The America Bay Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is perfect for those looking for a fun and easy bushwalk escape in beautiful natural surroundings.
The highlight of this 2 km return walking track is the scenic lookout at the end of the walk, which provides superb views of America Bay.
Keep reading to find out more about the highlights of this hike, how to find the trailhead, and where to park your car.
| America Bay Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
How to Get There
The America Bay Track is located in the West Head and Basin precincts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is also home to the West Head Lookout and Resolute Beach.
Note that there is a $12 entry fee per vehicle for the National Park, which allows you to spend the whole day there.
The start of the America Bay Track is located on West Head Road, which can be accessed via McCarrs Creek Road.
The walk starts at the America Bay Track signpost on West Head Rd, and you can park your car there at the small parking area (see map location).
America Bay Track Notes
The America Bay Track is only 1 km long and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
The path is easy to follow from start to finish; however, good walking shoes are recommended as sections of the path are a bit rocky and uneven.
Once you’ve parked your car at the small parking area, head into the bush at that signpost to start this short but exciting, family-friendly bushwalking adventure.
Aboriginal Engravings
Early into the walk, keep an eye out for an intersection that is surprisingly easy to miss.
This is where you can do a short side trip to a site with well-preserved Aboriginal engravings. Watch for a wooden pole, as per the picture below.
Interestingly, it doesn’t actually say that there are Aboriginal engravings to visit.
But if you turn right at that intersection and follow the path for approximately 100 metres, you will see a large, flat, rocky area.
The engravings are very well preserved, and if you look closely, you can quickly identify all the different shapes and animals engraved on the surface.
Once you’ve finished exploring the engravings, retrace your steps to the intersection, and then turn right to continue the main walking track to America Bay.
Small Waterfall
The track continues through a patch of scenic bushland until it crosses a creek.
You will soon see a small and unpretentious waterfall, which is at its best after a period of rainfall (unlike in the below picture).
This is also where you will start seeing the first glimpses of America Bay before the track arrives at the beautiful lookout point.
Lookout Point
From the lookout, the views of America Bay are phenomenal, so by all means, take your time to enjoy this beautiful sight.
There is a large rocky platform at the lookout, which lends itself perfectly to a picnic with scenic views.
There is, in fact, another waterfall at the lookout, where the creek descends to lower levels to ultimately flow into America Bay.
But it’s quite challenging to get good views of that waterfall from the lookout.
The America Bay Track used to continue all the way down to a secluded beach right at the bay.
Unfortunately, that track is closed until further notice. The sign that says it’s closed looks like a permanent closure, but who knows if it will ever be reopened.
Last updated: April 20, 2024
