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.
Flint and Steel Carpark. | Photo by adminFlint and Steel Track Info. | Photo by adminStairs near Flint and Steel Carpark. | Photo by adminRock formation. | Photo by adminPine trees to Flint and Steel beach. | Photo by admin
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.
Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions
From Mona Vale Road, A3
Turn on to then drive for 30 m
Turn slight left onto McCarrs Creek Road and drive for another 25 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McCarrs Creek Road and drive for another 5 km
Turn left onto West Head Road and drive for another 350 m
Turn slight left onto West Head Road and drive for another 11.2 km
Turn left and drive for another 3 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the back of the car park, the walk follows the 'Flint and Steel Track' sign along the bush track heading down through the bush. The walk drops down some stairs and turns right at the old 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park' sign, then left down the side of the hill. After about 100m, the walk continues down a set of stairs and then down the bush track to the signposted intersection.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the White Horse Beach. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 315 m continue straight.
Continue another 660 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 990 m to get back to the start.
About 20 m past the end is "Flint and Steel Beach".
Flint and Steel Beach
Flint and Steel Beach
Flint and Steel Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a small north-east facing stretch of sand. The beach is hemmed in by prominent headlands on either side and backed by a grassy hill. A seat on the hill lends views over the Hawkesbury River to Patonga and Lion Island, with Box Head in the background.
+
-
Flint and Steel Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a small north-east facing stretch of sand. The beach is hemmed in by prominent headlands on either side and backed by a grassy hill. A seat on the hill lends views over the Hawkesbury River to Patonga and Lion Island, with Box Head in the background.
This side trip takes you to the White Horse Beach.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Flint & Steel Bay Track & Flint and Steel Track Start heading along Flint & Steel Bay Track (a walking track).
After 370 m find the "McGaw Ruins" (30 m on your right).
McGaw Ruins
McGaw Ruins
The McGaw ruins are situated north-west of White Horse Beach, on West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The property was originally owned by John Miller, who also owned large areas of West Head. The property was sold to Mr Eardley McGaw in 1928, on the condition that he built a house there.
Mr McGaw built a two-storied house with several other smaller buildings, including a wharf. Mr McGaw and his wife lived there until he became ill, when they moved to Narrabeen and NSW National Parks took over management of the land. The house and other buildings were lost during a 1971 bushfire, leaving the sandstone foundations and ruins to be grown over with vegetation.
+
-
The McGaw ruins are situated north-west of White Horse Beach, on West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The property was originally owned by John Miller, who also owned large areas of West Head. The property was sold to Mr Eardley McGaw in 1928, on the condition that he built a house there.
Mr McGaw built a two-storied house with several other smaller buildings, including a wharf. Mr McGaw and his wife lived there until he became ill, when they moved to Narrabeen and NSW National Parks took over management of the land. The house and other buildings were lost during a 1971 bushfire, leaving the sandstone foundations and ruins to be grown over with vegetation.
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Flint & Steel Bay Track & Unmarked track) continue straight, to head along Flint & Steel Bay Track.
After another 200 m come to "White Horse Beach".
White Horse Beach
White Horse Beach
White Horse Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a 30m stretch of sand sitting on the coast of Flint and Steel Bay between rocky boulders. The beach, backed by a steep hill, provides north-westerly views over the Hawkesbury from Patonga, Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre and up the river towards Brooklyn.
+
-
White Horse Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a 30m stretch of sand sitting on the coast of Flint and Steel Bay between rocky boulders. The beach, backed by a steep hill, provides north-westerly views over the Hawkesbury from Patonga, Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre and up the river towards Brooklyn.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 590 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Flint and Steel track
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
2 km
Time
1 h to 2 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Bushwalk
1 h to 2 h
About 20 m past the end is "Flint and Steel Beach".
{{title}}
Find the car park at the start.
