9 Best day walks Ku-ring-gai Chase NP

From the ridges above Cowan Creek, this walk takes in some great lookouts (especially around Mt Kuring-gai) as well as enjoying an extremely pleasant bush track along the creek. Easily accessible by public transport, this track gives walkers a good taste of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has to offer. Be sure to spare some time for a dawdle around the bays on Cowan Creek.

Total climbing: 551m

This great circuit walk enjoys a variety of landscapes in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk starts at the historic Sphinx war memorial and follows a series of popular walking tracks that loop around Bobbin Head, including historic Aboriginal engravings, temperate rainforest and a lookout. As the track passes through Bobbin Head, it provides a great opportunity to take a break and pick up a snack at the kiosk before continuing on the return leg.

Total climbing: 619m

This is a short and pretty walk that can be enjoyed by everyone. It makes a nice addition to a picnic or paddle at Bobbin Head. Starting from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, you will enjoy great views of Cockle Creek from the bridge, then meander along the boardwalk through the mangroves. There are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close.

Total climbing: 17m

This Cowan to Brooklyn Station walk is a popular section of the Great North Walk, with scenery ranging from foreshore to ridge top lookouts. You will follow the Great North Walk from Cowan Station down to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay, then climb up over a series of ridges before descending into Brooklyn. This walk is a great one-way trip from station to station with numerous water views, including a circumnavigation of Brooklyn Dam whilst enjoying a wonderful diversity of flora along the way.

Total climbing: 654m

This is a fantastic walk for those wanting a great walk on Sydney’s northern beaches. Features of this track include views of the central coast, Palm Beach and the South Pacific Ocean, and historic remnants of old lighthouses. Currently some track repairs are underway, however once completed this walk will revert to a circuit track.

Total climbing: 110m

This great walk starts at the Sphinx Memorial and loops around via Cowan Creek, exploring diverse environments as it changes altitude. There is an optional side trip to the Empire Marina and cafe for a recharge before the climb back up to the Sphinx. This walk provides some great water views of the Cowan Creek and the interesting rock formations along its shores.

Total climbing: 499m

This walk takes you down to an isolated waterside community, where you can amble along, looking at homes and a historic Grave Site. From Elvina Track Car Park, the vegetation changes from scrubby bush to she oak and large eucalyptus as you decend to the waters edge. The walking is mostly along a management trail, however the return trip follows a narrow track. Side trips include an aboriginal engraving site, a 25m waterfall and a few other view points. Please remember you are visiting a small community please respect the privacy of the local people.

Total climbing: 201m

Starting in suburban Wahroonga, this well-maintained track follows Cockle Creek down to Bobbin Head in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There are a number of great waterviews, and two short side trips to add to this venture. The lower section the walk follows a boardwalk, getting up close to the mangrove wildlife. The walk ends at the popular Bobbin Head picnic area and kiosk, giving you the chance to relax and reflect on the journey.

Total climbing: 180m

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandstone rock formations along the way.

Total climbing: 209m