way route)
Walking (easy, 3 hours each way) This beautiful and historically significant route is popular with walkers and bird watchers. If you can, arrange to have a vehicle at one end of the track and start walking from the other. Alternatively, you could walk a section of the track and retrace your steps, coming back another day to tackle the rest. There are two picnic areas, Calala (5.6 km from northern end) and Bola Creek (800m from southern end) where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility.
Mountain biking (easy, 1 hour 18 minutes each way)
This trail is ideal for all level of cyclists and is best ridden on a mountain bike. It is especially popular with children and family groups as is it relatively flat for the majority of its length. It is also ideal for those seeking a fitness experience as it is a 18km return journey. A very scenic and peaceful ride with a high probability of encountering an echidna or lyrebird. The track is 3 m wide and is shared by walkers.
Map: view a map of cycling trails in Royal National Park [PDF 1.1MB].
For mobiles: download cycling in Royal National Park, including map [PDF 1.4MB]; PDF designed for viewing on a mobile device.
General information
It’s unlikely that Lady Carrington rode a bike along this track, but luckily you can cycle this historic carriage route from Audley in the north to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the south.
This easy bike trail is sure to blow out the cobwebs as it follows the Hacking River upstream from Audley. Cycling over 15 creeks, each identified by its Aboriginal name, you’ll also pass blue gums, turpentines and patches of rainforest. Keep your ear out for the mimicking call of the lyrebird and your eyes peeled for lace monitors and echidnas.
With three picnic areas along the track, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop and soak up the atmosphere. At Palona brook there’s a short detour to explore the sandstone cave. Organise a car pick up at the other end or turn round and do it all again.
Plant communities: rainforests, dry eucalypt forests
Cultural heritage: Lady Carrington Road was completed in 1886 (renamed Lady Carrington Drive in 1916). Less than 1/2 km from the northern end of the Drive is a large overhang called 'Gibralter' where the road surface has been cobbled. Two stone troughs, Jersey Springs, were built in 1892 to capture water from a natural spring. These can be seen 2.6 km from the northern end of the Drive. Evidence of the park's history can also be seen adjacent to the southern end of the Drive in the form of a shale quarry. You can also see evidence of the park's logging history with large Turpentine stumps and remnant Turpentine trees in the Rainforest adjacent to the Drive.
Location maps
Loftus loop trail
- 10km (loop)
Mountain biking (easy, 1 hour 30 minutes)
General information
Though easy in parts, the 10km Loftus loop trail is bound to get your heart rate up.
Starting and finishing at the NPWS regional office – although you can begin at any location in the loop – the Loftus loop trail winds around Loftus Oval.
You’ll cover 8km of fire trail, along with 2km of designated bike track. Terrain changes from flat, wide trails to steep, single-track trails that can be a little rocky under your tyres.
This diverse terrain makes the Loftus loop trail one of Royal National Park’s most enjoyable mountain biking trails.
There are some steep sections around Temptation Creek, so it’s best to walk these if you’re an inexperienced rider.
Map: view a map of cycling trails in Royal National Park [PDF 1.1MB].
For mobiles: download cycling in Royal National Park, including map [PDF 1.4MB]; PDF designed for viewing on a mobile device.
Cycling: events and activities
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