Elvina Bay Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

4.5 km Circuit

201 m

Hard track

This walk takes you down to an isolated waterside community, where you can amble along, looking at homes and a historic Grave Site. From Elvina Track Car Park, the vegetation changes from scrubby bush to she oak and large eucalyptus as you decend to the waters edge. The walking is mostly along a management trail, however the return trip follows a narrow track. Side trips include an aboriginal engraving site, a 25m waterfall and a few other view points. Please remember you are visiting a small community please respect the privacy of the local people.

Coral Heath (Epacris microphylla) in early spring on Elvina Track

Grey Spider Flower (Grevillea buxifolia) on Elvina Track

Wildflower (Dillwynia elegans) on Elvina Track

Waratah (Telopea Speciosissima) in flower September-October on Elvina Track

Green Electricity Box close to Frederick's Grave

German looking white house near Fredericks Grave

Fredericks Track coming to management Trail

(0km) Elvina Track carpark → Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks

160 m

3 mins

-1m Easy track

From Elvina Track car park[1] (on West Head Rd, 1.3km north of General San Martin Dr), this walk follows the management trail around the 'Elvina Track' locked gate[2], then past the 'Elvina Track' map sign[3] (on the left). This walk continues along the management trail tending right[4] through the scrubby bush[5]. About 70m after leaving the locked gate, the walk comes to an intersection with a narrow track[6] (on your right).

(0km) Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks → Rock Platform

90 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[7], this walk leaves the management trail and heads slightly uphill along the narrow track[8] through low heath. After about 50m, the track leads right at a faint Y-intersection[9] and soon comes to the northern edge of a large rock platform[10]. Upon reaching the rock platform, there is a small eucalyptus[11] on your right and further left there is an engraving of an emu[12]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Aboriginal Engraving Rock Platform

On the northern end of the rock platform are rock carvings of an emu, large fish and a giant whale. Further to the south, the rock platform contains rock carvings of shields, wallabies, fish, eels, and other shapes that are not easily classified. The entire rock platform appears to have a rare erosional feature called tessellation. This occurs over many thousands of years, resulting in a rock surface that is eroding at different rates, creating divot holes and depressions. More info.

(0km) Int of Elvina and Engravings Tracks → Int of Elvina and Fredericks Tracks

130 m

2 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk heads east following the management trail gently downhill, while keeping the lower heath on your right[16]. After about 45m, the trail leads over a water bar (hump) then comes to an intersection[17] with a faint track on the left. This faint track looks like a water course and is marked with a cairn[18].

(0km) Int of Elvina and Fredericks Tracks → Int of Elvina Track and Wirringulla Avenue

1.7 km

34 mins

16m

-151m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[19], this walk follows the management trail east[20], soon tending left, then leading gently downhill over a number of water bars[21]. The trail levels out after about 200m, giving distant views of the ocean (on your right)[22]. This walk continues for a further 400m to find more distant views of the ocean (on the left)[23]. Here the walk turns sharply to the right[24], narrows and steepens for 500m with a noticeable change in vegetation. The vegetation changes from small scrubby eucalyptus to she oak and larger eucalyptus. The trail then comes to a yellow painted steel post[25] (on the left) with distant water views (to the left)[26]. Here the trail is concreted[27] for about 110m, as the trail steepens, winding down through two switch backs[28]. From here the dirt trail continues moderately steeply down over several dirt humps[29] to come to a T-intersection[30] with power lines overhead and directly ahead a house and ocean views.

(2km) Int of Elvina Track and Wirringulla Avenue → Top of Elvina Bay Park

410 m

9 mins

14m

-34m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[31], this walk follows the management trail that heads gently downhill[32], keeping the power lines and water to your right. The trail continues amongst houses and bush for about 400m to come to an intersection with a footpath[33] (on your right). From here you can see an open grassy area[34] and rope swing down to the right.

Elvina Bay Park

Elvina Bay Park is located on the western shores of the Pittwater, with views out to Elvina Bay and Scotland Island. A good place to stop and rest, Elvina Bay park has two park benches, grassy areas and a great rope swing. There is also a public jetty and ferry wharf. Elvina Bay has a bush fire brigade building[36] and notably this area encountered the 1994 bush fires . (No drinking water or public toilets are available here). More info.

