Search bushwalks in Ku Ring Gai Council, Page 93

Environment

Wentworth Falls to Denfenella Lookout

Wentworth Falls to Denfenella Lookout

2.7 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min

2.7 km

The walk from Wentworth Falls Lookout to Denfenella Lookout is a fun walk, with much to see. The walk is dotted with breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley, and with close-up views of many waterfalls. This walk starts and ends in the popular Wentworth falls picnic area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 45 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

Bus

Yulludunida Walking Track

Yulludunida Walking Track

2.9 km return

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

2.9 km

Return

Starting from Green Camp campsite this return walk leads along a steep track with stairs. You'll be rewarded with 360° views across the national park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Kamilaroi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

The Coast Walking Track

2.8 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

The Coast Walking Track

2.8 km

Oneway

This short one-way walk in Wyrrabalong National Park takes you from Bateau Bay Beach picnic area to Forresters Beach. Enjoy the great views at lookouts along the way. If you come between May and August this is a great walk for some whale watching. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Urban

Rosewood Creek Walking Track

Rosewood Creek Walking Track

5.9 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

5.9 km

Starting at Never Never picnic area this circuit walk takes you through World Heritage-listed rainforest, past waterfalls and creeks. Enjoy the walk and finish it off with a picnic on return. Let us begin by acknowledging the Gumbaynggirr people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

From Resolute Picnic Area, this walk heads out to West Head Lookout, with magnificent views across the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island. The track is a direct route which passes through classic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland. This walk offers a great way to avoid competing for parking at West Head Lookout, while enjoying more of the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

West Head Lookout Track

2 km return

50 min to 1 h

West Head Lookout Track

Caves

Environment

Brisbane Ranges Extended Circuit

Brisbane Ranges Extended Circuit

17.3 km circuit

5 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min

17.3 km

This circuit loops around a large section of the national park via the Hay Track and the Burchell Trail. Starting at the historic gold mining ghost town of Steiglitz, this walk takes you on a generous loop deep within the Brisbane Ranges, returning via Steiglitz Historic Park. The unusual geology of the Brisbane Ranges has preserved plants that have long since vanished from the region, together with a correspondingly diverse bird population and the greatest density of koalas in Victoria. If walking in spring, look out for the rare Steiglitz Grevillea that can only be found in the Brisbane Ranges. Bird watchers will also be rewarded with over 180 bird species recorded in the park. There are two designated public access camping grounds in the park, Boar Gully in the north and Fridays near Steiglitz. Both have toilets and tank water, plus designated camp trailers or caravan sites. Keep an eye out for orange/yellow triangles pinned onto trees, which indicate the right direction of the trail. In the last leg of the walk, in the old mining area of Steiglitz Historic Park, the trail becomes quite rocky in parts, and uncovered mine shafts can be seen from the trail. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

5 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min

Starting from the dirt car park at the end of Donkey Springs Track, Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, this return walk takes you to Donkey Springs and back. There are three different pools in the area, and the first 2 has beautiful water lilies that are suitable for photography and observation, while the last one is better for a dip to cool off. The area also hosts a wide variety of wildlife, such as birds, snakes, reptiles and water goannas. The trail is well marked, but there are certain sections that require rock hoppings, and the texture can be uneven in some places. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Donkey Springs

1.3 km return

20 min to 30 min

Swim

Environment

Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway

Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway

3.7 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from Telco Road, Mons, this return walk explores the Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway in the rainforest around Buderim Hill. Get ready to travel back in time as you hike along the tramway that was once crucial for the developing community back in the day. There are multiple informational signposts along the track that will inform you about the history of the area. You’ll be making your way through gorgeous towering trees that provide lots of shade throughout the walk. Speaking of, the sunlight shines through the trees beautifully in the afternoon, creating a picturesque view for you to take in. Whilst taking in the view, keep an eye out for koalas and birdlife as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Ruins

