This page is a comprehensive listing of all the official – and unofficial – trails in Garigal National Park which are used for bushwalking and mountain-biking. There’s also a more general Guide to Garigal Natonal Park which provides an overview of the bushwalks, swimming spots, picnic areas and places to kayak.
Eastern section
Between Mona Vale Road, Forest Way and the Wakehurst Parkway and surrounding Deep Creek, this section of the national park includes Elanora Heights, Ingleside and Narrabeen Lake. It’s the largest of the three sections, and as a result has the longer and often more interesting tracks, with a few off-track routes. There also a number informal/illegal but popular mountain-bikes routes in this section.
Summary of Trails
|
Moon Rock Trail (0.9km one-way) 
This bushwalking track accesses the culturally significant Moon Rock Aboriginal Engraving site, with the narrow track ascending from the Slippery Dip Track up to a long and wide rock platform that runs along the top of a low ridge.There are more than 50 engravings, mostly at the western end of the ridge, which include depictions of spirit figures, wallabies, shields, fish, sharks, whales, eels and mundoes (footprints).
Suggested walk:
– Moon Rock Loop traverses the engraving site [Moon Rock section currently closed] – Map / Description
– Combine with part of Five Mile Creek Trail to create a loop (Moderate, 4.7km) – Map / Description
| Location | Between Slippery Dip Trail and Power Lines Trail |
| Distance | Approx 900m |
| Grade | Easy |
| More Info | Walk description of Moon Rock Loop |
Kamber Road Trail (1.2km/1.7km one-way)
Starting at the end of Kamber Road (Terrey Hills), the Kamber Road Trail descends a ridge, officially ending below a set of electrical pylons. It’s mostly a wide service, except for a narrow section at the start. Like many trails in Garigal NP, it’s not signposted (although the start of the trail is fairly obvious). From where the trail seems to end under the pylons, a series of pink ribbons marks a steep route down to the bottom of the valley. This bushwalking route crosses Five Mile Creek to meet the Five Mile Creek.
Suggested walk:
– Combine with part of Five Mile Creek Trail to create a loop (Moderate, 4.7km) – Map / Description
| Location | Trail starts at the end of Kamber Road, Terrey Hills |
| Distance | 1.2km one-way to end of service trail (20min). 1.6km to bottom of valley |
| Grade | Easy to end of service trail / Moderate to bottom of valley (Five Mile Creek) |
| More Info | Walk description of Down to Five Mile Creek |
Road to Nowhere – unofficial (1.6km one-way) 
An informal / unofficial bushwalking track that continues along the ridge from the XC Trail, before descending to the Caleyi Trail. A side-track to the left (north) about half-way along the trail descends steeply to Deep Creek; unless you return the same way you’ll need to do some off-track walking along Deep Creek to join up with the Caleyi Trail. There are some ocean glimpses from the Road to Nowhere, and an Aboriginal engraving site just off the trail.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with XC & Slippery Dip Trail to form interesting loop from Belrose (Easy/Moderate, 9km) – Map / Description
– Forms part of a long loop using the Slippery Dip Trail to cross the entire section of the park (Moderate, 12km) – Map
| Location | Continues from XC Track to meet Caleyi Track |
| Distance | 1.6km one-way. 30min. |
| Grade | Easy. 40m / 110m ascent (depending on direction) |
| More Info | Walk description of Slippery Dip Loop |
Power Lines Trail (1.9km one-way)
This is a bit of an odd trail… the Power Lines Trail veers off the Slippery Dip Trail near the western end, skirting around the bottom of the Moon Rock Aboriginal site. It’s a wide service trail that’s shown on most topographical maps. About half-way along it ends at an electricity pylon, and a narrow bushwalking/MTB track coninuues part some interesting rock formatioms, before climbing quite steeply up to the Slippery Dip Track. (It’s a popular as an unauthorised and very technical mountain biking track.)
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Slippery Dip Trail to form loop walk around Moon Rock site (Easy, 5km) – Map
| Location | Starts and finishes off the Slippery Dip Track at its western end |
| Distance | 1.9km one-way (45min) |
| Grade | Easy. 60m / 180m ascent (depending on direction) |
| More Info | Walk description of Moon Rock Loop |
XC Trail – unofficial (3km loop)
An informal / unofficial track that veers left (west) off the Slippery Dip Trail just before Warringah Radio Control Society (WRCS) that’s used by bushwalkers (and illegally by mountain bikers). After about 600m there’s a junction with the Little Moab walking/MTG track to the left/east, and after 1.3km the track continues straight ahead as the “Road to Nowhere Trail” or you can descend via the WRCS to complete the loop. It’s a nice track that can be combined with other trail to form various loop walks.
