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Dangar Island

Natural Attractions

Dangar Island

Sitting at the entrance to the Hawkesbury River, close to the village of Brooklyn, Dangar Island is one of Sydney’s most unique communities. Just 30 hectares in size and home to around 300 people, the island is mostly bushland – including tall palms and purple jacarandas along the shore – with hidden beaches and spectacular views. Over 100 species of animals and birds and 90 species of plants can be found on Dangar Island. There are no cars on the island and bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, making for a quiet and laid-back pace. Residents often carry belongings in wheelbarrows and there are several left by the wharf for visitors to use. Dangar Island has been significant to the local Indigenous people for thousands of years – look out for Aboriginal carvings and middens. It also played an important role in the development of rail and road in the Hawkesbury River; there are a number of historic sites dotted around the island. Accessible by ferry from Brooklyn or private water taxis, the island is popular with day trippers. Grab a coffee at Dangar Island Depot (just next to the wharf) or chat with locals over lunch at the Bowls Club on weekends. There are no hotels or campsites in Dangar, but a number of houses are available for weekend or holiday rental.

Dangar Island NSW

3.6 km away

Muogamarra Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Muogamarra Nature Reserve

Visit Muogamarra in spring as the reserve transforms into a brilliant display of colour when wildflowers come into bloom. You’ll see waratahs, majestic angophoras, old-man banksias, pink boronias and delicate native orchids. The reserve is home to many native animals like echidnas, and birdwatchers might glimpse a soaring wedge-tail eagle or an iconic lyrebird. Learn more about the history of conservation at this special park. To visit Muogamarra Nature Reserve, book in advance to join a guided tour and discover the secrets of this special place from our volunteer guides. You'll get the chance to see Aboriginal rock engravings and some wonderful views over the Hawkesbury River.

Cowan NSW

4.6 km away

Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track

The Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track follows the Great North Walk through the beautiful red gums of Brisbane Water National Park. Bring your swimmers and a towel – this walk begins and ends on a beach, with plenty of opportunity for a refreshing dip or a spot of fishing. From the end of Patonga Beach, follow signs to the national park. You can head to Warrah Trig from here, while following the steep trail up and over the hill will take you past the spectacular Warrah lookout with views of Hawkesbury River and Pacific Ocean. Pause for a snack, then return to the fire trail, following the Pearl Beach signs past sandstone caves with a natural hanging garden of native ferns. Be sure to keep an eye out for bush turkeys and an ear open for kookaburras. Your exit is marked at Crystal Avenue. Follow the sounds of crashing waves to find a beautiful stretch of sand on the edge of the bush. You can enjoy a picnic, or take advantage of the small cafes nearby.

Patonga NSW

7.3 km away

Warrah Trig cycling loop

Natural Attractions

Warrah Trig cycling loop

This cycling loop takes in the best the national park has to offer, crossing several fire trails and pausing for scenic views at Warrah lookout. With so much ground to cover, feel free to do as much or as little as you like. Be sure to make time for birdwatching though, or a relaxing picnic lunch among the famous wildflowers. And keep an eye out for animals – with 270 native species in the park, there’s a good chance you’ll come across at least a kangaroo, and maybe even a koala. Start at Warrah Trig and pedal furiously to Patonga Drive. Tear down Sani Depot and Van Dahls trails, admiring the wildflowers that are scattered along the way. Once you get back to Patonga Drive, you’ll tackle an exciting downhill run to beautiful Pearl Beach, where the Patonga trail will lead you to the Warrah lookout and spectacular views up Hawkesbury River. If hiking is more your style, check out the nearby Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track.

Patonga NSW

7.7 km away

Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards

Natural Attractions

Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ever dreamt of completing the legendary Great North walk? Why not try a taster, without wearing out your walking boots? Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a challenging section that winds through dense bushland within the park. Starting from Cowan Train Station, it’s not just the scenic wilderness views that will take your breath away. It’s definitely a track for the experienced bushwalker. Descending steeply, you’ll hardly believe you’re only an hour from the centre of Sydney. The track leads past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed and on to Jerusalem Bay. Stop here for a break and take in the spectacular views over Cowan Water before tacking the hard climb to Brooklyn. You might be in need of a beverage or two at the pub before catching the train at Hawkesbury River Train Station. Continue your Great North walk exploration by linking with Great North walk – Berowra Valley National Park towards Sydney or continue north along Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park.

