The America Bay Track is an easy walk which appeals to hikers and non-hikers a like because it leads to one of the best views in the Sydney area. The view is even better at sunset, looking out to the tranquil bay, surrounded by dense forest.
This easy walking trail might be short but it packs a punch, not only do you get this incredible view, but you can also see Aboriginal engravings and a waterfall; it’s hard to believe it’s only 2km long!
Here’s what to expect on the gorgeous America Bay Track, one of our favourites in Ku-ring-gai National Park.
The America Bay Track
The stats
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2km return
Elevation: 73m
Type of Trail: One way
Starting Point: America Bay Trailhead
First stop - the Aboriginal engravings
Keep an eye out as it’s easy to miss the turn-off for the engravings because they aren’t signposted (we didn’t notice it until the way back!). They are the first side track on your right and only a couple of hundred metres into the trail.
It doesn’t look like many people visit this spot because the last couple of metres before the engravings is seriously overgrown! Their loss is your gain because they are some of the better preserved ones that we’ve seen in Ku-ring-gai. We’ve outlined the shapes of the most obvious ones below as they don’t photograph well.
It looks like there might once have been quite a few but only two were very obvious, one was a lizard and the other looked like a huge whale.
Into the bush
After the engravings head back to the main trail to make your way to the lookout. It’s a pretty bush track lined with trees and vegetarian on both sides, and the signs mention to look out for Goannas, but we weren’t lucky enough to spot any.
The track is a dirt path with some rocks and tree roots to contend with but it’s very obvious the whole way. It’s either flat or gradually downhill, you don’t really notice it’s downhill on the way, only on the way back when you’re racing to beat the park gates closing after sunset!
There are a couple of big rocks which can get a little slippery after rain, but it’s generally an easy trail which anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of uneven terrain can do.
As you near the lookout you’ll cross over a small stream. We’ve heard some people say you get your feet wet here but that must only be after very heavy rain because that’s never happened to us!
After around 0.9km you will come to a signpost saying that the America Bay Track is closed. Don’t panic because that’s an old trail down to the bay itself.
Arriving at the lookout
Head to the right of the red sign post and you’ll soon come out to a multi-tiered rocky ledge with a small waterfall cascading down it. The view is completely spectacular. The bay looks almost glassy just before sunset and it’s surrounded by trees on both sides, making it look much more wild.
There is a huge amount of room for people to space out and enjoy an unobstructed sunset view. We’ve often shared this spot with a few small groups but with so many different spots to sit you don’t really notice too much.
If you want to go right to the edge of the cliff where the large rock is there’s a short side trail on your right which gets you down without any big drops. Obviously then you’re at an unfenced cliff edge with a huge drop off, so don’t get too close!
Don’t forget to look behind you - it’s from this spot that you get the best view of the waterfall too. There’s even a small rock pool beside the falls which would make a good spot for a paddle in summer.
It’s such an incredibly beautiful spot and would make the perfect place to have a picnic.
If you’re here for sunset, the sun will drop behind the tree canopy a little before the actual sunset time, so at that point you can start heading back. This will leave you with heaps of time to walk the 1km back to your car before it’s dark.
Heading back
You’ll also want to check the park gate closure time, as our visits have been in autumn and winter when the sun sets at 5pm and the gates shut at 6pm. It’s never been a problem but just something to be mindful of. If you do get stuck the wrong side of the gate it’s a $50 fee to get it opened again!
All in all this is an unbeatable walk in Ku-ring-gai and offers one of the best views in the entire park for very little effort! It’s also one of the few tracks where you could watch a sunset and then still make it back out the park before the gates shut. An all round win.
Packing suggestions for America Bay
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Bushman Spray: Good for keeping off the mozzies and any other bugs. Check it out on Amazon.
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Essential Info about the America Bay Track
Car Parking for America Bay
There isn’t much space for parking at the trailhead for the America Bay Track, just a couple of lay-bys that can fit 2-3 cars each! It’s rarely busy, so you shouldn’t have a problem.
Ku-ring-gai National Park entrance fee
The entry fee for vehicles is $12. If you’re planning to visit several times or several parks in NSW it might be worth buying the annual pass instead.
That’s $65 for all parks except Kosciuszko.
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What’s your favourite walk in Ku-ring-gai? Are you planning to catch a sunset on the America Bay Track? Let us know in the comments below!
