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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks are found in each of the tabs below
Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks
Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
2.5 km NE of Roseville
Length: 7 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 7 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Garigal National Park
Climb: 289 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 289 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Hard

Starting at Davidson Park, this walk first explores the eastern banks of Middle Harbour Creek before heading up Carroll creek. The walk returns to Davidson Park via the higher Casuarina track. You will enjoy great views of the Middle Harbour and Garigal National Park from two distinctly different vantage points. There are also interesting rock formations and some Aboriginal heritage to appreciate along the way. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park driveway
End Lyrebird service trail
Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks
Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks
Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail
Casuarina Lookout
Starting point for this hiking track: Bottom of the Casuarina Steps

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Parramatta River 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91303N 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Bottom of Casuarina Steps
 
Bottom of Casuarina Steps +
 
Davidson Reserve
 
Davidson Reserve +
 
Passing through a National Park gate
 
Passing through a National Park gate +

 
Passing a small bush regeneration area
 
Passing a small bush regeneration area +
 
Following the waters edge
 
Following the waters edge +
 
Winding along Middle Harbour Creek
 
Winding along Middle Harbour Creek +

 
Heading through the bush
 
Heading through the bush +
 
Heading through the bush
 
Heading through the bush +
 
Passing a Lyrebird Track sign
 
Passing a Lyrebird Track sign +

 
Through the trees
 
Through the trees +
 
Climbing up the hill
 
Climbing up the hill +
 
Continuing along Carroll Creek
 
Continuing along Carroll Creek +

 
Heading through the thick bush
 
Heading through the thick bush +
 
Under a shallow overhang
 
Under a shallow overhang +
 
Climbing up to the end of the management trail
 
Climbing up to the end of the management trail +

 
Start of the Casuarina Track
 
Start of the Casuarina Track +
 
Casuarina track cave
 
Casuarina track cave +
 
Casuarina Track
 
Casuarina Track +

 
Tower on Casuarina track
 
Tower on Casuarina track +
 
View from Casuarina Track
 
View from Casuarina Track +
 
Casuarina Track
 
Casuarina Track +

 
Ferns on the Casuarina Track
 
Ferns on the Casuarina Track +
 
Blue tongue on Casuarina Track
 
Blue tongue on Casuarina Track +
 
Top of the Casuarina Steps
 
Top of the Casuarina Steps +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 7km
Time 2 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
3.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.9km is flat with no steps. The remaining (1.4km) is very steep.

Quality of track
3.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 280m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 130m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 4.2km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Davidson picnic area Alt = 4 m
Davidson Picnic Area is in Garigal National Park, under Roseville Bridge (access via Warringah Road, south bound lanes, or via many walking tracks in the area). The picnic area has a boat ramp, wheelchair-accessible toilets, large open grassy areas, picnic tables, free electric BBQ's, and a large rotunda. There are plenty of shady spots provided by the trees. The northern section of the picnic area has a small beach swimming area, and the southern section boasts a boat ramp. The park is open 6am to 8pm (6:30pm outside daylight savings time). Ticket machines are provided to pay the car access fee.

(0 km) Bottom of the Casuarina Steps to Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park Driveway
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 279 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -4 m
From the intersection at the bottom of the 'Casuarina Stairway', this walk follows the driveway, keeping the park and Middle Harbour Creek on the left. The walk heads along for little while before coming to the end of the driveway, at the signposted start of the 'Lyre Bird Track 4km'.

(0.28 km) Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park driveway to Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks
Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 2.66 km Time = 48 mins
Climb = 54 m Descent = -46 m
Continue straight: From the gate at the north-western corner of Davidson Park, this walk follows the 'Lyrebird Track' sign through the metal gate and along the service trail, heading through the bush and following Middle Harbour Creek for a while before the track narrows to a bush track at a long grassy clearing.
Continue straight: From the clearing at the end of the management trail, this walk continues along the bush track, keeping Middle Harbour Creek on the left as it meanders along the water's edge for a while. The track climbs up the side of the hill, then flattens out and continues through the bush, steadily winding down to the edge of Carroll Creek, which it follows for a while before the track comes down to the signposted intersection of the 'Carroll Creek Track' at the stepping stones.

(2.94 km) Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks to Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 743 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -3 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Carrol Creek Track' sign along the bush track, winding through the dense vegetation as it follows the creek for a while. The walk winds under a long rock overhang and continues up to the bottom of a concrete staircase and a metal bridge. (The track doesn't cross the bridge but does have quite a pretty view of Carroll Creek.) From here, the track turns right and climbs the concrete staircase to the end of the management trail at the top.

(3.68 km) Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks to Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.42 km Time = 34 mins
Climb = 101 m Descent = -45 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Casuarina Track' sign, following the bush track as it winds up the side of the hill for a while. The track flattens out and passes under a long rock overhang, then continues to wind up the hill until it comes to a large rocky outcrop. Here, the walk flattens out for a little while before undulating up and down along the side of the hill for a while, before coming to the base of a large high-tension power line tower.

(5.1 km) Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail to Casuarina Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.75 km Time = 46 mins
Climb = 111 m Descent = -182 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Casuarina Track' signpost along the bush track, heading around the large power line tower (keeping the tower on the left of the track) and down the steep rocky hill. The track crosses under the power lines before flattening for out a short distance, continuing along the rough track as it undulates up and down along the side of the hill, crossing a few rock platforms and a creek. As the track continues along the side of the hill, it becomes more defined and easier-going, passing under a short rock overhang and down one last rocky hill before flattening out and continuing to the lookout at the top of the Casuarina Stairway.

(6.84 km) Casuarina Lookout to Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 131 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads down the long wooden staircase descending to the bottom of the hill where it comes to Davidson Park.

Catch the bus from Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Bottom of the Casuarina Steps
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQs 165-167 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (02) 9884 9199 2.9 km
Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor 77 Archer St , Chatswood (02) 9412 4777 3.5 km
Mountain Equipment 72 Archer St , Chatswood (02) 9419 6955 3.5 km
Mountain Designs Shop 16/ 9 Spring St , Chatswood (02) 9415 4566 3.6 km
Kellys Camping & Outdoors 826 Pittwater Rd , Dee Why (02) 9972 0061 7.6 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
10 km (to the WNW)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 18 km (to the NNW)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 24 km (to the SSW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 27 km (to the W)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 38 km (to the NNE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Garigal National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Largely following Middle Harbour Creek and stretching from Seaforth in the south to St Ives in the north Garigal National Park is hidden through Sydney's Northern suburbs. Despite how close it is to large urban centres Garigal is quite beautiful with lots of different walking and cycling tracks. For those just wishing to picnic Davidson Reserve is a great spot just next to Middle Harbour Creek, under the Roseville Bridge.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Jens IP:60.242.199.xxx | 2009-01-09 19:12:27
A great track in the middle of a big city. The notes are an excellent help.

We did the walk in early January 2009. Just some notes:
- there's an entry fee of $7 for the park
- the lookout at the top of the steps was closed ("Danger - do not enter"),
- forget waterfalls - at most we saw a tickle,
- instead of 'several houses' we noticed only one. The old and rusty ute (not sure if it was a Holden...) is after the short zig-zag down;
- where Lyrebird Track merges with the service trail, look down: There are many bleached shells. This is a huge Aboriginal midden, ie. remnants of shell and fish Aboriginal people ate and then discarded. Treat this site with respect.

Enjoy,
Jens
Walker IP:122.106.167.xxx | 2009-03-29 13:57:54
I did this walk recently and the Casuarina track from the Boree road intersection was overgrown, and care needs to be taken on this section. I lost the main track several times due to illegal tracks made in this section. Otherwise the track is fantastic.
Robert - Nice Sunday walk IP:121.209.234.xxx | 2009-09-06 07:11:45
We just finish this 2 hour hike on a sweet Sunday arvo. Beautiful and divers, a very nice hike to do and have a barby at the park
Diana van Driel IP:58.109.74.xxx | 2015-09-15 05:55:01
I tried to do this walk along the Casuarina Track in reverse. That is, going towards the Gladesville bridge along the Casuarina track. There is a section where the route goes down a rocky gully. It's impossible to find the track. The track peters out before the gully and I couldn't find it's continuation. If you want to do the walk make VERY sure you fix the position of the path before leaving it at the gully in case you want to retrace your steps - it's completely invisible till you stumble across it.
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