Cowan NSW

7.8 km away

Warrah lookout — Image credit: Remy Brand

Natural Attractions

Warrah lookout

Warrah lookout offers spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, making this a great spot to visit all year round. Put your eyes to the test and see if you can make out the finer details of Broken Bay inlet in the distance. The rustle of the eucalyptus trees around you and the lapping of the waves below will provide the perfect soundtrack for your visit. Did you know waratahs are the state emblem for New South Wales? You won’t want to miss their stunning late-winter bloom on display at Warrah lookout. Known as Waratah Patch by locals, this is one of the best places in the park to see these fiery-red flowers. Although the track to the lookout has steps and some rough ground, it is an easy and short walk from the carpark.

Patonga NSW

8.4 km away

Brisbane Water National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Water National Park is on the central coast near Gosford, north of Sydney. The park offers a range of wonderful experiences, making it a great daytrip or weekend away from the city. Come to see colourful spring wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and scenic views from the park's lookouts. There are great fishing spots to discover, along with walking and cycling trails that cross rainforest and rugged sandstone country. The park's waterways are a great place to spend a day on the water, so don't forget your kayak. Head to one of the coastal towns, like Umina Beach to organise your lunch before finding your own scenic picnic spot, or make a stop at Patonga for some tasty fish and chips and a beach view.

Kariong NSW

8.8 km away

Ephemeral Art at the Arboretum — Image credit: Pearl Beach Arboretum

Natural Attractions

Pearl Beach Arboretum

The Arboretum was established on 5.5 hectares of Council Land by the Pearl Beach Community in 1976. It is a sanctuary for rare and threatened plants and animals, devoted to growing plants for conservation, research and education. The Arboretum is named after Minard Crommelin who fought for conservation in New South Wales all her life and who made Pearl Beach her home from 1942 until her death in 1972. You may be lucky enough to see some animals and birds including lyrebirds, bowerbirds, fairy-wrens, tawny frogmouths, kookaburras, bandicoots, goannas, water dragons, swamp wallabies and echidnas. They also have over 50 threatened species, bush tucker plants, and koala trees (sadly no koalas since the 1990s), and promote native bee habitat.

Pearl Beach NSW

9.3 km away

Staples lookout

Natural Attractions

Staples lookout

If you’re looking for a scenic place to gaze across the expanse of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay, Staples lookout is the spot. Built right on the side of Woy Woy Road, this vantage point offers views in several directions. Look southwest, for instance, and you can see all the way to Mount Wondabyne, the highest point in Brisbane Water National Park. Several rare bird species live here, so you’ll want to bring binoculars. Try to find a spotted-tailed quoll or a yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Then break out the picnic for a relaxing lunch at one of the picnic tables, with outstanding views of this national park as your backdrop.

Kariong NSW

10 km away

Marramarra National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Marramarra National Park

Marramarra National Park is one of the Hawkesbury's best-kept secrets and has to be among the most exciting national parks in the country. Hidden away in the northern outskirts of Sydney at the junction of Hawkesbury River and Berowra Creek, it's a peaceful pocket of Aussie bush on Sydney's doorstep, just waiting to be explored. It's so close to the city, but you'll barely see another soul. Go boating, kayaking and canoeing on the beautiful waters of Hawkesbury River and Marramarra Creek. Enjoy bushwalking on the many walking tracks and go cycling on your mountain bike along Canoelands Ridge management trail. Take in spectacular views while discovering more about the area's Aboriginal heritage, and see historic heritage sites from early European settlement. From all this exploring, you'll probably be looking for somewhere to take a break. Get back to basics and spend a night camping at Gentlemans Halt or Marramarra Creek campgrounds on the shores of Hawkesbury River. Or simply drop in for the day and enjoy this beautiful place to picnic, not far from Hornsby.

Canoelands NSW

10 km away

Basin Aboriginal art site — Image credit: OEH

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Basin Aboriginal art site

With over 800 Aboriginal sites recorded across Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, each one is a visible reminder of the rich Aboriginal heritage of the region. Basin Aboriginal art site is one of the best examples of rock engravings in this area. This significant site found along The Basin track is best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon, when the shadows give an edge to the faint, yet impressive engravings. Here, you'll make out the outlines of animals and human figures. After exploring the extensive range of engravings, continue along the walking track to The Basin picnic area and enjoy a swim. There are further examples of Aboriginal heritage, with axe grinding grooves and rock paintings and stencils within the park. Middens are also found near rock caves and shelters and contain shells, tools and animal bones. Take a virtual tour of Basin Aboriginal art site captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

10 km away

Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop

Natural Attractions

Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop

Pack a bit of adventure into your day and take your bike for a spin along this mountain biking loop. The trail starts opposite the impressive Staples lookout with pretty views of Brisbane Water, it then heads off to explore the ridge. Set your own pace, either tackling the trail like a mountain biking pro, leaving a cloud of dust in your wake, or going a little slower for a gentle ride to look for wildlife and admire the scenery. Tommos loop trail is great for older kids and beginner adults, and it’s a good idea to take sunscreen and plenty of water. Remember to wear protective equipment, including a helmet and take care on the steeper sections towards the end of the Rocky Ponds trail.