Suggested walks:
– Combine /w Road to Nowhere & Slippery Dip Trail. Interesting loop from Belrose (Easy/Moderate, 9km) – Map / Description
– Forms part of a long loop using the Slippery Dip Trail to cross the entire section of the park (Moderate, 12km) – Map
| Location | Starts on Slippery Dip Track 1.3km after locked gate and just before Warringah Radio Control Society |
| Distance | 3km loop. 1 hour |
| Grade | Easy. 110m total ascent. |
| More Info | Walk description of Slippery Dip Loop |
Little Moab Trail – unofficial (4.6km loop)
Little Moab derives its name from the fact that the trail follows a series of broad rock platforms along the the top of the ridge. Not that at any point in time you are going to think you are in Utah! An unofficial track, probably created as a mountain-biking trail, it makes a pleasant bushwalk with an occasional view. It’s accessed via the XC Track off the Slippery Dip Trail, and there is a very rough route (marked by ribbons) down to Five Mile Creek Trail. One of the rock platforms has a very faint Aboriginal engraving.
Suggested walks:
– Part of Little Moab Trail is utilised in the Five Mile Creek Loop (Moderate, 11km) – Map / Description
| Location | Branches off XC Trail |
| Distance | 4.6km loop. 1-2 hours |
| Grade | Easy. 5m total ascent. |
| More Info | Walk description of Slippery Dip Loop |
Caleyi Trail / Deep Creek Trail (5km one-way) 
Named after Caley’s Grevillea, a medium to tall shrub that is only found in an 8km square area around Belrose, Ingleside and Terrey Hills/Duffys Forest, the Caleyi Trail crosses the northernmost part of Garigal National Park. The trail descends from Mona Vale Road (Ingleside) to Deep Creek Reserve (North Narrabeen). About half of the track is a wide firetrail, suitable for bushwalking and mountain-biking. The section along Deep Creek (which is sometimes called the Deep Creek Trail) is a narrow track, suitable for bushwalking only. It offers pleasant walking and can be combined into a few different loop walks.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Ya Right & Coopers Blue tracks to form a short loop from Mona Vale Road (Easy, 4km) – Map / Description
– Combine with Slippery Dip Trail to form loop walk from Narrabeen (Easy/Moderate, 8.3km) – Map / Description
– Forms part of a long loop using the Slippery Dip Trail to cross the entire section of the park (Moderate, 12km) – Map
| Location | From Mona Vale Road (Ingleside) to Deep Creek Reserve and Wakehurst Parkway (Narrabeen) |
| Distance | 5km one-way. 2 hours. |
| Grade | Easy. 70m / 190m ascent (depending on direction) |
| More Info | Walk description of Deep Creek Loop, Slippery Dip Loop and Caleyi Loop |
Slippery Dip Trail (5.2km)
One of the longer trails in the park, the Slippery Dip Trail crosses the north-east section of Garigal National Park, between Morgan Road (Belrose) to the Caleyi Trail near Deep Creek Reserve (Narrabeen). From Morgan Road you can continue by car for a few hundred metres before reaching a locked gate, then for the next 2km (which is through through Garigal Aboriginal Land) you may encounter the occasional vehicle as the Slippery Dip Trail provides access to the Warringah Radio Control Society (WRCS), a not-for-profit flying club. The trail is mostly mixed use (horses, mountain bikes and bushwalking); for the last kilometre where the track descends to the Caleyi Trail at the Narrabeen Lake end the service trail splits into multiple bushwalking and mountain bikes tracks. It’s generally a pleasant walk with some occasional lookouts over the national park and a great view of Narrabeen Lake from the trig station just off the track.
Suggested Walks:
– Combine with Caleyi Trail to form a nice loop walk from Deep Creek Reserve (Easy, 7km) – Map & Description
– Combine with XC and Road to Nowhere to form an interesting loop from Belrose (Easy/Moderate, 9km) – Map / Description
– Combine full length of Slippery Dip Trail with Caleyi Trail and some informal tracks for longer loop (Moderate, 12km) – Map
| Location | From end of Morgan Road (Belrose) to the Caleyi Trail near Deep Creek Reserve in North Narrabeen |
| Distance | 5.2km one-way. 2 hours. |
| Grade | Easy. 180 / 280m ascent depending on direction |
| More Info | Walk descriptions of Deep Creek Loop from Narrabeen and Slippery Dip Loop from Belrose |
Five Mile Creek Trail (5.8km one-way)
One of the longer trails in Garigal National Park, the Five Mile Creek Trail (mostly) follows Five Mile Creek through Garigal National Park, crossing the creek a couple of times. Mostly a wide service trail or firetrail, it runs between Morgan Road and Forest Way in Belrose. The trail makes for pleasant albeit not particularly exciting walking, and is also suitable for mountain-biking – but note there is fairly steep ascent/descent at both ends, especially at the northern end!
