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Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

11km one-way

Time

4hrs 30min - 5hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is in the northern precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:

    From Sydney or Newcastle

    • Follow the Pacific Highway to Cowan Train Station
    • The walk begins just north of the station heading east across the F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway

    Alternatively, if beginning from Brooklyn:

    From Sydney or Newcastle

    • Follow the F3 Sydney to Newcastle Freeway
    • Take the Mooney Mooney/Brooklyn exit
    • Follow the Pacific Highway south across the Hawkesbury River
    • Turn left into Brooklyn Road and continue to Hawkesbury River Train Station
    • The walk begins a short walk away at the end of William Street

    Alternatively, if taking public transport:

    • The track is a short walk from either Cowan Train Station or Hawkesbury River Train Station

    Check out the Transport Info website for more information.

    Parking

    Parking is available at Cowan Train Station, Hawkesbury River Train Station, Brooklyn or William Street, Brooklyn.

    Best times to visit

    Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.

    Spring

    If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.

    Summer

    Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.

    Winter

    Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    17°C and 31°C

    Highest recorded

    43.1°C (1994)

    Winter temperature

    Average

    5°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    -3.5°C (1986

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    February and March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    253mm

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Toilets are located at Cowan Train Station and Brooklyn village

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    If you’re bushwalking in this park it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Please note that spear guns and hand spears are not permitted in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They may not be carried through the park and must not be used within 100m of a beach in the national park.

    Prohibited

    Gathering firewood

    Gathering firewood and the use of heat beads is not permitted.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

    Operated by

    • Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
    • 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
    • 02 9472 8949
    • 688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079

    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

    Visitor centre