Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Garigal National Park on a challenging 5.5km return hike, starting and ending at Seaforth Oval, New South Wales. This Grade 4 trail promises an enjoyable adventure with steep climbs, rock scrambling and stunning views across Middle Harbour from the Bluff Lookout. Traverse the Timbergetters Track, delight in waterfront picnics at Bantry Bay and navigate through lush bush, muddy stretches and rocky terrains. For added excitement and a touch more distance, consider a circuit return via Gahnia and Engravings Tracks.

Length:

5.5km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 118m

Min elevation: 16m

Total Ascent: 324m

Start: Seaforth Oval

End: Seaforth Oval

Garigal National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Seaforth

From state capital: 14.3km

Latitude: -33.78196081

Longitude: 151.2371733784676

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Hike overview

This great return walk starts from Seaforth oval and follows the Timbergetters Track down to Bantry Bay and the pleasant waterfront picnic area. The walk then climbs steadily out of the valley to the Bluff Lookout. From this lookout you can see all the way across Middle Harbour.

The climb to the Bluff Lookout is steep and involves some rock scrambling but the views at the top are well worth the effort. This is an excellent trail through Garigal National Park in Northern Sydney, New South Wales.

Timbergetters Track features a considerable number of stairs and a few muddy stretches, but it offers a delightful stroll through the lush bush. On the other hand, The Bay Track is notably muddy, with rocky sections interspersed throughout, yet it also boasts some picturesque areas.

For a slightly longer hike, and change of scenery, you can also create a circuit by returning to the trail head via Gahnia and Engravings Tracks. This variation adds approximately 500m to the overall length.

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
Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout Walk (5.5km)

Total distance: 5659 m
Max elevation: 118 m
Min elevation: 16 m
Total climbing: 324 m
Total descent: -324 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Garigal National Park.

This walk starts at Seaforth Oval, Wakehurst Parkway, Seaforth. To get there, make your way to Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest. At Blackpitt Reserve head south into Wakehurst Parkway. Turn right into Seaforth Oval (opposite Burnt Street).

It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited. Parking is available at Seaforth Oval, Wakehurst Parkway, Seaforth, and on Gratton Crescent if you start the walk at Forestville.

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

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Explore the scenery of Garigal National Park by bike, horse or canoe. It's so close to Sydney making it perfect for a school excursion, and the opportunities for fishing, picnicking and bushwalking are limitless.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Garigal National Park. Just a short drive from Sydney's CBD, its impressive sandstone country offers great water and bush views, waterfalls and several significant Aboriginal sites and historic places. It's the ideal escape for a daytrip or picnic.

Garigal is home to a remarkable array of animals and plants, including the threatened southern brown bandicoot and protects thousands of years of heritage. You can retrace Governor Phillip's steps along the heritage walk to Bungaroo, where he camped for two nights on his first expedition in 1788.

Discover Garigal on foot along the extensive walking track system or ride your mountain bike on one of the challenging fire trails. The park is also great for boating, canoeing and fishing along tranquil Middle Harbour Creek.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Allambie Heights, Belrose, Davidson, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Lindfield, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, North Manly, North Turramurra, Northbridge, Round Corner, St Ives, Terrey Hills, The Entrance, Wahroonga, West Pymble

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Garigal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout Walk (5.5km)

4 Reviews on “Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout Walk (5.5km)”

Overall rating

Trail Hiking Australia

Mud, mud, muddy then a some rock scrambling. What fun.

16/10/2023, 17:46

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Acknowledgement of Country

Seaforth oval to the bluff lookout walk (5. 5km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout Walk (5.5km)