The Cambourne Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.4 km Circuit

204 m

Moderate track

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. The walk then follows the Cascades Track to climb out of the valley. There is an optional side trip to the Cascades.

Following the service trail through the bush

Winding down to the bottom of the valley

Heading up through the bush to the Lower Cambourne Track

(0km) Int of Cambourne Ave and Upper Cambourne Track → Int of Cascades and Upper Cambourne service trails

600 m

14 mins

20m

-47m Moderate track

From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Upper Cambourne Track' arrow through the metal gate and along the management trail. After crossing the creek, the walk continues up and along to the intersection with the Douglass Street East service trail (at the track marker).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail along the side of the hill with the ground sloping up to the right. The trail then zigzags all the way down to the intersection with the Cascades service trail, marked with an 'Upper Cambourne Track' sign.

(1km) Int of Cascades and Upper Cambourne service trails → Int of Cascades and Lower Cambourne service trails

90 m

2 mins

-15m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail opposite the 'Upper Cambourne' sign, heading down the hill for a short distance to the signposted intersection of the Lower Cambourne track.

(1km) Int of Cascades and Lower Cambourne service trails → Int of Lower Cambourne and Waterhole Track

1.2 km

26 mins

29m

-65m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lower Cambourne Track ->' sign along the management trail, with the ground sloping up to the left. The trail starts to descend into the valley, dropping down the side of the hill and crossing a small creek. The trail undulates gently through the bush, winding steadily down into the valley and steepening after a while. At the bottom, the trail flattens out, coming to the intersection with a narrow bush track a short distance later.

(2km) Int of Lower Cambourne and Waterhole Track → Middle Harbour Creek Waterhole

20 m

-1m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the short bush track, heading away from the management trail and through the bush. The walk soon comes to a rockshelf, situated above a waterhole in Middle Harbour Creek. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lower Cambourne waterhole

This unnamed waterhole and cascade is on Middle Harbour Creek, just below its junction with Bare Creek in Garigal National Park. The waterhole accessed by a short track from the Lower Cambourne track. There is a large rock platform, and a waterhole with a small waterfall flowing into it. This can be a great spot to relax and enjoy the local area, if you sit quietly enough you may see a Water Dragon.

(2km) Int of Lower Cambourne and Waterhole Track → Int of Bare Creek and Lower Cambourne service trails

200 m

3 mins

-2m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail heading north, down the gentle slope. It soon crosses a wide creek via some stepping stones, and continues up the other side, following the management trail as it climbs to the 'T' intersection with the Bare Creek management trail.

(2km) Int of Bare Creek and Lower Cambourne service trails → Int of Bare Creek and Cascades service trails

1.1 km

24 mins

33m

-48m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail over the crest of the hill and down the other side, with the ground sloping up to the left. The track continues through the bush for a long while, descending a little every now and then, until it turns down to the right and crosses the creek, continuing up the other side to the intersection with the link track (which climbs up the rocky hill).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail away from the creek, with the ground sloping up to the right. It soon comes to the intersection with the Cascades management trail (where there is a 'Bare Creek Track' sign).

(3km) Int of Bare Creek and Cascades service trails → The Cascades

300 m

5 mins

-14m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Cascades Track' arrow along the service trail, heading down the hill and across a creek, continuing up the other side as the track winds through the bush for a short while before crossing a creek and coming to the cascades. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

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.

(3km) Int of Bare Creek and Cascades service trails → Int of Cambourne Ave and Upper Cambourne Track

1.2 km

27 mins

114m

-26m Moderate track

Turn right: 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.

Maps for the The Cambourne Loop 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
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the The Cambourne Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Cambourne Loop

Altitude analysis for The Cambourne Loop

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	4.4 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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

2.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (90m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 3.5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 900m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.2km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.2km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 310m 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 The Cambourne Loop 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

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Cambourne Loop walk.

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

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

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Bobbin head

9.4 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant walk starts in North Turramurra and follows the Darri and Warrimoo tracks into the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk follows the picturesque Cowan Creek through one of the most serene parts of the park, and finishes at Bobbin Head, a great place to enjoy the cafe or have a pic

Total climbing: 457m

Moderate track

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

14.6 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

Starting in North Turramurra, this walk follows the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and down along the picturesque Cowan Creek. Bobbin Head makes a great spot to take a break and have some lunch at the cafe, kiosk or picnic area. From Bobbin Head, the track continue

Total climbing: 852m

Hard track

Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial

6.6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This nice walk starts from North Turramurra and follows the Darri and Warrimoo tracks into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk follows Cowan Creek through the lush green forest, then takes the Sphinx Track, climbing out of the valley to the war memorial, finishing on Bobbin Head Road.

Total climbing: 366m

Moderate track

Darri Track

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Named after the traditional owners, the Darri People, this track starts at Bedford Ave, Turramurra. The track follows a narrow piece of bushland along the upper reaches of Cowan Creek, into Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The official Darri track finishes at the intersection with Warrimoo track,

Total climbing: 200m

Moderate 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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Cambourne Loop walk starts and ends at the Int of Cambourne Ave and Upper Cambourne Track (gps: -33.723674, 151.18253)

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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