East Bantry Bay

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.6 km One way

274 m

Hard track

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 way.

Following the powerlines through the bush

Climbing up through the large rock outcrop

Coming to the end of the management track

Timmber Getters track near Seaforth Oval

(0km) Start of Currie Road service trail → Int of Currie Road and Cannons Parade service trails

560 m

10 mins

10m

-16m Moderate track

From the intersection, this walk heads through the metal gate and along the service trail for a short distance before coming to some power lines. This trail follows the power lines through the bush, winding along beside the telegraph poles for a little while before coming to the intersection with the service trail that heads up the hill to the right.

(1km) Int of Currie Road and Cannons Parade service trails → Int of Natural Bridge and Currie Road Tracks

350 m

6 mins

-12m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat service trail heading south, in the opposite direction of the closest telegraph pole, winding alongside the power lines for a little while. The trail then breaks away from the power lines, heading through thicker vegetation until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Natural Bridge Track.

(1km) Int of Natural Bridge and Currie Road Tracks → Natural Bridge

250 m

6 mins

-39m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Natural Bridge' sign along the bush track, heading down the rocky hill which steepens as it winds down a few sets of wooden steps. The track then flattens out to a gentle descent, and winds down through the bush until coming to a wide stone arch referred to as the Natural Bridge, crossing a creek that feeds into Bantry Bay.

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch in Garigal National Park. The arch spans an unnamed creek feeding into Bantry Bay. The Natural Bridge track uses this arch to cross the creek, and is not always noticed by walkers as the surrounding vegetation hides the full view of the feature from the track. The arch has formed the eroding forces of water flowing down the creek. The arch provides an interesting natural feature to explore and enjoy.

(1km) Natural Bridge → Int of Bluff and Natural Bridge Tracks

500 m

15 mins

71m

-1m Hard track

Continue straight: From the other side of the Natural Bridge, this walk follows the bush track heading east, steadily climbing up the long and sometimes steep rocky hill, to the top of the valley through a few large rock outcrops. The track flattens out and continues along for a short distance to the 'T' intersection of the bush track at the track marker.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track facing the track marker, heading south-east for a short distance before it coming to the signposted intersection of the Bluff Track at the service trail.

(2km) Int of Bluff and Natural Bridge Tracks → The Bluff Lookout

210 m

4 mins

-11m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Bluff Track signpost along the service trail, heading south-east through the bush for a short while before coming to the intersection with an unsignposted track on the left, which heads through the bush.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail (with the bush track on the left) heading south through the bush for a while before it comes to the Bluff Lookout at the signposted intersection of "The Bay Track", looking down on Bantry Bay and the magazine buildings.

Bluff Lookout

The Bluff is a large, unfenced rocky hilltop, in Garigal National Park, that provides great views up Middle Harbour. The views extend across the bushland of the National Park, along Bantry Bay, to the city of Sydney (You can even see Centrepoint Tower). Apart from the distant views, the bluff is also an interesting rock feature, with a number of caves containing honeycomb rock formations.

(2km) The Bluff Lookout → Bantry Bay Picnic Area

1.8 km

48 mins

77m

-166m Hard track

Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the "The Bay Track" signpost along the short bush track, to a large rock platform which it crosses, then follows a track marker down some rock steps. The walk continues to wind down into the valley, following the defined rocky bush track for a long while, dropping down past rock platforms and outcrops as it descends to a point not far above the water. The walk continues to undulate gently along the side of the hill, providing great views of the magazine buildings on the opposite side of the bay. The track continues in this manner to the Bantry Bay Picnic Area, situated just above a small wharf.

Bantry Bay Picnic Area

The area of Bantry Bay has been popular with day visitors since the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, the picnic area was also home to a dance hall (foundations still visible), dining room, picnic ground and overnight accommodation. Today, the picnic area has a picnic table and a number of fireplaces. There is also a public wharf, toilets, open grassy area, shade from trees and a great view across the water. There are no garbage facilities. The picnic area is at the bottom of the Timber Getters Track, below Seaforth Oval, on the eastern shore of Bantry Bay. More info.

