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Aboriginal Heritage walk

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Take the fascinating Aboriginal Heritage walk highlighting rock art and engravings of the Aboriginal people of West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Distance
4.4km loop
Time suggested
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 4
Trip Intention Form

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Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • The Aboriginal rock art and engravings along this walk are of great cultural and historical significance and are very delicate. Please don’t touch or interfere with the artworks.
  • You can do an easy 1km return walk to Red Hands Cave and the rock engravings
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch

For a great experience that highlights the best of the Aboriginal art in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, step out on Aboriginal Heritage walk. Combining Resolute and West Head walking tracks, you’ll encounter historic rock engravings and art of the traditional owners of this land.

Within a 10-minute walk along the track, you’ll come across the best-known site in the park, Red Hands Cave. It’s not known how old some of this art is, but either way, you’re bound to be in awe of this ancient Aborginal art. Nearby, as you continue on the track, there are impressive rock engravings, and further down the hill you’ll discover an historic occupation shelter. During the colder months, families would light a fire inside, warming the stones and themselves.

The people of West Head were virtually decimated by an outbreak of smallpox within a year of the arrival of the First Fleet. Pause for a moment in this beautiful bushland, to reflect and pay your respects. Continue around the loop track to the impressive views from West Head lookout before heading back to Resolute picnic area for lunch.

Take a virtual tour of Aboriginal Heritage walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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