Sydney: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with Hike, Swim, Picnic

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

People often tell us they arrive as strangers but leave as friends — that’s what happens when we share real moments in nature.

Join us for a day in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, one of the most significant places for Aboriginal culture near Sydney. We’ll hike through bushland, visit ancient carvings, and take in views of the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater, and Palm Beach. The hike is moderate to hard, leading to a hidden beach where we can dip our feet, swim, and share a picnic surrounded by nature.

We’re not about rushing from stop to stop. Our adventures are slow, simple, and real — one place, done properly. Small groups, secret lookouts, quiet beaches, and moments you won’t see from a bus window. Add local cheeses, dips, fruit, and kombucha, and you’ve got a day that feels less like a tour and more like exploring with friends.

This experience is designed for single travellers, but groups and couples are more than welcome. It’s all about connection, movement, and presence.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Entrance fee

Picnic, the spread includes local cheeses, dips, olives, falafel, dolmades, fresh fruit, and kombucha

Coffee and/or Tea

What To Expect

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Leave the city behind and spend the day exploring Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where rugged sandstone, peaceful waterways, and hidden bushland tracks create the perfect escape just north of Sydney. We’ll collect you from the CBD and head north in a private car, keeping the group small so we can move at a relaxed pace. Over the course of 5 to 6 hours (depending on the group), we’ll follow scenic trails through native bush, pause at lookouts with sweeping views of Pittwater and the Hawkesbury, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. You’ll also have the chance to see Aboriginal rock carvings — reminders of the park’s deep cultural significance and thousands of years of connection between people and Country. These are the kinds of places big buses can’t reach. Midway, we’ll stop for a catered picnic, set either in a shaded bush clearing or on a quiet beach. The spread includes local cheeses, dips, olives, falafel, fruit, and kombucha.

3 hours • Admission Included

America Bay

America Bay Lookout is one of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park’s hidden gems — a short bush trail that leads to breathtaking views over the Hawkesbury River and Cowan Water. Along the walk, you’ll pass through native eucalypt forest, sandstone outcrops, and an Aboriginal rock engraving site depicting a spirit figure and kangaroo. The lookout itself opens up to a dramatic clifftop panorama, with deep blue waterways winding between rugged bush-covered hills. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and a perfect spot to pause, breathe, and take in the stillness of the landscape.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Sydney: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park— Hike, Swim, Picnic

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Ku ring gai
cgburkhalter,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Sabrina afforded my husband and I a beautiful day at Ku ring gai. She was very attentive to our needs and desires throughout our hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the carvings and painting left by early inhabitants long ago and the unique beaches. But the capstone was the picnic on a rock ledge over the beautiful vistas of America Bay— very nice!
The best way to see the Park...
danielrZ5466HH,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sabina is amazing, she is born for this. It was a medium length hike which was perfect-her experience in this area is obvious and she made these super cute little picnic hampers which tasted so good and the best way to end the experience/day. Can't wait until our next adventure!
Connect with nature as solo traveler
791adelw,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I would like to thank Sabina from Beyond the Guidebook for this amazing adventure. Guiding me through such a spectacular place. She is a genuine and intelligent person and we had so many interesting topics to talk about throughout the trip. I also had chance to reconnect with nature it was exactly what I needed to get away from city and simply sink into the beauty of nature. If you are looking for the right person to help you disconnect for a few hours and truly experience the moment this is the perfect place and guidance.
The Best experience I’ve ever had with an amazing tour guid .
276fatemar,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The trip was amazing, the best experience ever. Sabrina , is amazing and educated in the field she’s in. She’s a beautiful soul, I’ll be joining more of her trips and will let my family and friends know. She’s very hospital and caters for everyone’s needs .
I will remember this trip for a long time!
581simonav,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I loved that this experience did not feel rushed yet we were still able to see a lot of things. I went by myself which is something I don't normally do but it turned out even better because I met amazing people and we had so much fun. We also had a picnic with great food and kombucha so I didn't have to worry about bringing anything extra. The nature was just spectacular and we were lucky to have beautiful weather.
Amazing trip with stunning views!
Sophia dlmo,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic day with Sabina! The trip was carefully planned with loads of options to make it just the perfect fit for us. From beautiful beaches to breathtaking views, we got it all. The food was also delicious and enjoyed with a special view. I can really recommend this experience with a super friendly, care taking and flexible Guide!
Loving and private tour of the national park
Vacation02484093784,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were picked up by car and were able to express our wishes for the tour while driving. Once in the national park, we visited two beautiful beaches and got more information about the Aboriginals. At the viewpoint we had a delicious picnic with local cheese and fruit. Sabina was very friendly and helpful and was not afraid to answer our questions and take photos. Highly recommended!