Trail Fast Facts
Cascades trail is a 3.2km, grade 3 hike in Garigal National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Garigal National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.