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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

1.1 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

1.5 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

1.7 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

2.0 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

2.5 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

3.1 km away

Lobster Beach

Natural Attractions

Lobster Beach

Leave the city beaches to the crowds while you spend the day at Lobster beach with barely a soul in sight within Bouddi National Park. Lobster Beach is a sheltered beach just a short walk from the carpark. The area is perfect to pop by if you're sailing or boating around at Brisbane Water National Park, just across from Bouddi. Marvel at the beautiful angophoras, stringy barks and banksias along the way, before arriving at this pretty beach fringed by natural bushland. Enjoy a refreshing swim or wander along this sandy beach. Find a spot to throw in a fishing line and take in the serenity. Keep your eyes out for dolphins or sea eagles swooping for fish at Lobster Beach and don't forget to pack your snorkelling gear. You're sure to find just as many natural wonders to admire beneath its sparkling waters as on land. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching. Take a virtual tour of Lobster Beach captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Box Head NSW

4.7 km away

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

4.8 km away

Flannel Flower Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Sarah Brookes

Natural Attractions

Flannel Flower Walking Track

Acquaint yourself with Bouddi National Park’s beautiful and diverse vegetation on the Flannel Flower walking track. The best time of year to visit has to be spring; the flannel flower is in full bloom and the sight of their white petals are simply beautiful. Running between Hawke Head Drive and Lobster Beach, the track meanders through towering angophora forest. Stand a moment in the shade of these mighty red gum trees before continuing on to the magnificent Lobster Beach lookout. There, you’ll be treated to commanding views over some of the Central Coast’s prettiest and most popular beaches, including Broken Bay, Umina and Pearl. As well as taking you through stunning bushland and beachfront, this walking track provides public access across private property in one section. Please remain on the track at all times when you’re in this area. Keep an eye out for Box head track and Tallow Beach trail, which descends to Tallow Beach campground, which join the track.

Wagstaffe NSW

4.8 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

4.9 km away

Ettalong Beach — Image credit: Destination Central Coast

Entertainment Venues

Ettalong Beach

Ettalong beach is a popular Central Coast enclave and a safe, fun family favourite. The beach provides a scenic breadth of activity at this waterfront town overlooking Broken Bay and Lion Island. Ettalong Beach's appeal lies in its beaches, lagoons, waterways and safe swimming for children. This popular town on the Central Coast also offers a wide range of seaside and bush accommodation. It's a renowned fishing beach, with excellent boating facilities. Ferries and charter vessels run regular tours around the majestic Brisbane Water National Park, providing scenic, fishing and whale watching experiences. There are many family friendly things to do within close reach. Visit Ocean and Umina Beaches for more than 2km of sandy beaches and an inland waterway that is great for younger children to have a splash around. Please note: Ettalong Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Ettalong Beach NSW

4.9 km away

Box Head Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Box Head Track

Amble along Bouddi National Park's most southern ridge, taking in breathtaking water views over the Tasman Sea and Hawkesbury River as you go. Beginning at the end of Hawke Head Drive, Box Head track alternates between rugged bushland and open windswept heath. Keep your eye out for hidden treasures as you walk – an assortment of birdlife flits amongst the red gums and the rocky outcrops host a variety of moss and dwarfed trees. You’ll find clifftop patches offering panoramas, particularly at the end of the track from Box Head lookout, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views over Tallow Beach, Little Tallow Beach, Broken Bay, Lion Island and Sydney's northern beaches. The track is joined by Flannel Flower walking track and Tallow Beach trail, which descends to Tallow Beach campground.

Box Head NSW

5.0 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

5.4 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

5.8 km away

Barrenjoey Lighthouse — Image credit: D Finnegan/OEH

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at Sydney's most northern point Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach. Positioned 91m above sea level, the lighthouse can be reached by a couple of walks and offers outstanding views. It's an easy day trip from Sydney and a great place to bring overseas visitors they may recognise the lighthouse from Home and Away and will find Summer Bay Surf Club nearby. The lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights on Sydney's northern beaches and boasts a notable cultural heritage. Built in 1881 from sandstone quarried on site, the lighthouse, its oil room and keepers' cottages remain unpainted in the original stone finish. To get there, take an easy and picturesque walk along Barrenjoey track for 1km. The walk to the top requires moderate fitness and will take about 30 minutes each way from Governor Phillip parking area. You could choose to walk Smugglers track instead for a more challenging hike to the top. The name comes from customs officers who built the track to monitor smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay around 1850. Smugglers track offers a steeper and shorter trek up to the lighthouse, but it's well worth the effort.

Palm Beach NSW

5.9 km away

Station Beach — Image credit: Northern Beaches council

Natural Attractions

Station Beach

Located along the western side of Governor Phillip Park, Station Beach is the perfect spot if you're looking for a quiet, sandy beach with calm waters and stunning views over Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There is no Life Guard on duty. Station Beach provides two distinctive beaches separated by a café and a long jetty. Station Beach (south) is situated between Beach Road and the Boathouse jetty, and adjacent to Palm Beach Golf course. Take a walk along the beach, spend some time appreciating the gorgeous views and then head out together around Governor Phillip Park. Dogs are not permitted at Station Beach – please remember to keep your dog on-leash in the park and surrounding areas. Station Beach (north) is situated between the Boathouse jetty and Barrenjoey Headland, with its famous lighthouse and views over Broken Bay. You will see Lion Island off-shore, with its distinctive spinifex shape. It contains the largest population of little penguins in the Sydney area with about 300 breeding pairs. While your dog is not permitted at Station Beach, you are able to take your dog to the grassy bank above the beach (on-leash), where you can take in the views. Access via end of Beach Rd or Governor Phillip Park Palm Beach.