Suggested walk:
– Combine with Kamber Road Trail to create a loop (Moderate, 4.7km) – Map / Description
– Forms part of long loop through northern section of park (Moderate, 11km) – Map / Description
| Location | Starts/end on Morgan Road and Forest Way (Belrose) |
| Distance | 1.2km one-way to end of service trail (20min). 1.6km to bottom of valley |
| Grade | Easy to end of service trail / Moderate to bottom of valley (Five Mile Creek) |
| More Info | Walk description of Down to Five Mile Creek |
South-west (middle) section
The narrow but long south-west (or middle) section of Garigal National Park stretches along Middle Harbour and Middle Harbour Creek. It is bounded by Killarney Heights, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Davidson, Belrose, East Lindfield, East Killara and St Ives. I’ve covered all the major trails below – but being so closed to suburbia for every “official” track, there’s another three informal walking or mountain-biking trails…
Summary of trails
|
Gordon Creek Track (0.3km one-way)
A very short track, the Gordon Creek Track links the Barrie Street and Two Creeks tracks. It crosses Gordon Creek in the middle via a series of stepping stones. (Gordon Creek is believed to have been named after Sir James Willoughby Gordon, who was the Quartermaster-General when the First Fleet arrived in 1788.)
Suggested walk: Take the Barrie St Track from end of Barrie Street down to Gordon Creek (Easy, 2km return) – Description
| Location | Track runs between Barrie St Track and Two Creeks Track |
| Distance | 0.3km one-way |
| Grade | Easy (40m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Barrie St Loop walk |
Upper Cambourne Trail (0.6km one-way)
A very short firetrail, the Upper Cambourne Trail starts on Cambourne Avenue and descends to meet the Cascades Trail. (Although it’s a firetrail, it’s a bushwalking-only trail, unlike the Lower Cambourne Trail.) The Upper Cambourne Trail provides an alternative route down to the Cascades, and also forms part of the Harbour to Hawkesbury track.
Suggested walks:
– Alternate start point for Cascades Loop (Easy, 5.6km) – Map
– Short loop walk combining Upper Cambourne Trail with bushwalking trail up to Douglas St (Easy, 1.6km) – Map
| Location | Track starts at Cambourne Avenue (St Ives) and meets Cascade Trail |
| Distance | 0.6km one-way (15min) |
| Grade | Easy (30m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Cascades Trail & Upper Cambourne Loop |
Barrie Street Track (0.9km / 1.8km one-way)
The first kilometre or so of the Barrie Street Track is a wide service trail from the end of Barrie Street, that descends to the Gordon Creek Track. (There’s also an unmarked route that starts near the Garigal National Park sign and descends directly down the ridge to meet the Lockley Track, which runs along Middle Harbour.)
From the junction with the Gordon Creek Track, you can continue for about 800m along the Barrie Street Track to the west. There’s some nice pools in the creek and moss-covered rocks, although the track is a bit overgrown. Although the map shows the Barrie St Track going all the way to Truscott Place, it seems to peter out just before meeting the road.
Suggested walks:
– Descend via off-track route to Middle Harbour and return via Barrie St Track (Moderate, 2km loop) – Description
– Continue along Gordon Creek Track down to Gordon Creek and return same way (Easy, 2km return)
| Location | Track starts at the end of Barrie St (East Killara) |
| Distance | 0.9km one-way to Gordon Creek Track. 1.8km to Truscott Place |
| Grade | Easy (80m total elevation gain) to Barrie St / Hard to Truscott Place (track overgrown) |
| More Info | Barrie St Loop walk |
Grevillea Avenue Track (~1km)
A firetrail runs between Grevillea Avenue and Lawson Parade in St Ives, which is technically just outside Garigal National Park (so dogs & bikes permitted). Near the start of the firetrail is a junction with an unmarked but obvious bushwalking track. This narrow track finishes at the edge of Garigal National Park, where there is a large rock platform and a view over the national park. Both the firetrail and bushwalking track are pleasant, but not worth going out of your way for.
| Location | End of Grevillea Avenue or Lawson Parade, St Ives |
| Distance | Firetrail is 1km one-way (15min). Bushwalking track to rock platform 1.2km return. |
| Grade | Easy (15m total elevation gain). Some fallen trees across bushwalking track. |
| More Info | None available |
Koola Avenue Track (1km one-way)
A firetrail from the end of Koola Avenue that mostly follows the back of properties, with access tracks connecting to Murramba Place and Kanowar Avenue. It’s not actually in Garigal National Park, but you can descend “off track” from the firetrail to the Lockley Track, which runs along Middle Harbour Creek.
About 100m down the Koola Avenue Track is an unnamed trail which goes down to the Middle Harbour Creek. It’s supposedly an “old road formation”, although it’s hard to imagine how the narrow and sometimes steep bushwalking trail was ever a road. This track meets the Lockley Track at the bottom, allowing a number of different routes to be taken (there are some arrows marking the track at the bottom, but it can be a bit tricky finding the start of this trail from the Lockley Track as there’s no signage).
