Garigal National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Garigal National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Garigal National Park starts 12km north of Sydney CBD and covers bushland from Middle Harbour Creek north to Mona Vale Road and east to the Wakehurst Parkway and Deep Creek.
Park entry points Show more
- Currie Road, Forestville See on map
- Davidson Park South See on map
- Douglas Street, St Ives See on map
- Hunter Avenue, St Ives See on map
- Ralston Avenue, Belrose See on map
- Stone Parade, Davidson See on map
Parking
- Davidson Park picnic area and boat ramp See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle Information for NSW website for more information.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Garigal National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
Spot wildflowers turning the undergrowth into a painter's palette along the Cascades trail during late winter and early spring.
Summer
Davidson Park is a popular place for a family picnic or barbecue, so pack up the kids and a tasty lunch to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
44°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-1.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
290mm
Facilities
Amenities
Toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Boat ramp
Drinking water
Maps and downloads
Fees and passes
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day applies only at Davidson Park only. Day passes are available from on-park pay machines that accept coins and credit cards, and you can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).
Daily entry fee exemption for teachers and educational supervisors (1 adult per 10 children) applies only for organised and pre-arranged group bookings.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Please note that spear guns and hand spears are not permitted in Garigal National Park. They may not be carried through the park and must not be used within 100m of a beach in the national park.
Prohibited
It's prohibited to build, or ride on illegal mountain bike trails in Garigal National Park and fines apply. There are several designated mountain bike trails in Garigal National Park.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area unless you have received an approval permit 10 days before your visit. Find out how to apply for a permit on the Drones in parks webpage.
Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. A request for a permit may not always be approved. Penalties apply if you fly a drone without a permit. See the Drones in Parks policy.
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.
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds region
Garigal National Park is open 6am to 6.30pm (8pm during daylight savings) but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day applies only at Davidson Park only. Day passes are available from on-park pay machines that accept coins and credit cards, and you can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Bus: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).
Daily entry fee exemption for teachers and educational supervisors (1 adult per 10 children) applies only for organised and pre-arranged group bookings.
Buy annual pass -
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Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
02 9472 8949
Contact hours: 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day. - 688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079
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Email: bobbin.head@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
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Forestville Office
02 9451 3479
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. - 82 Ferguson Street, Forestville NSW 2087
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Email: npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Forestville Office
Nearby towns
Wahroonga (7 km)
Located on Sydney's upper north shore, Wahroonga is within short driving distance of Lane Cove National Park, Berowra Valley Regional Park, and the heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase offers a range of recreational activities, as well as cafes and picnic areas.
Sydney City Centre (16 km)
No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.
Parramatta (22 km)
Parramatta offers a fascinating insight into early colonial life in Australia. Don't miss a visit to Old Government House, now one of 11 Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.