Explore the Scenic Beauty of The Basin and Mackerel Tracks
Discover the breathtaking beauty of The Basin and Mackerel Tracks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike.
The Basin Track and Mackerel Track offer a stunning escape into nature, showcasing the pristine beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Ideal for tourists seeking adventure, these walking tracks provide breathtaking views and a rich experience of Australian bushland.
A brief summary to The Basin track and Mackerel track
- C75J+VV, Ku-ring-gai Chase, New South Wales, 2084, AU
- +61294513479
- Visit website
Local tips
- Start your hike early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and quieter trails.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning vistas along the way.
- Pack snacks and plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike the longer Mackerel Track.
- Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen, as some sections of the trails may have limited shade.
- Check the weather before your visit and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
Getting There
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Car
From central Sydney, take the M1 Motorway and follow signs for the North Shore. Exit at the Pennant Hills Road (A28) and continue north. Follow the signs to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the Basin Track and Mackerel Track. There is no parking fee for the park, but be aware that parking spaces can fill up quickly on weekends.
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Public Transport
Take a train from Sydney's Central Station to Hornsby Station on the T1 North Shore Line. From Hornsby Station, catch the 586 bus towards Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Request to get off at the nearest stop to The Basin track, which is usually 'The Basin'. Check the current bus schedule as services may vary. A single bus fare will apply, so make sure to have an Opal card or cash ready.
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Walking
If you arrive at The Basin, you can begin your walk on the Basin Track, which provides scenic views of the area. The track continues on to the Mackerel Track, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the natural beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Discover more about The Basin track and Mackerel track
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Basin Wharf
1.9 km
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Marie Byles Lookout
11.9 km
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Bouddi National Park
12.6 km
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Kariong Brook Falls
12.9 km
Experience the natural beauty of Kariong Brook Falls, a tranquil escape in New South Wales featuring stunning waterfalls and scenic walking trails.
Staples Lookout
13.2 km
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Bobbin Head
13.7 km
Experience the beauty of Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where nature meets tranquility in a perfect picnic paradise.
Brisbane Water National Park
14.5 km
Discover Brisbane Water National Park, a natural wonder in New South Wales, with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures.
Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site
15.2 km
Explore the stunning rock engravings at Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site, a gateway to understanding Indigenous Australian heritage and art.
Fishermans Beach
16.5 km
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Piles Creek loop
17.4 km
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Girrakool Loop Track
17.6 km
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Mount Penang Gardens
18.0 km
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Henry Kendall Cottage & Historical Museum
18.1 km
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Central Coast Aqua Park
18.1 km
Experience the ultimate water adventure at Central Coast Aqua Park in Gosford, New South Wales—fun for all ages with thrilling slides and obstacle courses!
Mount Penang Gardens, Event Park and Parklands
18.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Basin Boonga art site
0.3 km
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Basin Trail
1.6 km
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The Basin
1.7 km
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of The Basin in New South Wales, a tranquil bay perfect for relaxation and adventure in the heart of nature.
Great Mackarel Beach
1.7 km
Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Great Mackarel Beach, a hidden gem in New South Wales, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Great Mackerel Beach
1.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of Great Mackerel Beach in New South Wales, where golden sands meet crystal waters in a peaceful coastal retreat.
The Basin campground
1.8 km
Experience the tranquility of nature at The Basin Campground in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Mackarel Beach
1.8 km
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The Basin picnic area
1.8 km
Discover the beauty of The Basin Picnic Area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and adventure for every traveler.
Boonga Heritage walk
2.1 km
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Bairne walking track
2.3 km
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Resolute Beach
2.4 km
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Topham walking track
2.5 km
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West Head army track
2.8 km
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West Head Lookout
2.8 km
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Portuguese Beach
2.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Amalfi Restaurant and Bar Pearl Beach
5.5 km
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Shed
7.5 km
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Cottage Point Inn - Restaurant
7.7 km
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Bert's Bar and Brasserie
8.2 km
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The BOX on the Water
9.6 km
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Osteria Il Coccia
9.7 km
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The Indian Street at Galleria Ettalong Beach - Indian restaurant in central coast ettalong beach nsw 2257
10.1 km
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Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf
12.5 km
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The Caspian Davistown Central Coast
13.6 km
Experience exquisite dining at The Caspian Davistown - where breathtaking views meet culinary excellence on the Central Coast.
Saddles Mount White
17.3 km
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Fedele’s East Gosford
18.1 km
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Shady Palms
18.3 km
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Little Miss Mezza
18.3 km
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Gosford RSL Club
18.4 km
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Drifters Wharf
18.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tribe Living
8.3 km
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Goddess by the Sea
9.9 km
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Casa Mystique
10.0 km
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Moochinside
10.4 km
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Shop 55 Vintage Clothing Boutique
12.1 km
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Fairhaven Op Shopping Village
17.4 km
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Chocolate Factory Gosford - The Factory Nougat & Chocolate
18.1 km
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Magnolia Home & Gift
18.2 km
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Fig & Little
18.3 km
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West Gosford Village
18.3 km
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Esperance & Co
18.4 km
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Spotlight West Gosford
18.4 km
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Riverside Home & More
18.6 km
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Imperial Centre Gosford
19.2 km
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Montaze
19.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Ettalong
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Bar Toto - Trattoria and Bar
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Daley's Bar
12.2 km
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Frankie's Rooftop
12.5 km
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The Settler's Tavern
18.8 km
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Railway Hotel Gosford Bar & Steakhouse
19.1 km
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The Sunken Monkey Hotel
19.6 km
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BIG LITTLE BREWING
20.7 km
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Six String Brewing Company
20.9 km
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Void Bar
21.8 km
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Terrigal Beach House
21.9 km
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Alexanders Cocktail Lounge
21.9 km
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Sirens The Nightclub
21.9 km
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CoCo Bar and Dining Terrigal
21.9 km
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Lost Souls Bar Terrigal
21.9 km
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