List of Bushwalks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk

Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk

520 m return

10 min to 15 min

This walk offers good examples of local aboriginal rock engravings on an attractive elevated rock platform, with views into the distance. From the car park, the walk travels through mostly flat, scrubby bush, before gently rising through heath onto a tessellated rock platform. Rock engravings are best observed in the early morning or late afternoon, or after rain. The track and trail are followed back to the car park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This is a short and pretty walk that can be enjoyed by everyone. It makes a nice addition to a picnic or paddle at Bobbin Head. Starting from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, you will enjoy great views of Cockle Creek from the bridge, then meander along the boardwalk through the mangroves. There are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

580 m return

10 min to 15 min

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

Environment

Start this walk from West Head Road parking area. The steep track leads down the West Head's eastern face to a historic army battery. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

West Head Army Track

720 m return

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Ruins

Environment

Rural

Probably the best word to describe this walk is 'cute'. The circuit walk starts with a few steep steps, but soon flattens out, following a well-defined track through an open forest, via some natural sandstone sculptures. The lookout is notable for wonderful views to Patonga, Lion Island and out through the entrance of Broken Bay at Barrenjoey. A seat at the lookout is well placed to encourage people to stop and enjoy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Koolewong Track

1 km return

20 min to 40 min

Environment

Aboriginal Heritage Track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.2 km circuit

20 min to 45 min

The Aboriginal Heritage Track takes in one of the most popular rock art sites in Ku-ring-gai National Park, and an amazing Aboriginal engraving site. The walk leads out from Resolute Picnic Area to pass by the caves and then continues down the management trail to the engravings. The walk then returns to the picnic area. It is a great way to see historic Aboriginal art in the Sydney region. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

This is a great walk for visitors looking for a reasonably short adventure after lunch. The leisurely walk starts from the cafe and information centre at Bobbin Head and follows the Warrimoo Track up the hill to the Cockle Creek Lookout, before returning along the same route. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cockle Creek Lookout

1.2 km return

30 min to 1 h

Cafe

Environment

This is a short walk along a popular horse riding trail, going to a great lookout over Bobbin Head. The lookout is a lovely spot, so allow time just to sit on the boulders and enjoy the view. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Slade Lookout Track

1.4 km return

40 min to 45 min

The Slade Lookout Track

Environment

On this walk you will visit the highest point in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the top of the hill is an old trig point and some stunning panoramic view. On a clear day, there is an uninterrupted 180-degree view across large parts of the park, including Pittwater to the east and distant glimpses of Sydney city on the horizon, far to the south. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Willunga Trig Walk

1.4 km return

40 min to 1 h 20 min

Environment

Bobbin Head Rainforest Walk

Bobbin Head Rainforest Walk

1.6 km return

40 min to 1 h 20 min

This pleasant walk starts from the southern end of Bobbin Head, and enjoys a blend of mangrove and rainforest environs. The well-signposted track gives you the opportunity to see the mangrove wildlife up close and also an historic Aboriginal axe grinding stone and some temperate rainforest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

This short walk is a great way to see a slice of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has on offer. The track visits some historic Aboriginal engravings, and enjoys water views, heath and forest environments. The America Bay track also throws in a waterfall for your enjoyment - from the top of the fall, walkers won't see much of the fall itself, however the outlook is lovely and the walk very enjoyable. This track one of two ways to access America Bay - the other is by boat. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

America Bay

1.9 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

1.9 km return

1 h to 2 h

This is a nice walk to White Horse Beach on Flint and Steel Bay. The return-style walk passes McGaw's ruins and and the old water catchment. From White Horse Beach, there are scenic views across the Hawkesbury River. The ruins are a nice addition to the walk - although overgrown, they add a touch of recent history to the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

From Resolute Picnic Area, this walk heads out to West Head Lookout, with magnificent views across the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island. The track is a direct route which passes through classic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland. This walk offers a great way to avoid competing for parking at West Head Lookout, while enjoying more of the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

West Head Lookout Track

2 km return

50 min to 1 h

West Head Lookout Track

Caves

Environment

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandstone rock formations along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Flint and Steel track

2 km return

1 h to 2 h

Flint and Steel track

Swim

Environment

Barrenjoey Headland Circuit

Barrenjoey Headland Circuit

2.1 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Starting from the car park near Station Beach, Palm Beach, this walk takes you on a circuit on Barrenjoey Headland, visiting the same-titled lighthouse and the grave of George Mulhall along the way. A fantastic walk for those wanting a scenic journey on Sydney's northern beaches, this track features views of the central coast, Palm Beach, Broken Bay, Hawkesbury River and the South Pacific Ocean along with historic remnants of old lighthouses. Migrating whales can be observed northward from May till July and southward from August till October. There are newly constructed toilets and drinking fountains as well. Keep in mind that Council parking fees apply at the car park. Also, there are no bins so please take your rubbish with you. As this walk is in a national park; pets, drones and amplified music is not allowed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ruins

Environment

Bus

At Nerang Viewpoint, the ground drops away to the north, giving views across to the neighboring forested ridges. This is a short and quiet walk and feels 'off the beaten track'. Initially this walk follows a wide trail, but this soon changes to a foot track following a broad ridge north through scribbly gums and wild flowers. The track has some small uphill and downhill sections and is eroded in places. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Nerang Viewpoint

2.2 km return

50 min to 1 h

Environment

Bus

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.7 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

2.7 km

Circuit

This track creates a loop between Flint and Steel Beach and Bay by traversing the headland between them. The walk explores Flint and Steel Beach and the McGaw ruins, while providing scenic views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