Suggested walks:
– Descend from the firetrail to Lockley Track and return via unnamed trail (above) (Moderate, 3km) – Map / Description
– Descend from Rocky Creek Track to Lockley Track and return via unnamed trail (above)(Moderate, 3km) – Map / Description
| Location | End of Koola Avenue (East Killara) |
| Distance | 1km one-way (30min) |
| Grade | Easy (70m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Koola Avenue loop via Lockley Track (3km) & Koola Avenue loop via Rocky Creek Track (3km) |
Carroll Creek Track (1.4km one-way) 
The Carroll Creek Track starts near the National Parks office in Forestville, starting as a service trail before descending via a staircase to Carroll Creek. A bushwalking trail then closely follows Carroll Creek before meeting the Lyrebird Track and Governor Phillip Walk near Middle Harbour. It’s a really nice bushwalk along the creek (similar to the much longer Middle Harbour Track) which passes some cascades and a small swimming hole.
Suggested walk: Combine with Casuarina Track & Lyrebird Track for a nice loop (Easy/Moderate, 9km) – Map / Description
| Location | NPWS Forestville Office at the end of Ferguson St (Davidson) to Middle Harbour (where it meets the Lyrebird Track and Governor Phillip Walk) |
| Distance | 1.4km one-way (30min) |
| Grade | Easy (30m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Casuarina and Lyrebird Loop / Wildwalks Casuarina Track notes |
Lower Cambourne Trail (1.5km one-way)
A firetrail suitable for bushwalking, horse-riding and mountain-biking, the Lower Cambourne Track connects the Cascades Trail and Bare Creek Trail. The trail descends quite gently into the valley, with a steep descent just before Middle Harbour Creek. Near where the trail crosses Middle Harbour Creek, there’s a side-track to a small waterhole and cascade. Unless you want to get wet feet, cross Middle Harbour Creek via rough walking track and some stepping stones just upstream of the main trail. A second, less deep creek is then crossed, before a short uphill section where the Lower Cambourne Track meets the Bare Creek Trail (another firetrail). An easy but unremarkable trail!
Suggested walk: Combine with Cascades and Bare Creek trails to form a longer loop (Easy, 5.6km) – Map / Description
| Location | Firetrail between Cascades Trail and Bare Creek Trail |
| Distance | 1.5km one-way (30min) |
| Grade | Easy (10/40m total elevation gain depending on direction). |
| More Info | Cascades Track Loop |
Bare Creek Trail (1.5km one-way)
A shared use firetrail (bushwalking, mountain-biking and horse-riding) that starts near the Cascades. It meets the Lower Cambourne Trail, before continuing to Ralston Avenue (Belrose) as the Heath Track. It’s a fairly unremarkable but pleasant trail, which is mostly through tall and shaded forest. The nicest section is along Bare Creek between the Lower Cambourne Trail and Heath Trail.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Heath Trail and unnamed bushwalking trail for varied loop from Belrose (Easy, 7km) – Map / Description
– Combine with Cascades and Lower Cambourne trails to form a longer loop from St Ives (Easy, 5.6km) – Map / Description
– Combine with Cascades and Heath Track for one-way walk from St Ives to Belrose (Easy, 8.2km return) – Map
| Location | From Cascades Trail to junction with Lower Cambourne Trail, before becoming Heath Trail (St Ives) |
| Distance | 1.5km one-way (30min) |
| Grade | Easy (60m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Cascades Loop / Heath Trail and Bare Creek Loop / Wildwalks Bare Creek & Heath Track notes / NPWS Heath & Bare Creek Trails Web site |
Bungaroo Track (1.8km one-way)
The Bungaroo Track initially follows the top of the ridge parallel to the Pipeline Track, before starting its descent into the valley through a gap between two large boulders. The track winds down through the forest, with short sections of boardwalk and well-constructed stone steps, before reaching Middle Harbour Creek. Head left (upstream) a short distance to reach the Stepping Stones, the tidal limit of Middle Harbour Creek and the location of Governor Arthur Phillip’s camp on his historic first expedition in 1788. (“Bungaroo” is an Aboriginal name for either the Salt Water Turtle, or ‘running water’.) A nice bushwalking track that can be made into a loop.
Suggested walks:
– Follow Middle Harbour downstream & return via Pipeline Track for short loop walk (Moderate, 5.5km) – Map / Description
– One of the access tracks for a longer circuit around Middle Harbour (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
– Continue up Middle Harbour Creek to the Cascades (Moderate, 10.6km return) – Map
| Location | Branches off Pipeline Track (St Ives) and descends to Middle Harbour Creek to meet Governor Philip Track & Middle Harbour Track |
| Distance | 1.8km one-way (30min) |
| Grade | Easy (80m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Pipeline Track and Bungaroo Track loop & Middle Harbour Loop / Wildwalks Bungaroo Track notes |
Rocky Creek Track (2.3km one-way)
The Rocky Creek Track roughly follows Rocky Creek from Eastern Arterial Road, although the wide track is well above the creek. It’s really two separate service trails, connected by a short bushwalking track. The trail from Eastern Arterial Road traverses a mix of forest, ending at a long rock overhang; the section that run parallel to Albany Crescent follows the bottom of a cliff at the edge of the property line, with the back of houses towering above the track. Just before an access track at the end of Koola Avenue, it’s possible to descend “off track” to the Lockley Track (a steep and sometimes slippery descent). You can also continue down the Koola Track to the Lockley Track.
