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Elvina trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Overview

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.

Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
6km return
Time suggested
1 - 2hrs
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times
The gates to West Head are closed to vehicles between 6pm – 6am, except during daylight savings months when the gates are closed between 8.30pm – 6am.
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing
Please note
  • The main trail heads gently downhill for the first kilometre, then drops steeply down to the community of Elvina Bay.
  • You'll find toilets and picnic facilities at Resolute picnic area.

Starting from Elvina carpark on West Head Road, this 6km return walk heads downhill to the coast at Elvina Bay.

Your walk starts in coastal heathland, where in the spring you can enjoy the sights and scents of wildflowers. Farther along the trail you’ll enter open forest, followed by cool littoral rainforest, before heading down into the bay and foreshore area. The descent into the bay is steep, but you’ll be rewarded with views over southern Pittwater.

At Elvina Bay, have a swim and explore the base of Elvina waterfall to the north and McCarrs Creek to the south. Then retrace your steps and head back up the trail to Elvina carpark.

As you walk you may be able to spot some of the local wildlife that calls this park home. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and lace monitors, as well as glossy black cockatoos, wattlebirds, honeyeaters, and white bellied sea eagles.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • 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.

  • Waratah track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo © Andrew Richards

    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.

  • Salvation loop, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo © Andrew Richards

    Salvation loop trail

    Salvation loop trail is an easy family-friendly nature walk through hanging swamps and heathland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near West Head.

  • Bairne track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards/NSW Government

    Bairne walking track

    Long and easy Bairne walking track takes you to 2 scenic lookouts, with stunning views over Pittwater and The Basin, 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.

General enquiries

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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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