Middle Harbour Creek Loop

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.7669761,151.1996595)
Mode	Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Gore Hill Freeway Onramp Turn on to Longueville Road then drive for 9 m Turn right onto Longueville Road and drive for another 220 m Keep left onto Pacific Highway Offramp and drive for another 155 m Keep left onto Pacific Highway Offramp and drive for another 3.1 km Turn right onto Boundary Street, A38 and drive for another 10 m Turn slight right onto Boundary Street, A38 and drive for another 4.3 km Make a U-turn onto Warringah Road, A38 and drive for another 910 m Keep left onto Healey Way and drive for another 210 m Turn sharp right onto Healey Way and drive for another 50 m Keep left onto Healey Way and drive for another 1.1 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the gate at the north-western corner of Davidson Park, this walk follows the 'Lyrebird Track' sign through the metal gate and along the service trail, heading through the bush and following Middle Harbour Creek for a while before the track narrows to a bush track at a long grassy clearing.
From the clearing at the end of the management trail, this walk continues along the bush track, keeping Middle Harbour Creek on the left as it meanders along the water's edge for a while. The track climbs up the side of the hill, then flattens out and continues through the bush, steadily winding down to the edge of Carroll Creek, which it follows for a while before the track comes down to the signposted intersection of the 'Carroll Creek Track' at the stepping stones.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 1.3 km continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Track. After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Track.
	After another 530 m (at the intersection of Carroll Creek Track & Lyrebird Track) turn left, to head along Governor Philip Track (a footpath). After another 9 m cross the stepping stones (about 10 m long) After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Pipeline track & Governor Philip Track) continue straight, to head along Governor Philip Track.
	After another 690 m (at the intersection of Governor Philip Track & Bungaroo Crossing) turn left, to head along Bungaroo Crossing (a footpath). Then cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long) After another 55 m find the "Bungaroo" (20 m on your right). Bungaroo Governor Arthur Phillip (first governor of NSW) described this section of the river as where "the flowing of the tide ceased". Phillip and his party of nine camped here in 1788 whilst looking for land suitable for farming. John White (Surgeon General) described the the area as "the most desert, wild and solitary seclusion that the imagination can form any idea of". Over the past 200 years the river has changed, but somewhere not far upstream of the stepping stone is Bungaroo.
	After another 145 m continue straight. After another 490 m find the "Pipeline" (on your right). Pipeline This pipeline is unearthed at Hunter Street, St Ives, and travels through Garigal National Park, across Middle Harbour Creek to John Oxley Drive, Sorlie. The pipe carries water under pressure From Ryde to Pymble to the reservoir at Beacon Hill. The old smaller-capacity pipe can still be seen running parallel to the larger pipe.
	Continue straight. After another 1.2 km continue straight. After another 460 m pass the waterfall (15 m on your right).
	After another 900 m continue straight, to head along Barrie Street Track.
	After another 285 m (at the intersection of Barrie Street Track & Gordon Creek Track) turn left, to head along Gordon Creek Track. After another 70 m cross the stepping stones (about 8 m long)
	After another 145 m (at the intersection of Two Creeks Track & Gordon Creek Track) turn left, to head along Two Creeks Track (a vehicle track). After another 215 m pass the "Gordon Creek Bridge" (6 m on your left). After another 60 m head up the earthen steps (about 45 m long) After another 55 m head up the earthen steps (about 20 m long) After another 190 m come to the viewpoint.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Two Creeks Track & Manuwi Track) veer right, to head along Two Creeks Track. After another 400 m pass the "World War 1" (on your left). After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Two Creeks Track. After another 145 m pass the shelter (on your right). After another 70 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 15 m pass the waterfall (9 m on your right).
	After another 120 m (at the intersection of Little Digger Track & Two Creeks Track) turn left, to head along Two Creeks Track. After another 140 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest. Then cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
	To Ormonde Road After another 830 m by following the "To Ormonde Road" sign continue straight. Then head up the earthen steps (about 120 m long)
	After another 140 m (at the intersection of Ormonde Road & Chase Avenue) continue straight, to head along Ormonde Road. After another 185 m (at the intersection of Ormonde Road & Cardigan Road) continue straight, to head along Ormonde Road.
	After another 110 m (at the intersection of Ormonde Road & The Kingsway) continue straight, to head along Ormonde Road.
	After another 130 m (at the intersection of Ormonde Road Exit & Ormonde Road) continue straight, to head along Malga Avenue.
	After another 10 m (at the intersection of Warringah Road & Malga Avenue) turn right, to head along Warringah Road (a highway\|trunk_link).
	After another 120 m continue straight, to head along Warringah Road.
	After another 190 m veer left. After another 90 m head through the bollard. Continue straight. After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 440 m long)
	After another 60 m turn left, to head along Healey Way.
	After another 290 m turn right, to head along Healey Way. After another 430 m pass the picnic table (30 m on your left).
	After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Healey Way. After another 65 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left). After another 80 m pass the shelter (25 m on your left). After another 370 m pass the water tap (25 m on your left).
	After another 6 m come to the end.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Middle Harbour Creek Loop

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	15 km
Time	5 h to 5 h 45 min

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5 km apart with the largest gap of 10.9 km.

Toilet: There is one 14.6 km from the start.

Seat: There is one 11.3 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	10.9 km	[shelter]
Seat	11.3 km	[seat]
Toilet	14.6 km	[toilet]
Shelter	14.6 km	[shelter]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Davidson picnic area
Davidson Picnic Area is in Garigal National Park, under Roseville Bridge (access via Warringah Road, south bound lanes, or via many walking tracks in the area). The picnic area has a boat ramp, wheelchair-accessible toilets, large open grassy areas, picnic tables, free electric BBQ's, and a large rotunda. There are plenty of shady spots provided by the trees. The northern section of the picnic area has a small beach swimming area, and the southern section boasts a boat ramp. The park is open 6am to 8pm (6:30pm outside daylight savings time). Ticket machines are provided to pay the car access fee.

Pipeline
This pipeline is unearthed at Hunter Street, St Ives, and travels through Garigal National Park, across Middle Harbour Creek to John Oxley Drive, Sorlie. The pipe carries water under pressure From Ryde to Pymble to the reservoir at Beacon Hill. The old smaller-capacity pipe can still be seen running parallel to the larger pipe.

Bungaroo
Governor Arthur Phillip (first governor of NSW) described this section of the river as where "the flowing of the tide ceased". Phillip and his party of nine camped here in 1788 whilst looking for land suitable for farming. John White (Surgeon General) described the the area as "the most desert, wild and solitary seclusion that the imagination can form any idea of". Over the past 200 years the river has changed, but somewhere not far upstream of the stepping stone is Bungaroo.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  18°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  8°C → 14°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon and evening.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  6°C → 14°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  6°C → 14°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, with possible small hail along the coastal fringe. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  7°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  8°C → 16°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Garigal National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance
  Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.
  The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Other planned events: Pay machine upgrade
  Pay machines in this park are being upgraded to provide an even more reliable service for your convenience. Whilst this process is underway, coins may not be accepted at pay machines, however cash payments for park use fees can still be made at visitor centres. Pay machines will continue to accept credit card. ParknPay remains available in all Parks via the ParknPay app.
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2024 and 31 July 2024 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure
  The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed as the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.
  Please note:
  
  Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  
  Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.
  
  For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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