Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Park Coastal national park near Sydney with Aboriginal rock art

North of Sydney, Ku‑ring‑gai Chase National Park protects sandstone escarpments, Aboriginal rock engravings and waterways of the Hawkesbury system; visitors hike, paddle and visit scenic lookouts.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a protected national park north of Sydney in New South Wales, known for its sandstone escarpments, waterways and cultural heritage. It is one of the region’s major green spaces and contains significant Aboriginal sites as well as coastal scenery.

The park contains coastal headlands, mangrove-lined creeks, picnic areas and walking tracks that run along the Hawkesbury River, Broken Bay and Pittwater. Notable visitor locations include Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse, Bobbin Head picnic and boating facilities, and multiple lookouts that provide broad coastal and river views.

Ku-ring-gai Chase is particularly noted for its Aboriginal rock art and engravings, found on sandstone platforms and cliff faces across the park; these sites are important cultural heritage and are protected. The park also offers bushwalking, boating and birdwatching opportunities.

The national park lies roughly 20-30 kilometers north of central Sydney and forms part of the coastal national park system in northern Sydney, with access points from suburban fringes and ferry connections to some entrances.

Proximity to Sydney: The park lies north of Sydney, about 25 kilometers from the central business district, and is commonly reached by car or ferry services to park entry points.
Lookouts and best times: Best viewing and walking conditions are in cooler months; many lookouts and headlands provide panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River, Broken Bay and Pittwater.

What to See #

Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse: Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse at the park's northern end, with a late 19th-century lighthouse sitting on a sandstone headland and offering coastal views.
Bobbin Head: Bobbin Head precinct with picnic facilities, boat ramps and walking tracks along the park's waterways and mangrove-lined creeks.
Aboriginal rock art sites: Numerous Aboriginal rock art and engraving sites across the park located on sandstone platforms and cliff faces, representing important cultural heritage.

How to Get to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park #

From Sydney CBD, drive north via the Pacific Highway to Hornsby then follow signs to the park (approx. 30-40 minutes). Regular buses run to Hornsby; from there local buses connect to some park entrances (e.g., Berowra, Turramurra to Bobbin Head). Ferries and private boats access several bays.

Tips for Visiting Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park #

Arrive early at West Head or Captain Cook Lookout to walk the scenic trails with fewer people.
Take the short Aboriginal heritage walk at Sphinx Bay to see rock engravings and learn about Guringai culture.
Avoid weekends at Bobbin Head picnic areas if seeking solitude.