Duffys Forest

Tucked away in Sydney’s northern bushland, Duffys Forest is a tranquil hamlet that feels a world away from the city hum. This leafy enclave is a gateway to the rugged beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with its scribbly gum forests, sandstone escarpments, and hidden Aboriginal rock art. It’s the perfect base for travellers who want to swap the harbour crowds for kangaroo sightings and silent bushwalks.

Highlights & What to See

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Duffys Forest lies on the park’s western edge. Don’t miss the West Head Lookout for jaw-dropping views across Pittwater to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and the nearby Red Hands Cave, a sandstone overhang with ochre hand stencils left by the Guringai people.
• Duffys Forest Walking Track – A gentle 3 km loop through tall turpentine and blackbutt trees; keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and lyrebirds.
• Bairne Track – For a more challenging hike, this trail leads down to the Cowan Creek shoreline, where you can spot goannas sunning themselves on the rocks.
• Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club – A scenic 18-hole course set among the bush, with a popular bistro for a post-round meal.
• Kangaroo spotting at dusk – The grassy verges along Mona Vale Road are prime grazing spots for eastern grey kangaroos.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to explore the Duffys Forest walks and a quick visit to West Head Lookout. But to truly soak up the national park—adding a paddle on Pittwater or a picnic by Cowan Creek—plan for a full day. If you’re a keen bushwalker or photographer, consider overnighting in nearby Cottage Point or Berowra.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cottage Point – A tiny riverside settlement with a famous kiosk (accessible by boat or a winding road) and kayak hire for exploring Cowan Creek.
• Berowra Waters – A stunning waterway with a historic inn and seaplane base; great for lunch on the deck after a bushwalk.
• Terrey Hills – Just south, this village has a general store and the popular Terrey Hills Tavern for pub fare.
• Mona Vale – Head east to this beachside suburb for surf breaks, coastal walks, and the Mona Vale Beach Café.
• Palm Beach – A 20-minute drive north takes you to the iconic Barrenjoey Headland, the end point of the Coast Walk and home to a heritage lighthouse.

Please check official sources for current details.