Topham walking track
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Overview
Topham walking track offers scenic views, picnicking, wildflowers and wildlife near Cowan Water in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of Sydney. Moderate difficulty, it’s perfect for families.
- Distance
- 3.7km return
- Time suggested
- 1 - 2hrs
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, sunscreen, hat
- Please note
Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Resolute picnic area in West Head
Topham walking track winds its way through open woodland to the escarpment overlooking Cowan Water, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of Sydney. An excellent nature day trip for family and friends, you can be amongst the trees and listening for whipbirds within an hour of the city.
Passing heathlands of banksia and bottlebrush, look for colourful wildflower displays during the warmer months. You’ll catch the scent of the highly fragrant red and white boronia flowers along this walk. Keep an eye out for delicate flannel flower and iconic waratahs amongst the bush.
As the track leads to the escarpment, take in the lovely water views over Refuge Bay. Here, amongst the scribbly gums, you might hear the rustling of an echidna or perhaps the call of the golden whistler. Unpack a bush picnic and make the most of the tranquil setting before retracing your steps.
Take a virtual tour of Topham walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Map
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/topham-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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 info
All the practical information you need to know about Topham walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
3.7km return
Time
1 - 2hrs
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
Get driving directions
Topham walking track is in the West Head and Basins precincts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, follow West Head Road off McCarrs Creek Road. Look for the track head sign on your left.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Parking
Parking is available near Topham walking track.
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.
Winter
After walking Topham track you might like to drive a little further down to West Head and take in the magnificent views across Pittwater and over to Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Cycling is permitted on Topham walking track. The rough terrain means it's best suited to mountain bikes.
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.
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
Learn more
Topham walking track is in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A great location to run, row or ride
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is situated within the Sydney Metropolitan Area, 20km north of the Sydney CBD. The park runs from St Ives to the shores of the Hawkesbury River at Brooklyn. The 14,882ha park also includes the stunning Barrenjoey Head, 1km across Pittwater at Palm Beach. Multiple entry points offer easy access – one of the many reasons this park is so popular with locals. With everything from jogging tracks to picnic areas and great places to whalewatch, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is excellent for outdoor activity.
- Akuna Bay Boating enthusiasts love Akuna Bay. Use the public barbecue and enjoy a picnic at Akuna Bay Marina. It's the ideal spot to recharge after you've been out sailing.
- Bobbin Head Visit Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and enjoy a barbecue or a spot of fishing for a great daytrip from Sydney.
- Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Hawkesbury farm-to-plate oyster tasting tours If you’re a seafood lover, venture out onto the Hawkesbury’s sparkling waters with Sydney Oyster Tours. You’ll taste delicious seafood and learn all about oyster cultivation.
- Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.
A rich Aboriginal heritage
The park showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area. More than 350 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They include rock engravings, burial sites, axe grinding grooves and places that show evidence of Aboriginal occupation. For many visitors, these sites and other relics are the most visible reminders of the area's rich, living Aboriginal culture.
- Aboriginal cultural tours at The Basin Join Guringai Tours for a fascinating day of short walks with Traditional Custodians in beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It a great way to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture near Sydney.
- Aboriginal Heritage walk Take the fascinating Aboriginal Heritage walk highlighting rock art and engravings of the Aboriginal people of West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Connect to Country in Ku-ring-gai National Park Connect with nature and learn about local Aboriginal culture on an unforgettable guided tour with Natcha Tong Nong Ga in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Connecting to Country at Bobbin Head Click each point on the map to watch our video series. These stories share our Aboriginal cultural heritage and the importance of protecting the natural environment in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Brilliant for birdwatchers
Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the park so bring those binoculars to see wood ducks, crimson rosellas, wedge-tailed eagles and pelicans. The Basin campground is home to some confident kookaburras, so keep a tight hold on your lunch.
- Explore Pittwater guided tour Explore the magic of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from the land and on the water when you join Pittwater Eco Adventures on this incredible tour.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 1 Join us on the first stage of the 5 Hawkesbury to harbour guided walks. Starting from Berowra railway station we'll journey 14km through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park before ending at Mount Colah station.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 2 Explore the beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Join this 7hr, 16km guided walk downhill to Bobbin Head, then through lush forest, along creek side trails and over a mangrove boardwalk.
- Junior ranger: Bobbin Head Join this junior ranger tour at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near Hornsby, these school holidays, and learn what it's like to be a NSW National Parks ranger. For kids aged 6 to 12 years.
- Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.
Wonderful waterways
Protecting a major part of northern Sydney’s waterways, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the ideal place to make a splash. The park includes much of the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater and Cowan Water, plus numerous creeks and coves. You’ll find good facilities at Empire Marina, amazing sea views at Barrenjoey Head and several good spots for a waterfront picnic.
- Eco cruises at Pittwater and Broken Bay Sail around Pittwater and Broken Bay on an overnight journey with Eco Sailing Cruises. It's a unique way to explore the stunning beaches, walking tracks and lookouts of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
- Elvina trail Elvina trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a pleasant walk from West Head Road down to Elvina Bay, with expansive views along the way.
- Explore Pittwater guided tour Explore the magic of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from the land and on the water when you join Pittwater Eco Adventures on this incredible tour.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 1 Join us on the first stage of the 5 Hawkesbury to harbour guided walks. Starting from Berowra railway station we'll journey 14km through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park before ending at Mount Colah station.
- Hawkesbury to harbour walk: Stage 2 Explore the beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Join this 7hr, 16km guided walk downhill to Bobbin Head, then through lush forest, along creek side trails and over a mangrove boardwalk.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)
A nocturnal marsupial and one of the smaller Australian native animals, the long-nosed bandicoot is found across eastern Australia. Populations in the Sydney region have dwindled since European settlement, leaving only endangered colonies in inner western Sydney and at North Head, near Manly. The long-nosed bandicoot has grey-brown fur and a pointed snout which it uses to forage for worms and insects.
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White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
Plants
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Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
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Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)
Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.
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Grey mangrove (Avicennia marina)
Grey mangrove is the most common and widespread mangrove found within intertidal zones across Australia, and throughout the world. Growing to a height of 3-10m, they thrive best in estuaries with a mix of fresh and salt water. They excrete excess salt through their long thick leaves, and absorb oxygen through their aerial root system.