NEW SOUTH WALES - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Ku-ring-gai Chase is the second largest public area within the Sydney metropolitan area (the Royal is 171 hectares larger). Lying just north of the city it stretches from Brooklyn and West Head in the north to North Turramurra in the south and features some of the most secluded coastline in Sydney. The park is centered around Cowan Creek, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River and features many walking tracks. Due to this fact boating enthusiasts are particluarly fond of the park. The park is particularly noted for its historical Aboriginal art works and engravings. And yet its only a short drive from the centre of the city. Access By road: There are four access points into the park: Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd, Mt. Colah. Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra. McCarrs Creek Rd, Terry Hills. Pittwater Rd, Curch Point A vehicle access fee is payable. By rail: The Main Northern Line runs along the western edge of the park. There are tracks from Mt Colah, Berowra, Cowan and Brooklyn stations. By bus: Shorelink route 577 from Turramurra Station to Bobbin Head Rd. Phone: 9457 8888 STA routes 155 & 157 to Pittwater Rd. Phone: 131 315 By ferry: Ferries to The Basin and Makeral Beach (9974 5235). Pink Water Taxi (018 238 190). History At least 10,000 years ago, say around the last ice age, the Garigal clan moved into the region. Their language was known as Guringai, which is where the park gets its name. They lived happily in the area until white folk arrived (same old story). The park was declared in 1894 and we can thank one man in particluar. Like Myles Dunphry fought in the west Eccleston de Faur fought for many years to protect the forested bushlands to the north of his beloved city. 13,500 hectares were initially set aside including much of the southern shores of the Hawkesbury and Cowan Creek. A few pockets of land on the shore of Pittwater were left in private hands most notably West Head. West Head had been used by whalers and sailors as burial site in the very early days of the colony. William Lawson (one of the Blue Mountains explorers was granted 550 ha in 1834. A road to the Head was built towards the end of the century which was given to the public in 1927. During World War II the Navy built several fortifications in order to protect Broken Bay. West Head was finally handed over in 1951. Camping & Picnic Areas Camping is only permitted at The Basin. There are toilets, fireplaces and cold showers provided, but there's not a lot of wood around. Being the only spot in the park it gets rather crowded so booking is essential. A camping fee is payable. There is a youth hostel at Towlers Bay. Best picnic spots are at Bobbin Head, Appletree Bay, Akuna Bay and Cottage Point where you'll find boat ramps, boats for hire, toilets, BBQs and fireplaces. Best Spots Bobbin Head - Excellent spot for boating and picnicing with the family. There's also about half a dozen short walks in the area. West Head - Spectacular views of Barrenjoey Head, Pitt Water and Broken Bay. Oh, and there's about a dozen walks here. Information Centres Kalkari Visitor Centre (02) 9457 9853 or (02) 9457 9322