Basin to Mackerel

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.5 km One way

200 m

Hard track

This scenic walk gives an excellent excuse for a ferry ride in Sydney's northern beaches region. The ferry leaves from Palm Beach Ferry Terminal, and crosses Pittwater to The Basin Wharf. The walk then heads around to Mackerel Beach and passes an optional side trip to some historic and interesting Aboriginal engravings. The scenic water views are complemented by the on-water views from a second ferry back to Palm Beach from Mackerel Wharf.

The Basin service trail into the campsite

(0km) The Basin Wharf → The Basin Campsite

130 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

From the Basin wharf, this walk heads towards and past the white poles and the large dumpster bins on the right. The walk then continues approximately 50m to the cement road near the information sign of the campsite.

The Basin Campsite

The Basin Campsite, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large grassed campsite overlooking Pittwater. The Basin is the only place you can camp in the National Park. However, it has capacity to sleep 400 people and many facilities to adequately cope. The Basin is accessible by has ferry and management trail, but there is no car access. There are numerous facilities such as drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, electric and wood barbecues, in addition to cold showers, an amenities block and a soft drink vending machine. There is a large lagoon for swimming, and some nice walks to explore.

Beechwood Function and Convention Centre

Beechwood Function and Convention Centre, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a historic building situated next to The Basin camping area. The cottage was built in 1882 by convicts, pirates and sailors living in the area at the time. The cottage is now a venue for hire, with space and equipment to cater for 60 people. More info.

(0km) The Basin Campsite → Int. Basin Trk and Mackerel Trk

2 km

40 mins

175m

-18m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the camping area, this walk heads up the cement road, following the sign 'West Head Road 2.4km' on the information board. The walk heads steeply up the hill for approximately 500m then turns left sharply. The track then becomes dirt as it continues approximately 300m up the hill to the signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the sign to 'West Head Rd 1.9km'. The track continues to climb up the hill, winding as it does so for some time. As the track passes over the hill, it undulates over two hills with views of the sea behind. The track then winds steeply down the hill for approximately 300m to an intersection on the right, marked by a sign saying 'Mackarel Service Trail'.

(2km) Int. Basin Trk and Mackerel Trk → Int. Basin Trk and Aboriginal Engraving Trk Entry

330 m

6 mins

-4m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads downhill along the wide basin management trail, to the signposted intersection with a track on the left, which heads to the 'Aboriginal Engravings'[1].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Aboriginal Engravings' sign into the heath and away from the management trail. The track tends right as it follows the wooden edging over the rock surface, between the engravings, to a ramp. The track continues for approximately 10m to the signposted intersection. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

The Basin Track Aboriginal Engravings

The Basin Track Aboriginal Engravings, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large rock surface scattered with Aboriginal engravings. The engravings depict men, fish, hopping wallabies and a club. The engravings are marked with interpretive signs which outline where on the rocks the engravings are and how they were made.

(2km) Int. Basin Trk and Mackerel Trk → Mackerel Trk Clearing

1.5 km

28 mins

10m

-92m Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the sea, following the arrow sign 'Mackerel Service Trail'. The track meanders down the wide spur for approximately 1km, to then lead along a narrower area of the spur and into a saddle. The track continues to undulate to a clearing with a view over Mackerel Beach and Pittwater Bay.

(4km) Mackerel Trk Clearing → Mackerel South Gate

440 m

10 mins

-59m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ridge down towards the sea. The track winds down the ridge, passing numerous large green water tanks to the left of the track, as the walk continues for approximately 50m to a lookout on a large boulder. The track heads down the left side of the boulder, winding steeply down the hillside to houses. The walk then leads to a small gate on the track in front of a brown wooden house.

(4km) Mackerel South Gate → Currawong Beach

270 m

7 mins

17m

-26m Hard track

Turn right: From the gate, this walk heads down the headland away from the house. The track drops down some small rock slopes to continues down the hill side for approximately 200m to Currawong Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Currawong Beach

Currawong Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a 400m stretch of sand looking east over Pittwater. The beach is situated between The Basin and Mackerel Beach. Currawong Beach has a wharf which allows for access via the water. Backing the beach is Currawong Beach Cottages and some steep hills. 'Little Mackerel Beach' was purchased in 1949 by the NSW Labour Council for their members. The resort was called Currawong, which is now the common name for the beach.

