d'Albora Akuna Bay

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Overview

Escape to d'Albora Akuna Bay in the Cowan/Hawkesbury River system. Just an hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD and minutes from Mona Vale, choose from plenty of fishing, barbecue and picnic spots in this picturesque setting.

Where
350 General San Martin Drive, Ku-ring-gai Chase, NSW, 2084 - in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

Visit the d’Albora Akuna Bay website

Bookings

Phone 1800 32 52 672, email or visit the d'Albora Akuna Bay website

Please note

Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

Nestled in the heart of Ku-ring-gai National Park, d'Albora Akuna Bay is where the spectacular cruising grounds of the Hawkesbury and Cowan river systems combine. This makes it a perfect base for delving into the natural beauty of the area around Coal and Candle Creek.

You can hire a boat here, berth your own at the public boat ramp, or cast off in a kayak or standup paddle boardfor something a bit more adventurous. Enjoy 24/7 fuel, dockmaster assistance, new and used boat sales, full service boatyard and swing moorings at d’Albora Akuna Bay.

Indulge in a meal or grab a drink in the tranquil setting at Shed, our relaxed bar and eatery offering a contemporary dining experience with an Italian twist. Above Shed sits our new addition, San Martin, a premium waterfront function centre for up to 200 guests.

Akuna Bay also features great facilities for a pre-departure picnic, with a public barbecue and ample tables for everyone. There are also some great dining options there. Alternatively, you can enjoy some light refreshments at the d'Albora Marinas Akuna Bay general store.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/boating-facilities/dalbora-akuna-bay/local-alerts

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • 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.
    • Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.
  • 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).

    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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about d'Albora Akuna Bay.

Getting there and parking

d'Albora Akuna Bay is in the Akuna Bay precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:

  • Follow McCarrs Creek Road and turn onto Liberator General San Martin Drive
  • Akuna Bay is part way along scenic Coal and Candle Creek.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Akuna Bay along General San Martin Drive as well as in a carpark opposite the marina.

The parking includes 5 accessible parking spaces on the marina side of General San Martin Drive.

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

Boat moorings

  • NSW National Parks provides free, courtesy moorings available to all recreational boat users on Cowan Waters in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
  • Domestic Commercial Vessels may use courtesy moorings with NPWS consent.
  • Vessels must not be left unattended on a courtesy mooring.
  • Only one vessel can be attached to each mooring at a time, for a maximum of 24 hours. Attaching other vessels to the moored vessel is not allowed.
  • Vessels cannot exceed 14 metres in length. 
  • There's no need to book, just moor your boat at any of the available yellow buoys marked with a NSW National Parks logo.
  • There are 54 moorings in 17 locations and the NPWS mooring locations are shown as a black number inside a yellow circle on this map provided by Department of Roads and Maritime Safety.
  • Amenities

    Toilets

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    Boat ramp

    Carpark

    Drinking water

    Public phone

    Step-free access

    There's step-free access from the carpark to the marina along concrete pathways, a wooden ramp and wood decking.

    • Step-free outdoor pathways

    Seats and resting points

    There are 2 timber benches with backrests and armrests on the pathway that leads to the marina from General San Martin Drive.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Boating safety

    If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    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).

    Paddling safety

    To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

    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.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - easy

    • There's step-free access from the parking to the marina and cafe along concrete pathways, a wooden ramp and wood decking.
    • The public toilets at the marina are not accessible or ambulant. However, there is a locked accessible and ambulant toilet, shower and change facility for parents and carers which is reserved for marina and cafe guests. A key can be obtained from the cafe or marina office.
    • Cafe and marina staff can assist with charging locations for power wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
    • There are 5 accessible parking spaces on the marina side of Grand San Martin Drive.
    • There are 2 benches with backrests and armrests where you can rest.

    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.

    Visitor centre

    Learn more

    d'Albora Akuna Bay is in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A great location to run, row or ride

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

    Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is situated within the Sydney Metropolitan Area, 20km north of the Sydney CBD. The park runs from St Ives to the shores of the Hawkesbury River at Brooklyn. The 14,882ha park also includes the stunning Barrenjoey Head, 1km across Pittwater at Palm Beach. Multiple entry points offer easy access – one of the many reasons this park is so popular with locals. With everything from jogging tracks to picnic areas and great places to whalewatch, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is excellent for outdoor activity.

    • Akuna Bay Boating enthusiasts love Akuna Bay. Use the public barbecue and enjoy a picnic at Akuna Bay Marina. It's the ideal spot to recharge after you've been out sailing.
    • Bobbin Head Visit Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and enjoy a barbecue or a spot of fishing for a great daytrip from Sydney.
    • Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Hawkesbury farm-to-plate oyster tasting tours If you’re a seafood lover, venture out onto the Hawkesbury’s sparkling waters with Sydney Oyster Tours. You’ll taste delicious seafood and learn all about oyster cultivation.
    • Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.
    • Kalkari discovery trail Kalkari discovery trail is a short, easy walking track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s a great introduction to the park’s amazing views, wildlife, and native plants.
    • Ku-ring-gai Chase electric hydrofoil experience Fly across water on this exhilarating electric hydrofoil experience in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Enjoy stunning views and learn new skills with Fliteschool Manly.
    • Ku-ring-gai corporate leadership experiences Unlock your team's leadership skills, increase wellbeing and reconnect with nature with Gone Bush Adventures. Your guides will take you on a tour in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park that’s tailor-made to suit your team's requirements.
    • Northern Beaches half-day birding tour Embark on a birding adventure in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with Aussie Bird Tours. You’ll visit lagoons, wetlands and waterfalls to observe a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
    Show more

    A rich Aboriginal heritage

    Aboriginal engravings in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    The park showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area. More than 350 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They include rock engravings, burial sites, axe grinding grooves and places that show evidence of Aboriginal occupation. For many visitors, these sites and other relics are the most visible reminders of the area's rich, living Aboriginal culture.

