The Basin and Mackerel Tracks are two of the many great walks in the Kuringai Chase National Park which is about 45 minutes north of the city. You can do either track individually, but a better way is to do both to loop back to your starting point, a walk of about 6 kms. Allow 2 1/2 – 3 hours to complete the loop, including a short ferry ride.
The Mackeral track is quite rough in places, so it’s a good idea to wear hiking boots or some other sturdy shoes.
Start with the Basin Track. In the park turn right onto West Head Road at the junction with Liberator General San Martin Drive Junction. From there drive about 8.5kms. The entrance to the track will be on the right hand side. There is a small car park right near the entrance.
Not far after you enter the track there is an Aboriginal Art site which is worth a quick stop.
The trail winds down toward the Basin campground. Along the way you’ll see glimpses of the bay. There are lots of native wildflowers along the edge of the path. We also saw a goanna soaking up the sun by the side of the trail.
At the campground there are public toilets and picnic tables as well as great views across the bay. There is a small shop however it only sells ice and bait. There is also a vending machine near the bathrooms if you want to pick up a snack.
The campground is also home to some wallabies and kookaburras, who are very used to people and happy to pose for photos.
To continue onto the Mackerel track you’ll need to catch the Palm Beach ferry from the campground wharf. The ferry runs every hour from 9am until early evening. There is a timetable posted in the shed at the entrance t the wharf. The ferry ride to Mackerel beach takes about 10 minutes.
When you get off the ferry turn left. You’ll see lots of wheelbarrows which the locals use to cart their groceries as the properties are only accessible via water. Continue along the path with the water on your left. Continue straight past the path which heads off to the right.
Around 50 metres further along you’ll see a path winding up toward the houses. Take this path. From here it isn’t well sign posted. At one point you have to walk through one of the properties (there is a sign at the entrance which says private property enter at your own risk). At the next property you’ll see an arrow, follow it.
Once you get past the properties the path winds up the hill and into the bush. The terrain is pretty rough and in places the path is not all that obvious. Keep an eye out for the red reflectors which are posted every now and again to mark the trail.
The climb is worth it for the great views back across Pittwater from the top of the hill.
From here the track levels out more and eventually joins up with the Basin Track shortly before the Aboriginal site to return you to the starting point.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/the-basin-track-and-mackerel-track