Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park wilderness guide
National Park · NSW

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located just north of Sydney, offers a blend of natural beauty and rich indigenous history, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park37,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

37,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located just north of Sydney, offers a blend of natural beauty and rich indigenous history, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park spans over 37,000 acres, featuring a distinct landscape that includes tranquil waterways, sandstone cliffs, and dense bushland. This iconic Australian park is revered not only for its diverse flora and fauna but also for the ancient Aboriginal heritage it preserves through rock engravings and cultural sites. Established in 1894, it is the country's second-oldest national park and offers many recreational activities, from hiking and birdwatching to kayaking and photography. Breathtaking lookouts such as West Head provide panoramic views over Pittwater and Broken Bay, while scenic trails like the Bairne Track lead visitors through heathlands rich with wildlife. The park's accessibility from Sydney enhances its appeal, inviting visitors to explore its natural and historical treasures.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

West Head LookoutAboriginal Rock EngravingsBobbin Head Picnic AreaAmerica Bay Track
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Park fees apply at some entry points; passes can be purchased online or onsite.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

The Basin Campground

Accessible by boat or via a walk from West Head Road, offering tent camping with amenities.

Bobbin Head Campground

Located near the picnic area, ideal for a rustic camping experience close to trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cottage Point, New South Wales
1.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cottage Point, New South Wales

Cottage Point offers a peaceful escape on Sydney’s northern waterways with kayaking, hiking, and fishing tucked into lush bushland. Ideal for quiet paddles along the Hawkesbury River and scenic trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Spring through Early Autumn
Explore Town
Morning Bay, New South Wales
2.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morning Bay, New South Wales

Morning Bay is a tranquil waterside village in New South Wales where kayaking, hiking, fishing, and camping come together for a peaceful bushland getaway just north of Sydney.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Bayview, New South Wales
3.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bayview, New South Wales

Bayview, NSW offers a peaceful waterfront escape with kayaking, hiking, and fishing amid picturesque Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking calm nature near Sydney.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Ingleside, New South Wales
4.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ingleside, New South Wales

Ingleside is a peaceful suburb near Sydney's Northern Beaches that offers outdoor lovers easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and paddling amidst bushland and coastal reserves. It's a great base for exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and nearby waterways.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Mona Vale, New South Wales
5.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mona Vale, New South Wales

Mona Vale offers a mix of surf, sand, and scenic hikes along New South Wales’ Northern Beaches. From riding waves to trail adventures and peaceful estuary paddles, it’s a coastal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Warriewood, New South Wales
5.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Warriewood, New South Wales

Warriewood is a laid-back coastal town in New South Wales featuring scenic beach walks, surfing, and tranquil wetlands. Ideal for paddling, bird watching, and picnicking, it offers easy access to nature just north of Sydney.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Five Bays, One Descent: Parking at Cottage Point for Kiosk Guests
ADVEXPEDITION
Cottage Point, New South Wales
FishingADV Bookable

Five Bays, One Descent: Parking at Cottage Point for Kiosk Guests

Allocated, level off-street parking at 1 Notting Lane is reserved for Cottage Point Kiosk customers with confirmed bookings; this guide explains access, booking rules, and the 90-step descent to the waterfront.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Day in Pittwater: The 24‑Hour Palm Beach Hopper Pass
ADVEXPEDITION
Palm Beach, New South Wales
Boat TourADV Bookable

A Day in Pittwater: The 24‑Hour Palm Beach Hopper Pass

A 24‑hour hop‑on, hop‑off pass that lets you cruise Fantasea Cruising’s Pittwater route, visiting eight coastal landings including Palm Beach and Ettalong Beach and taking in views of Barrenjoey Headland.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip