Best trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland, located just a short drive from Sydney, New South Wales. With over 15,000 hectares of pristine bushland, stunning waterways, and rich Aboriginal heritage, it's no wonder why this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park boasts over 100 kilometers of walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The Great North Walk, a 250-kilometer trail that runs from Sydney to Newcastle, passes through the park, offering awe-inspiring views of the Hawkesbury River and surrounding bushland. The most popular place in the park to visit would have to be West Head which is famous for its stunning views of the Hawkesbury River as it empties into the Pacific Ocean, with panoramic views of the Central Coast to the north and Lion Head Island in between. The park's diverse range of flora and fauna is sure to impress visitors of all ages. There's always something new to discover, with over 800 plant species and a range of wildlife such as wallabies, echidnas, and over 160 bird species. The park is also home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Powerful Owl and the Eastern Water Dragon. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, fish, kayak, or just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has something for everyone. Its proximity to Sydney makes it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. So pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore this beautiful natural wonderland.
The park is easily accessible by other modes of transport including train, bus, and ferry.
Top trails
1
(1583)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
This route is perfect for a day trip from Sydney out to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walking track follows Cowan Creek all the way to Bobbin Head before returning to the car park and picnic area at the Sphinx Memorial.
The first half of the route explores open forests of smooth barked apple gum and red bloodwoods on the way to Empire Marina Bobbin Head and the historic Halvorsen’s boatshed before arriving at Bobbin Head. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you wind through mangroves that...
2
(1338)
•Hard
•8.5 mi
This spectacular route is part of the legendary Great North Walk. This challenging section takes you through the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located just an hour drive from Sydney and well worth the time! This route can be done in either direction, but most people choose the route shown on this page - Cowan to Brooklyn. The opposite direction is more of a workout with steeper sections if that's what you're looking for.
Drive or catch the train to Cowan train station and very...
3
(739)
•Moderate
•3.0 mi
•Est. 1h 31m
This beautiful trail highlights the rich Aboriginal heritage of the national park. Enjoy making your way to the Aboriginal carvings on your way through forest and down to Resolute Beach, an idyllic stretch of pristine beach at West Head. Descending a set of stairs down to the beach you'll be able to stop for a nice picnic or swim with views stretching over Pittwater and the Barrenjoey Headland.
Continuing the loop anti-clockwise you'll also have an opportunity to stop for a snack and swim at...
4
(627)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 51m
This trail features some great views from a picturesque lighthouse just north of Sydney. This beach and headland hike is a great loop and a chance to get in a quick dip in the Tasman Sea. It's an interesting place to explore, as there are plenty of other trails and side hikes to viewpoints all along the headland.
There are some steep sections so it's a great workout with the amazing views as the reward. Go in the early morning to avoid the crowds.
Parking rates vary between high season and...
5
(460)
•Moderate
•3.9 mi
This walking track takes you by Red Hands Cave (aboriginal engravings) on its way through forest and down three immaculate secluded beaches: Mackerel Beach, Resolute Beach, and West Head Beach. Descending a set of stairs down to the beach you'll be able to stop for a nice picnic or swim with views stretching over Pittwater, Palm Beach, and the Barrenjoey Headland.
The track between Resolute Beach and Mackerel beach is less traveled, and can be tougher to navigate as it traverses rocky...
6
(395)
•Moderate
•7.8 mi
This loop has great variety along the track including rainforest, waterfalls, river, rock scrambling, mangrove boardwalk, cool bridge, great water views of the Cowan Creek and the interesting rock formations along its shores. It starts at the Sphinx Memorial and loops around via Cowan Creek with the way back up being a wee bit more technical and gets the heart pumping.
There is an optional side trip to the Empire Marina and cafe for a recharge before the climb back up to the Sphinx. Keep...
7
(364)
•Moderate
•3.9 mi
•Est. 1h 51m
This is a lovely and scenic walk in the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park that leads you from West Head Road along the Elvina Trail and down to the little settlement of Elvina.
This is a relaxed walk with a bit of elevation found along the way but is well worth it, The views of Pittwater and Scotland island are fantastic and checking out the small town is also a great reason to pop down.
8
(513)
•Moderate
•5.8 mi
•Est. 2h 33m
This is a great track not far north of Sydney City connecting Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Track. It starts a short walk from Mount Ku-ring-gai Train Station and ends right at Berowra Train Station so is easily accessibly by public transport. Either way, there are beautiful views to the Waters of Berowra Creek(a tributary of Hawkesbury River) and neighbouring Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park, lots of shade, places to stop for a quiet picnic with a view and enough elevation change to get...
9
(241)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
This is a beautiful trail through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located conveniently not too far north from Sydney, New South Wales. This out and back route conveniently begins and ends from the Cowan train station.
From here you'll follow the Jerusalem Bay Track all the way down along Jerusalem Creek until you reach the Jerusalem Bay picnic area - the turnaround point for this route. The trail itself features some fairly steep and rocky sections at the start/end which require some...
10
(223)
•Moderate
•6.4 mi
•Est. 2h 31m
This beautiful trail explores a nice variety of scenery and terrain in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located nice and close to Sydney, New South Wales. This out and back route begins and ends from the Bobbin Head Picnic Area, where parking is available.
From here you'll cross Cockie Creek, pass the Empire Marina and follow the Warrimoo Track along the banks of Cowan Creek. The last section of the trail explores the Sphinx Track, up to the Sphinx Memorial, which is the turnaround point...
Showing results 1–10 of 131
Trail reviews for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Sphinx Track fire trail and Bobbing Head Trail have some steep descent and moderate to hard return uphill for mountain biking (an ebike makes the ascent a bit easier). The surface is dry, many sections with rocky gravel, which can be slippery. You can get some good air with the rollers that can be fun. There is easy parking before the toll booth. https://youtu.be/tTv7p-VhiHw Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sydney, NSW
Bobbin Head Trail
Parks
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track, which has a 4.5 star rating from 1,583 reviews. This trail is 5.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 757 ft.
What is the longest trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne. This trail is estimated to be 24.5 mi long.
How many trails are in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
There are 131 trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 12,582 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has you covered. Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne boasts the most elevation gain with 3,382 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Taffys Lookout via Brooklyn Dam, which will get you 3,113 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the most popular is Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with an average 4.5 star rating from 1,338 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 54 running trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the most popular is Sphinx, Warrimoo and Gibberagong Track with an average 4.6 star rating from 395 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 21 biking trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the most popular is Bobbin Head Trail with an average 4.3 star rating from 110 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with waterfalls in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including West Head Lookout via Duckholes, Berowra Track via The Great North Walk Loop, Upper and Lower Gledhills Falls, Warrimoo Track, Callamine Trail and Mueller Track, and Duck Holes and Centre Track Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Mount Murray Anderson, Peak Hill and Porto Ridge Track, Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne, and Peak Hill Loop via Sandy Bay.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 36 trails with archaeological sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track, Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Great Mackerel Beach via West Head Lookout and Headland Track, and Elvina Trail and Fredericks Track.
Are there any trails with bays in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 61 trails with bays in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track, Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sphinx, Warrimoo and Gibberagong Track , Elvina Trail and Fredericks Track, and Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 26 trails with scenic viewpoints in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Great Mackerel Beach via West Head Lookout and Headland Track, Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station, and Salvation Creek, Elvina Bay and Lovett Bay Loop.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with picnic areas in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Great Mackerel Beach via West Head Lookout and Headland Track, Jerusalem Bay Track, and West Head Lookout via Duckholes.
Are there any trails with beaches in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 16 trails with beaches in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Great Mackerel Beach via West Head Lookout and Headland Track, West Head Lookout via Duckholes, and Flint and Steel Track.
Are there any trails with rivers in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 64 trails with rivers in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track, Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sphinx, Warrimoo and Gibberagong Track , Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station, and Jerusalem Bay Track.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with historical ruins in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, including Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station, Berowra Track via The Great North Walk Loop, Flint and Steel Beach and White Horse Beach Loop, Mount Kuring-Gai to Berowra Loop via Berowra and Cowan Creeks, and Saint Ives to Berowra via Bobbin Head and Cowan Creek.
Top national parks in New South Wales
Top state parks in New South Wales
Suitability
Points of interest
- Resolute Picnic Area
- Brooklyn Dam
- Cowan Creek
- Cowan Creek
- Brooklyn Dam Campsite
- Yeomans Bay
- The Basin
- Yeomans Creek
- Birnie Lookout
- Aboriginal rock carvings
- Little Shark Rock Point
- Top of the World
- Aboriginal Engraving
- McGaw House Ruins
- Portugese Beach
- Aboriginal rock engravings
- Gledhill Lookout
- The Basin Campground
- White Horse Beach
- Eleanor Bluffs