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
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area37,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse 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 Lookout✦ Aboriginal Rock Engravings✦ Bobbin Head Picnic Area✦ America Bay Track
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Bobbin Head Campground

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

Reserve on Recreation.gov
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.

Single Kayak - Sit In
ADVEXPEDITION
Cottage Point, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Single Kayak - Sit In

Set out on a two-hour kayak journey at Cottage Point, where calm waters, rocky outcrops, and marine life await. This adventure is perfect for paddlers ready to challenge themselves and enjoy pristine nature.

Water ActivitiesSingle Kayaks Sit In - Ages 16+ • Great for someone who has previous experience!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
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
Pittwater Lunch Paddle with Waterfall bush walk
ADVEXPEDITION
Church Point, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Pittwater Lunch Paddle with Waterfall bush walk

Journey through Pittwater's calm bays and lush bushland on a kayaking adventure with a waterfall hike—and enjoy a gourmet picnic amidst stunning scenery.

Water ActivitiesFor Ages 8+ • 4 Hours • Great for Groups and Couples • Sydney's Best Scenery!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Aqua Pad Floating Mat
ADVEXPEDITION
Bayview, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Aqua Pad Floating Mat

Kick off your water adventure on Pittwater with the Aqua Pad Floating Mat. Perfect for all ages, it promises a day of bouncing, lounging, and making memories on the water.

Water ActivitiesFor ages 12+ • Full day hire based on 11 hours • Experience beautiful Pittwater!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Single Kayak - Sit in
ADVEXPEDITION
Bayview, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Single Kayak - Sit in

Set out on a memorable kayaking journey across Pittwater’s tranquil waters with Pittwater Paddlecraft. Ideal for all ages, this adventure blends natural beauty with expert guidance for a safe, fun-filled day on the water.

Water ActivitiesFor ages 12+ • 2, 3, 4 hires & Full day hires • Experience beautiful Pittwater!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Paddling Pittwater: Single Sit‑On‑Top Kayaks from Bayview
ADVEXPEDITION
Bayview, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Paddling Pittwater: Single Sit‑On‑Top Kayaks from Bayview

A practical guide to single sit‑on‑top kayak hires on Pittwater—stable, entry‑level craft with paddles, life jackets and a map provided, suitable for beginner paddlers aged 6 and up.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sit‑in Double Kayak: Paddle Deeper into Pittwater’s Quiet Inlets
ADVEXPEDITION
Bayview, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Sit‑in Double Kayak: Paddle Deeper into Pittwater’s Quiet Inlets

Two‑person sit‑in kayak hires (2, 3, 4‑hour and full‑day) from Pittwater Paddlecraft Kayaks for paddlers who want to explore further into Pittwater; this guide explains what’s provided, what to bring, and the safety basics.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip