Being surrounded by heavyweights like the Blue Mountains National Park and Royal National Park means Ku-ring-gai often gets overlooked. But despite not enjoying the mad popularity of its counterparts, the national park punches above its weight. Given that it’s perched in Sydney’s north, you have the uncanny feeling of being in another world without even leaving city limits. If its rugged landscapes feel historic, that’s because they are. It was declared in 1894 making it Australia’s second oldest national park, right behind Royal and the oldest in Australia that was reserved for the sole purpose of nature conservation. Ku-ring-gai is also home to a diverse variety of species including plants, reptiles, birds and even critically endangered species, making it the third most important hub for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity, right behind behemoths like the Daintree and the Wet Tropics.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai’s historical importance cannot be overstated. Over 800 Aboriginal sites are dotted around the park including paintings, engravings and rock formations, providing very real examples of local Aboriginal heritage.
It’s a recreational hotspot with opportunities for boating, fishing, exploring many scenic walking tracks, multiple picnic areas and stunning lookouts. Its location within the Sydney metropolitan area gives Sydneysiders easy access to a national park from home. There’s a lot to see and do in this large and expansive park and it has something for everyone. There is an entry fee of $12 per vehicle per day. Here are some of our top recommendations for a weekend at Ku-ring-gai.
Things to see and do at Ku-Rin-Gai Chase
Start your day at the Kalkari Discovery Centre which offers a wealth of maps and information to visitors along with fascinating flora and fauna displays and great local information about species found at the park.
If you enjoy bushwalks, you’ll have plenty to do here. The park has many picturesque walking tracks, many of which lead to stunning lookouts and beaches. Go on the short and pleasant 800m Kalkari Discovery Trail which would take about 45 minutes to complete or tackle the longer 7km Darri Track that takes you into the heart of the bush and leads to the popular Warrimoo Track, a 4km popular albeit challenging blue singletrack trail. If you want to learn more about Aboriginal culture, try the 4.4km Aboriginal Heritage Walk which features rock art and engravings of the Aboriginal people of West Head along the way. For something extra challenging, try the Hornsby to Mt Ku-ring-gai walking track that can take anywhere between 7 to 9 hours to complete. Find the best bushwalking tracks at Ku-ring-gai here.
Beaches and lookouts
Another must-visit spot is Resolute Beach, one of Sydney’s very best hidden gems and one that recently enjoyed its moment in the sun on social media. Located on the West Head peninsula, the beach is only accessible by boat or on foot. You can make your way to the isolated beach along a walking track and enjoy lush coastal bushland and views of Barrenjoey Head and Palm Beach on the way. It’s a small beach with crystal-clear waters that you can get to yourself if you’re lucky.
Those looking to enjoy a leisurely picnic in the sun can make their way to Bobbin Head, a waterfront spot located in the west of the park, offering multiple facilities including a children’s playground, a cafe, picnic tables and barbecues.
You’ll be surprised to learn that Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach is also part of the national park. Locals are well aware of its many charms but if you’re visiting for the first time, expect magnificent views from the lighthouse. If you’re visiting between May to November, you can also spot whales migrating.
Picnic spots
Another popular spot is America Bay, a short 5-minute drive from West Head. The walking track takes about 90 minutes to an hour to complete with waterfalls and Aboriginal engravings on the way. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic or to enjoy a sunset.
Ku-ring-gai is also home to a number of urban villages that are excellent for whiling away a weekend. Some to have on your radar include the tranquil suburb of Cottage Point, the scenic Elvina Bay and Coasters Retreat which can only be accessed by water.
There’s a lot more to see and do to appreciate the full beauty of the national park. Head here for more information and start planning your trip.
How to get to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The national park is only 30 km from Sydney and a quick 40 to 60-minute drive without traffic. The Pacific Highway, Ryde Road and Mona Vale Road run through Ku-ring-gai. The national park is also accessible by public transport. It’s situated on the T1 North Shore train line which runs from Parramatta to Berowra via the city. Catch a train from Central to Hornsby and then a bus to Ku-ring-gai Chase road which should take about an hour and 20 minutes or catch a direct train from Parramatta to Mount Colah Station, from here you will need to walk for about 20 minutes to get to the park.