Currawong Beach Cottages

The Currawong Beach Cottages is a small settlement that was purchased by the Labour Council of NSW in 1949. The cottages, tennis court and golf course are now managed by Unions NSW. More info.

(4km) Mackerel South Gate → Mackerel North Gate

180 m

4 mins

-18m Hard track

Turn left: From the gate, this walk heads through the gate, then winds between and under the houses for approximately 200m, coming to a gate before the beach.

Mackerel Beach

Mackerel Beach, also known as Great Mackerel Beach, is a 600m stretch of sand facing east over Pittwater. The beach is backed by a lagoon and a small community of houses. Mackerel Beach has a wharf with public ferry access. Mackerel Beach and its southern neighbour, Little Mackerel or Currawong Beach, were originally purchased for farming in 1823 by John Clarke. The land was then subdivided and more than a hundred houses were built, many of which still stand today.

(4km) Mackerel North Gate → Mackerel Beach Wharf

290 m

6 mins

-17m Easy track

Veer left: From the gate, this walk heads onto the beach and continues for approximately 300m across the beach to the wharf in the middle of the beach.

(5km) Mackerel Beach Wharf → Mackerel Beach Wharf

1.4 km

27 mins

38m

-37m Moderate track

Turn left: From the wharf, this walk follows the tarmac pavement to the the corner beneath a large, yellow 'Submarine Cable' sign. The track then turns right, heading along a grassy pathway of Monash Ave. The walk continues along this for approximately 300m to a bridge.
Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk crosses the bridge and leads along the grassy path of Diggers Crescent. The walk turns right after approximately 100m, then continues another 100m to a large shed, the 'Mackerel Beach Bush Fire Brigade' shed.
Continue straight: ****Warning: This section of track has been reported as overgrown and no longer passable**** From the shed, this walk passes along the left side of the shed, to a small grassy clearing near a lagoon. The walk travels alongside the lagoon for approximately 300m, tending right with the lagoon to open onto a sandy creek bed behind the beach. This walk then continues to the right side of the creek, to continue to the two palm trees on this end of Mackerel Beach. A boulder below the two trees is painted with a black arrow.
Turn right: From the arrow painted boulder, the walk heads along the beach, keeping the water to the left. After approximately 300m, the walk comes to the wharf in the middle of the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Maps for the Basin to Mackerel 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.

Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Basin to Mackerel bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Basin to Mackerel

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	4.5 km
		Time	1 hr 45 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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		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

2.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (130m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 610m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (130m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

3.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 610m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (290m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 180m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.4km 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 Basin to Mackerel walk.

Mackerel Beach Community

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short walk is a great way to see the beautiful Mackerel Beach and community. After a short ferry ride from Palm Beach, the walk heads up the grassed streets of Mackerel, leading to the lagoon. The track is mainly sandy beach or grass stretches, with the area behind the lagoon winding through a

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop

5.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is another great walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, accessed by ferry. From the Mackerel Beach wharf, this walk uses the Resolute Loop track to round the headland, enjoying a few secluded beaches and excellent, historic Aboriginal sites. This walk features Mackerel Beach and communit

Total climbing: 384m

Hard track

The Basin

5.6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

The Basin Track is the only land access to The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park's only campsite. The walk follows mostly management trail and heads across the plateau away from West Head Rd, with a great side trip to Aboriginal rock engravings and The Basin Dam. This is a nice walk, heading th

Total climbing: 218m

Moderate track

The Basin Track and Mackerel Track

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a great way to see some popular areas in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk from West Head Rd travels to The Basin campsite, and the ferry takes you over to Mackerel Beach. Before returning to West Head Rd, the walk also gives the option to head down to Currawong Beach. There is

Total climbing: 226m

Hard track

Mackerel Beach

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk takes one of two main tracks down to Mackerel Beach. The track leaves West Head Rd, passing some historic Aboriginal engravings before descending to the beach. The track loops around the small community of Mackerel Beach to come back down the beach and return to West Head Rd. A nice An opt

Total climbing: 299m

Hard track

Mackerel Beach, West Head Loop

8.6 km Circuit, 5 hrs

The Mackerel Beach, West Head Loop is a walk which explores a large part of the West Head. The journey starts and finishes with a ferry across Pittwater. The walk heads around West Head, taking in views on the Broken Bay side, with Lion Island featuring as a prominent sight. The walk follows section

Total climbing: 422m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Basin to Mackerel walk.