Palm Beach NSW

6.1 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

6.1 km away

Palm Beach — Image credit: Northern Beaches Council

Natural Attractions

Palm Beach

Palm Beach lies at the end of a long peninsula, the furthest beach from Sydney CBD, fringed by surf on one side and tranquil Pittwater on the other. Its golden sands and clear waters have inspired Sydney's wealthy and famous to build holiday houses on its leafy hills. Palm Beach doubles up as the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in the television show Home and Away, the sparkling blue sea and stunning headlands make it the perfect movie setting. There is excellent surf at the northern end of the beach whilst the southern end offers more gentle waves and a protected area for swimming in the 35-metre ocean pool with pretty picnic spots under the pine trees. Palm Beach curves 2.3 kilometres, from Little Head to Barrenjoey Head. Follow the trail to heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse which boasts splendid views of the coast, Pittwater and Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park. There is a ferry that leaves from Palm Beach and lands at the Basin campground or continues to Ettalong on the Central Coast via Broken Bay. Other activities include kayaking, sailing or visiting the locations where Home and Away is filmed. There are many restaurants and cafes on both sides of the peninsula where you can enjoy delicious food with spectacular views.

Palm Beach NSW

6.5 km away

Sandy beach bordered by a rocky shoreline and cliffs, with waves rolling in from the ocean — Image credit: Destination Central Coast

Natural Attractions

Killcare Beach

Located on the spectacular Central Coast, Killcare Beach offers a relaxed coastal escape just 90 minutes' drive from Sydney. With its beautiful sandy shoreline and laid-back atmosphere, it's an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. Professional Central Coast Council lifeguards patrol Killcare Beach from Monday until Friday, with Surf Life Saving volunteers patrols on weekends and Public Holidays. Please check website for current beach patrol dates and times. A designated dog off leash area is in the centre section of this beach. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Killcare Beach with a Sand Cruiser wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Killcare Surf Club for bookings.

Killcare NSW

6.6 km away

Palm Beach Headland Urban Night Sky Place — Image credit: Destination NSW

Observatories and Planetariums

Palm Beach Headland Urban Night Sky Place

Palm Beach Headland on Sydney's Northern Beaches has been officially named Australia's first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP) by DarkSky International. Positioned on the outer edge of the city region and on the northern most tip of Palm Beach, the UNSP covers 62 hectares and incorporates Governor Phillip Park and Barrenjoey Headland, which is part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Excellent night sky viewing can be enjoyed from within Governor Phillip Park, with ample parking available within the reserve. Governor Phillip Park is accessible to visitors at all times. Meanwhile, Barrenjoey Headland – including the lighthouse precinct – is closed from dusk to dawn and only open for approved and supervised DarkSky events.

Palm Beach NSW

6.7 km away

Spa View Killcare

Spas and Retreats

Spa View Killcare

Perched above Killcare Beach, Spa View Killcare is a private ocean-view day spa offering a calm, personalised experience on the Central Coast of NSW. Just 90 minutes from Sydney—or a scenic ferry ride from Palm Beach—this boutique spa is set within the natural beauty of Bouddi National Park. Surrounded by bushland and sandstone formations, expansive ocean views stretch towards Sydney's Northern Beaches, creating a peaceful coastal setting to unwind and recharge. Guests can enjoy tailored massage, couples treatments and restorative facials designed to ease tension, support wellbeing and leave you feeling renewed. Health fund rebates available for remedial massage.

Killcare NSW

6.8 km away

Allen Strom lookout

Natural Attractions

Allen Strom lookout

Clear your mind and refresh your senses with the stunning vistas on offer at the Allen Strom lookout, located on the ridge above Rocky Point. Standing at this fenced lookout, it's a pleasure to watch the boats bobbing up and down in Hardys Bay. The views extend across to Wagstaffe and Ettalong and you can even see as far as Brisbane Water National Park. It's easy to reach the lookout by foot or bike simply combine Rocky Point trail to your Bouddi Ridge explorer experience. This trail commences near the intersection of Wards Hill Road and Maitland Bay Road, and you'll tread a carpet of flannel flowers if you plan a springtime visit. Allen Strom lookout was named in memory of the man who dedicated much of his life to the establishment of many national parks and nature reserves in the state.

Killcare NSW

6.8 km away

Snapperman Beach — Image credit: Northern Beaches Council

Natural Attractions

Snapperman Beach

Snapperman Beach runs north of Sandy Point to Pittwater Park in the north, near the Palm Beach Wharf. A reserve borders Snapperman Beach with the beautiful calm waters of the Pittwater as a backdrop. There are no Lifeguards on duty at this beach. Snapperman Beach is located off Iluka Road.

Palm Beach NSW

7.2 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

7.4 km away

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