Walk CLOSED This walk is a great way to see some popular areas in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk from West Head Rd travels to The Basin campsite, and the ferry takes you over to Mackerel Beach. Before returning to West Head Rd, the walk also gives the option to head down to Currawong Beach. There is plenty to do at the beach, with swimming and picnic areas, and clearings for other games.
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Cross sectional view of the The Basin Track and Mackerel Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Basin Track and Mackerel Track 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
6km
Time
3 hrs
.
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
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
2.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 2.6km has short steep hills. The remaining (2.5km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 610m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (130m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
3.7km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (610m) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 180m requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 4.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
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Int. Basin Trk and West Head Rd
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Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Entry Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 363 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -3 m
From the car park, this walk follows the management trail around the green gate, keeping West Head Rd on the right. The walk continues along the trail, which tends to the left, and soon comes to a signposted intersection with the 'Aboriginal Engravings' track on the right.
(0.36 km)
Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Entry
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Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Exit Alternate Route:
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
( Show detail)
Length = 105 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Aboriginal Engravings' sign into the heath and away from the management trail. The track tends left, to a ramp after approximately 10m. The track follows the wooden edging over the rock surface, between the engravings, heading to the signposted intersection on the management trail again. Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 7.51km 'Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Exit'.
The Basin Track Aboriginal Engravings
Alt = 163 m
The Basin Track Aboriginal Engravings, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large rock surface scattered with Aboriginal engravings. The engravings depict men, fish, hopping wallabies and a club. The engravings are marked with interpretive signs which outline where on the rocks the engravings are and how they were made.
(0.36 km)
Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Entry
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Int. Basin Trk and Euro Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.53 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -62 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south up the hill (keeping the engravings on the right) to the next signposted intersection with the 'Aboriginal Engravings' track on the right. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk winds gently uphill along the management trail, keeping the engravings track initially on the right. The management trail then comes to the intersection with the signposted 'Mackerel service trail'[1] on the left. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide management trail up the hill, not following the 'Mackarel Service Trail' signs arrow. The track winds left up the hill and leads up to a high point on a hill with views of the sea. The track then undulates across a saddle and up another hill. The track then leads down the hill for a little while to the sign marked intersection on the right.
(1.89 km)
Int. Basin Trk and Euro Trk
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Dam Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 871 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -42 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat, wide Euro track (un-signposted) that heads off the main management trail. The track winds along the hillside as it contours around the hill to the right. After passing a rocky platform, the track comes to the dam and a view into the valley. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
The Basin Dam
Alt = 94 m
The Basin Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large pool of water dammed by a wall, well above The Basin's lagoon. The dam is reasonably deep, however it is used as a water supply. This is a nice spot to enjoy the views into the valley.
(1.89 km)
Int. Basin Trk and Euro Trk
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The Basin Campsite Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 782 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -115 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the sign to 'The Basin .7km'. The walk winds sharply and steeply down a trail that becomes cement partway along. The walk continues down to the open grass of the large camping area.
Beechwood Function and Convention Centre
Alt = 1 m
Beechwood Function and Convention Centre, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a historic building situated next to The Basin camping area. The cottage was built in 1882 by convicts, pirates and sailors living in the area at the time. The cottage is now a venue for hire, with space and equipment to cater for 60 people. More info
The Basin campground
Alt = m
The Basin Campsite, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large grassed campsite overlooking Pittwater. The Basin is the only place you can camp in the National Park. However, it has capacity to sleep 400 people and many facilities to adequately cope. The Basin is accessible by has ferry and management trail, but there is no car access. There are numerous facilities such as drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, electric and wood barbecues, in addition to cold showers, an amenities block and a soft drink vending machine. There is a large lagoon for swimming, and some nice walks to explore.
(2.67 km)
The Basin Campsite
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The Basin Wharf Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 132 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the start of the cement road, this walk heads through the campsite, leading past the large dumpster bins on the left. The track heads past the white poles to the wooden shelter near the water - the Basin Wharf.
(2.81 km)
The Basin Wharf
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Mackerel Beach Wharf Walk: Easy - transport
Length = 2.09 km
Time = 32 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From The Basin Wharf, this walk takes the ferry across Pittwater to Mackerel Beach Wharf. The Palm Beach Ferry service operates hourly from 9am to about 8pm - check their timetable for more info. The ferry starts from Palm Beach and goes via Bennett's, Bonnie Doon, The Basin, Currawong then Mackerel. PH: 9974 2411. (There is no EFTPOS on board, please carry cash) More info Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
Mackerel Beach
Alt = 2 m
Mackerel Beach, also known as Great Mackerel Beach, is a 600m stretch of sand facing east over Pittwater. The beach is backed by a lagoon and a small community of houses. Mackerel Beach has a wharf with public ferry access. Mackerel Beach and its southern neighbour, Little Mackerel or Currawong Beach, were originally purchased for farming in 1823 by John Clarke. The land was then subdivided and more than a hundred houses were built, many of which still stand today.
