St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

9 km One way

399 m

Hard track

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 caves along the way. The Davidson park picnic area is a great place for a rest and play after this walk.

One of several view points on the Bungaroo track

Most of the Bungaroo track is very clear

Steps at the bottom of the Bungaroo track

Governor Phillip track near south of stepping stones

The pipeline crossing Middle Harbour Crk

Climbing up to the end of the management trail

Middle Harbour Creek from Casuarina track

(0km) Hunter Ave (opposite Yarrabung Rd) → Int of Pipeline Track and Founders Way

910 m

19 mins

28m

-43m Easy track

From the intersection, this walk heads through the metal gate and follows the service trail down the hill, keeping the pipeline on the right, as it heads through the bush and behind the houses to the intersection of the wide service trail on the left.

(1km) Int of Pipeline Track and Founders Way → Int of Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks

180 m

3 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail keeping the pipeline on the right as it heads up the gentle hill and past a Garigal National Park sign. It then continues through the bush for a while before coming to the signposted intersection with the Bungaroo Track.

(1km) Int of Pipeline and Bungaroo Tracks → Int of Bungaroo and Lower Link Track

1.3 km

33 mins

47m

-165m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bungaroo Track' sign along the bush track, heading away from the pipeline and through the gum trees, winding down some wooden steps before coming to the intersection of the lookout rock at the track markers. Here, the track turns right and continues along through the bush to the intersection with the upper link track, where a power line tower comes into view at a rock surface with some painted green arrows.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track east towards the rock platforms, where it follows the steps down a cleft between the rocks. The walk continues along the bush track, winding through the bush and under some high-tension power lines and down some spaced-out wooden steps, until it comes to the intersection with the middle link track at a rock surface with some green painted arrows.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading east, down the hill and through the bush for a while, steadily winding down wooden and rock steps. The track heads down around some rock platforms and past an information sign on a local bird called the Anomalous Hornbill. The walk passes a track marker and continues down some more wooden steps to the intersection of the lower link track.

(2km) Int of Bungaroo and Lower Link Track → Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks

240 m

4 mins

10m

-5m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, with the ground sloping up to the left and keeping the wide creek a short distance (through the bush) to the right. The track continues through the thick bush and around some boulders for a little while before bending to the right and coming to the Middle Harbour Creek, which it crosses at the large sandstone steppingstones (not safe to cross if stepping stones covered in water). The walk then continues up the steps on the other side to the signposted intersection of the 'Governor Phillip Track'.

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.

(3km) Int of Gov. Phillip and Bungaroo tracks → Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks

700 m

16 mins

30m

-38m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Governor Phillip Walk' sign, keeping Middle Harbour Creek to the right of the track. The track mostly follows the bank of the creek, bending to avoid a few obstacles along the way. Before long, the track comes to an intersection at the bottom of the concrete Davidson Track management trail. This intersection is well-signposted and is a few meters before the large pipe bridge.

Pipeline

This pipeline is unearthed at Hunter Street, St Ives, and travels through Garigal National Park, across Middle Harbour Creek to John Oxley Drive, Sorlie. The pipe carries water under pressure From Ryde to Pymble to the reservoir at Beacon Hill. The old smaller-capacity pipe can still be seen running parallel to the larger pipe.

(3km) Int of Davidson and Governor Phillip tracks → Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks

1.5 km

28 mins

39m

-31m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses under the pipebridge and continues along the rocky bush track, following Middle Harbour Creek as the track undulates up and down for a while. The walk then steadily climbs up the side of the hill to the left for some time, before dropping back down and continuing along beside Carrol Creek. The walk passes a "Governor Phillip Walk" sign, as the track bends to the right and crosses the creek at the stepping stones at the signposted intersection of 'Carroll Creek Track' and 'Lyrebird Track'.

(5km) Int of Lyrebird and Carroll Creek tracks → Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks

740 m

12 mins

21m

-3m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Carrol Creek Track' sign along the bush track, winding through the dense vegetation as it follows the creek for a while. The walk winds under a long rock overhang and continues up to the bottom of a concrete staircase and a metal bridge. (The track doesn't cross the bridge but does have quite a pretty view of Carroll Creek.) From here, the track turns right and climbs the concrete staircase to the end of the management trail at the top.

(6km) Int of Casuarina and Carroll Creek Tracks → Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail

1.4 km

34 mins

101m

-45m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Casuarina Track' sign, following the bush track as it winds up the side of the hill for a while. The track flattens out and passes under a long rock overhang, then continues to wind up the hill until it comes to a large rocky outcrop. Here, the walk flattens out for a little while before undulating up and down along the side of the hill for a while, before coming to the base of a large high-tension power line tower.

(7km) Int of Casuarina Track and Boree Road service trail → Casuarina Lookout

1.7 km

46 mins

111m

-182m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Casuarina Track' signpost along the bush track, heading around the large power line tower (keeping the tower on the left of the track) and down the steep rocky hill. The track crosses under the power lines before flattening for out a short distance, continuing along the rough track as it undulates up and down along the side of the hill, crossing a few rock platforms and a creek. As the track continues along the side of the hill, it becomes more defined and easier-going, passing under a short rock overhang and down one last rocky hill before flattening out and continuing to the lookout at the top of the Casuarina Stairway.

