Palona Cave Track

Overview

A short rainforest wander with a quirky payoff: a sizeable limestone cave and a pretty little waterfall. The standard route is an out-and-back of roughly 5–5.3 km total (about 3.1–3.3 miles), taking most walkers 1.5–2 hours. Expect a gentle start on a wide management trail, then a narrower, rougher spur to the cave that feels more like real bushwalking.

Route

Start from the Forest Path car park on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. Follow the southern end of Lady Carrington Drive, a wide dirt road shared with cyclists. About 750 m in, you’ll pass the Forest Path junction. Continue for ~1 km more and watch for a small "Limestone Cave" sign on the right (easy to miss). From that turn, a rougher, sometimes overgrown track leads about 800 m to Palona Cave. Step inside to see stalactites and stalagmites, then continue a short way along the creek to the waterfall, which looks best after recent rain. Retrace your steps to return.

What to Expect

Lady Carrington Drive is usually in excellent condition and easy underfoot; the cave spur has roots, rocks, and occasional overgrowth. The cave is larger than you’d think, but parts have been graffitied. The falls can be a trickle in dry spells—don’t expect a thundering cascade unless it’s rained recently. Families do this walk, but keep kids close on the narrower section.

Add‑ons and Alternatives

If you want more walking without the crowds, add the Forest Path loop (about 4–4.5 km extra) after you return to the junction. Starting from the Audley (north) end of Lady Carrington Drive turns this into a much bigger day—around 17.1 km—so be sure you’re at the southern trailhead. Another practical alternative is to access the track from the Waterfall side of Lady Carrington Drive.

Best Time to Hike

Anytime for the cave; after rain for the waterfall. Overcast days can be great for photos inside the rainforest. Keep an ear out for bikes on weekends and holidays.

Practicalities

There’s parking on both sides of Sir Bertram Stevens Drive near the Forest Path trailhead; the southern side is larger. A park entry fee is required for vehicles, with a park pass option available. The track is shared with cyclists, dogs are not permitted, and leeches can appear after rain—cover up and check your ankles. Wear sturdy shoes; rocks around the falls can be slick.