The Basin track and Mackerel track is a 9.6km, grade 3 hike located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 3.5 hrs to complete.

Length: 9.6km

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Grade: 3

Style: Return

Start: W Head Rd

End: W Head Rd

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Closest town: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase

New South Wales

From state capital: 46.4km

Longitude: 151.2821812

Latitude: -33.59033667

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Hike overview

Walking the scenic Basin track and Mackerel track is an excellent way of exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
You can start both these tracks from West Head road, 8.5km from the Liberator General San Martin Drive junction. Head along the ridge top and stop to explore the Basin Aboriginal Art site. From here, follow signs to The Basin campground, and enjoy glimpses of Pittwater through the trees before descending to the campground. Spend as much time as you like in this popular area, where you can take a refreshing swim, play games on the grass clearing and enjoy the facilities. When you're ready, you simply walk back to West Head Road via the Basin trail, or alternatively you can catch a Palm Beach Ferry and enjoy some of the beaches of Pittwater.
To explore the Mackerel track take the left hand turn after the Basin Aboriginal Art site. Head out to the point to enjoy the impressive views across Pittwater, and look down upon Mackerel Beach to the north and Currawong to the south. To return, follow the Mackerel track back to West Head road.
You'll see more of the park's stunning scenery on the way, including heathlands, grassy woodlands and dry eucalypt forests.
Take a virtual tour of The Basin track and Mackerel track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Route and GPX file

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Tips

The Basin track is 6.4km return, and Mackerel track is 3.2km return
Mackerel Beach can't be accessed by the walking track, only by ferry or private vessel

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.

Trail location

Getting there

On entering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, head down West Head Road, 8.5km from the Liberator General San Martin Drive junction. Parking Parking is available at the Basin Trail track head as well as at the Resolute and West Head picnic areas. However, the parking at West Head or Resolute picnic areas involves a 2-3km walk along the road edge to the Basin track and is not recommended during busy traffic periods.

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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."

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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.

Hike overview

Route and GPX file

Tips

Trail location

Getting there

Gallery

About the region

Suggest an edit

Reviews

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Similar trails

Gear to consider

Let someone know

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Tips and advice

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The Basin track and Mackerel track (9.6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

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