It’s been a cold winter, but spring is finally making its presence felt.
After a long stretch indoors avoiding the cold, but before the heat of summer hits, if you’re in or around North Narrabeen, Narrabeen, Elanora Heights, Ingleside, Warriewood or anyone else on the Northern Beaches, why not make the most of the amazing walks in Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park and Garigal National Park?
Here are the trails we love:
Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park is popular with tourists and locals alike for its stunning bushland and Aboriginal heritage sites, among so much more.
Here are some of the best walks in this Northern Sydney national park:
– Resolute Loop Track: The Resolute Loop track takes you to one of Sydney’s most secluded little beaches. Resolute Beach is a 60m strip of shoreline with no rocks and calm water, perfect for a dip. The loop is 6 kilometres, starts at the Resolute Picnic Grounds and loops back.
– America Bay Track: A two-kilometre return trek, the America Bay Track takes you to a stunning lookout across America Bay. Along the way, there are also Aboriginal artifacts, small waterfalls and creek crossings – a great little walk for a younger family.
– Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay: For something more challenging, you might like to try the Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay walk. This walk is 13 kilometres and is rated ‘hard’. This walk is actually a section of the much larger, Great North Walk. Stop for a dip to cool off along the way in Jerusalem Bay, and if you’re not up for the trek back, you can catch a train back to your starting point.
– West Head Lookout to Great Mackerel Beach: This walk is an easier five kilometres and offers stunning views of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach and the Central Coast.
– West Head Army Track: The West Head Army Track is only one kilometre, but be warned, steep sections mean it is rated ‘medium’. It’s worth the climb, though, to spend some time checking out the gun emplacements built there during the Second World War.
– Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track: Head to the Sphinx Memorial in North Turramurra for the start of the Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track. This ten-kilometre loop is a great way to experience the differing nature of the park as you walk first along a creek and then down a fire trail through glorious gum trees.
– Gibberagong Walking Track: Enjoy something a little different as you walk along a mangrove boardwalk on the Gibberagong Walking Track. This six-kilometre moderate track is one of the best in the park for bird watchers.
– Berowra to Mount Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay: Like the walk past Jerusalem Bay, this ten-kilometre track is only one way but with a handy train line for the return trip. The Berowra to Mount Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay meanders along the shoreline of Cowan Creek with lots of stunning lookouts along the way.
Garigal National Park
The other famous national park on the Northern Beaches is Garigal National Park.
This stunning park has over 35 trails running through it, popular among walkers and mountain bikers.
Here are a few of the best:
– Two Creeks Track: The single most popular track in the park, it won’t take you long to see why this walk is so loved. A moderate six-kilometre walk, Two Creeks Track, takes you along a gorgeous creek and then mangroves for some perfect Northern Sydney nature.
– Stepping Stones to the Cascades: Yes, Stepping Stones to the Cascades does include some wonderful stepping stones as a way to cross the river. The return trail takes you through highly atmospheric eucalyptus forest, complete with mossy boulders and a babbling creek.
– Seaforth Oval to Bluff Lookout: Bluff Lookout is no misnomer. By taking this six-kilometre moderate trail, you have the opportunity to stop at the lookout to experience some truly stunning views of Bantry Bay.
– The Governor Phillip Walk: If you love ferns and birds, this is the walk for you. Be regaled by birdsong as you walk this moderate eight-kilometre track. The track finishes at the Stepping Stones, so if you’re up for a big day, you can keep going from there.
– The Frenchs Creek Trail: This track, at only around five kilometres, is an easier way to get to the Cascades. Enjoy the stunning waterfalls along the way.
– The Magazine Track: This seven-kilometre, moderate track is a hidden gem. You’re unlikely to see more than a few other souls as you enjoy this walk, and it leads to beautiful Flat Rock Beach, a perfect spot to cool off before you head back.
A final note
Although these walks are safe and patrolled, it is still always vital to take your safety into consideration when walking in the Aussie bush. Always take hydration and food, take the property sun precautions and check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for any possible dangers such as bushfires or bad weather alerts.
Be aware as well that the gates to Ku-Ring-Gai close at sunset. You don’t want to find yourself calling an Uber to get home.