Grade 1

The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (5.9km)

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

New South Wales

5.9km

3 hrs

Grade 4

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on a challenging 5.9km circuit hike, the Basin Track and Mackerel Track. This Grade 4 trail offers a unique journey from West Head Rd to The Basin campsite, then a ferry ride to Mackerel Beach, with an optional detour to Currawong Beach. Enjoy the stunning views, picnic areas, swimming spots, and the abundant wildlife in one of NSW's most popular hiking destinations. Don't forget to download your map and tracknotes for an unforgettable bushwalk adventure.

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Hike overview


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.

Walk map and GPX file

The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (5.9km)


Explore safely


Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan


Register your plans

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists


Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there


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

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby


Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: 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

About the region


Similar walks nearby


Looking for more walks in or near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (5.9km)


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Acknowledgement of Country

The basin track & mackerel track (5. 9km) trail hiking australia

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.

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