This walk takes you down to an isolated waterside community, where you can amble along, looking at homes and a historic Grave Site. From Elvina Track Car Park, the vegetation changes from scrubby bush to she oak and large eucalyptus as you decend to the waters edge. The walking is mostly along a management trail, however the return trip follows a narrow track. Side trips include an aboriginal engraving site, a 25m waterfall and a few other view points. Please remember you are visiting a small community please respect the privacy of the local people.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Elvina Bay Circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Elvina Bay Circuit 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
4.5km
Time
2 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*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
Around 2.3km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
2.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 440m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 350m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
3km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.5km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (20m) has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (110m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 1.5km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (20m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Elvina Track carpark
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Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 164 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From Elvina Track car park[1] (on West Head Rd, 1.3km north of General San Martin Dr), this walk follows the management trail around the 'Elvina Track' locked gate[2], then past the 'Elvina Track' map sign[3] (on the left). This walk continues along the management trail tending right[4] through the scrubby bush[5]. About 70m after leaving the locked gate, the walk comes to an intersection with a narrow track[6] (on your right).
(0.16 km)
Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks
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Rock Platform Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 90 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection[7], this walk leaves the management trail and heads slightly uphill along the narrow track[8] through low heath. After about 50m, the track leads right at a faint Y-intersection[9] and soon comes to the northern edge of a large rock platform[10]. Upon reaching the rock platform, there is a small eucalyptus[11] on your right and further left there is an engraving of an emu[12]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform
Alt = 161 m
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[13]. The entire rock platform appears to have a rare erosional feature called tessellation[14]. This occurs over many thousands of years, resulting in a rock surface that is eroding at different rates, creating divot holes and depressions. More info
(0.16 km)
Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks
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Int of Elvina and Fredericks Tracks Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 130 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk heads east following the management trail gently downhill, while keeping the lower heath on your right[16]. After about 45m, the trail leads over a water bar (hump) then comes to an intersection[17] with a faint track on the left. This faint track looks like a water course and is marked with a cairn[18].
(0.29 km)
Int of Elvina and Fredericks Tracks
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Int of Elvina Track and Wirringulla Avenue Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.67 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -151 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[19], this walk follows the management trail east[20], soon tending left, then leading gently downhill over a number of water bars[21]. The trail levels out after about 200m, giving distant views of the ocean (on your right)[22]. This walk continues for a further 400m to find more distant views of the ocean (on the left)[23]. Here the walk turns sharply to the right[24], narrows and steepens for 500m with a noticeable change in vegetation. The vegetation changes from small scrubby eucalyptus to she oak and larger eucalyptus. The trail then comes to a yellow painted steel post[25] (on the left) with distant water views (to the left)[26]. Here the trail is concreted[27] for about 110m, as the trail steepens, winding down through two switch backs[28]. From here the dirt trail continues moderately steeply down over several dirt humps[29] to come to a T-intersection[30] with power lines overhead and directly ahead a house and ocean views.
(1.96 km)
Int of Elvina Track and Wirringulla Avenue
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Top of Elvina Bay Park Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 412 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -34 m
Turn left: From the intersection[31], this walk follows the management trail that heads gently downhill[32], keeping the power lines and water to your right. The trail continues amongst houses and bush for about 400m to come to an intersection with a footpath[33] (on your right). From here you can see an open grassy area[34] and rope swing down to the right.
Elvina Bay Park
Alt = 2 m
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[35]. Elvina Bay has a bush fire brigade building[36] and notably this area encountered the 1994 bush fires [37]. (No drinking water or public toilets are available here). More info
(2.38 km)
Top of Elvina Bay Park
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Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 348 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail downhill, passing a wide trail (on the right) and crossing a culverted creek after about 25m. This walk continues to follow the trail past houses to the left and right for about 170m, before crossing another culverted creek. This walk then tends right, moderately uphill for about 120m (with ocean views to the right) before leveling out and passing a green electricity box (on the right). This walk continues for about 15m to the intersection with a faint track on the left (opposite the German-looking white house and concrete electricity pole).
(2.72 km)
Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track
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Waterfall Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 529 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 65 m
Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail downhill, keeping the houses on your right. This walk follows the trail, passing a side trail (on the right) after about 40m, continuing left and gently uphill. This walk follows the trail for about 30m to a Y-intersection, continuing left and moderately steeply uphill (keeping power lines to the right). This walk continues along the narrowing trail for about 280m (with views of houses and Lovetts Bay on the right), until coming to the end of the management trail (where there is a narrow track ahead and a 'No Dogs' sign). Continue straight: From the end of the management trail, this walk follows the narrow track[38], keeping the hill to the left (with branches and rocks over the track[39]). This walk continues along the track[40] for about 180m, until coming to the waterfall, where a short scramble[41] is required to climb down to the waterfall[42]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lovett Bay Waterfall
Alt = 58 m
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). More info
(2.72 km)
Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track
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Fredericks Grave Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 19 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection[43], this walk follows a track uphill for about 10m, (away from the concrete pole and houses[44]) before coming to Fredericks Grave.
Fredericks Grave
Alt = 25 m
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[45]. This grave of one of their children, Frederick, who was accidentally killed in 1867. More info
(2.74 km)
Fredericks Grave
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Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 310 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From Frederick's Grave[46], this walk follows the track up the moderately steep hill[47] for about 190m, keeping left at a small rock wall[48]. This walk continues up for about 110m, keeping the hill on the right, until leveling out at a T-intersection and small rock wall[49].
