Duckholes picnic area
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Overview
Duckholes picnic area and Lower Gledhills Falls are located off West Head Road in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. For safety, climbing and abseiling are prohibited here.
Duckholes picnic area is a small picnic area set in the bush with picnic tables. It’s located near the corner of West Head Road and McCarrs Creek Road and limited parking is available. There are no toilet facilities.
For your safety, climbing and abseiling at Lower Gledhills Falls is prohibited. People have died and been injured here while climbing and the bolts are not maintained. Don’t risk your life.
Swimming is not recommended here, particularly after rain. There is no lifeguard service and access for emergency services is difficult. Mobile phone service is limited here. You may not be able to call for help if you need it.
If you want to cool off with a paddle on a hot day please continue on to McCarrs Creek Boat Ramp or Church Point. The safest place to swim is always between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach.
These maps give a basic overview of park attractions and facilities, and may not be detailed enough for some activities. We recommend that you buy a topographic map before you go exploring.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Forestville Office
- Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
- 02 9451 3479
- npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 82 Ferguson Street, Forestville NSW 2087
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.
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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
What's nearby:
Things to do (76)
- Aboriginal culture (14)
- Beach (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (11)
- Cafes and kiosks (3)
- Canoeing/paddling (6)
- Cultural heritage (4)
- Cycling (6)
- Environmental appreciation/study (4)
- Fishing (6)
- Historic heritage (12)
- Horse riding (3)
- Other experiences (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (11)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (8)
- Sightseeing (19)
- Swimming (3)
- Visitor centres (2)
- Walking (48)
- Waterfalls (5)
- Waterhole (2)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (9)