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National Park in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a national park in the very north of the Sydney area in the Australian state of New South Wales, close to Sydney's Northern Beaches. The national park contains extensive evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area prior to European contact, across more than 800 sites in the park. These include rock engravings, cave drawings, occupation sites, paintings and stencils, axe grinding grooves and middens providing significant evidence of the way of life of the Guringai people.
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A little more on Aboriginal rock art here as well as some history and geography of the area.
Created by a returned soldier from World War I, the Sphinx Memorial was created in memory of those who had lost their lives during World War I.
The northernmost point of Sydney, this lighthouse was built in 1881 and is made out of sandstone.
Aboriginal rock art. Although accessibility is hard, it's still worth the trek up here. Best viewed in the morning or afternoon.
3.7-km return track which takes about 1-2 hours, most suited for those interested in wildlife and scenic views.
Passes through numerous Aboriginal rock art and engravings, and is one of the highlights of West Head. 4.4-km loop and takes about 2.5-3.5 hours.
0.45-km trail one way. It should take about 15-35 minutes one way depending on fitness levels. There's also a steep ladder dropping an elevation of almost about 50 m, so be prepared to climb up and down ladders if you're doing this trail.
A 1.8-km (return) track that takes you to America Bay, one of Sydney's most impressive hidden bays, America Bay. While you cannot descend down to the bay due to safety concerns, the lookout at the top makes it a tranquil spot to relax and watch the boats go by.
Halls Wharf. This quiet hostel is accessible only by ferry. There are lots of local bushwalking and kayaking opportunities. Dorm beds $23 per night. Double or twin rooms $60 per night. yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=31
Contact the National Parks and Wildlife staff. Booking is essential. This campground is near West Head on Pittwater. This is the national park's only campground. The campground is accessible by ferry from Palm Beach wharf or by water taxi from many local wharves. You can also drive or cycle to West Head and walk to the campground (2.8 km). The campground has drinking water, toilets and cold showers. There is a $10 per night fee for adults and $5 per night fee for children.
Rail access is provided at Mount Colah, Mount Kuring-gai, Berowra and Cowan railway stations. All roads in the area are paved and all have collection gates where a daily fee is payable.
Read in the guideMany of the park's attractions are accessible only by walking track. Many kilometres of park front the southern shoreline of Broken Bay making it a good place to explore by boat.
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