Suggested walks:
– Follows Rocky Creek Track from Eastern Arterial Road to overhang, before crossing creek (Moderate, 4km) – Map / Description
– Off-track descent from Koola Ave to Lockley Track, returning via Koola Track (Moderate, 2.8km) – Map / Description
– Combine Rocky Creek Track with Lockley Track & return via Barrie St Track for longer loop (Moderate, 7km) – Map
| Location | From Eastern Valley Road to corner of Albany Crescent & Koola Ave |
| Distance | 2.3km one-way (45min). |
| Grade | Easy. 80m total elevation gain. |
| More Info | Koola Avenue Loop and Rocky Creek Loop |
Governor Philip Walk (2.3km one-way)
The Governor Philip Walk or track follows Middle Harbour fairly closely between the “Stepping Stones” near the bottom of the Bungaroo Track, and Carroll Creek. (From Carroll Creek you can continue along Middle Harbour via the Lyrebird Track to Davidson Park). The track derives its name from Governor Philip camping near the stepping stones in 1788. It’s a nice track, with some views down Middle Harbour and a few sandy sections where you could stop for a swim on a warm day.
Suggested walk: Combine with Lockley Track, Lyrebird Track & Two Creeks Track for long walk along both sides of Middle Harbour (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
| Location | Access via Caroll Creek Track, Pipeline Track or Lyrebird Track. |
| Distance | 2.3km one-way (45min). |
| Grade | Easy. 80m total elevation gain. |
| More Info | Middle Harbour Loop (19km, Moderate/Hard). |
Pipeline Track (2.4km one-way)
The Pipeline Track starts near the Barra Brui Scout Hall in St Ives (on Hunter Avenue), and is a maintenance (4WD) trail that follows the water pipeline down to Middle Harbour. (The pipeline carries drinking water under pressure from Ryde to Pymble and onto the Warringah Reservoir at Beacon Hill). The Pipeline Track can also be accessed from Hunter Avenue at the Founders Way, where there is interpretive signage about the area’s history. Not the most exciting track, but provides access to many other trails.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Bungaroo Track for short loop walk (Easy/Moderate, 5.5km) – Map / Description
– Access track for a much longer circuit around Middle Harbour (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
– Descend via informal MTB track near Pipeline Track, and return via Pipeline Track (4.8km)
| Location | Hunter Ave (St Ives) near Yarrabung Rd or near Founders Way |
| Distance | 2.4km one-way |
| Grade | Easy. Total ascent 115m. |
| More Info | Pipeline Track and Bungaroo Track loop, Middle Harbour Loop / NPWS Web site |
Heath Trail (2.4km one-way)
A shared use firetrail (bushwalking, mountain-biking and horse-riding) that starts in Belrose (Ralston Ave) and after about 2.4km becomes the Bare Creek Trail, before it reaches the Cascades. The start of the trail is not well-marked, but head for the base of a tall microwave tower. It’s not the most interesting of trails, not helped by the the fairly constant sight of electricity transmission cables and towers.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Bare Creek Trail and unnamed bushwalking trail for varied loop from Belrose (Easy, 7km) – Map / Description
– Combine with Cascades and Heath Track for one-way walk from St Ives to Belrose (Easy, 8.2km return) – Map
| Location | From Ralston Ave, Belrose, before becoming the Heath Trail |
| Distance | 2.4km one-way (30-45min) |
| Grade | Easy (50m / 170m total elevation gain depending on direction). |
| More Info | Heath Trail and Bare Creek Loop Wildwalks Bare Creek & Heath Track notes / NPWS Heath & Bare Creek Trails Web site |
Lockley Track (2.5km one-way)
The Lockley Track is an unofficial and sometimes indistinct track that follows Middle Creek between the bottom of the Pipeline Track and the bottom of the Barrie Street Track. It involves a slightly tricky crossing of Rocky Creek near the Pipeline Track (which may be impassable at high tide) and another sometimes boggy section where Southern Creek meets Middle Harbour Creek. It’s one of the more challenging Garigal National Parks, but rewards with some nice sections along Middle Harbour, a small waterfall and grotto and varied terrain from casuarina forest to semi-rainforest.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Gov Phillip, Lyrebird & Two Creeks Track for walk along both sides of Middle Harbour (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
– Short loop from Barrie St down to Middle Harbour and Lockley Track, returning via an off-track route (Moderate, 2km) – Map
– Loop walk from Koola Avenue to Middle Harbour and Lockley Track, returning via off-track route (Moderate, 3km) – Map
| Location | Hunter Ave (St Ives) near Yarrabung Rd or near Founders Way |
| Distance | 2.4km one-way |
| Grade | Hard. Total ascent 115m. Tricky creek crossing and sometimes rough track. |
| More Info | Barrie St and Koola Avenue loops (2km / 3km) & Middle Harbour Loop (19km) |
Lyrebird Track (2.6km one-way)
Starting at the end of Davidson Park, the Lyrebird Track starts as a wide and very level service trail that follows the edge of Middle Harbour (it also makes an easy bike riding trail for kids). The last part is a bushwalking trail that meets the Carroll Creek Track and Governor Philip Walk at Caroll Creek. It’s a nice return walk (5.2km) from Davidson Park, or you can combine with other tracks including a loop walk from Davidson Park.
