Garigal National Park, Central West Travel Guide

4.5 (985)

Discover Sydney's natural beauty in Garigal National Park: bushwalking, Aboriginal heritage, and stunning scenery just minutes from the city.

Home
Travel Guides
Australia
Central West
Garigal National Park

Escape the city bustle in Garigal National Park, a sprawling bushland just north of Sydney. Explore diverse trails, Aboriginal heritage sites, and scenic waterways, offering a refreshing natural retreat with stunning views and picnic spots.

A brief summary to Garigal National Park

75FQ+9V, St. Ives, New South Wales, 2075, AU
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 7 am-7 pm
Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
Thursday 7 am-7 pm
Friday 7 am-7 pm
Saturday 7 am-7 pm
Sunday 7 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Garigal National Park.

Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes, as facilities within the park are limited.
Wear appropriate footwear for bushwalking, as some tracks can be steep and rocky.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly, and some tracks may become slippery when wet.
Be aware of potential hazards such as snakes and spiders, and stick to marked trails.
Consider visiting during spring to see wildflowers in bloom along the Cascades trail.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Miss Traill's House

Central Gardens Nature Reserve

Lost City - West

Wahluu / Mount Panorama

Yerranderie Private Town

Explore Garigal National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Garigal National Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Sydney CBD, take a train to Gordon Station. From there, catch bus No. 582 towards St Ives and alight at Douglas Street. Walk a short distance to the Douglas Street entrance of Garigal National Park. The bus fare is approximately $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.
Driving

From Sydney CBD, drive north on the Pacific Highway (A1) and then take the Warringah Road exit. Follow Warringah Road and turn onto either Douglas Street, St Ives, or Davidson Park. For Davidson Park, be aware that there is a $8 per vehicle entry fee, payable via on-park pay machines or the Park'nPay app. Parking is free at other entry points.

Discover more about Garigal National Park

Garigal National Park, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Sydney's central business district, offers a diverse landscape of natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1991, the park spans over 2,202 hectares, protecting the unique bushland of the Sydney Basin and honoring the Guringai Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of the land. The park's name, derived from the Aboriginal word 'Carigal' or 'Caregal,' reflects its deep connection to the area's Indigenous heritage.The park features a variety of landscapes, including sandstone cliffs, gullies, creeks, and waterfalls. Its diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for a wide array of native flora and fauna, including the threatened southern brown bandicoot, swamp wallabies, eastern water dragons, echidnas, and numerous bird species.Garigal National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 40 bushwalking trails and mountain biking tracks covering 120km. Popular trails include the Two Creeks Track, known for its lush scenery, and the Cascades Trail, which leads to a series of picturesque cascades and rock pools. Several trails also feature significant Aboriginal sites, such as rock engravings and middens, providing insights into the area's rich cultural history. Bantry Bay, with its scenic views and historic munitions buildings, is another notable feature within the park.Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, birdwatching, and canoeing/kayaking along Middle Harbour Creek. Several picnic areas are available, with Davidson Park being the largest, offering facilities such as picnic tables, gas BBQs, and a netted beach.Garigal National Park is open from 6 am to 6:30 pm (8 pm during daylight saving), but may close due to poor weather or fire danger. While entry to the park is generally free, a park entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day applies only at Davidson Park.