Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

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4 hrs 30 mins

11.5 km One way

470 m

Hard track

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 looping back to Davidson reserve along the ridge, via the Casuarina track.

Cave on Two Creeks Track Little Diggers park

Two Creeks track near Ormonde Road track

Climbing up to the end of the management trail

Passing under a rock overhang on Casuarina track

(0km) End of Carnarvon Road → Int of Little Digger and Little Falls Tracks

250 m

6 mins

-31m Moderate track

From the end of Carnarvon Road, the walk follows the Little Digger Track sign, stepping up onto the short rock platform and following the bush track up the hill. After passing around the houses, the walk steadily winds down through the gully to the signposted intersection with the Little Falls Track.

(0km) Int of Little Digger and Little Falls Tracks → Little Falls

30 m

1 mins

-5m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the "Little Falls 2min return" arrow along the bush track, heading down the hill and through the ferns to a small flat clearing next to a creek, just down stream from a small waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Little Falls

Little falls are found along the Little Digger Track in East Lindfield. The small cascade is on Moores Creek, and is a single drop over a sandstone shelf. There is a small clearing on the western bank of the creek making a quiet area to sit and rest whilst trying to spot lyrebirds.

(0km) Int of Little Digger and Little Falls Tracks → Int of Little Digger and Babbage Falls Tracks

130 m

3 mins

-7m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, leaving the signposted 'Little Falls Track' on the right, the walk follows the bush track. The walk winds through the gully and down some wooden steps, continuing along for a little while before coming to the signposted intersection with the 'Babbage Falls Track'.

(0km) Int of Little Digger and Babbage Falls Tracks → Babbage Falls

10 m

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Babbage Falls' sign down the short hill, to the rock platform looking down on the Babbage Falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Babbage Falls

Babbage Falls are on Moores Creek in East Lindfield, just off the side of the Little Diggers Track. The falls flow off a large rock platform to a small pool in the creek below. Babbage Falls are named in honour of Eden Herschel Babbage. Babbage (1843-1924) was known as 'The Father of Roseville' and was committed to developing a series of tracks through the area which was then known as Roseville park. More info.

(0km) Int of Little Digger and Babbage Falls Tracks → Moores Creek bridge

320 m

8 mins

12m

-35m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection (with the signposted 'Babbage Falls Track' on the right), the walk follows the bush track, heading north through the gully, winding through the bush and down some rock steps, where it crosses under two large rock overhangs. The walk continues through the bush, crossing a small creek and undulating through the gully until it comes down to the Moores Creek Bridge. (The track does not cross this bridge but it does provide nice views of the creek.)

(1km) Moores Creek bridge → Carlyle Road track and Little Digger Track Int

90 m

1 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: With the Bridge on the right, the walk follows the bush track, heading north through the bush, passing a Little Digger Track information sign and continuing along the now wider track for a short distance before turning left and coming up to the 'T' intersection with the Carlyle Road management trail.

Little Diggers Park

Little Diggers Park is a bushland reserve to the north of Roseville Golf Course. The reserve protects the native flora and fauna on the banks of Moores Creek. The park was named in honour of William Hughes who lived in the area and was Australia's 7th Prime Minister. Billy Hughes was also nicknamed 'little digger' during WW1, a name he carried to his grave in death in 1952. The park is now managed by Ku-ring-gai Council, and regeneration is undertaken by the Moores Creek Bushcare Group. More info.

(1km) Carlyle Road track and Little Digger Track Int → Int of Two Creeks and Carlyle Road tracks

130 m

2 mins

-2m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north for approximately 100m until coming to an intersection with a management trail, near a bridge and a stone seat. This intersection is marked with a 'Carlyle Rd' signpost.

(1km) Int of Two Creeks and Carlyle Road tracks → Int of Two Creeks and Ormonde Road tracks

880 m

20 mins

46m

-46m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the wooden bridge and follows the track through the bush and along the side of the hill. After a while, the track bends around to the right and follows the wide Middle Harbour Creek, with Davidson Park across on the other side. The track continues along the side of the hill above Middle Harbour Creek for a while, before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Ormonde Road 200m' track, uphill on the right.

(2km) Int of Two Creeks and Ormonde Road tracks → End of Ormonde Road Track

150 m

6 mins

34m

-1m Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Ormonde Road 200m' arrow up the steep rocky hill. The walk flattens out and continues to the end of Ormonde Rd.

(2km) End of Ormonde Road Track → Int of Davidson Park driveway and Warringah Road on-ramp

1.8 km

39 mins

69m

-107m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows Ormonde Rd up the hill (passing Chase Ave, Cardigan Rd and The Kingsway), passing the off-ramp from Warringah Rd, then turning right at the Warringah Rd on-ramp (just before the bridge over Warringah Rd). The walk follows the grassy strip at the left hand edge of the on-ramp, as it loops around under the bridge. The walk continues down the hill following the very narrow verge on the left-hand side of Warringah Rd until reaching an intersection with a concrete footpath (which goes down the hill to the left, closed at the time of writing), just before the Roseville Bridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath on the left-hand side of Warringah Rd and crosses the long Roseville Bridge. The walk continues up the hill before turning sharply to the left and following the off-ramp road down the hill. After crossing under the Roseville Bridge the walk arrives at the intersection with the Davidson Park driveway.

