Place · 0.1 mi away
Overview
A historic carriage road turned shared path, Lady Carrington Drive traces the east bank of the Hacking River for 9.7 km (6.0 miles) one way. It’s wide, mostly flat, and closed to vehicles beyond the first 200 m near Audley—ideal for a low‑stress walk or bike on a classic Royal National Park corridor.
Route and What You’ll See
Heading south from Audley, sandstone bluffs appear early, leading to Gibraltar Rock and a patch of old cobblestones. Around 2.5 km in, Jersey Spring feeds twin sandstone watering troughs built in 1892. The track crosses numerous brooks—each carrying traditional Aboriginal bird names—before reaching a string of quiet rest spots: Jersey Spring Clearing, Calala (with minor river beaches), Palona Brook picnic area, and Bola at the junction with the Forest Track and its pocket of rainforest.
Side Trip: Palona Cave
From Palona Brook picnic area, a roughly 1 km foot track leads to Palona Cave, a distinctive limestone overhang with columns and stalactites draped in green moss. It’s the standout detour and worth budgeting time for if you’re doing the full traverse.
Best Time to Go
This is a mostly shaded river trail that works year‑round, but it can be muddy or slippery after rain. Low areas around Audley can be affected by high water after heavy rain—always check park alerts before you go. As of November 27, 2025, the drive is closed under a total fire ban, and there are nightly closures from sunset to sunrise Monday–Thursday (excluding school holidays) until December 19, 2025.
Logistics and Tips
Expect a comfortable 3–4 hours on foot one way (plus 30–45 minutes for the cave detour), or plan it as a relaxed bike. Carry all water and snacks; there are no toilets, water, or cafés along the drive itself. Facilities are at Audley near the northern trailhead. Mobile reception may be weak. Bikes are allowed; practice courteous passing. If you’re not up for a 12‑mile return, arrange a car shuffle—parking is at Fig Tree Flat (Audley) and at the southern end off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Dogs aren’t permitted in NSW national parks, and vehicle entry fees apply for the park.
Verdict
A gentle, heritage‑rich river ramble with real character—more about atmosphere and history than big views. If you want ocean cliffs and surf instead, aim for coastal options elsewhere in the park; if you want serenity, stonework, and a cave detour, this one delivers.
Pros
- Historic stonework in situ—Jersey Spring troughs and old cobblestones
- Easy mid‑trail detour to Palona Cave from Palona Brook picnic area
Cons
- Point‑to‑point logistics if you don’t want a long return
- Shared with bikes; expect passing and some loose gravel
Parking
Park at Fig Tree Flat near Audley for the northern start, or at the southern end off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive; vehicle entry fees apply.
Caution
Check park alerts: closed on Nov 27, 2025 under a total fire ban; nightly closures Mon–Thu (sunset–sunrise) until Dec 19, 2025 for deer control. Track can be muddy after rain; Audley low areas affected by high water. Leeches after rain and snakes in warm months. No water or toilets on the track; don’t drink untreated water from Jersey Spring.
