This short return walk starts from the end of Grattan Crescent, Frenchs Forest and follows the service trails along the Bluff Track to the spectacular lookout perched above Bantry Bay. There is an optional side trip down the into the valley to the Natural Bridge, which is a interesting natural rock archway bridging a creek. 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.
Track head at end of Grattan Cres. | Photo by admin, 2007.Entering Garigal National Park. | Photo by admin, 2009.Heading through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.The Natural Bridge Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.Following the track markers. | Photo by admin, 2007.Heading down the side of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2009.The rocky bushtrack. | Photo by admin, 2009.Crossing the Natural Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.Following the Bluff Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.Following the Bluff Track service trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.Coming to the end of the management track. | Photo by admin, 2009.View from the Bluff Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Warringah Road, A38 then drive for 810 m
Turn right onto Hilmer Street and drive for another 165 m
Turn left onto Primrose Avenue and drive for another 115 m
Turn right onto Bantry Bay Road and drive for another 940 m
Turn sharp right onto Grattan Crescent and drive for another 285 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of the road, this walk heads through the large metal gate and past the 'Garigal National Park' sign, continuing south-west along the management trail until coming to an intersection with a track, signposted as the 'Natural Bridge Track'.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 145 m back from the start).
There is water tap (about 55 m back from the start).
Austrian Club Restaurant (about 45 m back from the start).
There is a car park (about 30 m back from the start).
Ararat Reserve (about 20 m back from the start).
After 40 m head through/around the gate.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Natural Bridge. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 250 m (at the intersection of Natural Bridge Track & The Bluff Track) turn left, to head along The Bluff Track.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along The Bluff Track.
After another 80 m (at the intersection of The Bluff Track & Gahnia Mountain Bike Track) continue straight, to head along The Bluff Track (a walking track).
After another 100 m come to a sign.
About 40 m past the end is "Bluff Lookout".
Bluff Lookout
Bluff Lookout
The Bluff is a large, unfenced rocky hilltop, in Garigal National Park, that provides great views up Middle Harbour. The views extend across the bushland of the National Park, along Bantry Bay, to the city of Sydney (You can even see Centrepoint Tower). Apart from the distant views, the bluff is also an interesting rock feature, with a number of caves containing honeycomb rock formations.
+
-
The Bluff is a large, unfenced rocky hilltop, in Garigal National Park, that provides great views up Middle Harbour. The views extend across the bushland of the National Park, along Bantry Bay, to the city of Sydney (You can even see Centrepoint Tower). Apart from the distant views, the bluff is also an interesting rock feature, with a number of caves containing honeycomb rock formations.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 520 m to get back to the start.
An optional side trip to Natural Bridge.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of The Bluff Track & Natural Bridge Track Start heading along Natural Bridge Track (a walking track).
Find the sign at the start.
After another 45 m veer left, to head along Natural Bridge Track.
After another 430 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 20 m find the "Natural Bridge" (6 m on your left).
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch in Garigal National Park. The arch spans an unnamed creek feeding into Bantry Bay. The Natural Bridge track uses this arch to cross the creek, and is not always noticed by walkers as the surrounding vegetation hides the full view of the feature from the track. The arch has formed the eroding forces of water flowing down the creek. The arch provides an interesting natural feature to explore and enjoy.
+
-
The Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch in Garigal National Park. The arch spans an unnamed creek feeding into Bantry Bay. The Natural Bridge track uses this arch to cross the creek, and is not always noticed by walkers as the surrounding vegetation hides the full view of the feature from the track. The arch has formed the eroding forces of water flowing down the creek. The arch provides an interesting natural feature to explore and enjoy.
After another 6 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 520 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
The Bluff Track
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
1 km
Time
20 min to 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)