America Bay Track (to beach)

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This short walk has a great range of scenery, making it a great choice if you have only a short time in this National Park. This track one of two ways to access America Bay - the other is by boat. The track cuts straight through the bush from West Head Rd to pass historic Aboriginal engravings and a

Total climbing: 130m

Hard track

America Bay Waterfall

1.9 km Return, 45 mins

This short walk is a great way to see a slice of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has on offer. The track visits some historic Aboriginal engravings, and enjoys water views, heath and forest environments. The America Bay track also throws in a waterfall for your enjoyment - from the top of the f

Total climbing: 76m

Moderate track

Bairne Track to the Basin Lookout

7.6 km Return, 3 hrs

This relatively flat walk takes you through some woodland forests, open shrub and rock platforms to a lookout. There are great views over the Basin, and out to Narrabeen and north up the Pitt Water. The track is well defined, and the views are well worth the walk.

Total climbing: 176m

Moderate track

Bairne Track to Towlers Bay Lookout

6.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This relatively flat walk takes you through some woodland forest, open shrub and rock platforms to a lookout. The views look over Narrabeen and along Pittwater. The track is well defined, and the views are well worth the walk.

Total climbing: 150m

Moderate track

Challenger Track

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

The Challenger Track is a simple track which heads through the heath and some forest to arrive at a pleasant lookout. Starting at West Head Rd, the track follows a ridge out to a rocky outcrop where views over the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay reveal Patonga and Brooklyn.

Total climbing: 59m

Moderate track

Topham Track

3.8 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a pleasant walk along an old management trail, off West Head Rd. Following the ridge top you will pass through a variety of vegetation types including some dense heath and some tall scribbly gums which occasionally give way to a wide view over the park. There is a nice lookout at the end of

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This track creates a loop between Flint and Steel Beach and Bay by traversing the headland between them. The walk explores Flint and Steel Beach and the McGaw ruins, while providing scenic views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island.

Total climbing: 227m

Very experienced only

Flint and Steel track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandston

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a nice walk to White Horse Beach on Flint and Steel Bay. The return-style walk passes McGaw's ruins and and the old water catchment. From White Horse Beach, there are scenic views across the Hawkesbury River. The ruins are a nice addition to the walk - although overgrown, they add a touch o

Total climbing: 159m

Hard track

Willunga Trig Walk

1.4 km Return, 40 mins

On this walk you will visit the highest point in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the top of the hill is an old trig point and some stunning panoramic view. On a clear day, there is an uninterrupted 180-degree view across large parts of the park, including Pittwater to the east and distant glimps

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Red Hands Cave

403 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a short walk down to Red Hands Cave from the Resolute Picnic Area. The walk loops from the picnic area through the heath and down to the overhang of the cave. The Aboriginal rock art is quite faded but is estimated to be over 2000 years old. This makes for an interesting historic walk, great

Total climbing: 9m

Moderate track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.1 km Circuit, 45 mins

The Aboriginal Heritage Track takes in one of the most popular rock art sites in Ku-ring-gai National Park, and an amazing Aboriginal engraving site. The walk leads out from Resolute Picnic Area to pass by the caves and then continues down the management trail to the engravings. The walk then retur

Total climbing: 27m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Basin to Mackerel walk starts at the The Basin Wharf (gps: -33.604008, 151.29361)

Ferry. Palm Beach Ferry service opertates hourly from 9am to about 8pm check their timetable for more info. The ferry starts at Palm Beach and goes via Benntt's, Bonnie Doon, before arrinving at The basin (get details)

Ferry. Palm Beach Ferry service operates hourly from 9am to about 8pm - check their timetable for more info. The ferry starts at Palm Beach and goes via Bennett's, Bonnie Doon, The Basin, Currawong then Mackerel. Ph: 9974 2411 (get details)

The Basin to Mackerel ends at the Mackerel Beach Wharf (gps: -33.590378, 151.30074)

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Park Information

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,

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