Kariong NSW

10 km away

Broken Bay, Umina Beach — Image credit: Central Coast Tourism

Natural Attractions

Umina Beach

Umina Beach is one of the Central Coast's most loved beaches, and it's easy to see why the calm shallow waters make it ideal for families and a wide range of water activities. Everything you need is close at hand, food kiosk, picnic tables, a dog friendly area on the southern end. It's welcoming beach with something for everyone to enjoy. Professional Central Coast Council Lifeguards patrol Umina Beach from Monday to Friday. During weekends and on Public Holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Umina Beach with a Sand Cruiser and a Hippocampe (suitable for young people) wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Umina Surf Club for bookings.

Umina Beach NSW

10 km away

Mooney Mooney nature walk

Natural Attractions

Mooney Mooney nature walk

Mooney Mooney nature walk links Mooney Mooney and Girrakool, leading through some of the most picturesque parts of Brisbane Water National Park. This challenging walk passes through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, grassy woodlands, waterfalls, casuarina forest and cave-like rocky overhangs. Climbing steeply, perfectly positioned lookouts offer the chance to rest and take in the exquisite NSW Central Coast vistas. Crossing the scenic Piles Creek suspension bridge, pause to soak up serene views in all directions. In spring, you’ll see carpets of colourful wildflowers, including red darwinias, yellow acacias and orange banksias. If you’re keen on birdwatching, you’ll love having the opportunity to see lyrebirds and kookaburras. Observant walkers may even spot a koala or two, along with native orchids clinging to moss-covered boulders. You can also start this walk from the Girrakool end of the track.

Kariong NSW

11 km away

Ocean Beach Umina

Natural Attractions

Ocean Beach Umina

Ocean Beach on the Central Coast shares its shores with Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach, located on the Peninsula area of the region. With the protection of Broken Bay, you will enjoy its modest 1.3km kilometres of golden sand - the perfect combination of an ocean beach with views across the water, plus the safety of an inland waterway, which is great for family friendly swimming. This is also a dog friendly beach so you can bring your furry buddy with you to enjoy the waves. Ocean Beach has its own Surf Life Saving Club, Ocean Beach SLSC formed in 1921, and is patrolled every day from October Long Weekend until the end of April School Holidays. The Esplanade features a grassed area, kiosk, picnic tables and seating to admire the incredible view, along with BBQs and a children's playground. Parking is available at the public beachside car park and street side parking. Accessibility features include accessible parking, beach matting, beach wheelchairs, and accessible toilets.

Umina Beach NSW

11 km away

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place

Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place in Brisbane Water National Park is a special landscape, rich in ancient Aboriginal rock art. There's a wide range of well-preserved engravings to see; most of them are more than 200 years old with many perhaps ten times that age. Please treat this site with respect and do not walk on or touch the engravings. The name Bulgandry belongs to the large engraving of a man thought to represent an ancestral hero, depicted with an impressive headdress. You'll also see engravings of wallabies, fish, a dolphin and what's thought to be a canoe and a bird. Keep walking to see some stone tool sharpening grooves nearby, or simply take in the site's beautiful bush surroundings. Indigenous sites such as Bulgandry provide valuable insight into Aboriginal traditions, past lifestyles and previous interactions with the environment. These sites are an important part of present-day Aboriginal culture, so please remember to tread carefully and with respect.

Kariong NSW

11 km away

Red Hands Cave Walking Track - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Red Hands Cave Walking Track - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

For an opportunity to see one of the most famous Aboriginal heritage sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Red Hands Cave walking track is the route you're looking for. Head out from Resolute picnic area on this easy bush track to see rock art of the Aboriginal people of this area. Arriving after a short walk through the red gums, you’ll discover the cave with ochre hand-prints. Pause for a moment to reflect on the lives of the people whose palms are now immortalised. The Aboriginal People of this area are part of a nation that extended Broken Bay in the north to Port Jackson in the south and as far south-west as Lane Cove River. There are six clans within the nation, and it’s the Garigal who lived at West Head. Retrace your steps, or if you’re inspired to experience more, continue on the Aboriginal Heritage walk for another four kilometres before returning back where you started at Resolute picnic area.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

11 km away

Salvation Loop Trail — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Salvation Loop Trail