Suggested walks:
– Return via the Carroll Creek Track and Casuarina Trail (Moderate, 9.1km loop) – Map / Description
– Continue to stepping stones at St Ives for long walk along both sides of Middle Harbour (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
| Location | Starts end of Davidson Park (meets Carroll Creek Track) |
| Distance | 2.6km one-way (45min). |
| Grade | Easy. 30m total elevation gain. First 1.7km suitable for mountain bikes. |
| More Info | Middle Harbour Loop (19km, Moderate/Hard) & Casuarina and Lyrebird Loop (9.1km, Moderate) |
Cascades Trail (3.2km one-way)
The Cascades Trail runs between Acron Oval in St Ives and Stone Parade in Davidson. The firetrail from Acron Oval is steep in places, passing the Upper Cambourne, Lower Cambourne and Bare Creek Trails before reaching bottom of the valley. The last 500m is flat before the track crosses a concrete weir and reaches the Cascades. A picturesque rock platform and natural swimming hole, the Cascades is at the confluence of Middle Harbour and Frenchs creeks. A popular picnic spot and Boy Scouts camping site in the 1920s, you can still see the remains of a weir that was constructed in 1934 to create a large swimming pool. From the Cascades, the firetrail continues to Stone Parade (or you can take the Frenchs Creek Track which goes to Wanniti Road).
Suggested walk: Combine with Lower Cambourne and Bare Creek Trails to form a longer loop (Easy, 5.6km) – Map / Description
| Location | Douglas St (Acron Oval) in St Ives and Stone Parade in Davidson |
| Distance | 3.2km one-way |
| Grade | Easy (80m/120m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Cascades Track Loop / NPWS Cascades Trail Web site |
Middle Harbour Track (3.3km one-way)
The Middle Harbour Track follows Middle Harbour Creek between the bottom of the Pipeline Track, past the Bungaroo Track and across the Stepping Stones and up to the Cascades (between the Pipeline Track and Bungaroo Track it’s fairly indistinct). It’s one of my favourite Garigal National Parks trails, especially in summer, when it remains shaded and fairly cool. The track follows Middle Harbour Creek fairly closely, passing by some small cascades and rainforest-like sections.
Suggested walk:
– Descend via Bungaroo Track (St Ives) & follow Middle Harbour Track to Cascades (Moderate, 10.6km return) – Map
– Loop from Carrol Trig (Davidson) via two unofficial routes down to Middle Harbour Creek (Moderate, 6.3km) – Map / Description
| Location | Access via Pipeline Track, Bungaroo Track or Cascades Track (St Ives) and |
| Distance | 3.3km one-way |
| Grade | Easy/Moderate (50/70m total elevation gain depending on direction) |
| More Info | Carrol Trig to Cascades |
Davidson Track (3.4km one-way)
Sometimes called the Pipeline Track (but not to be confused with the Pipeline Track to the west of Middle Harbour), this service trail descends from Fitzpatrick Avenue in Forestville down to MIddle Harbour . It crosses multiple suburban streets, which provide many access points. Most of the track is along an easement that runs behind properties, with the last 500m through Garigal National Park.
Suggested walk: Combine with Carroll Creek Trail for nice loop walk (8.6km, Easy/Moderate – Map / Description
| Location | Fitzpatrick Avenue West (Forestville) + multiple additional access points |
| Distance | 3.4km one-way |
| Grade | Easy (80m/180m total elevation gain depending on direction). |
| More Info | Carroll Creek Loop |
Casuarina Track (3.5km one-way)
The Casuarina Track starts (or ends) at Davidson Park near Roseville Bridge, where stone steps climb steeply up from the picnic area. The track follows Middle Harbour, parallel to the Lyrebird Track below, but well above the water. There are the occasional glimpses of Middle Harbour and the first half the track is quite pleasant. After about 2km the track climbs quite steeply up to the base of an electricty pylon, and from here the track is a little less nice (it passes behind a few properties and there are patches where native vegetation has been displaced by weeds).
