Revive your senses along Cascades trail, a beautiful medium-difficulty fire trail shared by walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers in picturesque Garigal National Park.
Whether you start your walk or ride at St Ives or Davidson, you'll see native Australian trees such as Sydney red gums, Red Bloodwoods and Scribbly Gums. As you wind your way down to the creek, larger trees soon make way for species of banksia, dwarf apple and the narrow-leafed apple, while wattles, pea, boronia and wax flowers pepper the undergrowth.
The trail gets its name from a series of beautiful little waterfalls, rock platforms and rockpools at the junction of Middle Harbour creek and French's creek, a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a picnic before your return walk or ride. Staying on Cascades trail, you'll leave the valley travelling up the sometimes steep trail to exit onto Stone Parade.
If you want to extend your walk or ride to a day loop, Cascades trail also links to the Lower Cambourne and Heath and Bare Creek trails.
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.
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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.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Garigal National Park.
To Douglas Street, St Ives. Cascades trail is accessed via Douglas Street, St Ives near Acron Oval. To get there:Exit Mona Vale Road onto Douglas Street, St IvesFollow Douglas Street until you reach Gwyn Close. The walk starts at the ovalCascades trail can also be accessed via Stone Parade, Davidson. To get there:Take Forest Way north from Frenchs Forest and turn left onto Adams StreetContinue onto Blackbutts Road, then turn right into Kambora AvenueTurn right into Borgnis Street and take the immediate left into Stone ParadeThe track starts about 100m before Barney Place Park entry points Douglas Street, St Ives See on map Stone Parade, Davidson See on map Parking Parking is available on Douglas Street and Stone Parade, a short walk from the Cascades trail.
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: Allambie Heights, Belrose, Davidson, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Lindfield, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, North Manly, North Turramurra, Northbridge, Round Corner, St Ives, Terrey Hills, The Entrance, Wahroonga, West Pymble
About the region
The Garigal National Park is a protected national park that is located within the North Shore and Forest District regions of Sydney, New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 2,202-hectare national park is situated approximately 20 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Garigal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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