Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

2.5 km Return

214 m

Moderate track

A less frequented track, this rough, steep bush track abounds with wildlife including goannas and black snakes. Slade Lookout is definitely worth the short trip along the management trail to see good views over the marina at Bobbin Head. The mangroves at Duffy's Wharf (Cowan Creek) are also teeming with wildlife.

Sign at the intersection of Duffy's Wharf and Slade Lookout

Looking at Bobbin Head from Slades Lookout

(0km) End of Booralie Rd → Int of Booralie Trail and Cullamine Track

70 m

1 mins

-6m Easy track

From the end of Booralie Rd, this walk bypasses the gate, signposted as the 'Booralie Namba Trail' and heads north-west along the management trail for approximately 100m before coming to an intersection with several other management trails.

(0km) Int of Booralie & Cullamine Track → Int of Slade & Duffys Wharf Track

210 m

4 mins

-7m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes the gate signposted as the 'Booralie Trail' and heads north-west along the management trail. the walk soon comes to an intersection with another management trail signposted with 'Slade Trail' and 'Duffys Wharf'

(0km) Int of Slade and Duffys Wharf Track → Slade Lookout

500 m

11 mins

22m

-19m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the flat management trail for approximately 500m before coming to Slades Lookout, which offers views over Cowan Creek as far as Bobbin Head Reserve. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left .

(0km) Int of Slade and Duffys Wharf Track → Cowan Creek

990 m

26 mins

28m

-172m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail to the north-west, following the 'Duffys Wharf' sign. The management trail soon begins to descend steeply before becoming a rough track. The track continues to go down steeply, following a small creek to the edge of Cowan Creek. (This is a very enjoyable walk however the track is in disrepair and there are frequent obstacles along the track, including fallen logs and overhanging branches.)

Maps for the Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout 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
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 Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

Altitude analysis for Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

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	2.5 km
		Time	1 hr 30 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 990m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 280m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 990m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 280m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 990m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 280m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 990m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 280m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 70m 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 Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout walk.

The Slade Lookout Track

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

This is a short walk along a popular horse riding trail, going to a great lookout over Bobbin Head. The lookout is a lovely spot, so allow time just to sit on the boulders and enjoy the view.

Total climbing: 55m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout walk.

The Perimeter Trail to Smiths Creek

16.1 km Return, 6 hrs

This walk to Smiths Creek follows a wide trail for most of the way, however it is well worth the walk, for Smiths Creek is a lovely spot with open grasslands and a creek to explore. The optional side trip to Wilkins Viewpoint is also worthwhile, with a fabulous view into Cowan Creek - consider incl

Total climbing: 576m

Moderate track

Perimeter Trail

7.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This Perimeter Trail walk contours gently around the northern side of Terrey Hills on a wide mostly level trail, with occasional views across Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. However, it is the side trips that make this walk truly worthwhile - if you are only going to do one side trip, the lookdown into

Total climbing: 214m

Moderate track

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This Perimeter Trail walk to Wilkins Viewpoint, near Terrey Hills offers a beautiful view into the waters of Cowan Creek. The setting and views at Wilkins Viewpoint are worth the walking, which is mostly along wide trails. This is a good walk in which to see some typical Ku-ring-gai Chase National

Total climbing: 137m

Moderate track

The Wilkins Track

5.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk follows a well-defined management trail to one of the best views of Cowan Creek in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the halfway point, there is a great spot to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery and the surrounds.

Total climbing: 130m

Moderate track

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

552 m Return, 15 mins

This is a short and pretty walk that can be enjoyed by everyone. It makes a nice addition to a picnic or paddle at Bobbin Head. Starting from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, you will enjoy great views of Cockle Creek from the bridge, then meander along the boardwalk through the mang

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

1.6 km Return, 40 mins

This pleasant walk starts from the southern end of Bobbin Head, and enjoys blend of mangrove and rainforest environs. The well-signposted track gives you the opportunity to see the mangrove wildlife up close, and also a historic Aboriginal axe grinding stone and some temperate rainforest.

Total climbing: 82m

Moderate track

Smiths Creek

5.3 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This return walk to Smiths Creek offers a quiet spot to sit by a creek or explore open grasslands, while being surrounded by Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. There is plenty of shade available to cool off on a hot day, before climbing back up the wide trail to Terrey Hills and the start of the wa

Total climbing: 254m

Moderate track

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This great circuit walk enjoys some views of Cowan Creek and explores the many ferns through the open forest. The walk starts at the Kalkari Discovery Centre and follows the Birrawanna Loop Track down to Bobbin Head, a large picnic area with kiosk, toilets, BBQ's and more. The walk then continues u

Total climbing: 298m

Hard track

Kalkari Discovery trail

798 m Circuit, 30 mins

This pleasant walk starts with a wander through the interesting Kalkari Discovery Center. Enjoy the displays and chat with the volunteers before heading out the back door to find the rest of the walk. The walk follows the concrete path past more information signs and a lovely pond. As you wander t

Total climbing: 25m

Very easy

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

This pleasant walk starts near the kiosk at Bobbin Head, climbing the sandstone stairs and then follows a defined track to the Kalkari Discovery Centre. Kalkari is well worth spending some time exploring, with opportunities to learn about and mix with the local flora and fauna.

Total climbing: 262m

Moderate track

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great walk for visitors looking for a reasonably short adventure after lunch. The leisurely walk starts from the cafe and information centre at Bobbin Head and follows the Warrimoo Track up the hill to the Cockle Creek Lookout, before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 94m

Hard track

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Exploring Cockle Creek at water level and Ku-ring-gai National Park from the ridge, this is an enjoyable short walk to Mt Kuring-gai. Pop into the cafe at Bobbin Head for a cup of coffee or a light meal. The short side trip to the lookout up on the ridge offers an amazing view. As there are no buses

Total climbing: 364m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout walk starts and ends at the End of Booralie Rd (gps: -33.668914, 151.18167)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

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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