Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

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5 hrs 30 mins

14.1 km One way

591 m

Moderate track

This walk, between Davidson Park and Warrimoo Ave, is a fantastic harbour side trip. The focus for the walk is the waterway views, scattered throughout. This walk is a great way to explore the valley between the suburbs and the interesting, diverse flora it contains.

Following the waters edge through the bush

The servicetrail north of Davidson Reserve

climbing up the hill and away from the creek

Just near where Carroll Crk and Middle Harbour Crk meet

Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

Mud Flats on Middle Harbour creek just north of Carroll crk

Governor Phillip track on the bank of Middle Harbour Creek

Governor Phillip Walk along the rocky section

In some places the track can be quite wet and muddy

Looking down Middle Harbour Creek from stepping stones

Following the service trail through the bush

Davidson picnic area

Davidson Picnic Area is in Garigal National Park, under Roseville Bridge (access via Warringah Road, south bound lanes, or via many walking tracks in the area). The picnic area has a boat ramp, wheelchair-accessible toilets, large open grassy areas, picnic tables, free electric BBQ's, and a large rotunda. There are plenty of shady spots provided by the trees. The northern section of the picnic area has a small beach swimming area, and the southern section boasts a boat ramp. The park is open 6am to 8pm (6:30pm outside daylight savings time). Ticket machines are provided to pay the car access fee.

(0km) Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path → Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park Driveway

430 m

8 mins

-8m Very easy

From the intersection, this walk follows the road, keeping the park and Middle Harbour on the left. After a little while, this walk comes to the signposted intersection at the bottom of the 'Casuarina Stairway', uphill on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection at the bottom of the 'Casuarina Stairway', this walk follows the driveway, keeping the park and Middle Harbour Creek on the left. The walk heads along for little while before coming to the end of the driveway, at the signposted start of the 'Lyre Bird Track 4km'.

(0km) Int of the Lyrebird Track and end of Davidson Park driveway → End Lyrebird service trail

1.6 km

29 mins

29m

-29m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the gate at the north-western corner of Davidson Park, this walk follows the 'Lyrebird Track' sign through the metal gate and along the service trail, heading through the bush and following Middle Harbour Creek for a while before the track narrows to a bush track at a long grassy clearing.

(2km) End Lyrebird service trail → Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks

3.2 km

1 hr 3 mins climb

94m

-86m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the clearing at the end of the management trail, this walk continues along the bush track, keeping Middle Harbour Creek on the left as it meanders along the water's edge for a while. The track climbs up the side of the hill, then flattens out and continues through the bush, steadily winding down to the edge of Carroll Creek, which it follows for a while before the track comes down to the signposted intersection of the 'Carroll Creek Track' at the stepping stones.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk crosses Carroll Creek at the stepping stones and continues along the bush track, passing the "Governor Phillip Walk" sign as the track bends to the left. This walk winds through the bush alongside Carrol Creek before steadily climbing up the rocky hill to the right for a little while. The track then drops back down to the edge of Middle Harbour Creek, which it follows as the walk undulates along the rocky bush track for a while, before crossing under a large pipe bridge to the end of an asphalt service trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bungaroo Track (450m)' sign, keeping Middle Harbour Creek to the left. The bush track makes its way upstream following the main creek, but crossing a few small gullies along the way. The track then comes an intersection with a signpost 'Bungaroo Track' and stepping stones across the creek, clearly visable on the left.

Bungaroo

Governor Arthur Phillip (first governor of NSW) described this section of the river as where "the flowing of the tide ceased". Phillip and his party of nine camped here in 1788 whilst looking for land suitable for farming. John White (Surgeon General) described the the area as "the most desert, wild and solitary seclusion that the imagination can form any idea of". Over the past 200 years the river has changed, but somewhere not far upstream of the stepping stone is Bungaroo. More info.

(5km) Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks → The Cascades

2.6 km

51 mins

89m

-72m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track, with the signposted 'Bungaroo track'[1] on the left and the ground sloping up to the right. The walk heads through the forest and follows Middle Harbour Creek north, crossing rock platforms and winding through undulating bushland for quite some time. The track then comes down to a large rock platform at a junction in the creek, where the track turns right and continues to an intersection with a management trail.