A delightful, easy walking track through unique hanging swamps off West Head Road in the middle of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Salvation loop trail offers a perfect outing for the family and a brilliant walk for nature enthusiasts who want to experience the wet heathlands of the park. Skirting the edge of the hanging swamp and wet heathland, notice how the vegetation changes. Only plants that don’t mind getting their feet wet can thrive here. You’ll see sphagnum moss, sword grass and the green-flowering swamp banksia. Coral and pink swamp heath are dotted through the heathland. On close inspection, you might discover the insect-eating sundew plant, which catches small insects with its velcro-like mitts. If you want a longer walk, take the turn off to Wallaroo walking track, or simply continue on the loop and walk back along the road. Lay out a picnic lunch on the tables at Salvation Creek picnic area.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

11 km away

The Basin track and Mackerel track — Image credit: Photo: Andrew Richards

Natural Attractions

The Basin track and Mackerel track

Walking the scenic Basin track and Mackerel track is an excellent way of exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. You can start both these tracks from West Head road, 8.5 kilometres from the Liberator General San Martin Drive junction. Head along the ridge top and stop to explore the Basin Aboriginal Art site. From here, follow signs to The Basin campground, and enjoy glimpses of Pittwater through the trees before descending to the campground. Spend as much time as you like in this popular area. Take a refreshing swim, play games on the grass and enjoy the facilities. Walk back to West Head Road via the Basin trail, or alternatively you can catch a Palm Beach Ferry and enjoy some of the beaches of Pittwater. To explore the Mackerel track take the left hand turn after the Basin Aboriginal Art site. Head out to the point to enjoy the impressive views across Pittwater, and look down upon Mackerel Beach to the north and Currawong to the south. To return, follow the Mackerel track back to West Head road.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

11 km away

Great Mackerel Beach — Image credit: Northern Beaches

Natural Attractions

Great Mackerel Beach

To access this beach a ferry service runs from Palm Beach Wharf or by boat. It can also be reached on foot from West Head via some walks. Great Mackerel Beach is the longest West Head Beach at 640 metres long. There is no Lifeguards on duty General Conditions: Good safe swimming and fishing. Best for family picnics.

Great Mackerel Beach NSW

11 km away

West Head lookout

Natural Attractions

West Head lookout

Prepare to be impressed the views from West Head lookout are some of Sydney's best. On your visit, you'll be greeted with a real visual feast. From West Head lookout, you can see Broken Bay on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front. You can also enjoy amazing vistas across the Hawkesbury River to Lion Island Nature Reserve and the beaches of the Central Coast, including Patonga and Umina Beach. The lookout itself is a large sandstone viewing area with a number of informative interpretive signs. Rest on one of the benches and absorb the sounds of the birds and waves below before heading to nearby Resolute picnic area for lunch or taking a walk on Aboriginal Heritage walk. If you want to learn more, see this documentary on the history of West Head fortresses, or Jack 'Bluey' Mercer recall his time there during the fort constructions in 1942. Take a virtual tour of West Head lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

11 km away

Canoelands Ridge Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Canoelands Ridge Walking Track

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Marramarra than by spending the day exploring Canoelands Ridge walking track on foot. The 10 kilometre walk to Gentlemans Halt takes you through constantly changing vegetation and right in to the heart of this secluded pocket of bushland in the northern outskirts of Sydney. See spectacular ridge-top colours of iconic Hawkesbury sandstone and remarkable views of Hawkesbury River. Watch the occasional boat carving through the glistening blue waters of this beautiful waterway. In spring, the bush turns into a vibrant display of colour with the native wildflowers. Wander through gullies of bright red waratahs and Gymea lilies, and explore the saltmarsh and mangroves by the river’s edge near Gentlemans Halt. Head off for a long day walking in the bush, or pack your tent and sleeping bag for a peaceful night camping by the river at historic Gentlemans Halt campground.

Canoelands NSW

11 km away

Resolute Beach and Resolute Picnic Area

Natural Attractions

Resolute Beach and Resolute Picnic Area

Resolute Beach is a gold-sand beach that's one of the most secluded beaches in Sydney. The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park beach overlooks Pittwater and, across the water, Barrenjoey Head. Access is by boat or on foot via the Resolute Track. The Resolute picnic area is ideal for barbecues in the bush and is positioned near Aboriginal rock art and bushwalking tracks. The beach is accessible from the picnic area via the Resolute track, approximately a 2 kilometre walk.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

12 km away

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Image credit: Destination NSW

National Parks and Reserves

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a recreational favourite for locals and visitors alike. This large park, located in Sydney's north, lets you feel at one with nature without leaving the Sydney metropolitan area. A heritage-listed park, it combines important history with scenic beauty. Winding creeks and stretches of ocean meet rainforest and eucalypts, rocky cliffs and mangroves. Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts and significant Aboriginal sites. You'll still have plenty of time to discover its marinas, cafes, kiosks and well-equipped picnic areas.

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW

12 km away

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