Red Hands Cave walking track - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a 600m, grade 4 hike located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 30 mins to complete.
Hike summary
For an opportunity to see one of the most famous Aboriginal heritage sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Red Hands Cave walking track is the route you're looking for.
Head out from Resolute picnic area on this easy bush track to see rock art of the Aboriginal people of the Guringai Nation.
Arriving after a short walk through the red gums, you'll discover the cave with ochre hand-prints. Pause for a moment to reflect on the lives of the people whose palms are now immortalised. The Guringai Nation extended from Broken Bay in the north to Port Jackson in the south and as far south-west as Lane Cove River. There are six clans within the nation, and it's the Garrigal who lived at West Head.
Retrace your steps, or if you're inspired to experience more, continue on the Aboriginal Heritage walk for another 4km before returning back where you started at Resolute picnic area.
Take a virtual tour of Red Hands Cave walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Aboriginal rock art and engravings along this walk are of great cultural and historical significance and are very delicate. Please don't touch or interfere with the artworks.
Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Resolute picnic area
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.
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
Red Hands Cave walking track starts at Resolute picnic area in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai National Park. To get there:From Terrey Hills, follow McCarrs Creek Road.Turn left onto West Head Road and continue to the endResolute picnic area is on the right-hand side, just before the turn-around. Parking Parking is available at Resolute picnic area.
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, located 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."
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.