(4km) Int of Davidson Park Driveway and Warringah Road on-ramp → Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park Driveway

1.1 km

20 mins

15m

-17m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Davidson Park driveway, crossing under Roseville Bridge with Middle Harbour Creek on the left. The walk passes a small car park and bends to the right, winding around the large picnic areas (on the left), passing a building with some toilets (also on the left), and continuing along for a little while before coming to the signposted intersection of the Rotary Rotunda footpath.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the road, keeping the park and Middle Harbour on the left. After a little while, this walk comes to the signposted intersection at the bottom of the 'Casuarina Stairway', uphill on the right.
Continue straight: 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'.

(5km) 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.

(7km) 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.

(8km) 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.

(10km) 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.

(11km) 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.

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.

Maps for the Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit 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 Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

Altitude analysis for Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

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	11.5 km
		Time	4 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

4.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.6km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 2.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.4km is very steep.

Quality of track

6km 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 2.1km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 130m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 4.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.3km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 12km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 10km 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 Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit walk.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

10 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

The Seaforth to Davidson Park walk is a wonderful and historic loop around Bantry Bay. The walk continues from Bantry Bay, along Middle Harbour's treelined foreshore, to Davidson Park. This walk explores some wonderful bush and water views tucked into the valleys of Sydney.

Total climbing: 491m

Hard track

Seaforth Oval to Roseville Bridge via Bantry Bay

10 km One way, 4 hrs

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk follows a section of the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track along Middle Harbour Creek. The walk has many highlights, including great views of Bantry Bay, the Historic Magazine Buildings and the Natural Bridge. This walk is blessed with great bushland and views of M

Total climbing: 491m

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

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

Spit to Lindfield

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 45 mins

This full day walk starts at the southern end of the Spit Bridge and explores a lot of Garigal National Park and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track into Garigal National Park, skirting around Bantry Bay and along Middle Harbour Creek before crossing Roseville Br

Total climbing: 1181m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit walk.

Roseville to Chatswood Station via Lane Cove River

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk takes you down into the v-shaped valleys that run between the houses of Roseville and Chatswood. The walk stays predominantly in the valleys, with many sections on road or footpath. This walk has a surprising amount of bushland which is very close to civilisation. The walk also passes the

Total climbing: 185m

Hard track

Roseville to Macquarie Park

8.9 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts at Roseville station and explores the streets and alleyways of Roseville before joining the main spine of the Great North Walk at Fullers Bridge. Here you head deeper into the bush to explore the eastern bank on the Lane Cove River. There is a great diversity of mostly dry forest a

Total climbing: 290m

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

Flat Rock Beach track

516 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts from the end of Killarney Drive, in Killarney Heights and heads down the hill to Flat Rock Beach. The beach is a secluded sandy area on the shores of Middle Harbour. A nice spot for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the boats as they pass by.

Total climbing: 50m

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

Chatswood Station to Mowbray Park

5.4 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk leads down through the valleys beneath the houses, high on the ridge tops, to reaching the banks of the Lane Cove River at the Chatswood Golf Course. The walk then follows the scenic river, using boardwalks at times. The walk sees another side of Chatswood, with many natural treasures hidd

Total climbing: 137m

Hard track

Chatswood to Epping Station

16.3 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk, from Chatswood to Epping, is a long but enjoyable walk along the Lane Cove valley. The walk mostly follows the Lane Cove River to Terry's Creek, then follows Terry's creek, under some major roads, to Epping. A great walk exploring bushland so close to the suburbs.

Total climbing: 533m

Hard track

Chatswood Station to Eastwood Station

18.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

Following the Lane Cove River and Terry's Creek, this walk uses the valleys between the stations to explore some suburban bushland. From Chatswood Station, the walk soon leaves the suburban area and passes through the bush along the Lane Cove River. A great station-to-station walk with a few options

Total climbing: 554m

Hard track

Ferndale Park Loop

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a short loop which escapes the city of Chatswood and drops down into the undeveloped valleys. The track is quiet and cool in the shade which the thick canopy provides. A great short walk or run during the lunch hour.

Total climbing: 88m

Moderate track

Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

11.2 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk begins in the busy city of Chatswood and soon enters the nearby bushland around the Lane Cove River. The walk uses the v-shaped valleys to escape from the houses. Due to pollution and rubbish in stormwater run-off there are some less then pleasant pockets, however, this walk does explore s

Total climbing: 302m

Hard track

Rail to River Walk

7.5 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a great one from Chatswood Station to the Lane Cove River National Park. The walk descends through the vegetated bushland which fills the valleys of the Lane Cove River. There are two places to buy a bite to eat, the Chatswood Golf Club and the Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaura

Total climbing: 222m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit walk starts at the End of Carnarvon Road (gps: -33.773981, 151.19082)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit ends at the Bottom of the Casuarina Steps (gps: -33.767580, 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.

Moores Creek Reserve

Moores Creek Reserve is a large bushland reserve owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve is bound by Middle Harbour, Garigal National Park, Moore Creek, Chase Ave and Carlye Rd. The area has a number of well managed walking tracks. The reserve is home to several small but nice water falls and several sandstone caves.

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