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11.5
km
one-way
3
hrs
Macquarie Park to Thornleigh (GNW)
Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge. The track soon leads you down into the ferny and moist valley beside Lane Cove River. Near the top of the valley, you walk up some stone steps built during the depression to find some rock engravings with 1930's style political satire, Conscript Pass. The side trip provides access to the scout campsite, where the main walk continues leads up through the streets to find Thornleigh train station.
6
km
one-way
2.5
hrs
De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge
This walk follows the Lane Cove River northside, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf, Baker's Cottage, Blue Hole and Sandstone Caves.
5
km
one-way
90
mins
Riverside Walking Track
Walking through the bush with the chatter of birds and sweet smell of eucalypts, it was amazing to think we were only a half hour train ride from the CBD.
The delightful Riverside walking track meanders through natural bushland and a string of picturesque picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park, just north of Sydney CBD. Enjoy a weekend getaway without leaving town and introduce the kids to the simple pleasures of birdwatching and wildlife-spotting.
Following the southern bank of Lane Cove River, from the weir near Delhi Road to Deburghs Bridge, the scenic walk takes in peaceful bush settings where you can stop and enjoy tranquil river views. When it’s time for a lunch break, unroll the picnic blanket at Commandment Rock picnic area.
Along the track you might see lorikeets and kookaburras as well as egrets and spoonbills, so be sure to bring along some binoculars for a spot of birdwatching with the kids. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and brush turkeys darting through the bush. If you’re keen for a challenge, return via the northern riverbank along Great North walk.
5.5
km
return
90
mins
Pipeline Track
A short circular hike in Sydney’s north shore, suitable for hiking, jogging or mountain-biking. Follows a large water pipe down to Middle Harbour Creek... hence the name of the track.
3.5
km
return
1
hr
Cascades Track
This walk explores part of the northern section of Garigal National Park and the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a service trail from Douglas Street, St Ives, to cross Middle Harbour Creek, then explores a large rock platform with the Cascades. The cascades themselves are not huge, but the rock platform, rock pools, and the cascades combine to form a great place to explore and have a snack before the return journey
4.3
km
return
90
mins
Mueller Track
The longest trails in the St Ives Wildflower Garden, a relatively “undiscovered” park in Sydney’s north. An easy walk with some variety of terrain.
5.4
km
return
3
hrs
Elvina Bay Loop
The Elvina Bay circuit is a short but very diverse loop trail at West Head, with a secluded swimming hole, multiple cascades and waterfalls and nice Pittwater views. You can opt for a hard and partly off-track circuit, or an easier on-track loop...
1.3
km
return
45
mins
West Head Army Track
A steep but short walk down from West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to a historic World War II gun embankments on the coast.
4
km
return
105
mins
Headland Track / Resolute Loop
The Resolute Track at far end of West Head provides access secluded beaches, a number of interesting aboriginal sites in the area and numerous lookouts. It's a good walk in summer as you can stop for a swim at West Head Beach, Resolute Beach or Great Mackerel Beach.
1.1
km
return
30
mins
Koolewong Track
The Koolewong Track (koolewong is an Aboriginal word for koala, ‘though there are none left in this area) is one of the shortest walks at West Head. However, it leads to one of the best lookouts over Hawkesbury River toward Patonga and Lion island.
2
km
return
1
hr
Flint and Steel Beach
A relatively short walk with the option of going to either the beach (the more popular walk, and a good swimming and fishing spot) on one one side of the headland, or the bay (where you’re unlikely to see anyone else) on the other.
2.2
km
return
1
hr
America Bay
A short walk with a great range of scenery, making it a great choice if you have only a short time in this National Park. This track one of two ways to access America Bay - the other is by boat. The track cuts straight through the bush from West Head Rd to pass historic Aboriginal engravings and a large cliff with a small waterfall, which also gives an impressive view of the bay. The well-formed track stops at a lookout over America Bay; there is a rough track down to the water.
11
km
return
3.5
hrs
Bairne Track to The Basin Circuit
Nice walk along ridge tops to secluded beaches, an enticing lagoon and detailed indigenous engravings. Can be done as a return walk to a really nice lookout near the end of the Bairne Track, or combined with the The Basin track to form a circuit (using a ferry to connect the two walks)
1.4
km
return
40
mins
Willunga Track
This short walk takes you to the highest point in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the top of the hill is an old trig point and some stunning panoramic view. On a clear day, there is an uninterrupted 180-degree view across large parts of the park, including Pittwater to the east and distant glimpses of Sydney city on the horizon, far to the south.
9.4
km
return
3
hrs
Towlers Bay Track
An easy walk on a 4WD / management road, that leads down from West Head Road to Towlers Bay (where there are are a few houses that are accessed via water only). There’s also a YHA youth hostel at Towlers Bay, accessed via this track or by ferry/water taxi.
9
km
return
2.5
hrs
Waratah Track
The long and easy Waratah Track track takes in wildflowers and some scenic water views over Akuna and Yeomens Bay in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park at the end. It's a 4WD track - closed to vehicles but suitable for mountain bikes as well as walkers.
2
km
return
45
mins
Bangalley Headland
A relatively hard walk, 45 leisurely minutes return on a loop track. The headland is the highest point on Sydney's northern coastline, and offers spectacular views south to Sydney and north to Broken Bay and the central coast.
Bangalley Head is one of the largest bushland reserves on Pittwater's coastline. This large size together with the great variety of native plants, makes the reserve an ideal home for an abundant variety of native wildlife.
9.5
km
return
3
hrs
Manly to North Head
“Sunset from North Head is on my list of ways to impress my overseas visitors. They simply can’t believe how beautiful it is.”
The heath-covered clifftops at North Head reveal unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline. Situated on the northern-most edge of the harbour within sight of Hornby Lighthouse on South Head, it’s a relaxing ferry ride from Circular Quay. One of those things to do when visiting Sydney, it’s near to Manly, and a great day trip for locals and tourists alike.
1.7
km
return
1
hr
Grotto Point Lighthouse
This is an excellent walk with some very scenic views. The walk travels along a well used track through the thick coastal bush. The views are capped off by the vista over Sydney Harbour from the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Easy parking, a few good side trips, and in particular, the Aboriginal Engravings, make this walk all the more appealing.
9.1
km
one-way
3.75
hrs
Spit Bridge to Manly
A classic Sydney bushwalk around the northern beaches. Nice views, many swimming bays and beaches - but does get pretty busy.