    • Aboriginal cultural tours at The Basin Join Guringai Tours for a fascinating day of short walks with Traditional Custodians in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It a great way to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture near Sydney.
    • Aboriginal Heritage walk 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.
    • Connect to Country in Ku-ring-gai National Park Connect with nature and learn about local Aboriginal culture on an unforgettable guided tour with Natcha Tong Nong Ga in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Connecting to Country at Bobbin Head Click each point on the map to watch our video series. These stories share our Aboriginal cultural heritage and the importance of protecting the natural environment in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Ku-ring-gai Chase guided bushwalks Explore the highlights of beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with the friendly guides of Go Beyond Tours. See wildlife and stunning scenery and discover Aboriginal heritage on this day tour near Sydney.
    • Sydney coastal gems multi-day tour Join Walkabout Gourmet Adventures on an unforgettable multi-day tour combining nature, culture and gastronomy. You’ll explore three of Sydney’s iconic parks.
    • 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.
    Show more

    Brilliant for birdwatchers

    Wildflowers in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the park so bring those binoculars to see wood ducks, crimson rosellas, wedge-tailed eagles and pelicans. The Basin campground is home to some confident kookaburras, so keep a tight hold on your lunch.

    • Explore Pittwater guided tour Explore the magic of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from the land and on the water when you join Pittwater Eco Adventures on this incredible tour.
    • Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 1 Join us on the first stage of the 5 Hawkesbury to harbour guided walks. Starting from Berowra railway station we'll journey 14km through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park before ending at Mount Colah station.
    • Junior ranger: Bobbin Head Join this junior ranger tour at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Hornsby, these school holidays, and learn what it's like to be a NSW National Parks ranger. For kids aged 6 to 12 years.
    • Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.
    • Sydney coastal gems multi-day tour Join Walkabout Gourmet Adventures on an unforgettable multi-day tour combining nature, culture and gastronomy. You’ll explore three of Sydney’s iconic parks.
    • Sydney native habitats in 360 Explore our 360-degree interactive images to discover national park habitats in and around Sydney's urban fringe, and the protected plants and animals that live here.
    • Waratah walking track The long, yet gentle, Waratah walking track takes in wildflowers and scenic water views over Akuna and Yeomens Bay in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
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    Wonderful waterways

    Views from Barrenjoey headland, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Protecting a major part of northern Sydney’s waterways, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the ideal place to make a splash. The park includes much of the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Cowan Water, plus numerous creeks and coves. You’ll find good facilities at Empire Marina, amazing sea views at Barrenjoey Head and several good spots for a waterfront picnic.

    • Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Elvina trail Elvina trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a pleasant walk from West Head Road down to Elvina Bay, with expansive views along the way.
    • Explore Pittwater guided tour Explore the magic of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from the land and on the water when you join Pittwater Eco Adventures on this incredible tour.
    • Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 1 Join us on the first stage of the 5 Hawkesbury to harbour guided walks. Starting from Berowra railway station we'll journey 14km through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park before ending at Mount Colah station.
    • Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.
    • Ku-ring-gai corporate leadership experiences Unlock your team's leadership skills, increase wellbeing and reconnect with nature with Gone Bush Adventures. Your guides will take you on a tour in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park that’s tailor-made to suit your team's requirements.
    • Morning guided kayak tours of Pittwater Soak up the stunning natural beauty of Pittwater estuary on a guided outing with Pittwater Kayak Tours. After paddling, enjoy a swim and short bushwalk in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
    • Sydney coastal gems multi-day tour Join Walkabout Gourmet Adventures on an unforgettable multi-day tour combining nature, culture and gastronomy. You’ll explore three of Sydney’s iconic parks.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    Show more

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Long-nosed bandicoot, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Narelle King

      Long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)

      A nocturnal marsupial and one of the smaller Australian native animals, the long-nosed bandicoot is found across eastern Australia. Populations in the Sydney region have dwindled since European settlement, leaving only endangered colonies in inner western Sydney and at North Head, near Manly. The long-nosed bandicoot has grey-brown fur and a pointed snout which it uses to forage for worms and insects.

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    Plants

    • Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

      Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)

      Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

    • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

      Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

      An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

    • A red triangle slug on the trunk of a scribbly gum tree in Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold/OEH

      Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)

      Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.

    •  Grey mangrove, Towra Point Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

      Grey mangrove (Avicennia marina)

      Grey mangrove is the most common and widespread mangrove found within intertidal zones across Australia, and throughout the world. Growing to a height of 3-10m, they thrive best in estuaries with a mix of fresh and salt water. They excrete excess salt through their long thick leaves, and absorb oxygen through their aerial root system.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)