Suggested walk: Combine with Lyrebird Track for a nice loop bushwalk (Easy/Moderate) 9.1km – Map / Description
| Location | From Davidson Park (Forestville) to Carroll Creek Track |
| Distance | 3.5km one-way (1.5-3 hours) |
| Grade | Moderate (160m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Casuarina & Lyrebird Loop / Wildwalks Casuarina Track notes |
Two Creeks Track (6.8km one-way)
The longest trail in this section of the park, the Two Creeks Track circles East Lindfield, descending beside Gordon Creek to Middle Harbour and continuing along Middle Harbour to Roseville Bridge. It follows Gordon Creek and Moores Creek, as well as Middle Harbour (about half of the track is within Garigal National Park, and the remainder in reserves managed by Ku-ring-gai Council). A side-track, the Little Digger Track, connects the Two Creeks Track to Roseville.
The section of the Two Creeks Track along Middle Harbour Creek is fairly popular, following the water fairly closely through mostly eucalypt forest, with a few more shaded sections of ferns. The track gets then a bit rougher (and less busy) as it climbs above Middle Harbour Creek and heads inland to cross Gordon Creek; just after the site of the old Gordon Creek bridge and sewer pipe, there’s a junction with the Gordon Creek Track. From the Gordon Creek Track, the Two Creeks Track ascends along Gordon Creek before crossing underneath Eastern Arterial Road via a concrete stormwater tunnel (avoid after rain) and passing Gordon Creek waterfall.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Gov Phillip, Lyrebird & Lockley tracks for long Middle Harbour circuit (Hard, 19km) – Map / Description
– Combine with Little Digger Track and section on road for a loop walk (Easy, 8km with 1.7km on-road)
– Roseville to Lindfield stations via Two Creeks & Little Digger tracks (Easy, 11km) – Bushwalking NSW track notes
| Location | From Seven Little Australians Park on Slade Avenue (Lindfield) to Echo Point Park on Babbage Rd (Roseville Chase) |
| Distance | 6.8km one-way (2 hours) |
| Grade | Easy/Moderate (240m total elevation gain). |
| More Info | Middle Harbour Loop / Two Creeks Walking Track Guide [PDF] |
South-East section
The smallest area of the park, surrounding Bantry Bay between Killarney Heights and Forestville to the west; and Wakehurst Parkway and Manly Dam Reserve to the east. Access points are in Killarney Heights, Forestville & Seaforth. The bushwalks in this section are fairly well sign-posted, and there are two dedicated single-track MTB trails.
Summary of trails
|
Natural Bridge Track (0.6km one-way)
A short bushwalk through tall eucalpyt forest down to a natural sandstone bridge over an unnnamed creek. The track then ascends up to the Bluff Track (aka Bay Track) on the other side of the valley. Near the Bluff Track end of the Natural Bridge Track is a weathered Aboriginal engraving of a wallaby or kangaroo. Nearby is the impressive Bluff Lookout which has fascinating rock formations and extensive views over Bantry Bay, with the city skyline in the distance.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Currie Road Trail to form a 3.3km loop (start from Currie Road) – Map / Description
– Shortest route is from Cook St down to Natural Bridge and back (1.4km return)
| Location | Access from Cook St or end of Currie Road, Forestville |
| Distance | 1.4km return (30-45min) / 3.3km loop (1.5 hours). |
| Grade | Easy. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Natural Bridge Loop / Wildwalks track notes |
Bates Creek Track (0.8km one-way)
Partly a wide service trail and partly a narrow bushwalking track, the Bates Creek Track links the Magazine Track and and Currie Road Trail. It descends from the end of Tipperary Ave down to Bates Creek, passing through some nice sections of ferns, before ascending to meet the Cook Street Trail.
Suggested walk: Combine Flat Rock Beach Track and Magazine Track for easy and interesting 8.2km loop (1.5km on-road) – Map / Description
| Location | Access points are the end of Tipperary Ave or Cook St, Killarney Heights |
| Distance | 0.8km one-way. |
| Grade | Easy. 30m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Flat Rock Beach Loop |
Currie Road Trail (1.1km one-way)
A fairly level and rather boring service trail that runs between Currie Road and Cook Street, passing the Natural Bridge Track. It can be combined with the Natural Bridge Track to form a loop, or you can continue down the Cook Street Trail to Bantry Bay.
Suggested walks:
– Combine with Natural Bridge Track to form a 3.3km loop – Map / Description
– Continue down Cook Street Trail to Bantry Bay (4.4km return) for a steeper walk
| Location | Park at end of Currie Road, Forestville |
| Distance | 2.2km return (30-45min) |
| Grade | Easy. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Natural Bridge Loop |
Timber Getters Track (1.7km return)
A historic logging track used in the 1850s when timber was logged in ‘The Big Forest’ owned by James Harris French, the Timber Getters Track descends from Seaforth Oval to Bantry Bay. Towards the end there’s a view of the old Magazine Complex on the opposite side of Bantry Bay, and at the bottom there’s a wharf, toilets and picnic area with a BBQ. There’s no beach or easy water access from Bantry Bay Picnic Area, although you could jump off the jetty (watch out for sharks)!
