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Centre trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Overview

Centre trail is an easy mountain bike ride that takes in scenic views, wildflowers and Aboriginal rock engravings in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Terrey Hills.

Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Distance
3.5km one-way
Time suggested
1hr
Grade
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note

Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Illawong Bay on Liberator General San Martin Drive.

A rewarding ride through heathland leading to a fascinating site of Aboriginal heritage, Centre trail traverses along a ridge off McCarrs Creek Road near Terrey Hills, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Explore the trail in spring and you’ll be wowed by the dazzling display of wildflowers such as the red boronia and fuchsia heath. Their floral aroma mingles with the scent of eucalypt to create a heady perfume. As you ride along the ridge line, be sure to take in the scenic views over several waterways, including Coal and Candle Creek and Akuna Bay.

Climbing a small knoll, you’ll find a rock escarpment and tessellated pavements revealing faint engravings of footprints etched into the sandstone. As you ponder their significance, whisper an acknowledgement to the Aboriginal people of this country, before retracing your steps.

Take a virtual tour of Centre trail captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

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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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