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Basin Aboriginal art site

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Basin Aboriginal art site in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers picnicking and walking. The fascinating rock engravings at the site are part of the significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in this area.

Type
Aboriginal sites
Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Hard
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • To preserve the art for future generations, please do not touch Aboriginal sites.
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
  • If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

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.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Two people walking on the Basin and Mackerel track. Photo: Andy Richards

    The Basin track and Mackerel track

    The Basin track and Mackerel track offer stunning ocean views, as well as one of Sydney's best Aboriginal Art sites. You can also enjoy a picnic and swim, or catch a ferry to other scenic spots on Pittwater.

  • Children looking for soldier crabs on the sand at The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan © OEH

    The Basin picnic area

    For a great family day out, try The Basin picnic area, offering swimming, walking and barbecue facilities on Pittwater, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

 

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

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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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