Garigal National Park
Garigal National Park's standout feature is its bushwalking network, including the 3.2 km Cascades trail, which threads through dry sclerophyll forest in Sydney's northern suburbs. The 2,202-hectare park was established in 1991 to protect Aboriginal heritage and Sydney Basin bushland, and it sits about 20 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district.
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About Garigal National Park
Bushwalking Tracks at Garigal National Park
Garigal National Park offers a network of bushwalking tracks, with short tracks running alongside most major creeks in its southern section. The Cascades trail covers 3.2 km and takes about one hour one way, and it suits walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The Natural Bridge track links the park to Davidson Park over 6.8 km, taking three to four hours one way. The northern section of Garigal National Park is less developed than the south, with steeper ground and small sandstone escarpments.
Kayaking and Canoeing on Middle Harbour Creek
Middle Harbour Creek within Garigal National Park is pleasant for paddling, and small craft can travel upstream as far as Rocky Creek. The southern section's waterways form part of the Middle Harbour Creek catchment that the park protects. The northern section's waterways are too shallow and rocky for watercraft, so paddlers need to head to the southern section. Small craft are the only watercraft that the southern waterways accommodate.
Mountain Bike Trails at Garigal National Park
Mountain biking is generally permitted on fire trails in Garigal National Park, but bikes are not permitted on walking tracks. The Gahnia and Serrata mountain bike trails cover 6.5 km in about 1.5 hours and are better suited to experienced riders. The Heath and Bare Creek trails are easier alternatives, running 3.7 km one way in about 1.5 hours. Some fire trails are being regenerated, so riders should check which routes are currently open before setting out.
Facilities at Garigal National Park
Visitor tips for Garigal National Park
- ✓Visit in autumn or spring, when the weather is mild, as late summer brings rain.
- ✓Keep away from the Frenchs Creek waterfalls after rain, when the falls are quite dangerous.
- ✓Carry water on longer walks through the dry sclerophyll bush.
Getting to Garigal National Park
Garigal National Park can be entered at Ralston Avenue and Wyatt Avenue in Belrose, via fire trails off Morgan Rd in Belrose, and off Wakehurst Parkway near Narrabeen Lakes for the northern section. Davidson Park is the only entry point with a parking lot, and it charges $8 per vehicle. Little public transport is designed for the park, and no public ferries run on the Lane Cove River.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Belrose
- 📍Stepping Stone Crossing
- 📍Cascade Dining (restaurant, about 50 m)
Frequently asked questions about Garigal National Park
Can I have a picnic in Garigal National Park?
Yes. The park has a picnic area beside Roseville Bridge in its southern section, so visitors can eat there before or after a walk.
Is there parking at Garigal National Park, and is it free?
Davidson Park is the only entry point with a parking lot, and it charges $8 per vehicle. No fees or permits apply at the other entry points.
What walking trails are there in Garigal National Park?
The park has the 3.2 km Cascades trail, the 6.8 km Natural Bridge track to Davidson Park, and short tracks along most major creeks in the southern section.
How difficult are the walking tracks in Garigal National Park?
The Cascades trail takes about one hour one way, while the Natural Bridge track takes three to four hours. The northern section is quite steep, with small sandstone escarpments.
Are there any safety concerns I should know about at Garigal National Park, like snakes or bushfires?
Crime rates in the area are very low and wildlife is not a major concern, but snakes live in the bush. The Frenchs Creek waterfalls are quite dangerous, especially after rain.