Garawarra State Conservation Area

4.4
320 reviews
Attraction
Garawarra State Conservation Area. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPIE
Garawarra State Conservation Area. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPIE
Garawarra State Conservation Area. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPIE
Garawarra State Conservation Area. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPIE
Gallery showing 4 of 4 images

Park alerts

Garawarra State Conservation Area

Checked 13 Oct 2026, 12:05 am

Official alerts

No current alerts or closures are published for Garawarra State Conservation Area.

About

It's not often you get to retreat to the bush, so close to the city. Garawarra State Conservation Area borders the Helensburgh end of Royal National Park between Sydney and Wollongong. It's a haven of scribbly gum and red bloodwood, with patches of subtropical rainforest, making the area perfect for bushwalking and hiking.

Take a walk or ride your mountain bike along Cawleys Road trail. It's a great place for birdwatching, and you could easily spot satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters and perhaps even a lyrebird. Horse riding is also popular in Garawarra, and there are scenic bridle trails located in the reserve to the west of Helensburgh.

Enjoy a picnic at Kellys Falls picnic area, with breathtaking views of its waterfalls below.

The park at a glance

On the border of Royal National Park near Sydney, Garawarra State Conservation Area is a peaceful spot with scenic waterfalls ideal for bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding and enjoying a picnic.

It's not often you get to retreat to the bush, so close to the city. Garawarra State Conservation Area borders the Helensburgh end of Royal National Park between Sydney and Wollongong. It’s a haven of scribbly gum and red bloodwood, with patches of subtropical rainforest, making the area perfect for bushwalking and hiking.

Take a walk or ride your mountain bike along Cawleys Road trail. It's a great place for birdwatching, and you could easily spot satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters and perhaps even a lyrebird. Horse riding is also popular in Garawarra, and there are scenic bridle trails located in the reserve to the west of Helensburgh.

Enjoy a picnic at Kellys Falls picnic area, with breathtaking views of its waterfalls below.

Picnic areas
1
Walks
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

Blooming wildflowers bring large numbers of birds, making it a perfect time for birdwatching.

Summer

Beautiful weather for bushwalking and cycling, particularly early in the day.

Winter

Clear days, cool weather and low rainfall are perfect for bushwalking.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

1 places

Picnic areas (1)

Walks in this park

1 walk

Frequently asked questions

5 questions

Reviews & Ratings

nswtrip Apinya

nswtrip Apinya

Google review

Great for bushwalking with scenic waterfall. You will hear the sound of running water. Feeling fresh and having energy for waking. You will the scenic lookout waterfall. Free parking. Peaceful area. You have 2 ways for walking trail, Kelly’s fall walking track - return 45 mins about 1 hours returning and Princess Marina walking track - one way. You can climb down for Kelly’s pool. You need to prepare to get down.

Before you go

Nearby towns

Wollongong (37 km) · Campbelltown (52 km) · Sydney City Centre (59 km)

Get in touch

Phone

1300 072 757

Email

parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Website

Visit website

Royal National Park Visitor Centre

02 9542 0648npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au

2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232

8.30am to 4.30pm daily; Closed Christmas Day

Where you'll be

Helensburgh NSW 2508

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