Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

5.4 km Circuit

384 m

Hard track

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 community, with an alternative route through the town which is well worth the walk.

Palm trees and arrow on rock north end of Mackerel

Stairs from West Head Beach up to the Lookout

(0km) Mackerel Beach Wharf → Palm Trees North end of Mackerel Beach

1 km

21 mins

37m

-32m Moderate track

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. Now Turn right to rejoin the main walk .

(0km) Mackerel Beach Wharf → Palm Trees North end of Mackerel Beach

350 m

6 mins

-1m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the wharf, the walk heads along the beach (keeping the water to your right) for approximately 300m, to the only palm trees on this end of the beach. Below the palm trees is a boulder with a black arrow painted on it.

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.

(0km) Palm Trees North end of Mackerel Beach → Int. Resolute AND West Head Beach Tracks

700 m

20 mins

86m

-58m Hard track

Continue straight: From the palm trees and boulder painted with a black arrow, this walk heads up the hill into the bush, away from the beach. The track climbs to pass a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park' sign before meandering along the hillside in an easterly direction, up the hill for approximately 400m. The track then rounds the headland to lead beneath a rocky headland for some time to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Resolute' Beach arrow along the hillside to an un-signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Resolute AND West Head Beach Tracks → Resolute Beach

100 m

3 mins

-25m Hard track

Turn right: 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 right.

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.

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

630 m

20 mins

76m

-66m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk keeps the water on the right of the track as it follows the hillside around through a creek. The track then turns right, following the coast. The track rises up the hill closer to the cliffline as it heads around a spur. When passing this spur, a gun emplacement is passed (below to the right of the track). The track continues for approximately 200m, undulating around the hillside to the intersection with some steps on the right (which go down to West Head Beach).

(2km) Int. West Head Beach and West Head Lookout → West Head Beach

100 m

3 mins

-33m Hard track

Turn right: 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 Veer right.

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.

(2km) Int. West Head Beach and West Head Lookout → West Head Lookout

350 m

13 mins

76m

-5m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the water to the right of the track. The walk then turns up two flights of stairs. These staircases pass a small creek waterfall on the right, and a prominent overhang on the left. The track then continues to climb up the ridge, with many sections of cut rock steps. In time, the walk flattens out and continues past an informal, unfenced lookout on a rock landing approximately 100m before this walk reaches the stone-fenced West Head Lookout.

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.

(2km) West Head Lookout → Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk

820 m

20 mins

70m

-19m Moderate track

Turn left: From West Head Lookout, this walk follows the sign to 'Resolute Picnic Area' along a bush track, which keeps the hill above on the right. The track continues along the hillside to pass a sign pointing to 'Resolute Picnic Area' before the track climbs up steps. The track passes a creek on the left and rock formations on the right as the steps lead to the signposted 'Red Hands Cave' intersection.

(3km) Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk → Resolute Picnic Area

130 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads along the rocky outcrop keeping it on the left as it heads up the stairs for approximately 30m into Resolute Picnic Area. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

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.

(3km) Int. West Head Lookout Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk → Red Hands Cave

20 m

-1m Moderate track

Turn left: 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.

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.

(3km) Red Hands Cave → Int. West Head Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk

130 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Red Hands Cave, this walk heads along the bottom of the rocky outcrop, keeping it to the right of the track. The walk then ascends some stairs, passing up and around the rock shelf. After this, the track turns left as it continues, climbing slightly to the signposted intersection with the service trail.

(3km) Int. West Head Trk and Red Hands Cave Trk → Engravings

360 m

6 mins

-17m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill for a short time, to the information sign on the left of the track.

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 → Int. Headland Track and Engravings Bushtrack

190 m

4 mins

-18m Hard track

Turn left : From the engraving of the man, this walk heads off the rock shelf near a vegetation-covered sign indicating the 'Headland Track'. The track winds through dense scrub for about 200m to the intersection with the management trail, the Headland Track.

(4km) Int. Headland Track and Engravings Bushtrack → Int. Headland Track and Resolute Beach Trk

680 m

14 mins

-51m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the water for some time. After a few turns in the service trail, the track winds down a steep slope for approximately 300m to the intersection, where there is a sign indicating the way to 'Resolute Beach'.

(4km) Int. Headland Track and Resolute Beach Trk → Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk

60 m

2 mins

-12m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down a flight of stairs following the sign to 'Resolute Beach'. The walk then turns left down more steps to head below a small cliffline, and comes to a sign at an intersection with a track on the left (which heads down to a cave).

(4km) Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk → Cave

20 m

1 mins

0m Hard track

Veer left: 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 left.

(4km) Int. Cave Trk and Resolute Beach Trk → Mackerel Beach Wharf

1.1 km

29 mins

55m

-135m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill for approximately 50m towards the sea. The track then heads down a flight of stairs and continues down another staircase to the intersection, marked 'Mackerel' and 'Resolute' beaches.
Turn right: 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.
Continue straight: 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.

Maps for the Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop 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 Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop

Altitude analysis for Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop

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	5.4 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
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

3.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 850m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 630m is very steep and the remaining 360m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2.3km 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

2.8km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.8km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (820m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 4.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

3.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (1km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop 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

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

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

Headland track (Resolute track)

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

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 an

Total climbing: 243m

Hard 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

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

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 Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop walk starts and ends at the Mackerel Beach Wharf (gps: -33.590390, 151.30075)

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)

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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