Headland track (Resolute track)

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

3.5 km Circuit

243 m

Hard track

This walk is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and up to three of Ku-ring-gai Chase's beaches. The circuit walk visits Red Hands Cave and some historic engravings, in addition to enjoying expansive views over Pittwater, with Barrenjoey Headland as a feature. The walk includes Resolute and West Head beaches and the option of a side trip to Mackerel Beach as well. To top it all off, this walk has an added bonus of a WWII gun emplacement to explore.

Barrenjoey Headland from West Head Lookout

Barrenjoey Headland from West Head Beach

Resolute Picnic Area

Resolute picnic area, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a large grassed area with benches, shelter, interpretive signs, electric BBQ's and an environmentally-friendly toilet block. The picnic area does not have drinking water, but does have a pay phone and wheelchair-accessible bathroom with baby-changing area. Resolute picnic area is a great place for lunch, with Red Hands Cave, West Head and Resolute Beach and West Head Lookout tracks starting from the picnic area. The picnic area has adequate parking and a bus turn-around area.

(0km) Resolute Picnic Area → Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk

130 m

3 mins

-6m Moderate track

From Resolute Picnic Area car park, the walk heads through the picnic area, away from the road, to follow the 'Red Hands Track 50m' sign. The walk then descends a flight of stairs to the intersection at the bottom.

(0km) Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk → Red Hands Cave

20 m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, following the rocky outcrop to the right of the track. The walk follows this for approximately 30m to the interpretation signs for Red Hands Cave. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Red Hands Cave

Red Hands Cave, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small rock overhang just near Resolute Picnic Area. The red hands are made by ochre, clay, being blown over an outspread hand. This Aboriginal rock art has been given an estimation of approximately 2000 years in age.

(0km) Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk → West Head Lookout

820 m

20 mins

19m

-70m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows steps down the hill following the sign to 'West Head Lookout'. The track continues to undulate along the hillside passing a sign pointing to 'West Head Lookout'. The track continues along the hillside to open out onto the sandstone paved area of West Head Lookout at a signposted intersection.

West Head Lookout

West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a large paved sandstone viewing area[1] with fantastic views and some interesting interpretive signs[2][3][4][5][6]. The view spans across the Hawkesbury River to Lion Island[7] to Patonga (Central Coast) also across the Pittwater to Barrenjoey Headland[8] and out to sea. The lookout has a series of bench seats

[Seat]

and a low (50cm[9]) stone wall. A lovely place to just sit and soak up the views, and history of the area.

(1km) West Head Lookout → Int. West Head Beach and West Head Lookout

350 m

13 mins

-76m Hard track

Turn right: From West Head Lookout, this walk leads down the hill for 100m, following the 'West Head/ Resolute Beach' sign down into the bush. The track then passes an informal, unfenced lookout on the left, to then continue down the hill for approximately 300m. This walk then descends two sets of stairs, passing a prominent overhang on the right and a small creek waterfall on the left. From the stairs, the walk continues to the sign marked intersection for West Head Beach.

(1km) Int. West Head Beach and West Head Lookout → West Head Beach

100 m

3 mins

-33m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the staircases to the beach, approximately 100m below. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

West Head Beach

West Head Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small stretch of sand sitting on the West Head Peninsula. The beach has an easterly aspect, facing out of steep hills over Pittwater to the Barrenjoey Headland.

(1km) Int. Resolute AND West Head Beach Tracks → Int. Resolute Bch Trk and Mackerel Bch Trk

630 m

20 mins

66m

-76m Hard track

Veer right: From the top of the steps, this walk heads south (leaving the steps behind on the left), passing below the prominent rock faces for 200m as the track undulates around the contour of the hill. The track slowly turns right, following the curve of the spur, to pass a gun emplacement on the left. The track then continues heading down the cliffline (above the track on the right). The track then passes through a creek from which it leads to an unsignposted intersection with a downhill track on the left.

(2km) Int. Resolute AND West Head Beach Tracks → Resolute Beach

100 m

3 mins

-25m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the water, following the creek line to the beach. The track winds down the hill for approximately 30m to a small creek waterfall. The track is hidden in parts by grasses for approximately 20m before it heads down a few flights of stairs to where the track reaches the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Resolute Beach

Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small stretch of sand sitting on the West Head Peninsula between steep headlands. The easterly aspect of the beach overlooks Barrenjoey Headland across the Pittwater.

(2km) Int. Resolute AND West Head Beach Tracks → Int. Resolute Bch Trk and Mackerel Bch Trk

40 m

1 mins

-1m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside, keeping the beach and water below to the left, before coming to the signposted intersection.

