Elvina Bay Circuit

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	From the West Head Road (-33.6432913,151.2619152)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Mona Vale Road, A3, Terrey Hills. Turn on to then drive for 30 m Turn slight left onto McCarrs Creek Road and drive for another 25 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McCarrs Creek Road and drive for another 5 km Turn left onto West Head Road and drive for another 350 m Turn slight left onto West Head Road and drive for another 2.4 km Turn sharp right and drive for another 5 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Elvina Track car park (on West Head Rd, 1.3km north of General San Martin Dr), this walk follows the management trail around the 'Elvina Track' locked gate, then past the 'Elvina Track' map sign (on the left). This walk continues along the management trail tending right through the scrubby bush. About 70m after leaving the locked gate, the walk comes to an intersection with a narrow track (on your right).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the West Head Road Start (a service road).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to the Aboriginal engravings. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 190 m (from the Elvina Trail) continue straight, to head along Elvina Trail.
	After another 130 m (at the intersection of Fredricks Track & Elvina Trail) turn left, to head along Fredricks Track (a walking track).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Lovett Bay swimming hole. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1.1 km (from the Fredricks Track) continue straight, to head along Fredricks Track. After another 270 m find the "Lovetts Bay Viewpoint" (4 m on your right). Lovetts Bay Viewpoint This unfenced viewpoint offers fabulous views of much of the Pittwater and surrounding area, including Lovetts Bay to the north, Scotland Island to the east and Bayview to the south. There are significant steep drops and a large chasm at the viewpoint - care should be taken. After another 145 m find the "Fredericks Grave" (20 m on your right). Fredericks Grave Frederick's Grave is the grave site of Frederick Oliver. This grave site consists of a sandstone head stone and foot stone. The Olivers made their home in the area, cutting valuable timber and establishing an orchard. This grave of one of their children, Frederick, who was accidentally killed in 1867.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Waterfall. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 30 m (from the Wirringulla Avenue) turn right, to head along Wirringulla Avenue (a vehicle track).
	After another 370 m (at the intersection of Wirringulla Avenue & Normanhurst Street) continue straight, to head along Wirringulla Avenue. After another 25 m find the "Elvina Bay Park" (15 m on your left). Elvina Bay Park Elvina Bay Park is located on the western shores of the Pittwater, with views out to Elvina Bay and Scotland Island. A good place to stop and rest, Elvina Bay park has two park benches, grassy areas and a great rope swing. There is also a public jetty and ferry wharf. Elvina Bay has a bush fire brigade building and notably this area encountered the 1994 bush fires . (No drinking water or public toilets are available here).
	After another 315 m (at the intersection of Elvina Trail & Wirringulla Avenue) turn right, to head along Elvina Trail.
	After another 1.7 km (at the intersection of Elvina Trail & Fredricks Track) continue straight, to head along Elvina Trail.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to the Aboriginal engravings. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 130 m (from the Elvina Trail) continue straight, to head along Elvina Trail.
	Continue another 190 m to find from the West Head Road at the end.

An optional side trip to the Aboriginal engravings.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Elvina Trail Start (a walking track). After another 75 m come to "Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform". Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform On the northern end of the rock platform are rock carvings of an emu, large fish and a giant whale. Further to the south, the rock platform contains rock carvings of shields, wallabies, fish, eels, and other shapes that are not easily classified. The entire rock platform appears to have a rare erosional feature called tessellation. This occurs over many thousands of years, resulting in a rock surface that is eroding at different rates, creating divot holes and depressions.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Elvina Trail Start (a walking track).

After another 75 m come to "Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform".

Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform

On the northern end of the rock platform are rock carvings of an emu, large fish and a giant whale. Further to the south, the rock platform contains rock carvings of shields, wallabies, fish, eels, and other shapes that are not easily classified. The entire rock platform appears to have a rare erosional feature called tessellation. This occurs over many thousands of years, resulting in a rock surface that is eroding at different rates, creating divot holes and depressions.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Waterfall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Wirringulla Avenue Start heading along Wirringulla Avenue (a vehicle track). Find the Fredericks Grave at the start. Fredericks Grave Frederick's Grave is the grave site of Frederick Oliver. This grave site consists of a sandstone head stone and foot stone. The Olivers made their home in the area, cutting valuable timber and establishing an orchard. This grave of one of their children, Frederick, who was accidentally killed in 1867.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Sturdee Lane & Wirringulla Avenue) veer left, to head along Sturdee Lane. After another 490 m come to a ford. "Lovett Bay Waterfall". Lovett Bay Waterfall This waterfall is a 25m single fall waterfall, which falls onto large rocks and sand at its base. The waterfall is set in moist bush, with ferns and moss surrounding it. This waterfall is a good place to sit on a hot day. (Be careful while climbing down and up the large rocks, if accessing the base of the waterfall).
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 520 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Lovett Bay swimming hole.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Fredricks Track Start (a walking track). After another 175 m come to "Lovett Pools". Lovett Pools Lovett Pools is the informal name for a lovely set of water holes and cascades at the top of a cliff, above Lovett Bay. The unnamed creek works its way along a sandstone platform forming a couple of larger pools and a series of cascades. There are also many smaller carved holes in the rock, adding interest for the budding geologists. The creek flows over a large cliff forming a tall waterfall just before the Pittwater. The rocks are slippery and there are many cliff edges, please take care.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 175 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Fredricks Track Start (a walking track).

