Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a stunning wilderness on Sydney's northern fringe, where ancient Aboriginal rock art, deep river valleys, and sun-drenched sandstone escarpments meet the sparkling waters of Broken Bay. This is one of Australia's oldest national parks, offering a genuine escape into nature just 30 minutes from the city centre. Whether you're paddling a kayak through tranquil mangroves, bushwalking to a lookout with endless ocean views, or discovering centuries-old engravings, the park rewards those who venture in with a sense of raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Aboriginal Rock Art at Basin Track – One of the finest sites in the Sydney region, with hundreds of engravings of kangaroos, fish, and mythical figures etched into the sandstone. The short walk from West Head Road is a must for history buffs.
• West Head Lookout – The park's iconic viewpoint, offering a jaw-dropping panorama of Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River, and on clear days, the distant Blue Mountains. Go early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light.
• Resolute Beach – A secluded, powdery-white beach accessible only by a 2km walking track from the Ku-ring-gai Chase Road carpark. It's perfect for a quiet swim or picnic with almost no one else around.
• Kangaroo Creek Track – A challenging but rewarding 8km return hike through lush eucalypt forest and down to a peaceful creek. Look for goannas, wallabies, and the occasional echidna.
• Bobbin Head – A historic picnic area with a marina, café, and a boardwalk through mangroves. You can hire a kayak or join a guided Aboriginal heritage tour here.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase, and that's the ideal amount to see the highlights without rushing. Start early at West Head Lookout, then tackle a walk to Resolute Beach or the Basin Track for rock art. After a picnic lunch, head to Bobbin Head for a relaxed afternoon paddle or a short mangrove walk. If you're pressed for time, a half-day focused on West Head and one walk is still worthwhile. For serious hikers, an overnight stay at the Basin campground lets you experience the park at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Palm Beach – Just south of the park, this glamorous surf beach is the gateway to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk and offers great cafés and a ferry to the Basin.
• Brooklyn – A charming Hawkesbury River village with seafood restaurants, a historic railway station, and the start of the Great North Walk.
• Cowan – A tiny bushland settlement within the park, popular with bushwalkers and mountain bikers, with access to the Red Hand Cave track.
• Berowra Waters – Known for its stunning river valley, this area has a famous waterside restaurant and excellent kayaking opportunities.
• Terrey Hills – A leafy suburb on the park's western edge, home to the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden and several good bushwalking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.