(2km) Int. Resolute Bch Trk and Mackerel Bch Trk → Palm Trees North end of Mackerel Beach

660 m

19 mins

52m

-85m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the signpost to 'Mackerel' heading along the hillside beneath a rocky outcrop on the headland. The track then meanders along the hillside, undulating slightly for approximately 400m to pass a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park' sign. From the sign, the walk then heads down to two palm trees and a boulder painted with a black arrow on the beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

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.

(2km) Int. Resolute Bch Trk and Mackerel Bch Trk → Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk

120 m

4 mins

45m

-2m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up a staircase for approximately 30m. The track then turns after the set of stairs. The track leads up the hill to the signposted intersection, with the cave to the right of the track in the cliffs.

(2km) Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk → Cave

20 m

1 mins

0m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the rock formations, following the hillside. The track then enters an overhang of a cave. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

(2km) Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk → Int. Headland Track and Resolute Beach Trk

60 m

2 mins

12m

-2m Hard track

Turn left: From the cave intersection, this walk heads up the steps, keeping the sea below on the left. The walk passes below a small cliffline before leading up more steps to an intersection and a sign pointing back to 'Resolute Beach'.

(2km) Int. Headland Track and Resolute Beach Trk → Int. Headland Track and Engravings Bushtrack

680 m

14 mins

51m

-8m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the sign to 'Resolute Picnic Area 1.5km'. The walk then winds up the management trail, passing up a steep slope in one area. The track then continues up to an unsignposted intersection on the right, in the heath.

(3km) Int. Headland Track and Engravings Bushtrack → Engravings

190 m

4 mins

18m

0m Hard track

Veer right: From the management trail, this walk heads away from the management trail and views of the water, to wind through the dense scrub for a short time. The track rises onto a rock shelf, clear of vegetation at the engravings.

Engavings

The engravings on West Head were made by the indigenous Guringai people. The engravings depict a man, shark/whale and two eels.

(3km) Engravings → Resolute Picnic Area

480 m

8 mins

20m

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the engravings, this walk follows the service trail up a hill, away from the information sign. The walk continues up the hill to the intersection with a signpost for Red Hands Cave.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the sandy service trail, leaving the 'Red Hands Cave 0.85km' sign and track behind on the right. The track continues for approximately 100m to the picnic area.

Maps for the Headland track (Resolute track) 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 Headland track (Resolute track) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Headland track (Resolute track)

Altitude analysis for Headland track (Resolute track)

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	3.5 km
		Time	1 hr 45 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	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 (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

2.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 630m is very steep. Whilst another 360m is flat with no steps and the remaining 120m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

1.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (540m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

2.2km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 820m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (510m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (480m) 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 Headland track (Resolute track) walk.

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

West Head Lookout Track

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

From Resolute Picnic Area, this walk heads out to West Head Lookout, with magnificent views across the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island. The track is a direct route which passes through classic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland. This walk offers a great way to avoid competing for parking at W

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Resolute Track

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

The Resolute Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and Resolute Beach. The return-style walk starts from Resolute picnic area and heads down to Resolute Beach, passing a Red Hands Cave and an Aboriginal engraving site. The Resolute Track uses manage

Total climbing: 201m

Hard 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

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 Headland track (Resolute track) walk.

Koolewong Track

810 m Circuit, 30 mins

Probably the best word to describe this walk is 'cute'. The circuit walk starts with a few steep steps, but soon flattens out, following a well-defined track through an open forest, via some natural sandstone sculptures. The lookout is notable for wonderful views to Patonga, Lion Island and out thr

Total climbing: 32m

Moderate track

West Head Lookout

238 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is all about the stunning views from the edge of West Head. After the lovely drive through the bushland along the West Head Rd you will love this gentle stroll down to what feels like the edge of the earth. There are great views across the Pittwater to Barenjoey Head as well as across the

Total climbing: 18m

Easy 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

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

Barrenjoey Headland Walk

2.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a fantastic walk for those wanting a great walk on Sydney's northern beaches. Features of this track include views of the central coast, Palm Beach and the South Pacific Ocean, and historic remnants of old lighthouses. Currently some track repairs are underway, however once completed this wa

Total climbing: 110m

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

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

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

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

Basin to Mackerel

4.5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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 A

Total climbing: 200m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Headland track (Resolute track) walk starts and ends at the Resolute Picnic Area (gps: -33.577895, 151.30009)

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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