Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

3.5 km Circuit

190 m

Hard track

This circuit walk starts at Founders Way and follows the Bungaroo bush track through the national park to Middle Harbour Creek. There is an optional side trip to the creek crossing before returning, via the pipe bridge and the Pipeline Track. Along the Bungaroo Track there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the great forest like surroundings, in what is a tiny portion of the Garigal National Park.

Intersection near the lower entrance from Hunter St

One of several view points on the Bungaroo track

Most of the Bungaroo track is very clear

The track passes several information signs

Steps at the bottom of the Bungaroo track

Looking through the bush to the pipe bridge

The pipeline crossing Middle Harbour Crk

(0km) Int of Hunter Ave and Founders Way → Int of Pipeline Track and Founders Way

70 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

From the intersection, this walk follows the Founders Way service trail, heading away from the road and past a picnic seat, continuing along to the 'T' intersection with the pipeline track.

(0km) Int of Pipeline Track and Founders Way → Int of Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks

180 m

3 mins

0m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail keeping the pipeline on the right as it heads up the gentle hill and past a Garigal National Park sign. It then continues through the bush for a while before coming to the signposted intersection with the Bungaroo Track.

(0km) Int of Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks → Int of Bungaroo and Lower Link Track

1.3 km

33 mins

47m

-165m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bungaroo Track' sign along the bush track, heading away from the pipeline and through the gum trees, winding down some wooden steps before coming to the intersection of the lookout rock at the track markers. Here, the track turns right and continues along through the bush to the intersection with the upper link track, where a power line tower comes into view at a rock surface with some painted green arrows.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track east towards the rock platforms, where it follows the steps down a cleft between the rocks. The walk continues along the bush track, winding through the bush and under some high-tension power lines and down some spaced-out wooden steps, until it comes to the intersection with the middle link track at a rock surface with some green painted arrows.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading east, down the hill and through the bush for a while, steadily winding down wooden and rock steps. The track heads down around some rock platforms and past an information sign on a local bird called the Anomalous Hornbill. The walk passes a track marker and continues down some more wooden steps to the intersection of the lower link track.

(2km) Int of Bungaroo and Lower Link Track → Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks

240 m

4 mins

10m

-5m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, with the ground sloping up to the left and keeping the wide creek a short distance (through the bush) to the right. The track continues through the thick bush and around some boulders for a little while before bending to the right and coming to the Middle Harbour Creek, which it crosses at the large sandstone steppingstones (not safe to cross if stepping stones covered in water). The walk then continues up the steps on the other side to the signposted intersection of the 'Governor Phillip Track'. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Bungaroo

Governor Arthur Phillip (first governor of NSW) described this section of the river as where "the flowing of the tide ceased". Phillip and his party of nine camped here in 1788 whilst looking for land suitable for farming. John White (Surgeon General) described the the area as "the most desert, wild and solitary seclusion that the imagination can form any idea of". Over the past 200 years the river has changed, but somewhere not far upstream of the stepping stone is Bungaroo. More info.

(2km) Int of Bungaroo and Lower Link Track → Int of Pipeline and Middle Harbour Creek tracks

430 m

8 mins

-13m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, with the ground sloping up to the right, through the bush to a grassy clearing at the waters edge. From here, it continues along the track, winding back through the thick bush, keeping the creek on the left as it winds along to the intersection of the Pipeline Track, at the end of the pipe bridge.

Pipeline

This pipeline is unearthed at Hunter Street, St Ives, and travels through Garigal National Park, across Middle Harbour Creek to John Oxley Drive, Sorlie. The pipe carries water under pressure From Ryde to Pymble to the reservoir at Beacon Hill. The old smaller-capacity pipe can still be seen running parallel to the larger pipe.

(2km) Int of Pipeline and Middle Harbour Creek tracks → Int of Hunter Ave and Founders Way

1.5 km

35 mins

126m

-11m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the pipeline service trail away from the wide creek, steadily climbing up the long hill for a while. In time, the track flattens out and then comes to the faint intersection with the middle link track on the right (just before it starts up another gentle hill). (Look for an 'X' marked into the concrete pipeline support opposite the track)
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail up the gentle hill, keeping the pipe line on the left as the track winds through the bush, coming to the intersection of the upper link track, almost directly below the high-tension power lines. (Look for an arrow marked into the concrete pipeline support opposite the track)
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, keeping the pipe line on the left as the track heads through the bush for a short while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Bungaroo Track'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Pipeline Track arrow along the management trail, keeping the pipeline on the left as it heads through the bush for a while, before it passes a 'Garigal National Park' signpost and comes down to the intersection with the wide management trail heading off to the right.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail heading away from the pipeline and past a picnic seat, continuing along for a short distance to the intersection with Hunter Avenue.

Maps for the Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

Altitude analysis for Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.5 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (490m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.7km 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. The remaining (660m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 870m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop walk.

Founders Way

3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This return walk starts at the Founders Way track head, in St Ives, and follows the pipeline through the National Park. The walk heads down into the valley where it comes to the Middle Harbour Creek pipe bridge. There is a short, optional side trip along the Bungaroo Track to the stepping stones cr

Total climbing: 137m

Moderate track

Bungaroo Track

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a section of bush between Hunter Ave, St Ives, and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a reasonably well defined bush track, passing several rocky outcrops with views across the valley. The walk is named after Bungaroo, a spot of Middle Harbour creek which was described by th

Total climbing: 237m

Hard track

The Pipeline Track

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk explores the bush from St Ives, and follows the pipeline down the the banks of Middle Harbour. There are a few steep sections in the second half of the walk. This walk is an interesting way to get into the heart of Garigal National Park following the Founders track.

