Garigal National Park

Introduction

One of Sydney’s small gems, Garigal National Park offers a bush retreat just 12 kilometres from the city’s hectic centre, a precious pocket of natural bushland with steep forested slopes, fine water views and terrific walking tracks. The park is in two sections, one skimming around Middle Harbour then bordering several creeks, and the East Garigal section protecting Deep Creek catchment area. Nearly 100 recorded Aboriginal sites in the park, including rock engravings, are tangible evidence of early Aboriginal occupation. Today the park is hemmed in by the ever-increasing urban development.Sandstone ridges and escarpments to the west and north of the park slope gently to the Narabeen Lakes, ensuring superb views across the bushland. Vegetation is varied, ranging from dry heath to moist forest with unusual eucalypt species and grevillea. Nocturnal mammals are the main animals and birdlife includes honeyeaters, noisy butcherbirds and the hawk-like powerful owl. Middle Harbour is well known for its boating and fishing (boat ramps open day and night). The Davidson Picnic area is a favourite with families (gates here close at around 5pm, or sunset). Walking tracks wind around the harbour shores and some of the creeks, occasionally past waterholes and small waterfalls, and link with tracks to the area’s leafy suburbs. Swimming and canoeing on the calm waters are other possible activities. Bushwalkers will especially enjoy the East Garigal section where short and longer trails enable visitors to delve a little deeper into the tranquil bush (contact the NPWS for detailed walking trail maps). Horse riding is also allowed on some tracks.

Fact file

Camping

No camping

Location and access

12 km north of the Sydney CDB, via Warringah Rd to Davidson picnic area or via Morgan Rd to East Garigal section of the park

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Forestville (02) 9451 3479

Size

2203 ha

Where to Stay

Sydney (02) 9240 8788
www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com

This content is from the publication:

Explore Australia’s National Parks

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