This is a lovely half-day hike which links the eastern and western shores of Bantry Bay in the underrated Garigal National Park, less than 10 miles north of the suburbs of Sydney in NSW. It is an out-and-back track of 6 miles and can be hiked in either direction, but is usually started at the Bluff Track at the end of Grattan Crescent, Forestville before joining up with the Natural Bridge Track and finishing at the Davidson Park picnic area. At first, there are some steep descents but the reward is spectacular views across Bantry Bay. Keep a look out for the Natural Bridge, a sandstone arch created by erosion from the flowing water over thousands of years which spans an unnamed creek that feeds into Bantry Bay. The track uses this arch to cross the creek and hikers often miss seeing it from the trail because of the surrounding dense vegetation which hides it from full view. The trail links with the Currie Road Trail and passes by the historic Magazine complex, a group of abandoned buildings where military explosives were once stored. En route be prepared for a crossing of mossy rocks and look out for the waterfall before reaching Flat Rock Beach, which is a great place to have a mid-trail stop and take in the views of Middle Harbour. This area is a haven for water birds, so ornithologists, be sure to take some binoculars!At Davidson Park, there are toilet facilities, gas BBQs and picnic tables and it is a popular place to launch boats and kayaks and also have a swim. It does get busy here at weekends and holidays. Parking is available at DavidsonPark and is (at the time of writing) $8 a day. The car park is open daily from 6 am to 6.30 pm and up till 8 pm in summer.This trail is graded as Medium. For information on how we grade trails, please click here. It can be completed in about 3 hours, although caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.The track is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, due to the rocky terrain and steps and dogs are not allowed on the trail. Note that smoking is not permitted in any NSW National Park and the collection of firewood is also prohibited.