The Cascades

The Cascades are a series of small cascades (little waterfalls) in Garigal National Park. The cascades centre around a large rock platform on Middle Harbour Creek and are found in the northern section of the park, at the intersection of the Middle Harbour and Cascade Tracks. The cascades make a great spot to sit and rest when exploring the area.

(8km) The Cascades → Int of Cambourne Ave and Upper Cambourne Track

1.5 km

32 mins

128m

-27m Moderate track

Turn left: From the cascades, this walk follows the service trail across the creek and past the "Cascades" sign, continuing up the gentle hill and through the bush for a short while before dropping back down and across a creek. From here, the track continues up the other side to the signposted intersection of the 'Bare Creek Track' service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the "Cascades Track" sign along the service trail. The walk climbs for a while to reach the intersection with the Link track (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail going up the hill. After winding up the long, and sometimes steep hill, the walk passes an intersection and continues up the hill on an asphalted section of management trail to reach the signposted intersection with the 'Lower Cambourne Track'.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Cascades track arrow along the service trail, climbing up the hill for a short while before coming to the intersection of the Upper Cambourne track.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail, zigzagging up the hill behind the 'Upper Cambourne' sign. The walk flattens out for a while and reaches an intersection with a service trail at a track marker.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail down the side of the hill, with the ground sloping up to the left. The walk descends steadily until it crosses a small creek and climbs up the hill on the other side, passing through a metal gate to arrive at Cambourne Ave.

(9km) Int of Cambourne Ave and Upper Cambourne Track → End of Kitchener St

2.6 km

57 mins

105m

-117m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection the track heads up Cambourne Ave keeping the bush on the right and the houses to the left of the road. The walk continues along Cambourne Ave which tends left to the intersection with Blackburn St. The track turns right onto Blackburn St, which it follows still keeping the bush on the right of the track. The walk then continues to the intersection with Whitehaven St, which it turns right onto. Whitehaven St is followed, passing Linigen Pl on the right, before tending left onto Roma Rd. The walk turns right onto Roma Rd which it follows to the intersection with Kitchener St.
Veer left: From the intersection the track heads straight up Kitchener St to cross Mona Vale Rd and continue down to the other end of Kitchener St at the gate on the left.

(12km) End of Kitchener St → End of Phillip Rd

1.6 km

39 mins

129m

-93m Moderate track

Veer left: From the end of the road the track heads past a gate and down the hill swinging right. The track tends right for approximately 100m to pass a large white house above on the right. The track then follows the hillside for approximately 200m to a signposted intersection on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads down the hill tending right, to a large vertical green pipe. From the pipe the track continues down the hill for approximately 50m to turn left into the sign posted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection the track heads winds up the hill along the service trail away from Ku-ring-gai Creek. Once reaching the top of the hill the track winds, continuing along the servictrail until reaching the gate at the end of Phillip Ave signposted 'Harbour to Hawkesbury Track'.

(14km) End of Phillip Rd → End of Warrimoo Ave

470 m

8 mins

13m

-1m Very easy

Continue straight: From the end of Phillip Rd the track heads away from the bush up the road between the houses. The track continues along the road to turn right onto Warrimoo Ave. This is then followed to the end of Warimoo Ave where the track crosses Timbarra Rd to the National Parks sign to the right of the black and white traffic sign.

Maps for the Davidson Park to St Ives Chase 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
Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Davidson Park to St Ives Chase bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

Altitude analysis for Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

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	14.1 km
		Time	5 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		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	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 5km is flat with no steps. The remaining (3.7km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.5km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (2.2km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 5km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 14km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 6km 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 Davidson Park to St Ives Chase walk.

The Cascades Track (St Ives to Davidson)

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a section of Garigal National Park from St Ives following service trails through the forest and into the valley. The cascades, from which this track derives its name, are at the junction of Middle Harbour and Frenchs creeks. After taking time to explore the rock platform, this w

Total climbing: 117m

Moderate track

Cascades Track, return from St Ives

3.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores part of the northern section of Garigal National Park and the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a service trail from Douglas Street, St Ives, to cross Middle Harbour Creek, then explores a large rock platform with the Cascades. The cascades themselves are n

Total climbing: 171m

Moderate track

Davidson Track to Carroll Creek and Ferguson St

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from John Oxley Drive, Davidson, this walk descends steeply into Garigal National Park, along a wide asphalt service trail. The walk follows a lovely bush track along the eastern bank of Middle Harbour creek before following Carroll Creek up to the end of Ferguson St, Forestville. There are