(2km) Top of Elvina Bay Park → Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track

350 m

7 mins

15m

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail downhill, passing a wide trail (on the right) and crossing a culverted creek after about 25m. This walk continues to follow the trail past houses to the left and right for about 170m, before crossing another culverted creek. This walk then tends right, moderately uphill for about 120m (with ocean views to the right) before leveling out and passing a green electricity box (on the right). This walk continues for about 15m to the intersection with a faint track on the left (opposite the German-looking white house and concrete electricity pole).

(3km) Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track → Waterfall

530 m

15 mins

65m

-23m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail downhill, keeping the houses on your right. This walk follows the trail, passing a side trail (on the right) after about 40m, continuing left and gently uphill. This walk follows the trail for about 30m to a Y-intersection, continuing left and moderately steeply uphill (keeping power lines to the right). This walk continues along the narrowing trail for about 280m (with views of houses and Lovetts Bay on the right), until coming to the end of the management trail (where there is a narrow track ahead and a 'No Dogs' sign).
Continue straight: From the end of the management trail, this walk follows the narrow track[38], keeping the hill to the left (with branches and rocks over the track[39]). This walk continues along the track[40] for about 180m, until coming to the waterfall, where a short scramble[41] is required to climb down to the waterfall[42]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lovett Bay Waterfall

This waterfall is a 25m single fall waterfall, which falls onto large rocks and sand at its base. The waterfall is set in moist bush, with ferns and moss surrounding it. This waterfall is a good place to sit on a hot day. (Be careful while climbing down and up the large rocks, if accessing the base of the waterfall). More info.

(3km) Int of Wirringulla Avenue and Fredericks Track → Fredericks Grave

20 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection[43], this walk follows a track uphill for about 10m, (away from the concrete pole and houses[44]) before coming to Fredericks Grave.

Fredericks Grave

Frederick's Grave is the grave site of Frederick Oliver. This grave site consists of a sandstone head stone and foot stone. The Olivers made their home in the area, cutting valuable timber and establishing an orchard. This grave of one of their children, Frederick, who was accidentally killed in 1867. More info.

(3km) Fredericks Grave → Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks

310 m

13 mins

78m

-4m Hard track

Continue straight: From Frederick's Grave[46], this walk follows the track up the moderately steep hill[47] for about 190m, keeping left at a small rock wall[48]. This walk continues up for about 110m, keeping the hill on the right, until leveling out at a T-intersection and small rock wall[49].

(3km) Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks → Lovetts Bay Viewpoint

110 m

2 mins

-12m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection[50], this walk follows the track east[51] and slightly uphill initially, where the track levels out, while swishing through grass trees[52](and passing a television aerial[53]) for about 100m. The track then continues for about 20m to find an unfenced cliff[54] and viewpoint[55]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lovetts Bay Viewpoint

This unfenced viewpoint offers fabulous views of much of the Pittwater and surrounding area, including Lovetts Bay to the north, Scotland Island to the east and Bayview to the south. There are significant steep drops and a large chasm at the viewpoint - care should be taken.

(3km) Int of Fredericks and Grasstree Tracks → Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks

110 m

3 mins

12m

-5m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection[56], this walk follows the track west and slightly uphill for about 40m to a Y-intersection[57] (to the right is an unfenced lookout[58]). This walk continues to the left, following the track west for about 70m, until coming to a Y-intersection[59] (with an eroded track leading gently down to the right[60], to Lovetts Pool).

(3km) Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks → Lovett Pools

170 m

4 mins

-6m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the eroded track[61] north-west gently downhill. The track leads directly away from the large angophora trees[62] through the dense banksia forest[63]. After about 150m, the track leads to a small creek bed on a large sandstone platform[64]. (Another faint track leads further downstream on the south side of the creek and visits the pools[65]). Be aware of the many unfenced and slippery cliff edges[66]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lovett Pools

Lovett Pools is the informal name for a lovely set of water holes[67] and cascades[68][69] at the top of a cliff, above Lovett Bay[70]. The unnamed creek works its way along a sandstone platform forming a couple of larger pools and a series of cascades. There are also many smaller carved holes[71] in the rock, adding interest for the budding geologists. The creek flows over a large cliff[72] forming a tall waterfall just before the Pittwater. The rocks are slippery and there are many cliff edges, please take care.

