List of Bushwalks in Ku-ring-gai Chase

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

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 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

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

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

Environment

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

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

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

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

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 walk follows a well-defined management trail to one of the best views of Cowan Creek in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the halfway point, there is a great spot to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery and the surrounds. 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 Wilkins Track

5.2 km return

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Bus

This return walk to Smiths Creek offers a quiet spot to sit by a creek or explore open grasslands, while being surrounded by Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. There is plenty of shade available to cool off on a hot day, before climbing back up the wide trail to Terrey Hills and the start of 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.

Environment

Smiths Creek

5.3 km return

2 h to 2 h 30 min

Bus

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

5.5 km return

1 h 45 min to 2 h

This Perimeter Trail walk to Wilkins Viewpoint, near Terrey Hills offers a beautiful view into the waters of Cowan Creek. The setting and views at Wilkins Viewpoint are worth the walking, which is mostly along wide trails. This is a good walk in which to see some typical Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park scenery. 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 interesting walk explores a rocky ridge top of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk is through heathland that flowers in a mass of colour in spring. The track also visits a tessellated pavement and some Aboriginal engravings. 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

Centre Track

6.6 km return

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Bairne Track to Towlers Bay Lookout

Bairne Track to Towlers Bay Lookout

6.7 km return

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

6.7 km

Return

This relatively flat walk takes you through some woodland forest, open shrub and rock platforms to a lookout. The views look over Narrabeen and along Pittwater. The track is well defined, and the views are well worth 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

2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

This Perimeter Trail walk contours gently around the northern side of Terrey Hills on a wide mostly level trail, with occasional views across Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. However, it is the side trips that make this walk truly worthwhile - if you are only going to do one side trip, the lookdown into Cowan Creek from Wilkins Viewpoint is fabulous. With a variety of side trip options and easy access to the start and finish, this walk is well worth considering. 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

Perimeter Trail

7.2 km oneway

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Bairne Track to the Basin Lookout

Bairne Track to the Basin Lookout

7.8 km return

2 h 30 min to 3 h

This relatively flat walk takes you through some woodland forests, open shrub and rock platforms to a lookout. There are great views over the Basin, and out to Narrabeen and north up the Pitt Water. The track is well defined, and the views are well worth 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

Environment

3 h 15 min, 4 h to 2 days

Towlers Bay Walk

7.9 km circuit

3 h 15 min, 4 h to 2 days

This walk explores another ridge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and heads down a steep hill to the Towler's Bay community. You can explore the village and the ferry wharf before walking past the Youth Hostel on the walk back up. The Youth Hostel is available for an overnight stay, but book ahead. Please remember you are visiting a small community please 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.

Highlights

Environment

This is a nice walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, passing through a mix of thick heath vegetation and more open forest. There are some great views over Cowan Waters from the end of the track. 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

Wallaroo Track

9.3 km return

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Environment

This is a nice walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, passing through a mix of thick heath vegetation and more open forest. There are some good views over Cowan Waters from the end of the track and an optional side trip to a large rock outcrop with interesting texture and shapes. 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

Waratah Track

10 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h 15 min

3 h 30 min to 5 h 15 min

Environment