Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a wild, bush-cloaked peninsula just north of Sydney, where sandstone cliffs plunge into the sparkling waters of Pittwater and Broken Bay. This is a place of deep Aboriginal heritage, with over 800 recorded rock engravings and shelter art sites, and a haven for hikers, paddlers, and wildlife-spotters. The park’s rugged beauty feels a world away from the city, yet it’s only an hour’s drive from the CBD.

Highlights & What to See

• West Head Lookout – The park’s iconic viewpoint, offering jaw-dropping panoramas of the Barrenjoey Headland, Pittwater, and the distant Blue Mountains. On clear days, the horizon stretches to the Pacific.
• Aboriginal Rock Engravings – Scattered across the park, especially around West Head and the Basin Track. Look for the life-size whale and kangaroo carvings, some up to 1,000 years old.
• Basin Track & The Basin – A coastal walk that weaves through scribbly gums and banksias to a sheltered beach on Pittwater. It’s a perfect spot for a swim or picnic.
• Resolute Track & Mackerel Beach – A challenging 7 km return hike down to a secluded beach accessible only by foot or boat. The views over Broken Bay are spectacular.
• Kayaking on Pittwater – Hire a kayak from Cottage Point or Appletree Bay and explore the calm, mangrove-lined inlets. You might spot sea eagles and pelicans.
• Bobbin Head – A historic picnic area with a marina, boardwalk, and the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the park’s ecology and heritage.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day – start early with the West Head Lookout and a short walk, then head to the Basin for a swim and lunch. If you’re keen on kayaking or a longer hike like the Resolute Track, budget 6–8 hours. Overnight camping is possible at The Basin (book ahead) for those wanting to soak up the sunrise over Pittwater.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Palm Beach – Just south of the park, this glamorous beach suburb is home to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk and the end-point of the ferry from the Basin.
• Brooklyn – A charming fishing village on the Hawkesbury River, perfect for a seafood lunch or a cruise on the river.
• Cowan – A quiet hamlet with a railway station, offering access to the Great North Walk and the park’s western trails.
• Terrey Hills – Gateway to the park’s southern entrance, with a handful of cafés and the scenic Bairne Track walk.
• Berowra Waters – A serene riverside spot with a famous floating restaurant and access to the Great North Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.