Suggested excursions
Maps and directions
Directions to Reids Flat:
- From the Princes Highway turn into Farnell Avenue
- Proceed past the toll booth *
- Continue down the Farnell Avenue/Audley Road
- Turn left before the Audley Weir
- Continue into the Reids Flat carpark
- Park in designated bus parking and disembark students
* Buses for booked excursions do not pay an entry fee at the toll booth. Show your Booking Confirmation sheet; you will be invoiced park entry fee later.
Site details and facilities
Getting here
Reids Flat is located approximately 4 km from the Farnell Avenue entry of the Royal National Park. This area is accessible via road or walking in from the tramline at Audley Heights via the Honeymoon Track or from Grays Point down a steep track.
Via bus, it takes approximately 5 minutes to drive to Reids Flat from the Farnell Avenue turnoff at Loftus. The road descends from Loftus to Audley and the turn into Reids Flat will be on the left, before the weir crossing. Bus parking is available at the picnic area.
There is no need to pay at the toll booth. Show the Visitors Services Officer your Booking Confirmation; student park use fees will be charged by National Parks following the excursion.
Background information
Degree of difficulty
Easy
Contact system
- Mobile phone reception is patchy and limited during this excursion
- A phone is available at the Visitor Centre
Location details
Reids Flat is located along the valley floor of the Hacking River, between Loftus and Bundeena. Reids Flat picnic area consists of an open grassed picnic area with scattered shade trees, a small number of picnic tables, sheltered BBQ facilities and a small sandy beach strip (at low tide). There is an additional walk of up to 500m along a fire-trail track leading to a rainforest site.
As the site has uneven steps and rocky surfaces it is recommended that sturdy footwear be worn. As areas can be without shelter it is recommended that sturdy footwear, wind/rain proof jackets be carried. Sun safety practices should be encouraged. Students are in close proximity to the bank of the Hacking River and are walking on a raised walking track above the water's edge at times. Groups need to be managed and supervised closely to minimise accidents.
The greatest potential risks to students is tree fall in high winds, snake bite and falling into the river. It is important that students keep to tracks. The group is very likely to encounter members of the public. Vigilance is required from all participants and supervising teachers need to be aware of where students are at all times. Child protection measures and supervision will be required when students access public toilets.
Once your booking is confirmed, we will email you a draft risk assessment and management plan to use in the preparation of your own plan. This plan details risks on excursion and controls to minimise them on the day.
Facilities
There are public toilet facilities available at Reids Flat. It is advisable that students not access public toilets alone, they should take a buddy with them and always advise a teacher if they need to access toilets.