Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
The Basics
Ku-ring-gai’s name comes from the site’s original inhabitants, the Guringai, who were nearly wiped out by colonization. You’ll see evidence of precolonial Aboriginal life in the park’s red ochre rock paintings and rock engravings.
Access to the park is typically by car. If you don’t have your own transportation, opt for a tour that includes transfers from Sydney hotels, provides background information you could otherwise miss, and ensures you visit the best viewpoints. Some excursions add on a catamaran cruise along the park’s waterways, a good opportunity for bird-watchers.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an ideal nature getaway for travelers who don’t have time to venture far from Sydney.
The admission fee is charged per vehicle. Those with more than eight seats pay more.
Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities throughout the park, as well as showers in the Basin campground.
Pets aren’t permitted.
How to Get There
The park is around a 30-minute drive north of central Sydney. Entrances are at Bobbin Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, and McCarrs Creek Road, accessible from Turramurra, Mount Colah, Terrey Hills, and Church Point. Parking is available at Apple Tree picnic area, Basin Aboriginal art site, Bobbin Head Information Centre, and d’Albora Marinas at Akuna Bay.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is usually open sunrise to sunset, but closes sometimes due to poor weather or fire danger. Different entrances may have different hours—check online for details. Wildflowers bloom in August and September, while winter is the time to watch whales pass by Barrenjoey Head.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Built in 1881, Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach, and is one of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park’s top attractions. Offered every Sunday, 30-minute guided tours take you inside the lighthouse. If you’re there in August, check out the special events happening for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.
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