Sydney has some world-famous national parks that visitors never miss and locals regularly flood on sunny weekends. Okay, don’t fret. To me, as a European, Australia never feels crowded. But some places are more popular than others. Garigal National Park is not one of them, and it’s not because it’s lacking in natural beauties. It’s more likely because Sydney is simply spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning natural escapes.
But for us, living on Sydney’s North Shore, Garigal is one of the closest national parks to home, practically in our backyard. Over time, we realized that whether we are craving a refreshing bushwalk, a peaceful paddle, a beach day or the chance to meet with wild wallabies, Garigal National Park consistently delivers.
So, consider this post my love letter to this wonderful park, sharing some of our best experiences and why we think it’s such a special North Shore gem.
My list: top things to do in Garigal National Park
Swim and relax at Flat Rock Beach, a Sydney Harbour gem
You’re right to assume that Sydney Harbour’s tucked-away cove beaches can be a bit murky or muddy. But not this one! Barely known Flat Rock Beach has clear, transparent water and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Reaching this tiny, sandy haven involves a short, steep walk down from the end of Killarney Drive in Killarney Heights. But once there, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a remote gem deep in the wilderness. Huge branches from the surrounding eucalyptus forest stretch out over the sand, offering welcome patches of shade – a rare treat on most Sydney beaches!
The water itself is incredibly sheltered and shallow, and it deepens so gently and evenly that it’s absolutely ideal for kids to splash and play. Another bonus? This sheltered water gets noticeably warmer than the open ocean.
Now, for the “catch”: Flat Rock Beach is truly tiny, and the tide plays a big role. At high tide, especially a king tide, the beach practically disappears – I’m not exaggerating! Even a regular high tide leaves very little sand to spread out on. And while low tide reveals more, it’s still a small beach, which is part of its charm. This also means it doesn’t take many families to make it feel “full.” Not that we met anyone else when we visited on a weekday, not even during school holidays. We had this perfect little paradise all to ourselves.
If you’re keen to combine beach fun with bushwalks, Flat Rock Beach conveniently connects to The Magazine Track. It leads you to lovely views of Middle Harbour and Bantry Bay. A little (seasonal) waterfall is just a very short walk away – and you can hear the water (if there’s any) cascading down from the beach.
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Paddle the waters of Middle Harbour from Davidson Park
If you’re seeking a calm, sheltered paddling experience on Sydney Harbour, Middle Harbour is an outstanding choice, and Davidson Park (nestled beneath the Roseville Bridge, in Garigal National Park) stands out as a fantastic launch spot for canoes and kayaks.
You’ll find several convenient places to get on the water: there’s a built platform on the eastern side of the Roseville Bridge, and further along the park’s edge west of the bridge, the sandy shoreline offers easy (albeit unofficial) launching points.
From here, you have a couple of appealing options. You can choose to explore the serene Middle Harbour Creek, perfect if you prefer a more protected creek paddle. Alternatively, head out towards the beautiful Bantry Bay, where you’ll experience more open waters and the stunning deep blue hues of the bay itself. Whichever direction you choose, both routes offer incredible close-up views of the lush shoreline mangrove forests that fringe the waterways.
I’ve put together a detailed canoeing guide covering Middle Harbour Creek and other easy paddling routes around Sydney – you can read it here!
Meet with wild wallabies in Davidson Park
Davidson Park offers a surprising sanctuary from Sydney’s urban pace. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a picnic shaded by eucalyptus trees, play on the spacious grassy lawn, or make use of the BBQ facilities. Walkers can enjoy the scenic Lyrebird Track along the creek.
But the real highlight? Bumping into the resident wallabies! They’re commonly seen around the Davidson Park picnic area – look for them near the canoe ramp or towards the western end of the main picnic grounds, particularly around dusk.
Lyrebird track summary:
- Parking & trailhead: west of Davidson Park picnic area
- Length: 2.7 km one-way
- See it on a map here.
Soak in the views from Bluff Lookout (an easy win!)
The Bluff Lookout walk is a delightful, short, and easy stroll through the forest, leading you to a natural rock platform. From here, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views across Bantry Bay, stretching all the way to the distant Sydney skyline. It’s a fantastic payoff for relatively little effort, making it an ideal introductory bushwalk for families or anyone seeking a quick nature fix.