Suggested walk: Combine with Bluff Track and Engraving Track for Easy/Moderate 7.4km loop – Map / Description
| Location | Access from Seaforth Oval (Seaforth) or via The Bluff Track |
| Distance | 1.7km return (45min) |
| Grade | Easy. 100m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Bantry Bay Loop |
Engravings Track (2.2km one-way)
The Engravings Track runs parallel to the Wakehurst Parkway, between the end of Bantry Bay Road and Seaforth Oval. It’s a wide a service trail, and not the most pleasant walk as you’ve got the constant sound of traffic from the Wakehurst Parkway. There’s also a narrow bushwalking & MTB track alongside the wider Engraving Track – but on a weekend I’d leave this to the mountain bikes. Alongside the trail is the Bantry Bay Aboriginal Site, and there are occassional views of the city skyline and North Sydney in the distance
Suggested walk: Continue along Timber Getters Track to Bantry Bay and return via Bluff Track for Easy/Moderate 7.4km loop – Map / Description
| Location | Access from Seaforth Oval (Seaforth) or end of Bantry Bay Road |
| Distance | 2.2km return (45min) |
| Grade | Easy. 100m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Bantry Bay Loop |
Magazine Track (2.4km one-way)
Starting at the the end of Killarney Drive, the Magazine Track follows the eastern side of the Killarney Height coastline up to the Tipperary Road access track. It goes behind the Bantry Bay Explosives Magazine Complex, although you can’t see much of the historic buildings. Like the Flat Rock Beach Track, which continues along the western part of Killarney Heights shoreline, the Magazine Track is a nice bushwalking track that passes sections of tall forest, ferns and interesting rock formations. There’s also some nice views over Middle Harbour.
Suggested walk: Combine with Flat Rock Beach Track for an easy 8.2km loop (1.5km on-road) – Map / Description
| Location | Access points are the end of Tipperary Ave or Killarney Drive (Killarney Heights) |
| Distance | 2.4km one-way (45min-1 hour) |
| Grade | Easy. 140m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Flat Rock Beach Loop |
Flat Rock Beach Track (2.6km one-way)
The Flat Rock Beach Track follows the Killarney Heights shoreline fairly closely between Roseville Bridge (with an alternative access point at the end of Downpatrick Road) and Flat Rock Beach. (Since 2016 the track has been officially closed near Killarney Point due to a land access issue; you can ignore the sign as locals do, or take a legal right of way by going off-track and following the coastline around Killarney Point.) This is a nice, shaded track with sections of ferns and tall eucalypt forest, and some views over Middle Harbour.
Suggested walk: Combine Flat Rock Beach Track & Magazine Track for Easy 8.2km loop (1.5km on-road) – Map / Description
| Location | Access points are Davidson Park, the end of Downpatrick Road and the end of Killarney Drive (Killarney Heights) |
| Distance | 2.6km one-way (45min). From the end of Killarney Drive, Flat Rock Beach is 500m return (Easy) |
| Grade | Easy. 140m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Flat Rock Beach Loop |
Cook Street Track (2.8km return)
One of the few trails in this part of Garigal National Park that’s an “out and back” trail (it can be combined with the Serrata MTB Track if you’re mountain-biking). Starting at the end of Cook Street, the Cook Street Trail crosses the Currie Road Trail, before descending to Bantry Bay. It’s a service trail until just before the bottom, where a narrow trail completes the last 50m or so to the shoreline. A mix of sand and mud with some oyster-covered rock, there’s a nice view of the Magazine Complex buildings – but it’s not good for swimming.
| Location | Access from the end of Cook St, Killarney Heights |
| Distance | 2.8km (1 hour). 3.2km challenging MTB loop with Serrata MTB Track. |
| Grade | Easy. 100m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Natural Bridge Loop |
The Bluff Track / Bay Track (4.8km return)
In my opinion, this is by far the “best” track in this part of Garigal National Park. (I’m actually not sure the correct name: on the National Park web site it’s called “Bluff Track” but the signage on the track says “Bay Track”!) The track starts at the Ararat Reserve (Grattan Crescent) as a service trail and descends gently to the Bluff Lookout, a spectacular vantage point from a rocky outcrop. There are views along Bantry Bay with the city skyline in the distance. Just off the track, before the lookout, is an (unmarked) Aboriginal engraving site. From the lookout the trail becomes a bushwalking track which descends, steeply at times, down to Bantry Bay and the Bantry Bay Picnic Area where it meets the Timber Getters Track.
Suggested walk: Combine with Timber Getters Track and Engraving Track for Easy/Moderate 7.4km loop – Map / Description
| Location | Starts at Grattan Crescent (Ararat Reserve), in Frenchs Forest |
| Distance | 4.6km return (1.5 hours). Or 7.4km loop with Timber Getters Track (3 hours) |
| Grade | Easy/Moderate. 180m total ascent. |
| More Info | Detailed walk description of Bantry Bay Loop |