The Basin track and Mackerel track
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Overview
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.
- Where
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Distance
- 9.6km return
- Time suggested
- 2 - 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, drinking water, hat
- Please note
- The Basin track is 6.4km return, and Mackerel track is 3.2km return
- Mackerel Beach can’t be accessed by the walking track, only by ferry or private vessel
Walking the scenic Basin track and Mackerel track is an excellent way of exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
You can start both these tracks from West Head road, 8.5km from the Liberator General San Martin Drive junction. Head along the ridge top and stop to explore the Basin Aboriginal Art site. From here, follow signs to The Basin campground, and enjoy glimpses of Pittwater through the trees before descending to the campground. Spend as much time as you like in this popular area, where you can take a refreshing swim, play games on the grass clearing and enjoy the facilities. When you’re ready, you simply walk back to West Head Road via the Basin trail, or alternatively you can catch a Palm Beach Ferry and enjoy some of the beaches of Pittwater.
To explore the Mackerel track take the left hand turn after the Basin Aboriginal Art site. Head out to the point to enjoy the impressive views across Pittwater, and look down upon Mackerel Beach to the north and Currawong to the south. To return, follow the Mackerel track back to West Head road.
You’ll see more of the park’s stunning scenery on the way, including heathlands, grassy woodlands and dry eucalypt forests.
Take a virtual tour of The Basin track and Mackerel track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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Operated by
- Forestville Office
- Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
- 02 9451 3479
- npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Garigal National Park, End of 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 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. Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). There is no daily entry fee for teachers/educational supervisors (1 adult per 10 children).
Buy an annual pass.-
- Bobbin Head Information Centre
02 9472 8949
Contact hours: 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day. - Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah NSW 2080
- Email: bobbin.head@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Bobbin Head Information Centre
What's nearby:
Things to do (42)
- Aboriginal culture (8)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (10)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Canoeing/paddling (4)
- Cultural heritage (1)
- Cycling (7)
- Educational activities (1)
- Fishing (4)
- Geotourism (1)
- Historic heritage (9)
- Horse riding (1)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (2)
- Sightseeing (28)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (4)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (24)
- Waterfalls (1)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (6)