(4.9 km)
Mackerel Beach Wharf
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Mackerel North Gate Walk: Easy - beach
Length = 291 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left : From the wharf, this walk heads south along the beach, keeping the water on the left, for approximately 300m to the gate just behind a boulder and timber stairs on the beach. (one of the last obvious staircases)
(5.19 km)
Mackerel North Gate
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Mackerel South Gate Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 176 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer right: From the gate, this walk heads up the sandstone path through the line of houses. The footpath continues through and under some houses for approximately 200m, contouring with the hillside to a gate which opens onto the bush.
(5.37 km)
Mackerel South Gate
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Currawong Beach Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 265 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -26 m
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk heads down the headland away from the house. The track drops down some small rock slopes to continues down the hill side for approximately 200m to Currawong Beach. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Currawong Beach
Alt = 3 m
Currawong Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a 400m stretch of sand looking east over Pittwater. The beach is situated between The Basin and Mackerel Beach. Currawong Beach has a wharf which allows for access via the water. Backing the beach is Currawong Beach Cottages and some steep hills. 'Little Mackerel Beach' was purchased in 1949 by the NSW Labour Council for their members. The resort was called Currawong, which is now the common name for the beach.
(5.37 km)
Mackerel South Gate
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Mackerel Trk Clearing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 437 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 59 m
Descent = -4 m
Turn right: From the gate, this walk heads steeply up the hill. The track climbs up the hillside to the right of a large cube-like boulder (which, itself, makes a great viewpoint). The track then continues up the spur for approximately 50m, passing numerous large, green water tanks on the right of the track. Then the walk leads up the ridge through a ferny area to a clearing at the end of a service track, the intersection.
(5.8 km)
Mackerel Trk Clearing
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Int. Basin Trk and West Head Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 2.15 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 97 m
Descent = -27 m
Veer left: From the clearing with views of Mackerel Beach, this walk heads away from the views of the water, down into a saddle to rise up the widening ridge. The track meanders up the wide ridge for a while before meeting a signposted intersection. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads downhill along the wide basin management trail, to the signposted intersection with a track on the left, which heads to the 'Aboriginal Engravings'[2]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north down the hill (keeping the engravings on the left) to the next signposted intersection with the 'Aboriginal Engravings' track on the left. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the slight hill away from the 'Aboriginal Engravings' (initially with the engravings on the left). (If you pass a second 'Aboriginal Engravings' sign you have gone the wrong way). The track tends right then heads around a gate, just before coming to the Basin Track car park on West Head Road.
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 were unprepared for the last descent into the basin and climbing back out again. If theres a next time we will know better then to carry so much and wear thongs lol.
admin - re: The steep bits (are unplea
Super Administrator | 2011-09-18 21:22:54
2 adults 2 kids (5 and 9) wrote:
We were unprepared for the last descent into the basin and climbing back out again. If theres a next time we will know better then to carry so much and wear thongs lol.
Shame, it is steep hey. Sorry the notes were not clear enough for you as to how steep it is. Maybe next time you could walk in (with shoes) and catch the ferry out.
Matt :)
Jessica Catherine - Spectacular views
IP:60.242.17.xxx | 2012-07-08 11:25:03
Thanks for the info on this walk.
We took the 1km diversion to the dam on the way down. We found this to be the most enjoyable as we saw 2 wallabies in the bush and 1 kangaroo.
Just to add you will need loose change to catch the ferry. They dont take EFTPOS; we managed to scramble enough to catch it to Mackarel Beach (always forget about the $11 entrance fees to the Park).
Finding the trail from Mackarel Beach to the track was the most challenging. There are a lot of boulders and staircases! There were a few other walkers we teamed up with to find the right one - it was one of the last staircases visible on the beach and it was wooden.
In all a great days walk.
admin - re: Spectacular views
Super Administrator | 2012-07-08 23:52:50
Jessica Catherine wrote:
..Just to add you will need loose change to catch the ferry. They dont take EFTPOS; we managed to scramble enough to catch it to Mackarel Beach...
Finding the trail from Mackarel Beach to the track was the most challenging. There are a lot of boulders and staircases! There were a few other walkers we teamed up with to find the right one - it was one of the last staircases visible on the beach and it was wooden.
Hi Jessica
Thanks for the feedback - glad you had a good time, seeing the 'jumpy creatures' would have been very exciting. Thanks for the hints I will add them to the notes.
Matt :)
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)