Total climbing: 128m

Hard track

The Cambourne Loop

4.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This pleasant walk starts in the outskirts of St Ives and follows several tracks to explore a section of the Garigal National Park. The walk follows the Upper Cambourne Track down into Garigal National Park, then the Lower Cambourne Track into the valley, and the Bare Creek Track, through the forest

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

The Pipeline Way

4.7 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant walk follows the pipeline, from Hunter Avenue in St Ives, to John Oxley Drive, Davidson. The walk follows the pipeline down into the valley and crosses Middle Harbour Creek (via a quick upstream detour to the Bungaroo Track crossing) before climbing out of the valley to John Oxley Driv

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

The Lyrebird Track

5.3 km Return, 2 hrs

This pleasant return walk starts from the end of the Davidson Reserve picnic area and follows the Lyrebird Track through the bush, along the edge of Middle Harbour Creek, to the stepping stone crossing on Carroll Creek. The stepping stones are a great place to take a break before returning along th

Total climbing: 100m

Moderate track

Quarry Rd Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

Starting at Cambourne Ave, St Ives, this walks explores the ridges and valleys of the upper reaches of the Middle Harbour Creek in Garigal National Park. The walk follows service trails, and crosses several creeks along the way. The Lower Cambourne waterhole is a great spot to rest and enjoy a sna

Total climbing: 245m

Hard track

Davidson Exploration

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk partially circumnavigates the suburb of Davidson. Starting on Stone Pde, the walk follows the cascades track down to Middle Harbour Creek and follows the creek downstream to the pipeline. The walk finishes with an uphill slog, following the pipeline, to John Oxley Drive.

Total climbing: 243m

Hard track

Governor Phillip Walk

7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

Named in honour of NSW's first Governor, this walk follows in the footsteps of his 1788 expedition to find farm land. The walk starts at the end of Ferguson St, Forestville. Passing the NPWS office and depot, the walk then follows Carroll Creek down to the official start of the Governor Phillip Wa

Total climbing: 222m

Moderate track

Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Starting at Davidson Park, this walk first explores the eastern banks of Middle Harbour Creek before heading up Carroll creek. The walk returns to Davidson Park via the higher Casuarina track. You will enjoy great views of the Middle Harbour and Garigal National Park from two distinctly different

Total climbing: 289m

Hard track

The Bare Creek Track

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant return walk starts from the outskirts of Belrose and follows the management trails through Garigal National Park to the bottom of the valley and along Bare Creek to the cascades. The cascades are a good place for a break before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 265m

Moderate track

St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

9 km One way, 4 hrs

This walk starts in St Ives and follows the Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks down to Middle Harbour Creek, crossing the creek at the stepping stones and continuing to Davidson Picnic area. Much of this walk follows Middle Harbour Creek, providing great water views and passing some interesting sandstone

Total climbing: 399m

Hard track

Currie Rd Track to Ferguson St via Magazine Buildings and Davidson Park

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting at Currie Road in Forestville, this walk explores much of the northern shore of Middle Harbour Creek. There are some great side trips, in-particular to Natural Bridge and to Flat Rock Beach. Davidson Picnic area has great facilities if you are looking for a BBQ picnic lunch, otherwise the

Total climbing: 575m

Hard track

Little Digger Track to Davidson Reserve and Lyrebird Circuit

11.5 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Exploring both the eastern and western sides of Middle Harbour Creek, this walk follows the Little Digger and Two Creeks Tracks down to the Roseville Bridge, and into Davidson Reserve. This is a fantastic spot to take a break before following the waterline along the Lyrebird Track for a while and lo

Total climbing: 470m

Hard track

Middle Harbour Creek Loop

15.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek, starting and ending at the great parklands at Davidson Park, in Garigal National Park. There are plenty of nice spots along the way to rest and enjoy the views. There are several sandstone overhangs, plenty of water views and most of the

Total climbing: 570m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Davidson Park to St Ives Chase walk.

