Elvina trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Open, check current alerts 

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.

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

  • The view from West Head lookout, looking east to Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Head. Credit: Drew Elliot © DCCEEW

    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.

Map


Map


Map legend

Map legend

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/walking-tracks/elvina-trail/local-alerts

General enquiries

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 Elvina trail.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

6km return

Time

1 - 2hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track

Getting there and parking

Elvina trail is in the West Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:

  • Turn on to West Head Road from Mccarrs Creek Road.
  • Follow West Head Road for approximately 2.8km.
  • The small car park at the Elvina trackhead will be on your right.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at the small carpark at the start of the trail on West Head Road. It can be a busy place on the weekends and public holidays, so parking may be limited.

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.

Facilities

There are no bins so you'll need to take all rubbish away with you.

Carpark

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.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

Waterfall safety

Waterfalls are beautiful destinations but please be safe when visiting these natural wonders. Read these waterfall safety tips before exploring waterfalls on your next walk.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Permitted

Cycling

Mountain biking and cycling is permitted on this trail.

Prohibited

  • It's illegal to pick flowers, take vegetation or remove bush rock from NSW national parks.
  • Motorbikes and trail bikes are not permitted on this trail.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

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

Elvina trail 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.
Show more

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)