Perimeter Trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 45 mins

7.2 km One way

214 m

Moderate track

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 Cowan Creek from Wilkins Viewpoint is fabulous. With a variety of side trip options and easy access to the start and finish, this walk is well worth considering.

Cullamine Rd and Perimeter Trail near Terrey Hills

Horse riding on Cullamine Rd near Terrey Hills

The Perimeter Trail Entrance at Bulara St

Horse riding information sign near Terrey Hills

Wilkins Viewpoint looking north into Cowan Creek

View from Perimeter Trail near Terrey Hills

Ford on Perimeter Trail near Terrey Hills

Metal fence and golf course behind on Perimeter Trail

View of house on Perimeter Trail near Terrey Hills

Locked gate at the north end of Nerang Ave Terrey Hills.

(0km) Int of Cullamine Rd & Bulara St → Int of Cullamine Rd & Perimeter Track

140 m

3 mins

0m Easy track

From the intersection[1], this walk follows the unsealed public road[2] gently downhill away from the 'Callamine Trail' sign[3] for about 150m (crossing a culverted creek halfway[4]). This walk turns left at a three-way intersection[5], coming to a locked gate[6] with a 'Perimeter Trail 7.1km One-Way' sign[7].

(0km) Int of Cullamine Rd & Perimeter Track → Int Perimeter and Long Tracks

760 m

14 mins

19m

-23m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[8], this walk follows the management trail [9]around the locked gate with 'Perimeter Track 7.1km One-Way' sign[10]. This walk continues on the trail (passing an information sign[11] after about 30m) for about 300m. This walk continues to follows the trail for about 400m, until coming to a signposted (The Long Trail) three-way intersection (on the left) This intersection is reached about 10m after a track on the right is passed.

(1km) Int of Perimeter & Long Tracks → Int of Perimeter & Wilkins Tracks

1.3 km

23 mins

33m

-22m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[12], this walk follows the management trail east, with the hill on the right for about 500m. Then this walk bends left and continues for about 700m, until coming to the three-way intersection, with a 'Wilkins Track' sign[13] (on the left).

(2km) Int of Perimeter & Wilkins Tracks → Wilkins Track Lookout

610 m

11 mins

12m

-21m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently downhill past the 'Wilkins Track' sign [14](on the right). Then this walk continues along the sandy trail, passing around the 'Walkers Only Beyond This Point' sign[15] after about 600m. This walk then follows the bush track[16] for about 10m to Wilkins Viewpoint and views [17]into Smith Creek and the surrounding bushland. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Wilkins Track Lookout

The Wilkins Track Lookout of Terrey Hills, offers good views over Cowan Creek[18] after a short, mostly level walk. Wilkins Track Lookout consists of an unfenced level sandstone platform[19] with the ground dropping away dramatically to the north, offering fabulous views through trees down over Cowan Creek.

(2km) Int of Perimeter AND Wilkins Tracks → Int of Perimeter AND Golf Course Tracks

2.3 km

44 mins

58m

-75m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[20], this walk follows the management trail gently downhill, keeping the hill on the right. After about 800m, the walk finds 'Authorised Horse Tracks' signs and tracks [21](on the right). Then this walk continues left, following the trail for about 1.2km to find a narrow track[22] (on the right). This walk then crosses a concrete ford[23] and continues to follow the trail for about 280m, until coming to a three-way intersection with another wide trail[24][25] (on the left). At this intersection, you can see Terrey Hills Country Club Golf Course behind a ring wire fence (on the right).

(4km) Int of Perimeter & Golf Course Tracks → Int of Perimeter & Smiths Creek Track

1 km

22 mins

46m

-44m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection[26], this walk follows the management trail slightly downhill[27] and away from the golf course for about 600m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a management trail on the right.
Veer left: From the intersection[28], this walk follows the management trail east, gently downhill. Then the walk continues along the trail for about 400m, with obscured views (on the left) and houses in the distance [29](on the right), until coming to a four-way intersection with a management trail[30].

(5km) Int of Perimeter & Smiths Creek Track → Smiths Creek

2.6 km

53 mins

39m

-210m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection[31], this walk follows a level management trail north[32], passing a locked gate with 'Ku-Ring-Chase National Park, Smith Creek West Trail, 2.5km One-Way' sign on it[33]. The walk continues along this trail, with views to the left after about 800m[34]. This walk follows the trail gently downhill, steepening[35] after about 600m through switchbacks[36] to Smith Creek[37]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Smiths Creek

Smiths Creek of Terrey Hills, offers a refreshing rest by a creek and secluded grasslands[38] to explore. Camping[39] has occurred here previously, however be aware that the creek water is salty and not drinkable.

(5km) Int of Perimeter & Smiths Creek Track → Int of Perimeter and Booralie Tracks

660 m

13 mins

24m

-20m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail east and gently uphill. Then this walk continues to follow the trail, undulating gently up and down[40] over water bars[41], with houses in the distance (on the right). The walk follows the trail for about 700m, until coming to a three-way intersection[42], with another management trail (on the right).

(6km) Int of Perimeter & Booralie Track → Int of Perimeter & Nerang Trails

990 m

19 mins

24m

-26m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[43], this walk follows the management trail east, with views on the left[44] and houses on the right[45]. The walk continues along the trail, over water bars and closed culverts[46], for about 1000m, until coming to a three-way intersection with a sandy track on the left[47] (just before coming to a right-hand bend in the trail).

(7km) Int of Perimeter & Nerang Trails → Nerang Lookout

1.1 km

23 mins

25m

-64m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection[48], this walk follows the sandy eroded[49] track north, coming to a heath clearing[50] after about 170m (ignoring side tracks[51] after about 60m). This walk follows the trail into the bush, keeping the high ground to the left for about 900m until coming to flat rocks[52] and the Nerang View Point. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Nerang Lookout

Upon arriving at Nerang Lookout of Terrey Hills, the ground drops away to the north, offering filtered views through Banksia trees[53]. Nerang Lookout is an unfenced sandstone platform, with large boulders scattered about. These large boulders create small attractive chasms[54]. Nerang Lookout is a relaxed and pleasant spot to appreciate a typical bush setting within Ku-Ring-Gai National Park.

(7km) Int of Perimeter & Nerang Trails → Nerang Av

70 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[55], this walk follows the management trail as it immediately bends right. The walk continues, while keeping a creek[56] on your left for about 70m, until coming to a locked gate[57](at the northern end of Nerang Rd in Terrey Hills).

Maps for the Perimeter Trail 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 Perimeter Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Perimeter Trail

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	7.2 km
		Time	2 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		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	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.7km has short steep hills. The remaining (75m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 140m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.3km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 4.9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.3km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 7km 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 Perimeter Trail walk.

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

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

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

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 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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Perimeter Trail walk.

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 214m

Moderate track

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The wal

Total climbing: 281m

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk explores three valleys, with great displays of wild flowers in spring, and some nice sandstone overhangs. The section between Mt Kuring-gai and the end of Calna Creek is particularly nice, and Naa Badu Lookout is well worth the small side trip. Take the time to enjoy the many creek side r

Total climbing: 553m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Perimeter Trail walk starts at the Int of Cullamine Rd & Bulara St (gps: -33.664104, 151.18876)

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

The Perimeter Trail ends at the Nerang Av (gps: -33.676989, 151.22504)

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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