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Flint and Steel track

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Overview

Flint and Steel track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a family-friendly walk from West Head Road down to Flint and Steel Beach. Popular with all ages, it's great for a relaxing day trip.

Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
2km return
Time suggested
45min - 1hr 15min
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

The gates to West Head are closed to vehicles from 6pm to 6am, except during daylight savings months when the gates are closed from 8.30pm to 6am.

What to
bring
Drinking water, sturdy shoes, hat, suitable clothing, sunscreen
Please note
  • There's no drinking water available on Flint and Steel track so make sure to bring your own.
  • Toilets and picnic facilities are available at Resolute picnic area.
  • If you're planning to swim at Flint and Steel Bay, make sure to supervise kids as the beach is exposed to swell from Broken Bay.

Starting from Flint and Steel carpark on West Head Road, this 2km return walk winds its way downhill to Flint and Steel Beach.

Though it's a short walk, Flint and Steel track passes through an impressive range of vegetation types. You'll begin in ironbark forest with stands of grass trees and eucalypts, move on to heath and she-oaks, and then enter a grove of beautiful cabbage tree palms, before dropping steeply downhill into Flint and Steel Beach.

As a satisfying reward for your efforts you can relax, go for a swim and maybe indulge in a spot of fishing. Or just soak up the local ambience and enjoy the salty air. You may even see a white-bellied sea eagle down near the water.

As you make your way back up the trail, be sure to check out any of the impressive views you may have missed on your way down. The north-west view to Lion Island and Broken Bay are particularly spectacular.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Resolute picnic area. Photo: Andy Richards

    Resolute picnic area

    Resolute picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is ideal for barbecues in the bush and is positioned near ancient Aboriginal rock art and buswalking tracks.

  • West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/NSW Government

    West Head lookout

    Enjoy incredible views from West Head lookout, regarded as one of Sydney's best in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photograph Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head, or take a short walk from here.

  • NPWS rangers on West Head army track steps. Photo: Lee de Gail

    West Head army track

    Follow in the footsteps of World War II soldiers as you climb down the challenging West Head army track to a historic army battery. From here, Sydney’s Broken Bay was protected from possible invasion.

 

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Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

 

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