Trail Fast Facts
Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks to Stepping Stones Crossing is a 3.6km, grade 4 hike in Garigal National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Leave suburbia behind as you follow Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks to Stepping Stones Crossing. Starting in St Ives on Sydney's upper north shore, this short walk comprises two adjoining tracks leading to Middle Harbour Creek.
Following Pipeline trail for about 300m before turning left onto Bungaroo track. Immerse yourself in bush and valley vistas from the lookout before descending steeply between the rocky outcrops, passing banksias, grevilleas and wildflowers in the spring. You'll arrive at the large sandstone steps of Middle Harbour Creek's Stepping Stones where Governor Arthur Phillip camped on his historic first expedition in 1788.
If you feel like pressing on - and it's safe to do so - cross the stepping stones to join another great Sydney walk. From there you can turn right to take the Governor Phillip walk to Davidson Park, or left to join the Middle Harbour track to the Cascades.
Tips
Some tracks in Garigal National Park are used for large events. Check the website for any proposed events that may impact your enjoyment of this walking track.
It's a good idea to put on insect repellent before you set out
Check the weather before you set out as the access trails and the track can become slippery and boggy when it rains.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
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.
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 Hunter Avenue, St Ives. Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks to Stepping Stones Crossing route is in the western part of Garigal National Park, to get there:From St Ives shopping village, head east on Mona Vale Road then turn right onto Link RoadAt the roundabout, take the second exit to Horace Street.Continue to the next roundabout, then take the first exit onto Hunter Avenue.You'll find the Pipeline trackhead on the right hand side Park entry points Hunter Avenue, St Ives See on map Parking On-street parking is available nearby on Hunter Avenue, St Ives.
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 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
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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.