Waratah walking track
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Waratah walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
10km return
Time
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Limited signage
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track
Getting there and parking
Waratah walking track starts at number 2 post in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, follow West Head Road.
Parking
Parking is available near number 2 post on West Head Road.
Best times to visit
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.
Spring
If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.
Summer
Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.
Winter
Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 31°C
Highest recorded
43.1°C (1994)
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.5°C (1986
Rainfall
Wettest month
February and March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
253mm
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Cycling is permitted on this track.
Prohibited
Gathering firewood
Gathering firewood and the use of heat beads is not permitted.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Forestville Office
- Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
- 02 9451 3479
- npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 82 Ferguson Street, Forestville NSW 2087
Park info
- in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
- Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).
Other fees:
A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.
Group bookings:
Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.
Buy annual pass
Visitor centre
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Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079 - 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9472 8949
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Kalkari Discovery Centre
402 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah NSW 2079 - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- 02 9472 9300
- 02 9472 9301
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Kalkari Discovery Centre