We don’t stop at the lookout though. Continue down the steep forest track as it winds through dry woodland towards the shores of Bantry Bay. As you descend, you’ll pass impressive, large sandstone rock formations and catch beautiful glimpses of the mangrove forests lining the bay. Once you reach the water’s edge, the Bantry Bay Reserve offers a peaceful pier – the perfect spot to enjoy a well-earned picnic before you tackle the climb back up the same way.
Bantry Bay hiking info:
- Trailhead: at the end of Grattan Crescent in Killarney Heights
- Length: 2.5 km one-way
- Difficulty: medium
- See the Bantry Bay Track on a trail map here.
Lose yourself in spectacular forest: the Two Creeks & the Little Digger Tracks loop
The combined Two Creeks Track and Little Digger Track loop is one of the most picturesque forest trails you’ll find anywhere in Sydney! What I absolutely love about this roughly 7 km adventure is how quickly it makes you feel like you’ve stepped into pristine wilderness. Imagine wandering amongst towering grass trees, surrounded by lush ferns, all while catching fabulous glimpses of Middle Harbour Creek and Moores Creek. It’s a true escape… until, of course, you eventually emerge back onto quiet residential streets to complete the loop.
While there are a few access points, Lindfield Oval is the most straightforward trailhead. It’s easy to find, offers plenty of parking, and from there, clear signage will point you towards the “Two Creeks” track – just look behind the tennis courts. Once you’re on the path, the urban hum quickly fades. For a little while, you might hear the distant sounds of cars, but soon, those are replaced entirely by the cheerful calls of cockatoos and the iconic (albeit maniac) laughter of kookaburras.
The initial descent takes you to some cool sandstone rock formations as you navigate the stairs. You’ll then join a fire trail that runs parallel to Gordon Creek (you won’t see much of the creek itself, you’ll only hear it). This section is a bit dull, but keep on walking – the best is yet to come!
There it is: your first glimpses of the emerald green Middle Harbour Creek! These stunning water views will stay with you for a good portion of the hike. This was easily my favorite part. You’re exploring one of the quiet, almost secret arms of the vast Sydney Harbour, and there are plenty of opportunities to scramble down to the rocks right by the water’s edge. Basking in the sunshine and gazing out at the creek from these rocks? Bliss. (And also an excuse for a snack break.)
But it’s not just about the water. You’re constantly enveloped by amazing forests: lush ferns and characterful, twisted eucalyptus trees on one side, and the unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest lining the creek banks on the other. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife too – herons and cormorants are often spotted patiently searching for their next meal here, no matter the time of day.
As you continue, you’ll encounter Moores Creek. It’s a much smaller waterway, but its banks are home to a stunningly beautiful mangrove forest. Leaving this little creek behind, the trail then guides you under huge, dramatic rock overhangs and through a surprisingly lush, small patch of rainforest. Now, I’ll be honest, the waterfalls marked along Moores Creek (Babbage Falls and Little Falls) aren’t exactly Niagara, especially if it hasn’t rained much. But the beauty of the forest itself, with the tiny creek meandering through it, is genuinely lovely.
To complete the loop and return to Lindfield Oval, you’ll have a short 600-meter walk along quiet suburban streets.
Two Creeks Track hiking info:
- Trailhead: Lindfield Oval
- Length: 7 km loop
- Difficulty: easy
- See the Two Creeks and Little Digger loop on a trail map here.
Keep finding a new bushwalk every weekend
The Magazine Track to Flat Rock Beach
Remember that delightful hidden gem, Flat Rock Beach, we talked about earlier? Well, another fantastic way to experience it is by making it the grand finale of The Magazine Track.
Your adventure begins on an unassuming side path off Cook Street in Roseville, initially signed as the Bates Creek Track. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! Soon, this path merges with the main Magazine Track, which then guides you through classic Aussie dry forest, past towering, ancient-looking grass trees. The trail also dips into cooler, shadier gullies where delicate lace ferns flourish, and you might find yourself hopping across a small, babbling creek.
Further along, the canopy opens up, treating you to fabulous views overlooking the mangrove-lined edges of Bantry Bay before you finally descend to the secluded Flat Rock Beach. (Just remember our earlier tip: timing your arrival with low tide is key to enjoying its sandy expanse!)
