Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is one of Australia’s oldest national parks, combining rugged bushland, scenic water vistas, and rich Aboriginal heritage not far from Sydney’s northern suburbs. Scenic lookouts over forested ridge lines, waterways and estuaries give a taste of the park’s variety, from dense eucalypt forest to tidal mangroves.
70255 Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park, Mackerel Beach
The park is criss-crossed with walking tracks, from short loops to longer hikes that take in views over Pittwater, Cowan Creek and Wide Water. Tracks such as the Waratah Trail or the Bairne Track offer peaceful bushland ambience, while West Head lookout and America Bay provide panoramic vistas that feel far from the city despite being only about 25 km from the CBD.
Water lovers will find plenty of options too — paddle, kayak or picnic at Bobbin Head, The Basin or Akuna Bay, or simply enjoy the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater from a quiet headland. With over 14,800 ha of protected land and more than 350 recorded Aboriginal sites, the park’s combination of natural scenery and cultural significance makes it a favourite escape for locals and visitors alike.