The Basin Track
A sandstone headland by the Hawkesbury and Pittwater, about 45 minutes from the CBD. Loaded with Aboriginal engraving and cave art, plus great views over Barrenjoey and Broken Bay from West Head.
My experience & recommendations
Park: Basin Track car park, West Head Road ↗
- First, swing by West Head Lookout for the view, then hit the steep West Head Army Track down. Worth it if your legs have the climb back up in them.
- For the walk to the Basin campground, take Mackerel Track, veering left, from the car park. A mix of ocean glimpses, heathland and dry eucalypt forest.
- No official track links Mackerel to the Basin, but you can loop it anyway. Walk the coastline at low tide, or take the rough unofficial bush track (about 25–30 min) at high tide.
- Detour to Currawong Beach for a swim if you're up for it, then you'll land at the Basin. Genuinely gorgeous, low-key, and crawling with wallabies.
Getting back: Loop back on the Basin Track. Steep, but a clear path the whole way (about 30-45mins back up).
Refuel stop
McCarrs after, in Terrey Hills, best pizza I've had, hands down. Crust was so crispy, and get the chips too.