After another 175 m come to "Lovett Pools".

Lovett Pools

Lovett Pools is the informal name for a lovely set of water holes and cascades at the top of a cliff, above Lovett Bay. The unnamed creek works its way along a sandstone platform forming a couple of larger pools and a series of cascades. There are also many smaller carved holes in the rock, adding interest for the budding geologists. The creek flows over a large cliff forming a tall waterfall just before the Pittwater. The rocks are slippery and there are many cliff edges, please take care.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 175 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Elvina Bay Circuit

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	4.5 km
Time	1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform
On the northern end of the rock platform are rock carvings of an emu, large fish and a giant whale. Further to the south, the rock platform contains rock carvings of shields, wallabies, fish, eels, and other shapes that are not easily classified. The entire rock platform appears to have a rare erosional feature called tessellation. This occurs over many thousands of years, resulting in a rock surface that is eroding at different rates, creating divot holes and depressions.

Elvina Bay Park
Elvina Bay Park is located on the western shores of the Pittwater, with views out to Elvina Bay and Scotland Island. A good place to stop and rest, Elvina Bay park has two park benches, grassy areas and a great rope swing. There is also a public jetty and ferry wharf. Elvina Bay has a bush fire brigade building and notably this area encountered the 1994 bush fires . (No drinking water or public toilets are available here).

Lovett Bay Waterfall
This waterfall is a 25m single fall waterfall, which falls onto large rocks and sand at its base. The waterfall is set in moist bush, with ferns and moss surrounding it. This waterfall is a good place to sit on a hot day. (Be careful while climbing down and up the large rocks, if accessing the base of the waterfall).

Fredericks Grave
Frederick's Grave is the grave site of Frederick Oliver. This grave site consists of a sandstone head stone and foot stone. The Olivers made their home in the area, cutting valuable timber and establishing an orchard. This grave of one of their children, Frederick, who was accidentally killed in 1867.

Lovetts Bay Viewpoint
This unfenced viewpoint offers fabulous views of much of the Pittwater and surrounding area, including Lovetts Bay to the north, Scotland Island to the east and Bayview to the south. There are significant steep drops and a large chasm at the viewpoint - care should be taken.

Lovett Pools
Lovett Pools is the informal name for a lovely set of water holes and cascades at the top of a cliff, above Lovett Bay. The unnamed creek works its way along a sandstone platform forming a couple of larger pools and a series of cascades. There are also many smaller carved holes in the rock, adding interest for the budding geologists. The creek flows over a large cliff forming a tall waterfall just before the Pittwater. The rocks are slippery and there are many cliff edges, please take care.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Mona Vale Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  20°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm along the coastal fringe in the afternoon and evening. Winds southerly 25 to 35 km/h tending southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:50am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate]
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  15°C → 19°C
  Showers.
  95% chance of rain
  5 → 25mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  16°C → 20°C
  Showers easing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 9mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then tending south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  16°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog in the outer west. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Tuesday 6 May
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 May 2025 in West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Do not touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville: 02 9451 3479 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Warrimoo track closure
  Warrimoo track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park will be closed for essential maintenance from Monday 28 April until Monday 12 May 2025. There will be no access to Bobbin Head or the Marina from Warrimoo track. There is a diversion in place to the Bobbin Head track for access to Bobbin Head precinct.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS local area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure
  Berowra walking track is partially closed from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track until further notice. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.
  The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
  
  Closed areas: Gibberagong trail
  Surface and vegetation works will be carried out on the Gibberagong Trail from Tuesday 22 April to Friday 9 May 2025, weather permitting.
  Walkers permitted but there may be delays. Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed
  North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.
  The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.
  Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:
  
  The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  
  The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.
  
  Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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