Now, a small heads-up: there’s a section where the track runs alongside a fence (a remnant of the old Bantry Bay explosives depot) and veers a little further from the water. This part might feel a tad less scenic than the rest. However, despite this brief interlude, the overall experience is pure delight. The diverse forest, the creek crossings, and the stunning bay views firmly earn The Magazine Track a spot on the list of our favorite Sydney forest walks.
Magazine Track hiking info:
- Trailhead: Cook Street in Roseville
- Length: 3.2 km one-way
- Difficulty: easy
- See the Magazine Track on a trail map here.
Frenchs Creek to the Cascades
The walk along Frenchs Creek to The Cascades offers a wonderful opportunity for little ones to truly engage with the bush – imagine them delightedly splashing in the cool, clear water, carefully hopping from rock to rock across the creek, and exploring the shady, fern-filled gullies. It’s a genuine “wild bush family getaway” that starts right from a suburban street!
The highlight for many is reaching The Cascades. This area is a beautiful series of small, picturesque waterfalls and rock pools, creating a wonderfully serene atmosphere. It’s an idyllic spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch surrounded by the sounds of trickling water and birdsong. Kids (and adults!) will love exploring the different levels of the cascades, discovering little pools and mini-waterfalls. The rocks can be slippery, so take care, but the chance to get up close to these natural water features is a real treat.
The walk itself follows the creek, meandering through a lush environment. You’ll be surrounded by towering trees, dense ferns, and the constant gentle sound of the creek. It’s a relatively easy track, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though there will be some uneven sections and creek crossings that add to the adventure.
If you’re feeling energetic and want to explore further, the Frenchs Creek track seamlessly connects to the Middle Harbour Track. Following this well-maintained path will eventually lead you all the way to Davidson Park.
Frenchs Creek hiking info:
- Trailhead: end of Wanniti Road, Belrose
- Length: 4.6 km return
- Difficulty: easy
- See the Frenchs Creek on a trail map here.
Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks
The Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks offer a rewarding out-and-back Garigal walk that few people know about, with classic Sydney sandstone environment and a lovely, quiet section of Middle Harbour Creek.
Setting off from the end of Hunter Avenue in St Ives, you’ll quickly leave the suburban streets behind, but the opening is a bit weak. The Pipeline Track section follows an old water pipeline, and it’s the least exciting part of the track, but it’s wide and easy. Keep going!
You can choose to do a loop, and in that case you continue on the Pipeline Track. Honestly, I prefer the Bungaroo Track as an out-and-back, so I leave the Pipeline Track at the very first chance to start the descent towards Middle Harbour Creek through the lovely bushland.
Banksias bloom, kookaburras laugh, and you’ll pass a few impressive sandstone rock formations. Finally, Bungaroo Track takes you down to Middle Harbour Creek. You can access the water, and there are stepping stones to cross in case you want to continue walking further. Or you turn and walk back the same way.
Pipeline & Bungaroo Tracks hiking info:
- Trailhead: end of Hunter Ave, St Ives
- Length: 5.3 km return
- Difficulty: medium
- See the Pipeline & Bungaroo Tracks on a trail map here.
Know before you go: Garigal park essentials
Park entry fees: Entry to Garigal National Park is generally free, including most trailheads mentioned in this post. The only exception is Davidson Park where entry fees apply if you arrive by car (which is the recommended access).
Facilities: Facilities vary. Davidson Park offers toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables. Other trailheads are often just tracks directly from the street, hence they have limited or no facilities. Try to find a nearby public park or playground for toilets.
Best time to visit: Garigal is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, and the spring, autumn and winter months offer the most pleasant hiking temperatures. Summer can be hot, so combine walking with cooling off in the bay. After heavy rain, creeks will be flowing and waterfalls more impressive, but tracks can be muddy.
Mobile reception: Though you’re technically inside Sydney, mobile phone reception can be patchy to non-existent in deeper valleys and some sections of the park. Keep your maps and hiking descriptions offline.
From hidden harbour beaches and tranquil paddles to immersive forest walks and wildlife encounters, Garigal National Park truly is a North Shore gem waiting to be explored. I hope this guide inspires you to discover its many wonders. So, pack your bag, pick a trail, and get ready for your next Sydney adventure!
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