Sydney is home to some truly stunning walking tracks and magical secret swimming spots, but sometimes it takes getting out of town for a full nature reset. With national parks in every direction, you don’t have to travel far to find a secluded hike just outside of Sydney. This one – just under an hour’s drive from the CBD – is one of our favourites: an easy but rewarding route that will take you through dense bushland, past a glorious swimming hole, and back in time to hit the city for happy hour. Intrigued? Read on.
Where is America Bay Walking Track?
You’ll find America Bay Walking Track on the northern edge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, just under an hour north from Sydney.
How to get to America Bay Walking Track
If you’re driving here from Sydney, take the M1 (Pacific Motorway) north out of the city, and exit at Mona Vale Road, continuing on towards Terrey Hills. Enter Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park by following McCarrs Creek Road, then continue on West Head Road for around ten kilometres until you reach the signposted trail head for the walk. The walking track is well signposted from here – if you need more specific directions, you can key in these coordinates to find the exact starting point: -33.5995, 151.2752.
How long is America Bay Walking Track?
Stretching for just over 2 kilometres return, this is a relatively easy walking trail that you could knock out in around 30 minutes if you put a pace on. With such beautiful surroundings, though, it’s worth taking your time.
What can you see on America Bay Walking Track?
Tracing through the bushland towards the beautiful America Bay, the track will take you past beautiful ancient trees, historic Aboriginal rock engravings and a gorgeous swimming hole that’s the perfect spot for a mid-walk dip. At the end of the track, you’ll reach a spectacular rocky shelf with far-reaching views across America Bay.
How difficult is America Bay Walking Track?
The track is relatively easy, just 2.3 kilometres (return) and following a relatively flat gradient. That said, it’s not a suitable route for those with wheelchairs or prams, due to the rocky, uneven terrain.
Swimming spots near America Bay Walking Track
Along with the freshwater swimming hole just off the track itself, you’ll find plenty of secluded coastal spots nearby if saltwater swimming is more your thing. Our top pick for a beach session post-walk is Flint and Steel beach: a sheltered, cove-like stretch of sand just a three-minute drive from the America Bay trail head. Time Out tip: the beach beyond this lookout is inaccessible from the route, do not attempt to access the beach from the trail (signs on the track make this clear, but just in case you need reminding).
Is America Bay Walking Track free?
You don’t have to pay to do the walk itself, but to enter the park, you’ll need to pay the $12 National Park entry fee (or consider investing an annual pass if you spend a lot of time exploring parks around NSW).
Is there parking at America Bay Walking Track?
Providing the track isn’t too busy, parking on the side of the road by the trail head is perfectly easy – and the $12 per vehicle National Park entry fee will cover parking for the day.
Time Out reminder: There are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.
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