Pros & cons
PROS
- Complete coastal-and-forest loop with Burning Palms Beach, historic shacks and Werrong lookout.
- Strong scenery and varied terrain in a single day circuit.
CONS
- Grade 4 rough track with many obstacles, stairs and steep, uneven sections.
- No drinking water on the route; ocean conditions and the optional Figure Eight Pools detour require care.
Park at Garawarra Farm carpark, 144 Garawarra Farm Rd, Lilyvale NSW 2508. The access road is unsealed; toilets are available at the carpark, entry fees may apply, and spaces can fill on busy days.
Grade 4 rough track with many obstacles, stairs and steep sections. Carry water. Burning Palms may have strong rips and currents. Figure Eight Pools is an optional detour, not part of this stored loop; only attempt it at low tide and low swell after checking current risk advice.
Overview
Palm Jungle loop track is a rugged Grade 4 loop of about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Garawarra Farm carpark in Royal National Park. Allow roughly 4 to 5 hours for the full circuit, including the steep sections, rough footing and the Werrong lookout spur.
Route
From Garawarra Farm, follow the Burgh Ridge route down through coastal forest to Burning Palms Beach and its historic beach shacks. Continue through Palm Jungle to Werrong lookout, then retrace the short lookout spur and return through shaded woodland to the carpark. The stored line follows the complete loop and includes the Werrong lookout out-and-back section.
Highlights
This compact coastal circuit combines tall forest, palms, ocean views, a beach and the distinctive heritage shack settlement at Burning Palms. Werrong lookout adds a rocky coastal viewpoint before the route turns inland for the return.
Know Before You Go
This is a rough Grade 4 track with many obstacles, stairs and steep, uneven sections. Carry water because there is no drinking water along the route; toilets are available at Garawarra Farm carpark. Burning Palms can have strong rips and currents. Figure Eight Pools is an optional detour south from Burning Palms, outside the stored 10 km loop; only consider it at low tide and low swell after checking the current risk advice.
Access
Start at Garawarra Farm carpark, reached via the unsealed access road off Garie Road. Park entry fees may apply, and parking can fill on busy days. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted except certified assistance animals.
Elevation
6.2 mi · 4.5 hrWhere it starts
-34.1799, 151.0394Wildlife on this trail
Near Palm Jungle Loop Track
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayFigure Eight Pools WalkA demanding, tide-dependent coastal walk from Garawarra Farm to the Figure Eight Pools.Moderate · 4 mi · 4 hr
0.7 mi awayBurning Palms Cabin CommunityHeritage beach shacks along the Coast Track, fascinating and private
0.7 mi awayBurning PalmsRemote surf beach reached by a steep, scenic walk
0.8 mi awaySouth Era Cabin CommunityHeritage beach shacks reached by a hot, scenic 2.5 km walk
0.8 mi awaySouth Era BeachRemote surf beach ringed by historic Depression-era shacks
1.7 mi awayGarie Beach to North EraShort coastal climb between surf beaches with big viewsModerate · 2.1 mi · 1.5 hr
2.2 mi awayPalona Cave TrackOut-and-back along Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave and a seasonal waterfallModerate · 3.2 mi · 2.3 hr2.2 mi awayBola Creek Rainforest WalkShaded rainforest loop of palms, ferns, and creekside calm.Easy · 2.7 mi · 1.5 hr
