Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rich Aboriginal heritage of Australia on the Red Hands Cave walking track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This 600m Grade 4 track leads bushwalkers from Resolute picnic area through red gum forests to a cave adorned with ochre hand-prints, showcasing the culture of the Guringai Nation. With a duration of just 30 mins, this short but rewarding hike is a must for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

Length:

600m

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: W Head Rd

End: W Head Rd

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase

From state capital: 49.1km

Latitude: -33.57913667

Longitude: 151.30094

Overview

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Hike overview

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.

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.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file

Red Hands Cave Walking Track - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Walk (600m)

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: 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

Getting to the trailhead in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

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 trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Red Hands Cave Walking Track - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Walk (600m)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Red hands cave walking track - ku-ring-gai chase walk (600m)

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Red Hands Cave Walking Track - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Walk (600m)