Governor Phillip Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 45 mins

7 km Return

222 m

Moderate track

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 Walk. For the most part, this walk follows a bush track along Middle Harbour creek, to the stepping stones crossing, before returning the same way.

Intersection of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

Cave near top of the Carroll Creek track

Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

Governor Phillip Walk end of Carroll Creek

Mud Flats on Middle Harbour creek just north of Carroll crk

Governor Phillip track on the bank of Middle Harbour Creek

Governor Phillip Walk along the rocky section

winding through the bush on Governor Phillip walk

Looking down Middle Harbour Creek from stepping stones

Looking up Middle Harbour Creek from stepping stones

Stepping stones across Middle Harbour Creek

(0km) End of Ferguson St → Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

530 m

12 mins

-57m Moderate track

From the end of Ferguson Rd, Forestville, this walk heads through the Garigal National Park gate and along the driveway. Soon this walk passes the 'Northern Beaches Area Office and Depot' on the left (and a small car park on the right) and a short distance further, the driveway come to an intersection with a service trail on the right and a sign to "Casuarina and Carroll Creek ->".
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Carrol Creek Track' signs down the hill and along the service trail, winding down past a short loop service trail, before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Casuarina and Carroll Creek' tracks.

(1km) Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks → Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

740 m

12 mins

-21m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the concrete stairs next to the metal railing, to the bottom, where it turns onto a bush track just before a metal bridge. (The track doesn't cross the bridge, but does have quite a pretty view of Carroll Creek.) Continuing along the bush track, this walk soon passes under a long rock overhang, and follows Carroll Creek for a while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Lyrebird Track' and the 'Carroll Creek Track' crossing.

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

1.5 km

28 mins

31m

-39m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Carroll Creek at the stepping stones and continues along the bush track, passing the "Governor Phillip Walk" sign as the track bends to the left. This walk winds through the bush alongside Carrol Creek before steadily climbing up the rocky hill to the right for a little while. The track then drops back down to the edge of Middle Harbour Creek, which it follows as the walk undulates along the rocky bush track for a while, before crossing under a large pipe bridge to the end of an asphalt service trail.

(3km) Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks → John Oxley Drive (Sth of Prahran Ave)

1 km

27 mins

121m

-11m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete management trail up the hill as it bends to the right. The track soon passes a sign 'Davidson Track' pointing up the hill, as the track winds its way up. Then, about halfway up this hill, the track flattens out to cross a creek and to leave the National Park. The track continues steeply up the hill, with the pipe on the right of the track. There is a lookout point partway up, and, at the top of the hill, there is a brick pump house. From here, the trail become dirt and follows the pipe to John Oxley Drive (just a little way south of Prahran Ave).

(3km) Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks → Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks

700 m

16 mins

38m

-30m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bungaroo Track (450m)' sign, keeping Middle Harbour Creek to the left. The bush track makes its way upstream following the main creek, but crossing a few small gullies along the way. The track then comes an intersection with a signpost 'Bungaroo Track' and stepping stones across the creek, clearly visable on the left.

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.

Maps for the Governor Phillip Walk 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
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 Governor Phillip Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Governor Phillip Walk

Altitude analysis for Governor Phillip Walk

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	3 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		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

Around 2.3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.1km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 530m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 700m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.6km requires no previous 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 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 Governor Phillip Walk walk.

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

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 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

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

Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard 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 Governor Phillip Walk walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Governor Phillip Walk walk starts and ends at the End of Ferguson St (gps: -33.756616, 151.21048)

Bus. (get details)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<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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