Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a 9.6km, Grade 3 moderate hike through the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on the Basin and Mackerel tracks. Starting from West Head road, you'll explore the region's Aboriginal Art site, enjoy glimpses of Pittwater, and rest at The Basin campground. The journey offers an array of scenic views featuring heathlands, grassy woodlands, and dry eucalypt forests. This enchanting walk in the Australian bushland is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

9.6km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

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: 46.4km

Latitude: -33.59033667

Longitude: 151.2821812

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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.

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.

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Walk map and GPX file
The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (9.6km)

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Getting there

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

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.

Get there with Google Maps

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

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 walks nearby

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

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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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The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (9.6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

The basin track & mackerel track (9. 6km)

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

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
The Basin Track & Mackerel Track (9.6km)