8 Best Walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Established in 1894, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is Australia’s second-oldest national park, following the Royal National Park by 15 years.

Situated just 25 km north of Sydney’s CBD, Ku-ring-gai Chase is a favourite weekend escape for locals and tourists alike.

Spanning an impressive 15,000 hectares, the park features lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, mangroves, Aboriginal heritage sites, picnic spots, secluded beaches, scenic lookouts, mountain biking trails, and an array of walking tracks.

In this article, we highlight eight of the most beautiful walking tracks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, ranging from 1 to 13 km in length.

Top 8 Walks:

1. West Head Army Track

Opened in 2016, the West Head Army Track is a short but moderately challenging trail at West Head Lookout that leads to a historic WWII army battery.

A notable feature of this track is the steep ladder structure, designed to help hikers descend safely to the site of the old West Head Army Battery.

At the bottom, you can explore the gun emplacements and observation posts that were used during the Second World War to safeguard Australia’s coastline from potential threats.

You can read more about this walk in our West Head Lookout article.

2. America Bay Track

The America Bay Track, located in the West Head and Basin precincts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, may be short, but it packs plenty of bushwalking goodness into a compact adventure.

The highlight of this 2 km track is the lookout at the end, which offers sweeping views of America Bay. It’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Along the way, you’ll encounter Aboriginal engravings, small waterfalls, creek crossings, and stunning natural scenery, making this short walk a rewarding experience.

3. West Head Lookout to Great Mackerel Beach

West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers stunning views of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast.

From this lookout, a 5 km (one-way) walking trail leads to Great Mackerel Beach, a secluded suburb resembling a remote holiday retreat, with a small population of just over 100.

Take a stroll to admire the unique properties tucked behind the beach, but keep an eye out for golf carts and wheelbarrows, the local modes of transport for carrying luggage and supplies.

Before reaching Great Mackerel Beach, the trail passes through the small, secluded West Head and Resolute beaches, offering perfect spots for a peaceful swim.

You can read more about this walk in our West Head Lookout article.

4. Resolute Beach Circuit

Resolute Beach is one of Sydney’s most picturesque secluded beaches, nestled just south of the West Head Lookout. This 60-metre stretch of sand boasts calm, rock-free waters, making it ideal for a peaceful swim.

The beach is also a favourite landing spot for leisure boats, with many visitors arriving from Palm Beach to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the sun.

The best way to experience Resolute Beach is by tackling the 6 km Resolute Beach Circuit, an exciting bushwalk that takes in Aboriginal engravings, scenic lookouts, and secluded beaches.

5. Gibberagong Walking Track

The Gibberagong Track is popular bushwalk that begins at Bobbin Head.

The walk starts with the Bobbin Head mangrove boardwalk, which winds through saltwater mangroves along Cockle Creek.

From there, the track extends to North Wahroonga, passing through thriving bushland with a large waterhole as one of its standout features.

The Gibberagong Track is ideal for adventurous bushwalkers who enjoy birdwatching and spotting wildlife along the way.

6. Berowra to Mount Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

The challenging walking track between Berowra and Mount Kuring-gai is perfect for both seasoned bushwalkers and casual outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rewarding day out.

With train stations at both Berowra and Mount Kuring-gai offering regular train services, there’s no need to retrace your steps after completing the walk.

The track largely follows the scenic shoreline of Cowan Creek, with several excellent lookout points along the way. A short side trip to Apple Tree Bay is optional but highly recommended, especially if it’s your first visit.

Apple Tree Bay is a popular weekend spot, featuring a boat ramp, ample parking, large picnic areas with BBQs, a small kiosk, drinking water, toilet facilities, and plenty of shady trees to relax under.

7. Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop

The 10 km Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop via the Warrimoo Track offers an exciting bushwalk through a variety of landscapes in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

One half of the loop, the Warrimoo Track, follows the picturesque shoreline of Cowan Creek, while the other half, the Bobbin Head trail, is a fire trail winding through a forest of gum trees.

While you can begin this loop at Bobbin Head, starting at the Sphinx Memorial in North Turramurra is often more practical.

The highlight of the loop is the Warrimoo Track, where you’ll encounter stunning forests, rock formations, peaceful mangroves, and scenic water views.

8. Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay

The 13 km walk between Cowan and Brooklyn is a challenging section of the iconic Great North Walk, a 250 km trail that connects Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Newcastle.

If you’re starting from Cowan train station, be sure to take a refreshing swim at Jerusalem Bay. The bay’s serene atmosphere and the abundance of trees make swimming there such a unique experience.

Public transport is the best way to access the trail, with the starting point located just opposite Cowan train station.

Follow the signs for Brooklyn and the Great North Walk to find the trailhead. Once you reach Brooklyn, you can hop on a train to return to Cowan.