(3.05 km)
Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks
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Lovetts Bay Viewpoint Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 113 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the intersection[50], this walk follows the track east[51] and slightly uphill initially, where the track levels out, while swishing through grass trees[52](and passing a television aerial[53]) for about 100m. The track then continues for about 20m to find an unfenced cliff[54] and viewpoint[55]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lovetts Bay Viewpoint
Alt = 77 m
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.
(3.05 km)
Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks
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Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 111 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the track west and slightly uphill for about 40m to a Y-intersection[57] (to the right is an unfenced lookout[58]). This walk continues to the left, following the track west for about 70m, until coming to a Y-intersection[59] (with an eroded track leading gently down to the right[60], to Lovetts Pool).
(3.16 km)
Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks
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Lovett Pools Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 167 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the eroded track[61] north-west gently downhill. The track leads directly away from the large angophora trees[62] through the dense banksia forest[63]. After about 150m, the track leads to a small creek bed on a large sandstone platform[64]. (Another faint track leads further downstream on the south side of the creek and visits the pools[65]). Be aware of the many unfenced and slippery cliff edges[66]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lovett Pools
Alt = 98 m
Lovett Pools is the informal name for a lovely set of water holes[67] and cascades[68][69] at the top of a cliff, above Lovett Bay[70]. 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[71] in the rock, adding interest for the budding geologists. The creek flows over a large cliff[72] forming a tall waterfall just before the Pittwater. The rocks are slippery and there are many cliff edges, please take care.
(3.16 km)
Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks
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Elvina Track carpark Track: Hard - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 1.35 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 62 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[73], this walk follows the eroded track west and gently uphill over exposed roots[74]. This walk continues along the track through scrubby bush, passing a large heath clearing[75] after about 430m (on the left). This walk then continues to follow the track for about 500m, until coming to a T-intersection with a management trail[76]. Turn right: From the intersection[77], this walk follows the management trail gently uphill[78] and over a water bar (hump), while keeping the lower heath to the left. After about 45m, the trail comes to an intersection[79] with a faint track on the left. Continue straight: From the intersection[80], this walk follows the management trail, while keeping the taller heath[81] on your right. The management trail tends left through the scrubby bush[82] then heads around the locked gate[83] to find the 'Elvina Track' car park[84] (on West Head Rd, 1.3km north of General San Martin Dr).
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.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments, Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
We did this walk today, it was very pleasant, great day for it and just the right distance, plus great scenery. Perfect spot for a picnic lunch down at the beach at Elvina Bay.
Just be aware that none of the tracks are actually signed, and there are a lot of private tracks to/from people's houses, so you have to consult your map and keep your eyes open to spot where the proper track junctions are.
Amanda
IP:124.189.67.xxx | 2010-06-14 08:17:48
I did this walk with Emma aged 6, there are several good rope and tyre swings for kids at Elvina Bay, as well as sandplay opportunities at Elvina beach near the jetty. The return Fredericks track was wet/standing water, gumboots for kids a good idea if it has been raining in the days before. Lots of red spider flowers. We missed the turnoff to the rock engravings, will have to return and find them another time.
Jen G - Poor signage
IP:220.245.79.xxx | 2010-07-10 08:03:06
When we did this walk we found that it is lacking in clear signage. The other problem we found was that we could not locate the return track to make it a circuit walk. We tried a couple of times to locate the track back up but failed. We did however end up at a lovely small waterfall so it was worthwhile 'getting lost' :) In the end we just went back up the same way we went down. For all the 'big kids' out there, there is a rope swing at the bay which was a hit for all of us.
Taina Goron - Additional Waterfall
IP:218.185.86.xxx | 2010-08-12 02:02:47
This walk is beautiful and take the time to see all of the Aboriginal petroglyphs, there are a lot. Not mentioned on the track notes is if you continue down Sturdee Lane (before turning off towards Frederick Oliver's gravestone) there is a waterfall at the end of Sturdee Lane which is worth a look. Keep an eye out while doing the walk as signage is not obvious.
All in all an enjoyable way to spend the day.
Nick F - Overgrown
IP:61.8.13.xxx | 2011-07-19 06:34:52
Did this walk back in February, the return track has no sign postage and was extremely overgrown. It rises very steeply but is rewarded with some great views. It then plateaus out and after a while we found ourselves wondering if it was actually the right track we were on. We had to keep faith that it was going to rejoin the original fire trail. It eventually rejoined. On the overgrown track we were treated to a wallaby sighting in the middle of the day.
sonia w - great walk with everything
IP:121.210.3.xxx | 2012-01-06 10:37:08
Hi there we did this walk today jan 2011 it is wonderful and has everything views, aboriginal art, waterfalls, water holes and wallaby sightings. Just make sure that you start the return walk opposite the concrete pole by the german house as the instructions say.
Warks - great after the rain
IP:202.83.73.xxx | 2014-09-14 22:09:49
Did the walk at the weekend. Wildflowers everywhere on the walk down and it's a lovely little park for lunch. Walked to the waterfall which is easy to find - just follow the 'road' to the end. After all the rain the waterfall is spectacular. Never heard of it before but it would be one of the biggest in the Sydney region. Struggled to find the track back up but if you follow the directions it's not hard - opposite the German house and pole. If you find the grave you're on the right track.
There were some leeches and the backtrack was a bit wet but we loved it - did all the side trails - the top pools had wonderful small falls and the carvings were great. Recommended.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)