Environment

Abbotts Falls Walking Track

Abbotts Falls Walking Track

7.2 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 3 h

This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend into a moist rainforest environment near Abbotts Falls. This is a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Moses Rock Carpark off Moses Rock Road, Wilyabrup, this walk takes you to Quinninup Falls and back via the Quinninup Falls Trail. Quinninup Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfall not far from the coast near Moses Rock. The journey to the falls is every bit as beautiful as the destination. The trail follows the Cape to Cape Track through granite outcrops and coastal heath, taking in views of the spectacular granite cliffs and coastline. In wildflower season, there's a visual feast of flowers in every colour. At the start of the walk, you can see the waves crashing against the shore and surfers enjoying the ocean. The trail takes you over some rocky terrain, and then it is mainly walking up and down sand dunes. Near the beach, the trail turns and leads inland to the base of the falls. After crossing a bridge with a stream running underneath it, the trail leads out into a red dirt plain before the land dips and weaves and Quinninup Falls appears. Once you arrive at Quininup Falls, the view is breathtaking and well worth the effort. The contrast of the sand dunes right next to the waterfall surprise many walkers. One minute you can hear the wind and the waves crashing against the shore, and then you step down into a small, quiet, green sanctuary where the sound of the rushing waterfall takes centre stage. The water is crystal clear, both in the rock pool and downstream. The best time to view the falls is between late winter and late spring, after plenty of recent rain. You may be disappointed in the other months of the year as the waterfall can dry out. To get to the falls, park your car at the Moses Rock Carpark. Facilities here include toilets, a viewing platform and a sturdy wooden staircase leading down to the beach. The trail varies from flat and easy to rocky and uneven. The journey is a bit challenging, yet the rewarding experience is worth it. There are a few big sand dunes that are easy to descend but quite exhausting to climb up due to the loose sand. Keep a lookout for the Cape to Cape Track signs - if you can see them, you are going the right way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Quinninup Falls

3.6 km return

1 h to 2 h

Environment

Starting from Paruna Sanctuary Car Park, Gidgegannup, Quenda Circuit stands out as the most popular among the trio of trails at Paruna Sanctuary. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding woodland, it remains a top choice for many. Following the green quenda markers, this moderately challenging circuit leads adventurers through the sanctuary's diverse terrain. Vantage points along the way offer sweeping panoramas of the surrounding landscape, encompassing Paruna Gorge, East-West Railway Line, and Avon River Valley. Designated picnic areas with tables and seating provide ideal spots to pause, enjoy a meal, and soak in the scenery. As the trail winds through wandoo scrubland and powderbark, it unveils a tapestry of natural wonders, including vibrant yellow wattle, blankets of wildflowers and multiple orchid species. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is advisable to carry 2-3 litres of water per person. Additionally, advance booking is crucial to access the trail, as a gate code is required (which will be unique to you), and a nominal $10 entry fee per person applies. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wajuk people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Quenda Circuit

6.8 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Environment

Valley of the Winds Circuit

Valley of the Winds Circuit

7.4 km circuit

2 h to 4 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Valley of the Winds Access Road, Petermann, this walk explores the Valley of the Winds and the Kata Tjuta, visiting Karu and Karingana lookouts along the way. You’ll have a chance to view the exceptional ancient rock formation from all sorts of angles as you make your way along the rocky trail. The name ‘Kata Tjuta’ actually means ‘many heads’ in Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara language. Keep an eye on the domes, they literally change colour according to the sun’s angle. Regardless of the colour, you’ll feel like you’re on an intergalactic mission due the redness and dryness of the area. On the contrary, there are heaps of birds in the area that give you something nice to listen to. The Karingana Lookout offers truly amazing views of the Kata Tjuta and the surrounding area, so try to make it there even if you’re going to cut the hike short. Keep in mind that the loop after the Karu Lookout is only accessible below 36 degrees Celsius. Come early to avoid the crowds and possibly getting baked. Bring a hat, sunscreen and an insect repellent. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Purling Brook Falls Circuit

Purling Brook Falls Circuit

4.1 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 3 h 15 min

4.1 km

Starting from the Gwongorella Picnic Area, Springbrook, this walk takes you on a circuit in the open eucalypt forest of Springbrook National Park, passing by the Purling Brook Falls from both the top and the bottom. The refreshing feeling of water gently spraying on your face on a summer day is unmatched, and that is exactly what you’re going to get here. Take in the scenery as you stand on the suspension bridge and watch the water gush down. The lookout at the top gives you a great view that almost feels hidden and cozy, away from the modern world. After the renovations that made it safer, this walk can make for a great family trip as it’s not too demanding. Just get some shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. This circuit walk is quite popular, so come at an unusual time to try and have the waterfall to yourself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bundjalung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Starting from the fire track intersection along the southwestern boundary of Padthaway Conservation Park near the Padthaway Caravan Park off Beeamma-Parsons Road, Padthaway, this walk takes you on a circuit around Padthaway Conservation Park via the Padthaway Banksia Loop. This moderately easy loop takes walkers around the southern end of Padthaway Conservation Park, which is situated on a former sand dune system and protects an important area of remnant native vegetation that has adapted to the harsh environment. The park is dominated by blue gum, manna gum and stringybarks. It also is home to many bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers. The walk initially follows a fire track past the picnic area, then heads to the park's southern boundary and continues alongside Beeamma-Parsons Road to form a loop around the park. Many native animals can be seen along the trail, including echidnas, kangaroos and koalas, and in spring, there are colourful displays of wildflowers and orchids. Cycling is also permitted on this trail. This walk consists of wide, gently undulating fire trails with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces and sandy surfaces. The journey is suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Padthaway Banksia Loop

4.7 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Padthaway Banksia Loop

Birdwatching

Environment