(4km) Bantry Bay Picnic Area → Int of the Timber Getters and Engraving Tracks

840 m

24 mins

109m

-9m Hard track

Turn left: From the picnic area, this walk follows 'Timber Getters Track' sign[1] near the toilets, heading up a long set of rock steps that wind up the hill. The walk then flattens out and continues along a short bush track to another long set of wooden steps. From here, the walk climbs the steps, winding up and out of the valley until the walk flattens out again at a rock platform. The walk continues past an old telegraph pole with no power lines attached, and across a small creek at some stepping stones, as it winds along to the signposted intersection with the 'Old Bullock Track'[2] (closed for maintenance at time of writing).
Continue straight: From the intersection (with the signposted Bullock Track on the left), this walk follows the bush track heading up the hill and up a set of wooden steps, continuing through the dense scrub as the track steadily winds up the long hill, passing a bush regeneration sign and climbing up some more steps to the signposted intersection with the Engraving Track[3].

(5km) Int of the Timbergetters and Engraving Tracks → Seaforth Oval

50 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, climbing up the wooden steps for a short distance before flattening out at the corner of the Seaforth Oval car park, next to some information signs.

Seaforth Oval

Seaforth Oval is a large playing oval on the Wakehurst Parkway in North Balgowlah. It is managed by Manly Council, who have also recently been upgrading the Timber Getters Track in association with NPWS. There is a distant view of Chatswood from the oval. There are toilets, but they are usually locked. There is a large car park, shelter and sign with information about the Harbour to Hawkesbury walk. More info.

Maps for the East Bantry Bay 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.

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 East Bantry Bay bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the East Bantry Bay

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	4.6 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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

2.8km of this walk is very steep and another 1.2km is flat with no steps. The remaining (640m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 1.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 3.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.4km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.8km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.8km 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 East Bantry Bay walk.

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

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

Timber Getters Track

1.8 km Return, 1 Hr

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk explores the historic logging track that heads down to the picnic area on the eastern shore of Banty Bay. The picnic area is a great spot to relax and enjoy the water, and bush views, before heading back up to Seaforth oval. This is just one section of the great

Total climbing: 120m

Hard track

Engravings Track

2.2 km One way, 45 mins

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk follows the Engravings track parallel to the Wakehurst Parkway to the end of Bantry Bay Road, Forestville. The first half of the walk is along bush track and the second half follows a service trail. The engravings, after which this track is named, are fenced of

Total climbing: 39m

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

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

Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout

5.4 km Return, 3 hrs

This great return walk starts from Seaforth oval and follows the Timbergetters Track down to Bantry Bay, and the pleasant waterfront picnic area. The walk then climbs steadily, out of the valley, to the Bluff Lookout. From this lookout you can see all the way across Middle Harbour.

Total climbing: 363m

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

Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

10 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

The Seaforth to Davidson Park walk is a wonderful and historic loop around Bantry Bay. The walk continues from Bantry Bay, along Middle Harbour's treelined foreshore, to Davidson Park. This walk explores some wonderful bush and water views tucked into the valleys of Sydney.

Total climbing: 491m

Hard track

Seaforth Oval to Roseville Bridge via Bantry Bay

10 km One way, 4 hrs

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk follows a section of the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track along Middle Harbour Creek. The walk has many highlights, including great views of Bantry Bay, the Historic Magazine Buildings and the Natural Bridge. This walk is blessed with great bushland and views of M

Total climbing: 491m

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

Spit to Lindfield

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 45 mins

This full day walk starts at the southern end of the Spit Bridge and explores a lot of Garigal National Park and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track into Garigal National Park, skirting around Bantry Bay and along Middle Harbour Creek before crossing Roseville Br

Total climbing: 1181m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the East Bantry Bay walk.

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

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

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

Davidson Park to St Ives Chase

14.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

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.

Total climbing: 591m

Moderate 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

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

Flat Rock Beach track

516 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts from the end of Killarney Drive, in Killarney Heights and heads down the hill to Flat Rock Beach. The beach is a secluded sandy area on the shores of Middle Harbour. A nice spot for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the boats as they pass by.

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate 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

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

East Killara Bushtrack

2.6 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk explores a section of Middle Harbour and Gordon Creek following a narrow bush track. The walk provides some great views across Middle Harbour Creek and the bushland of the area. This walk also gets close to the mangroves along Middle Harbour creek. With the right tide, these mangroves can

Total climbing: 133m

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The East Bantry Bay walk starts at the Start of Currie Road service trail (gps: -33.760107, 151.22467)

Bus. (get details)

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

The East Bantry Bay ends at the Seaforth Oval (gps: -33.781957, 151.23724)

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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