Casuarina Track (Davidson Park to Ferguson St)

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting at Davidson Picnic area, this walk follows the ridge above Middle Harbour Creek, giving some great views along the way. The walk explores the sandstone formations, and passes an aboriginal midden along the way. Soon after passing the national park office, the walk finishes at the end of F

Total climbing: 293m

Hard track

Magazine Track

3.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk is named after the heritage magazine buildings at about the halfway point. There is not a great view of the buildings but the walk provides great views of Bantry bay, and visits the secluded flat rock beach. Most of the walk is on bush track and there are plenty of rocky points along the

Total climbing: 139m

Moderate track

Natural Bridge Walk

1.4 km Return, 45 mins

Starting at Cook Street in Forestville, this walk follows service trails and bush tracks through Garigal National Park, to the Natural Bridge. The walk uses the arch as a natural bridge to cross the creek. The rock formation is the main highlight of this walk, though the wild flower displays in the

Total climbing: 71m

Moderate track

Lindfield Park and Little Digger Track Loop

6.7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

This pleasant walk starts from Lindfield Park and heads through the bushland to the Two Creeks Track, which it follows through the National Park to, and along, Middle Harbour Creek. The walk returns to Lindfield Park via the picturesque Little Digger Track, and through a few shortcut alley ways in E

Total climbing: 287m

Moderate track

Two Creeks Track

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

A popular walk that explores Gordon, Middle Harbour and Moores Creeks. This walk crosses a section of Garigal National park and a few reserves managed by Ku-ring-gai Council, you will see some great water views, sandstone caves and heritage sandstone works. The track is well signposted. The optiona

Total climbing: 237m

Moderate track

The Bluff Track

986 m Return, 30 mins

This short return walk starts from the end of Grattan Crescent, Frenchs Forest and follows the service trails along the Bluff Track to the spectacular lookout perched above Bantry Bay. There is an optional side trip down the into the valley to the Natural Bridge, which is a interesting natural rock

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Little Digger Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk follows Moores Creek through several reserves in east Roseville and East Lindfield. The track is named after Australia's 7th Prime Minster, who once lived in the area. The walk explores the ferns and sandstone overhangs of the area, and there are several small waterfalls on Moore creek, w

Total climbing: 93m

Moderate track

Currie Rd Track

4.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This nice walk explores some of the service trails at the northern end of Bantry Bay, in Garigal National Park. This walk is a great way to see many wildflowers, and some wildlife, of the area. The side trip to the Natural Bridge is worth the effort to see this interesting rock formation. Most of

Total climbing: 145m

Hard track

Currie Rd to Davidson Park

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs

Starting at Currie Rd in Forestville, this walk follows Middle Harbour to Davidson Park, under Roseville Bridge. There are two optional side trips, one to Natural Bridge and the other short one to Flat rock beach. The walk starts on a service trail, but mostly follows bush tracks, providing great

Total climbing: 280m

Moderate track

Curry Rd to The Bluff (via the Natural Bridge)

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Currie Rd in Forestville, this walk visits the sandstone archway known as the Natural Bridge before climbing the hill and continuing to the Bluff. The Bluff is a large rocky point, with its own interesting shapes and a fantastic view down Middle Harbour and across to the city.

Total climbing: 165m

Hard track

East Bantry Bay

4.6 km One way, 2 hrs

Starting at Currie Road in Forestville, this walk follows the edge of Bantry Bay to Seaforth Oval. The main highlights of the walk include the Natural Bridge, the views from the Bluff Lookout and Bantry Bay Picnic Area. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views and wildlife along the w

Total climbing: 274m

Hard track

Davidson Track

2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk starts at John Oxley Drive, and is popular with people working on their fitness. The walk follows a service trail which is initially dirt, but is sealed for most of the way, as it follows the pipeline steeply down to Middle Harbour Creek. Enjoy the view from the bank of the creek before

Total climbing: 132m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Davidson Park to St Ives Chase walk starts at the Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path (gps: -33.768199, 151.20325)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Davidson Park to St Ives Chase ends at the End of Warrimoo Ave (gps: -33.700638, 151.16557)

Bus. (get details)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Garigal National Park

Largely following Middle Harbour Creek and stretching from Seaforth in the south to St Ives in the north Garigal National Park is hidden through Sydney's Northern suburbs. Despite how close it is to large urban centres Garigal is quite beautiful with lots of different walking and cycling tracks. For those just wishing to picnic Davidson Reserve is a great spot just next to Middle Harbour Creek, under the Roseville Bridge.

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