(3km) Int of Fredericks and Lovetts Pool Tracks → Elvina Track carpark

1.4 km

27 mins

62m

0m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection[73], this walk follows the eroded track west and gently uphill over exposed roots[74]. This walk continues along the track through scrubby bush, passing a large heath clearing[75] after about 430m (on the left). This walk then continues to follow the track for about 500m, until coming to a T-intersection with a management trail[76].
Turn right: From the intersection[77], this walk follows the management trail gently uphill[78] and over a water bar (hump), while keeping the lower heath to the left. After about 45m, the trail comes to an intersection[79] with a faint track on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[80], this walk follows the management trail, while keeping the taller heath[81] on your right. The management trail tends left through the scrubby bush[82] then heads around the locked gate[83] to find the 'Elvina Track' car park[84] (on West Head Rd, 1.3km north of General San Martin Dr).

Maps for the Elvina Bay 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.

Mona Vale	1:25 000 Map Series	91301S MONA VALE	NSW-91301S
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 Elvina Bay Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Elvina Bay Circuit

Altitude analysis for Elvina Bay 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	4.5 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 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	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

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 short steep hills, whilst the remaining 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

2.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 440m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 350m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

3km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.5km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (20m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (110m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

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

Infrastructure

3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 1.5km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (20m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Elvina Bay Circuit walk.

Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk

508 m Return, 15 mins

This walk offers good examples of local aboriginal rock engravings on an attractive elevated rock platform, with views into the distance. From the car park, the walk travels through mostly flat, scrubby bush, before gently rising through heath onto a tessellated rock platform. Rock engravings are

Total climbing: 3m

Moderate track

Lovetts Pools

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk takes you to a small but picturesque waterhole above Lovett Bay. You start with a short walk along a management trail, with an optional side track to an Aboriginal engraving site. Then continuing along the wide trail a little further, you'll turn left and following a couple of fainter tra

Total climbing: 75m

Hard track

Elvina Track Walk

4.8 km Return, 2 hrs

On this walk, you will explore the isolated community of Elvina Bay, accessible only by boat or on foot. Starting at the Elvina Track car park, you follow a mostly level management trail, before descending steeply through she oaks and large eucalyptus to the coast and houses. At Elvina Bay Park, y

Total climbing: 218m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Elvina Bay Circuit walk.

Salvation Loop Track

4 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk makes a circuit from West Head Rd around the Salvation Loop track in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP. The walk passes through wet heathland vegetation and around a hanging swamp. The thick heath vegetation along the track means that the views are mostly restricted, however it is still a nice walk wit

Total climbing: 80m

Moderate track

Wallaroo Track

9.3 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is a nice walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, passing through a mix of thick heath vegetation and more open forest. There are some great views over Cowan Waters from the end of the track.

Total climbing: 352m

Hard track

Yeomans Track

9.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This is a nice walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, passing through a mix of thick heath vegetation and more open forest. There are some good views over Cowan Waters from the end of the track and an optional side trip to a large rock outcrop with interesting texture and shapes.

Total climbing: 335m

Hard track

Towlers Bay Walk

8.4 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk explores another ridge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and heads down a steep hill to the Towler's Bay community. You can explore the village and the ferry wharf before walking past the Youth Hostel on the walk back up. The Youth Hostel is available for an overnight stay, but book ahe

Total climbing: 402m

Moderate 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

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

Centre Track

6.7 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This interesting walk explores a rocky ridge top of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk is through heathland that flowers in a mass of colour in spring. The track also visits a tessellated pavement and some Aboriginal engravings.

Total climbing: 195m

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

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

Nerang Viewpoint

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

At Nerang Viewpoint, the ground drops away to the north, giving views across to the neighboring forested ridges. This is a short and quiet walk and feels 'off the beaten track'. Initially this walk follows a wide trail, but this soon changes to a foot track following a broad ridge north through sc

Total climbing: 92m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Elvina Bay Circuit walk starts and ends at the Elvina Track carpark (gps: -33.643268, 151.26214)

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

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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