2.9 km return

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

2.9 km

Return

A less frequented track, this rough, steep bush track abounds with wildlife including goannas and black snakes. Slade Lookout is definitely worth the short trip along the management trail to see good views over the marina at Bobbin Head. The mangroves at Duffy's Wharf (Cowan Creek) are also teeming with wildlife. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

The Challenger Track is a simple track which heads through the heath and some forest to arrive at a pleasant lookout. Starting at West Head Rd, the track follows a ridge out to a rocky outcrop where views over the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay reveal Patonga and Brooklyn. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Challenger Track

3 km return

1 h to 1 h 15 min

Environment

This walk takes you to a small but picturesque waterhole above Lovett Bay. You start with a short walk along a management trail, with an optional side track to an Aboriginal engraving site. Then continuing along the wide trail a little further, you'll turn left and following a couple of fainter tracks through the heath to the sandstone platform and creek. At the pool, there are a series of small cascades and a view over Lovett Bay, a lovely place for lunch before retracing your steps back to the car. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Lovetts Pools

3.1 km return

1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Swim

Waterfall

Environment

The Resolute Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and Resolute Beach. The return-style walk starts from Resolute picnic area and heads down to Resolute Beach, passing a Red Hands Cave and an Aboriginal engraving site. The Resolute Track uses management trails and bush tracks which have views over the sea as they pass through heath, rainforest and bushland. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Resolute Track

3.3 km return

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Environment

Headland Track (Resolute Track)

Headland Track (Resolute Track)

3.3 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

3.3 km

Circuit

This walk is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and up to three of Ku-ring-gai Chase's beaches. The circuit walk visits Red Hands Cave and some historic engravings, in addition to enjoying expansive views over Pittwater, with Barrenjoey Headland as a feature. The walk includes Resolute and West Head beaches and the option of a side trip to Mackerel Beach as well. To top it all off, this walk has an added bonus of a WWII gun emplacement to explore. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Caves

Environment

Warrimoo Track to the Sphinx

Warrimoo Track to the Sphinx

3.4 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

3.4 km

Oneway

This walk offers a great way to explore most of the Warrimoo Track and also visit the Sphinx War Memorial. The walk winds down to Cowan Creek, providing some great views as the creek becomes wider. The journey continues up the steep hill through various bush environments before arriving at the Sphinx War Memorial and picnic area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Topham Track

3.8 km return

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

This is a pleasant walk along an old management trail, off West Head Rd. Following the ridge top you will pass through a variety of vegetation types including some dense heath and some tall scribbly gums which occasionally give way to a wide view over the park. There is a nice lookout at the end of the walk with views to Cowan Waters, through the trees. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

4.1 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The walk has some steep sections but is well worth the effort. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment

Salvation Loop Track

4.1 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

This walk makes a circuit from West Head Rd around the Salvation Loop track in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP. The walk passes through wet heathland vegetation and around a hanging swamp. The thick heath vegetation along the track means that the views are mostly restricted, however it is still a nice walk with wildflowers in spring, plenty of scribbly gums and some rock outcrops to explore. The full length of this walk is on road or well-defined management trail. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Named after the traditional owners, the Darri People, this track starts at Bedford Ave, Turramurra. The track follows a narrow piece of bushland along the upper reaches of Cowan Creek, into Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The official Darri track finishes at the intersection with Warrimoo track, however this walk continues back to Warrimoo Rd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Darri Track

4.3 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

This walk from the Turramurra entry to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this is an alternative way to get down to Bobbin Head. This walk mostly follows the old road down to Bobbin Head, starting along the flat management trail with its red dirt and high heath. About halfway along, the track becomes steeper as it winds down the hill, and then joins up with a bush track leading through the rocks to Warrimoo Track, which you then follow to Bobbin Head. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Bobbin Head Track

4.4 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

This pleasant walk starts near the kiosk at Bobbin Head, climbing the sandstone stairs and then follows a defined track to the Kalkari Discovery Centre. Kalkari is well worth spending some time exploring, with opportunities to learn about and mix with the local flora and fauna. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km return

2 h to 4 h

Cafe

Environment

Bus

This walk takes you down to an isolated waterside community, where you can amble along, looking at homes and a historic Grave Site. From Elvina Track Car Park, the vegetation changes from scrubby bush to she oak and large eucalyptus as you decend to the waters edge. The walking is mostly along a management trail, however the return trip follows a narrow track. Side trips include an aboriginal engraving site, a 25m waterfall and a few other view points. Please remember you are visiting a small community please respect the privacy of the local people. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Elvina Bay Circuit

4.5 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

On this walk, you will explore the isolated community of Elvina Bay, accessible only by boat or on foot. Starting at the Elvina Track car park, you follow a mostly level management trail, before descending steeply through she-oaks and large eucalyptus to the coast and houses. At Elvina Bay Park, you will find picnic areas and a fabulous rope swing. There are optional side trips to aboriginal rock engravings and an historic grave site. Please remember you are visiting a small community and respect the privacy of the local people. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Elvina Track Walk

4.7 km return

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This track takes you to one of the most iconic views along the the Great North Walk. From Cowan Station, the walk passes through a variety of environments, with dryer vegetation near the freeway and moister rainforest-like plants near the water. Jerusalem Bay is a pretty area, shared by walkers and boaters, and a great place to relax before the walk back up to the station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Jerusalem Bay Track

4.9 km return

2 h to 4 h