Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

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Time 1 hr 30 mins
One way 3.8 km One way
Climb 128 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Bus Car
no_pets
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 plenty of lovely water views, and several interesting sandstone overhangs on this walk.
Davidson Track trackhead at John Oxley Drive Down into the valley Continuing through the bush Coming down to the pipe bridge Following Middle Harbour Creek The Governor Phillip Walk Passing an old rope swing Heading through the bush Middle Harbour from Governor Phillip track Following the waters edge winding through the trees Looking out across the creek Following the Governor Phillip Walk The Carroll Creek Crossing The Carroll Creek Track Following the edge of the creek Waterfall on Carroll Creek Cave near top of the Carroll Creek track Climbing up to the end of the management trail Nothern Beaches Area Depot Servicetrail Top of Nothern Beaches Area Service trail

(0km) John Oxley Drive (Sth of Prahran Ave) → Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks

distance 1 km time 27 mins climb 11m descent -121m Hard track
From John Oxley Drive, just a little way south of Prahran Ave, this walk follows the dirt management trail and the 'Davidson Track' sign around the gate, keeping the pipe on the left of the track. The track soon passes a brick pump house, as the track becomes asphalt and starts to steeply head downhill. Partway down the hill, there is a lookout point on the pipe, then at the bottom of the first hill is a creek-crossing and sign welcoming people to 'Garigal National Park'. Past the sign, the track starts to head downhill again, as it winds down to the creek and the signposted intersection with Governor Phillip track, just near the pipe bridge.

Pipeline

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.

(1km) Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks → Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

distance 1.5 km time 28 mins climb 39m descent -31m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses under the pipebridge and continues along the rocky bush track, following Middle Harbour Creek as the track undulates up and down for a while. The walk then steadily climbs up the side of the hill to the left for some time, before dropping back down and continuing along beside Carrol Creek. The walk passes a "Governor Phillip Walk" sign, as the track bends to the right and crosses the creek at the stepping stones at the signposted intersection of 'Carroll Creek Track' and 'Lyrebird Track'.

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

distance 740 m time 12 mins climb 21m descent -3m Moderate track
Turn left: 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.

(3km) Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks → Int of Carroll Crk and Nothern Beaches Area Depot Servicetrails

distance 410 m time 11 mins climb 51m descent 0m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail, heading up the long gentle hill which progressively steepens as it passes a short loop trail on the right, and winds up to the intersection with an asphalt service trail. (Note: The National Parks Depot is just down the hill along the asphalt trail to the right)

(4km) Int of Carrol Crk and Northern Beaches Area Depot Servicetrails → End of Ferguson St

distance 120 m time 1 mins climb 6m descent -3m Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the driveway, crossing under the power lines and passing the 'Northern Beaches Area Office and Depot' on the right (and a small car park on the left). Not much further up, the driveway passes through a white gate and comes to the end of Ferguson Rd, Forestville.

Maps for the Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St 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.

Hornsby1:25 000 Map Series91304S HORNSBYNSW-91304S
Parramatta River1:25 000 Map Series91303N PARRAMATTA RIVERNSW-91303N
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

Altitude analysis for Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

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.

Length3.8 km
Time1 hr 30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

1.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km has short steep hills. The remaining (1000m) is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 2.3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 1.5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1000m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 870m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1000m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St walk.

Davidson Track

2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Davidson Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Casuarina Track (Davidson Park to Ferguson St)

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Casuarina Track (Davidson Park to Ferguson St)

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

The Pipeline Way

4.7 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

The Pipeline Way

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Davidson Exploration

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Davidson Exploration

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Governor Phillip Walk

7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

Governor Phillip Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

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

Total climbing: 289m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

9 km One way, 4 hrs

St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

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

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

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

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

11.5 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

14.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Middle Harbour Creek Loop

15.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 45 mins

Middle Harbour Creek Loop

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

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St walk.

East Killara Bushtrack

2.6 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

East Killara Bushtrack

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Cascades Track (from Davidson)

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Cascades Track (from Davidson)

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Bungaroo Track

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Bungaroo Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Founders Way

3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Founders Way

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

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 opportuniti

Total climbing: 190m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

East Killara Track

6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

East Killara Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Killara to St Ives via Rocky Creek

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs

Killara to St Ives via Rocky Creek

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

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus

Experienced only

The Lyrebird Track

5.3 km Return, 2 hrs

The Lyrebird Track

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

The Pipeline Track

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

The Pipeline Track

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

The Bare Creek Track

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

The Bare Creek Track

This pleasant return walk starts from the outskirts of Belrose and follows the management trails through Garigal National Park to the bottom of the valley and along Bare Creek to the cascades. The cascades are a good place for a break before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 265m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Currie Rd Track

4.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Currie Rd Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Currie Rd to Davidson Park

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs

Currie Rd to Davidson Park

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St walk starts at the John Oxley Drive (Sth of Prahran Ave) (gps: -33.747029, 151.19987)

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

The Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St ends at the End of Ferguson St (gps: -33.756616, 151.21048)

bus Bus. (get details) car 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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