(9km) Casuarina Lookout → Bottom of the Casuarina Steps

130 m

2 mins

-9m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads down the long wooden staircase descending to the bottom of the hill where it comes to Davidson Park.

(9km) Bottom of the Casuarina Steps → Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path

160 m

3 mins

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows along the driveway (keeping the park and Middle Harbour Creek on the left) for a little while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Rotary Rotunda' footpath.

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.

Maps for the St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track 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 St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

Altitude analysis for St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

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	9 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		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

3.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.4km is very steep and the remaining 330m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

4.2km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 3.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 160m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 4.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track walk.

Founders Way

3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This return walk starts at the Founders Way track head, in St Ives, and follows the pipeline through the National Park. The walk heads down into the valley where it comes to the Middle Harbour Creek pipe bridge. There is a short, optional side trip along the Bungaroo Track to the stepping stones cr

Total climbing: 137m

Moderate track

Bungaroo and Founders Way Loop

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This circuit walk starts at Founders Way and follows the Bungaroo bush track through the national park to Middle Harbour Creek. There is an optional side trip to the creek crossing before returning, via the pipe bridge and the Pipeline Track. Along the Bungaroo Track there are plenty of opportuniti

Total climbing: 190m

Hard track

Bungaroo Track

3.6 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a section of bush between Hunter Ave, St Ives, and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a reasonably well defined bush track, passing several rocky outcrops with views across the valley. The walk is named after Bungaroo, a spot of Middle Harbour creek which was described by th

Total climbing: 237m

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

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

The Pipeline Track

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk explores the bush from St Ives, and follows the pipeline down the the banks of Middle Harbour. There are a few steep sections in the second half of the walk. This walk is an interesting way to get into the heart of Garigal National Park following the Founders track.

Total climbing: 206m

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

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

Killara to St Ives via Rocky Creek

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs

This pleasant walk starts at the bottom of Eastern Arterial Road (near the speed camera) and follows the service trails and bush tracks into Garigal National Park and down the side of the valley to Middle Harbour Creek. From here the track follows Middle Harbour Creek north to the pipe bridge, and a

Total climbing: 400m

Experienced only

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track walk.

East Killara Track

6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts and finishes at different points on Eastern Arterial Road. The walk follows a mixture of service trails and bush tracks through Garigal National Park, along Middle Harbour Creek, then heads back out to Eastern Arterial Road, on the other side of Killara.

Total climbing: 296m

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

Cascades Track (from Davidson)

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This pleasant, return walk starts in Davidson and follows the Cascades Track along the management trails as it winds down into the valley. In the main valley, the walk comes to the Cascades just upstream of the Frenchs and Middle Harbour Creeks junction. The Cascades are surrounded by rock platform

Total climbing: 119m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Creek Return

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a popular track being close to roads, yet surrounded by nice tall trees. The walk heads down hill with tall eucalyptus surrounding the track and providing shade for most of the walk. Convenient access to the start of the walk from Gordon Railway station is another feature of this walk.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Gordon to Chatswood Station

12.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a great way to get into the bush without being far from civilisation. The walk wanders through untouched valleys and along the Lane Cove River, passing over many roads and footpaths to connect such unspoilt bush. The side trip to Baker's cottage is definitely worth the short stroll, wit

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from Gordon train station and winds through bush filled valleys to Hornsby station. From Gordon station, the walk winds down past the Gordon golf course to the Great North Walk, then continues north through the Lane Cove Valley before staying overnight at the Baden Powell

Total climbing: 1024m

Hard track

Gordon to Roseville Station (Riverside Walk)

13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk goes from Gordon, to Roseville station, using the Riverside Walking Track. From DeBurghs Bridge, the walk follows the western bank of the Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas and the Lane Cove River Boat Shed. The scenic walk along the Lane Cove River provides plenty of opportunities

Total climbing: 344m

Hard track

Gordon to Roseville Railway Station

10.7 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

The track connecting Gordon to Roseville Railway Station is a surising scenic walk through remnant bushland. The walk escapes the urban centres to wind through the valleys and along the Lane Cove River with its abundance of water dragons, ducks and other birds. The walk is a great way to do a statio

Total climbing: 345m

Hard track

Sheldon Forest Walk

1.8 km One way, 50 mins

This is a pleasant walk exploring the Sheldon Forest from the 1st Turramurra Scout Hall to Troon place in Pymble. The forest is one of the few remaining pieces of the Blue Gum high forest in the Sydney Basin, and is supported by community bushcare programs. This walk meanders through rainforest for

Total climbing: 33m

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

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

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 St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track walk starts at the Hunter Ave (opposite Yarrabung Rd) (gps: -33.741780, 151.16694)

Bus. (get details)

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

The St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track ends at the Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path (gps: -33.768199, 151.20325)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<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.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/ptdpvct