Bairne Track: Bushwalk with Two Scenic Lookouts

The Bairne Walking Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a relatively easy bushwalk leading to two scenic lookouts with stunning views.

This 9.5 km return walk follows a fire trail for most of the way, but the surrounding bushland and the panoramic views at the lookouts make it a rewarding adventure.

The trailhead for this walk is located along West Head Road in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, accessible via McCarrs Creek Road.

Look for the Bairne Track signpost on the eastern side of West Head Road. Parking is limited on both sides, so take care when slowing down and pulling in, as the speed limit here is 80 km per hour.

There’s a $12 National Park entry fee per vehicle per day, payable at the park entry point on West Head Road or via the Park’nPay app.

This 9.5 km return walk is fairly long, but it’s not overly challenging. The trail is mostly flat with only a few gentle undulations along the way.

The walk can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in spring with colourful wildflowers lining most of the track.

Below is a map of the walk with the two lookouts marked:

1. Bairne Lookout
2. Soldiers Point

Fire Trail

Once you’ve parked your car, head to the Bairne Track signpost and walk past the gate to start this walking track.

The first section is a 2.5 km stretch of fire trail. While the scenery here doesn’t have the wow factor, it’s still a pleasant walk through the bush.

This part of the track is especially enjoyable in spring, with colourful wildflowers lining the way from start to finish.

After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach a signposted junction.

From here, you can either turn left to visit Soldiers Point or continue straight ahead to Bairne Lookout, also known as Towlers Bay Lookout.

It doesn’t really matter which lookout you visit first, but we chose to go straight ahead to see the main lookout before looping back.

Bairne Lookout

From that junction, it’s an easy 850-metre walk along the fire trail to reach Bairne Lookout. Along the way, you’ll notice the scenery shift slightly, with more trees surrounding the path.

At the end of the fire trail, the lookout isn’t signposted, but a short walk through the bush leads you to a rocky platform.

The lookout is quite special, and offers sweeping views over Pittwater, the Palm Beach peninsula, Towlers Bay, and Scotland Island.

Because it’s such an isolated viewpoint, you might have it entirely to yourself, making it a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a quiet picnic with incredible views.

Soldiers Point

From Bairne Lookout, retrace your steps back to the main junction, then turn right onto the Soldiers Point fire trail.

This 1.3 km stretch is slightly longer than the walk to Bairne Lookout but remains mostly flat, and the trees along this section are especially impressive.

Soldiers Point is a rocky outcrop that offers scenic views over the coastline of the West Head and Basin areas of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The lookout isn’t quite as scenic as Bairne Lookout, as some of the views are partially obscured by trees, but it’s still a worthwhile spot to visit.

When you’ve finished taking in the views, retrace your steps back to West Head Road along the same trail. With a steady pace, the return walk can be completed in under an hour.

Find more great walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in our guide.