Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Sydney Itineraries » The Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: A Journey Through Indigenous Culture
The Aboriginal Heritage Walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people in the Sydney region. This immersive walk takes visitors on a journey through time, connecting them with the land and the traditions of the local Indigenous communities. As you venture along this trail, you will encounter significant sites, learn about ancient rituals, and gain a deep appreciation for the Aboriginal history and connection to the land. The walk culminates in visits to the Aboriginal Engravings Site, then the Resolute Beach, West Head Beach and the West Head Lookout, and lastly the awe-inspiring Red Hands Cave, providing a captivating end to this cultural exploration.
| Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Key Facts | |
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| Trailhead | Resolute Picnic Area |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Distance | 4.6km |
| Duration | 2.5 - 3.5 hours |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 162m |
| Difficulty | Grade 4 (Very Steep, Many Steps) |
This loop walk can be commenced from either the southern end or the eastern end of the Resolute Picnic Area however, we recommend commencing the walk from the southern end as you’ll be dealing with a slightly lesser overall elevation gain (162m) compared to commencing from the eastern end (192m!). Provided below is the AllTrails Map for the walk.
Getting there
Provide below is the Google Maps for Resolute Picnic Area, which is the commencement point of the walk. It takes slightly over an hour to reach Resolute Picnic Area from Sydney CBD. Ample car parking is available at the site however do note that it gets really busy over weekends and public/school holidays. The Resolute Picnic Area offers several picnic tables and toilet facilities are available within a short walk.
Note: You will also need to pay park entry fees to enter Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Visit NSW National Parks' website for more information about the park entry fees and options.
Note: You will also need to pay park entry fees to enter Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Visit NSW National Parks' website for more information about the park entry fees and options.
Stop #1 - Aboriginal Engravings Site
Our first and in fact, a significant stop on the walk is the Aboriginal Engravings Site, about 450m south of Resolute Picnic Area. Here, you will discover ancient rock engravings that offer insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of the region's Aboriginal communities. These engravings provide a tangible link to the past and serve as a testament to the enduring heritage of the land.
Stop #2 - Resolute Beach
After absorbing the engravings, continue on the (almost) flat walking trail.
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In around 1.5km from the engravings site, the flat walking trail ends and the steeper section of the walk commences. Climb down the steps for around 200m and you will come across an intersection, as shown below.
Turn left towards Resolute Beach and immediately turn right and then follow the steps down to arrive at Resolute Beach.
Resolute Beach offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, this beach provides a breathtaking backdrop for relaxation and immersing oneself in nature. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or simply stroll along the shoreline, Resolute Beach is a hidden gem worth exploring.
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Stop #3 - West Head Beach
Now, climb back up and around 90m at the intersection, turn right to continue on the walking trail until you reach another intersection in around 600m.
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Climb down the stairs to your right to arrive at West Head Beach. West Head Beach is another spectacular coastal gem that offers panoramic views and a sense of tranquility that will captivate nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax, swim, explore the rock formations, or enjoy a picnic with a breathtaking view, West Head Beach is a must-visit destination for beach lovers in the area.
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Stop #4 - West Head Lookout
Climb the steps back up (80m steep strenuous climb!) and at the intersection, turn right towards WH Lookout to continue on the walking trail until you reach another intersection in around 80m. Turn right again and continue until you reach West Head Lookout. The West Head Lookout is a breathtaking vista that offers panoramic views of the stunning Pittwater, Broken Bay, and the Hawkesbury River. This final stop before the Red Hands Cave allows you to appreciate the expansive landscape that has shaped the lives and culture of the local Aboriginal communities for thousands of years.
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Last Stop - Red Hands Cave
After enjoying the views from the lookout, continue on the walking trail towards Red Hands Cave – see photo below.
In around 450m, you will come across an intersection. Take right and continue on the trail until you come across another intersection in around 400m.
Turn left towards Red Hands Cave and you will reach the pinnacle of the Aboriginal Heritage Walk — the Red Hands Cave. This remarkable sandstone cave contains vivid hand stencils and ancient rock art, showcasing the artistic and storytelling traditions of the Aboriginal communities. The ochre handprints, believed to be over 2,000 years old, provide a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of the area's traditional custodians.
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Continue on the walking trail for another 250 metres, to arrive back at Resolute Picnic Area and that concludes our walk! We truly believe that the Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a captivating journey that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient heritage of the local Aboriginal communities. From the serene Resolute Picnic Area to the Aboriginal Engravings Site, the gorgeous Resolute and West Head Beaches, West Head Lookout, and the awe-inspiring Red Hands Cave, each stop along the way unveils a different aspect of the Indigenous culture, spirituality, and connection to the land. By exploring these sites, we are sure that you will gain a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of the Aboriginal people and their profound relationship with the natural environment.
We then had our picnic lunch at one of the many picnic tables in the Resolute Picnic Area and headed to The Basin Campground for another adventure, the details of which can be explored via our post below.
A weekend in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Nature's Retreat Near the Bustling City
Here’re a few additional things to note about the Aboriginal Heritage Walk:
- The Aboriginal rock art and engravings along this walk are of great cultural and historical significance and are very delicate. Please don’t touch or interfere with the artworks.
- If you’re short of time, you can also do an easy 1km return walk to Red Hands Cave and the Aboriginal Engravings Site.
- On the other hand, if you have got more time in the region, try the other walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park as listed in the NSW National Park's website. This link not only lists the walks in the region but also provides the most accurate and current information about the walking trails, including their distances, durations, difficulty levels, and any potential track closures or advisories.
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