Hike at a Glance
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Hike overview
A great walk through iconic Australian bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, America Bay walking track is a lovely spot for a remote picnic and you won't believe you're only an hour from Sydney city. The track follows a sandstone ridgeline from West Head Road down to America Bay, near the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.
Not far from the beginning of this moderate track, a short detour reveals some fascinating Aboriginal rock engravings on a sandstone shelf. Back on the main track, you'll descend gradually though woodlands of scribbly gum and bloodwood to a tinkering creek. Follow the stream to a rock platform overlooking scenic America Bay with views across Cowan Water. Here, a small picturesque waterfall cascades over the escarpment. Roll out the picnic blanket in your own private bushland setting.
Take a virtual tour of America Bay walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
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Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
America Bay walking track is in the West Head and Basin precincts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, follow West Head Road off McCarrs Creek Road. Parking Parking is available at along West Head Road.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Akuna Bay, Bayview, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Bobbin Head, Church Point, Davidson, Elanora Heights, Frenchs Forest, Gordon, Hornsby, Ingleside, Manly, Mona Vale, Mosman, Mount Colah, Newport, North Narrabeen, North Sydney, North Turramurra, Pittwater, Pymble, St Ives, Terrey Hills, Wahroonga, Warrimoo, Warringah
About the region
Located in Sydney's north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for school excursions. Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.
Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a recreational favourite for locals and visitors alike. This large park, in Sydney's north, lets you feel at one with nature without leaving the Sydney metropolitan area. A heritage-listed park, it combines important history with scenic beauty.
Winding creeks and stretches of ocean meet rainforest and eucalypts, rocky cliffs and mangroves. Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts and significant Aboriginal sites. You'll still have plenty of time to discover its marinas, cafes, kiosks and well-equipped picnic areas."
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.