Total climbing: 206m

Moderate track

The Pipeline Way

4.7 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant walk follows the pipeline, from Hunter Avenue in St Ives, to John Oxley Drive, Davidson. The walk follows the pipeline down into the valley and crosses Middle Harbour Creek (via a quick upstream detour to the Bungaroo Track crossing) before climbing out of the valley to John Oxley Driv

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

Killara to St Ives via Rocky Creek

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs

This pleasant walk starts at the bottom of Eastern Arterial Road (near the speed camera) and follows the service trails and bush tracks into Garigal National Park and down the side of the valley to Middle Harbour Creek. From here the track follows Middle Harbour Creek north to the pipe bridge, and a

Total climbing: 400m

Experienced only

St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

9 km One way, 4 hrs

This walk starts in St Ives and follows the Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks down to Middle Harbour Creek, crossing the creek at the stepping stones and continuing to Davidson Picnic area. Much of this walk follows Middle Harbour Creek, providing great water views and passing some interesting sandstone

Total climbing: 399m

Hard track

Middle Harbour Creek Loop

15.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek, starting and ending at the great parklands at Davidson Park, in Garigal National Park. There are plenty of nice spots along the way to rest and enjoy the views. There are several sandstone overhangs, plenty of water views and most of the

Total climbing: 570m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop walk.

East Killara Track

6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts and finishes at different points on Eastern Arterial Road. The walk follows a mixture of service trails and bush tracks through Garigal National Park, along Middle Harbour Creek, then heads back out to Eastern Arterial Road, on the other side of Killara.

Total climbing: 296m

Hard track

East Killara Bushtrack

2.6 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk explores a section of Middle Harbour and Gordon Creek following a narrow bush track. The walk provides some great views across Middle Harbour Creek and the bushland of the area. This walk also gets close to the mangroves along Middle Harbour creek. With the right tide, these mangroves can

Total climbing: 133m

Hard track

Davidson Track

2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk starts at John Oxley Drive, and is popular with people working on their fitness. The walk follows a service trail which is initially dirt, but is sealed for most of the way, as it follows the pipeline steeply down to Middle Harbour Creek. Enjoy the view from the bank of the creek before

Total climbing: 132m

Hard track

Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from John Oxley Drive, Davidson, this walk descends steeply into Garigal National Park, along a wide asphalt service trail. The walk follows a lovely bush track along the eastern bank of Middle Harbour creek before following Carroll Creek up to the end of Ferguson St, Forestville. There are

Total climbing: 128m

Hard track

Cascades Track (from Davidson)

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This pleasant, return walk starts in Davidson and follows the Cascades Track along the management trails as it winds down into the valley. In the main valley, the walk comes to the Cascades just upstream of the Frenchs and Middle Harbour Creeks junction. The Cascades are surrounded by rock platform

Total climbing: 119m

Moderate track

Davidson Exploration

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk partially circumnavigates the suburb of Davidson. Starting on Stone Pde, the walk follows the cascades track down to Middle Harbour Creek and follows the creek downstream to the pipeline. The walk finishes with an uphill slog, following the pipeline, to John Oxley Drive.

Total climbing: 243m

Hard track

Cascades Track, return from St Ives

3.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores part of the northern section of Garigal National Park and the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a service trail from Douglas Street, St Ives, to cross Middle Harbour Creek, then explores a large rock platform with the Cascades. The cascades themselves are n

Total climbing: 171m

Moderate track

The Cascades Track (St Ives to Davidson)

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a section of Garigal National Park from St Ives following service trails through the forest and into the valley. The cascades, from which this track derives its name, are at the junction of Middle Harbour and Frenchs creeks. After taking time to explore the rock platform, this w

Total climbing: 117m

Moderate track

Quarry Rd Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

Starting at Cambourne Ave, St Ives, this walks explores the ridges and valleys of the upper reaches of the Middle Harbour Creek in Garigal National Park. The walk follows service trails, and crosses several creeks along the way. The Lower Cambourne waterhole is a great spot to rest and enjoy a sna

Total climbing: 245m

Hard track

The Cambourne Loop

4.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This pleasant walk starts in the outskirts of St Ives and follows several tracks to explore a section of the Garigal National Park. The walk follows the Upper Cambourne Track down into Garigal National Park, then the Lower Cambourne Track into the valley, and the Bare Creek Track, through the forest

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Creek Return

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a popular track being close to roads, yet surrounded by nice tall trees. The walk heads down hill with tall eucalyptus surrounding the track and providing shade for most of the walk. Convenient access to the start of the walk from Gordon Railway station is another feature of this walk.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Gordon to Chatswood Station

12.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a great way to get into the bush without being far from civilisation. The walk wanders through untouched valleys and along the Lane Cove River, passing over many roads and footpaths to connect such unspoilt bush. The side trip to Baker's cottage is definitely worth the short stroll, wit

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop walk starts and ends at the Int of Hunter Ave and Founders Way (gps: -33.743155, 151.17616)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Garigal National Park

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.

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