Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

7 km Circuit

289 m

Hard track

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.

Climbing up to the end of the management trail

Davidson picnic area

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.

(0km) Bottom of the Casuarina Steps → Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park Driveway

280 m

5 mins

-4m Very easy

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'.

(0km) Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park driveway → Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

2.7 km

48 mins

54m

-46m Moderate track

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.

(3km) Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks → Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

740 m

12 mins

21m

-3m Moderate track

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.

(4km) Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks → Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail

1.4 km

34 mins

101m

-45m Hard track

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.

(5km) Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail → Casuarina Lookout

1.7 km

46 mins

111m

-182m Hard track

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.

(7km) Casuarina Lookout → Bottom of the Casuarina Steps

130 m

2 mins

-9m Moderate track

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.

Maps for the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks 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.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

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

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

Altitude analysis for Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

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	7 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks walk.

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

Casuarina Track (Davidson Park to Ferguson St)

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting at Davidson Picnic area, this walk follows the ridge above Middle Harbour Creek, giving some great views along the way. The walk explores the sandstone formations, and passes an aboriginal midden along the way. Soon after passing the national park office, the walk finishes at the end of F

Total climbing: 293m

Hard track

The Lyrebird Track

5.3 km Return, 2 hrs

This pleasant return walk starts from the end of the Davidson Reserve picnic area and follows the Lyrebird Track through the bush, along the edge of Middle Harbour Creek, to the stepping stone crossing on Carroll Creek. The stepping stones are a great place to take a break before returning along th

Total climbing: 100m

Moderate track

Governor Phillip Walk

7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

Named in honour of NSW's first Governor, this walk follows in the footsteps of his 1788 expedition to find farm land. The walk starts at the end of Ferguson St, Forestville. Passing the NPWS office and depot, the walk then follows Carroll Creek down to the official start of the Governor Phillip Wa

Total climbing: 222m

Moderate track

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

Currie Rd Track to Ferguson St via Magazine Buildings and Davidson Park

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting at Currie Road in Forestville, this walk explores much of the northern shore of Middle Harbour Creek. There are some great side trips, in-particular to Natural Bridge and to Flat Rock Beach. Davidson Picnic area has great facilities if you are looking for a BBQ picnic lunch, otherwise the

Total climbing: 575m

Hard track

Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

11.5 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Exploring both the eastern and western sides of Middle Harbour Creek, this walk follows the Little Digger and Two Creeks Tracks down to the Roseville Bridge, and into Davidson Reserve. This is a fantastic spot to take a break before following the waterline along the Lyrebird Track for a while and lo

Total climbing: 470m

Hard track

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

14.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk, between Davidson Park and Warrimoo Ave, is a fantastic harbour side trip. The focus for the walk is the waterway views, scattered throughout. This walk is a great way to explore the valley between the suburbs and the interesting, diverse flora it contains.

Total climbing: 591m

Moderate 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 Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks walk.

Magazine Track

3.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk is named after the heritage magazine buildings at about the halfway point. There is not a great view of the buildings but the walk provides great views of Bantry bay, and visits the secluded flat rock beach. Most of the walk is on bush track and there are plenty of rocky points along the

Total climbing: 139m

Moderate track

Natural Bridge Walk

1.4 km Return, 45 mins

Starting at Cook Street in Forestville, this walk follows service trails and bush tracks through Garigal National Park, to the Natural Bridge. The walk uses the arch as a natural bridge to cross the creek. The rock formation is the main highlight of this walk, though the wild flower displays in the

Total climbing: 71m

Moderate track

Lindfield Park and Little Digger Track Loop

6.7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

This pleasant walk starts from Lindfield Park and heads through the bushland to the Two Creeks Track, which it follows through the National Park to, and along, Middle Harbour Creek. The walk returns to Lindfield Park via the picturesque Little Digger Track, and through a few shortcut alley ways in E

Total climbing: 287m

Moderate track

The Bluff Track

986 m Return, 30 mins

This short return walk starts from the end of Grattan Crescent, Frenchs Forest and follows the service trails along the Bluff Track to the spectacular lookout perched above Bantry Bay. There is an optional side trip down the into the valley to the Natural Bridge, which is a interesting natural rock

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Two Creeks Track

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

A popular walk that explores Gordon, Middle Harbour and Moores Creeks. This walk crosses a section of Garigal National park and a few reserves managed by Ku-ring-gai Council, you will see some great water views, sandstone caves and heritage sandstone works. The track is well signposted. The optiona

Total climbing: 237m

Moderate track

Currie Rd Track

4.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This nice walk explores some of the service trails at the northern end of Bantry Bay, in Garigal National Park. This walk is a great way to see many wildflowers, and some wildlife, of the area. The side trip to the Natural Bridge is worth the effort to see this interesting rock formation. Most of

Total climbing: 145m

Hard track

Currie Rd to Davidson Park

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs

Starting at Currie Rd in Forestville, this walk follows Middle Harbour to Davidson Park, under Roseville Bridge. There are two optional side trips, one to Natural Bridge and the other short one to Flat rock beach. The walk starts on a service trail, but mostly follows bush tracks, providing great

Total climbing: 280m

Moderate track

Curry Rd to The Bluff (via the Natural Bridge)

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Currie Rd in Forestville, this walk visits the sandstone archway known as the Natural Bridge before climbing the hill and continuing to the Bluff. The Bluff is a large rocky point, with its own interesting shapes and a fantastic view down Middle Harbour and across to the city.

Total climbing: 165m

Hard track

East Bantry Bay

4.6 km One way, 2 hrs

Starting at Currie Road in Forestville, this walk follows the edge of Bantry Bay to Seaforth Oval. The main highlights of the walk include the Natural Bridge, the views from the Bluff Lookout and Bantry Bay Picnic Area. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views and wildlife along the w

Total climbing: 274m

Hard track

Little Digger Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk follows Moores Creek through several reserves in east Roseville and East Lindfield. The track is named after Australia's 7th Prime Minster, who once lived in the area. The walk explores the ferns and sandstone overhangs of the area, and there are several small waterfalls on Moore creek, w

Total climbing: 93m

Moderate 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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks walk starts and ends at the Bottom of the Casuarina Steps (gps: -33.767577, 151.20242)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<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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