The Topham Walking Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an easy bushwalk that takes you to two scenic lookouts and a hidden cave.
This 4 km return walk follows a fire trail for most of the way, before finishing with a short bush section that leads to the cave and lookouts.
| Topham Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
The trailhead for this walk is located along West Head Road in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which can be accessed via McCarrs Creek Road.
Look for the Topham Track signpost on the western side of West Head Road. Parking is limited to only two or three vehicles, so if the spaces are full, you can park about 100 metres further up the road at the Bairne Track trailhead.
A $12 National Park entry fee applies per vehicle per day, payable at the entry point on West Head Road or through the Park’nPay app.
Track Notes
The 4 km Topham Track is short and fairly easy, though the trail includes a few undulations. Near the end, you’ll need to do some light rock scrambling and a bit of bush bashing to reach the highlights, but it’s all quite manageable.
Below is a map of the walk with the main lookout and the cave marked:
- Main Lookout
- Hidden Cave
Fire Trail
Once you’ve parked, head to the Topham Track signpost and walk past the gate to begin this short but energising walk.
As mentioned, the track is mostly on a fire trail. While the scenery may not have a big wow factor, it’s still a pleasant bushwalk with occasional district views.
Spring is a great time to do this walking track, with plenty of colourful wildflowers lining the trail.
After about 30 minutes of walking, the fire trail ends, and while it may not be immediately obvious, you can see two distinct paths in front of you.
The one on the right leads to the main lookout, while the one on the left continues to the cave and a second lookout.
It doesn’t matter which path you take first, but we chose the right-hand track to visit the main lookout before heading to the cave.
Main Lookout
The path to the lookout isn’t very well defined, but it’s still quite easy to follow. After only a few minutes of light bush bashing, you’ll reach a large rocky outcrop.
Although not an official lookout, it offers impressive views of America Bay and Cowan Creek, though they’re not as striking as the views from the nearby America Bay Track.
Since the Topham Track isn’t one of the more popular walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, you’ll likely have the lookout all to yourself.
It’s also a nice spot for a picnic, with plenty of flat rock surfaces where you can sit and take in the scenery.
Hidden Cave
The cave is a little harder to find. From the junction, take the left-hand path into the bush. The track isn’t well defined, but look for a rock overhang to the northwest. It’s only about 100 metres away.
Once you spot the top of the overhang, follow the path to its right and climb underneath. The overhang is quite large, creating the feel of a giant cave. From inside, you’ll enjoy good views over the bays of Cowan Waters, along with some excellent photo opportunities.
To reach the second lookout, continue west from the cave towards the water.
You’ll come to a spacious rocky area with superb views of Refuge Bay, America Bay and Cowan Water. The view is similar to the main lookout, though here the angle faces more towards Refuge Bay.
When you’re ready to leave, retrace your steps back to the fire trail and return to the parking area on West Head Road.
Find more great walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in our guide.
