The Cambourne Loop
Guringai Country

1 h 45 min to 2 h

4.3 km
circuit

↑ 159 m
↓ -159 m

Moderate track
This pleasant walk starts in the outskirts of St Ives and follows several tracks to explore a section of the Garigal National Park. The walk follows the Upper Cambourne Track down into Garigal National Park, then the Lower Cambourne Track into the valley, and the Bare Creek Track, through the forest. The walk then follows the Cascades Track to climb out of the valley. There is an optional side trip to the Cascades. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Start of the Upper Cambourne Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the service trail through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The Upper Cambourne Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The Lower Cambourne Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking up the hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Winding down the side of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Winding down to the bottom of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2007.
A small waterhole. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking downstream. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing a wide creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Continuing through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Climbing up to the Bare Creek Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The Bare Creek Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bare Creek Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing the Bare Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Heading through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the Cascades Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing east of the Cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The Cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing up the side of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Heading up through the bush to the Lower Cambourne Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Cambourne Avenue & Upper Cambourne Track (-33.7237688,151.1824381)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Mona Vale Road, A3
  • Turn on to Douglas Street then drive for 1.4 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Upper Cambourne Track' arrow through the metal gate and along the management trail. After crossing the creek, the walk continues up and along to the intersection with the Douglass Street East service trail (at the track marker).
From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail along the side of the hill with the ground sloping up to the right. The trail then zigzags all the way down to the intersection with the Cascades service trail, marked with an 'Upper Cambourne Track' sign.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Cambourne Avenue & Upper Cambourne Track Start heading along Upper Cambourne Track (a walking track).
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along Upper Cambourne Track.
After another 400 m (at the intersection of Cascades Trail & Upper Cambourne Track) turn left, to head along Cascades Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Cascades Trail & Lower Cambourne Track) turn left, to head along Lower Cambourne Track.
After another 1.3 km find the "Lower Cambourne waterhole" (25 m on your right).
Lower Cambourne waterhole
Lower Cambourne waterhole

This unnamed waterhole and cascade is on Middle Harbour Creek, just below its junction with Bare Creek in Garigal National Park. The waterhole accessed by a short track from the Lower Cambourne track. There is a large rock platform, and a waterhole with a small waterfall flowing into it. This can be a great spot to relax and enjoy the local area, if you sit quietly enough you may see a Water Dragon.
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This unnamed waterhole and cascade is on Middle Harbour Creek, just below its junction with Bare Creek in Garigal National Park. The waterhole accessed by a short track from the Lower Cambourne track. There is a large rock platform, and a waterhole with a small waterfall flowing into it. This can be a great spot to relax and enjoy the local area, if you sit quietly enough you may see a Water Dragon.
After another 130 m (at the intersection of Bare Creek Trail & Lower Cambourne Track) turn right, to head along Bare Creek Trail.
After another 1 km cross the ford (about 15 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to The Cascades. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Cascades Trail & Bare Creek Trail) turn sharp right, to head along Cascades Trail.
After another 500 m (at the intersection of Cascades Trail & Lower Cambourne Track) continue straight, to head along Cascades Trail.
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Cascades Trail & Upper Cambourne Track) turn right, to head along Upper Cambourne Track (a walking track).
After another 400 m continue straight, to head along Upper Cambourne Track.
After another 160 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to The Cascades.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Cascades Trail & Bare Creek Trail Start heading along Cascades Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 115 m cross the ford (about 15 m long)
After another 180 m (at the intersection of Middle Harbour Track & Cascades Trail) turn around, to head along Cascades Trail.
After another 6 m come to "The Cascades".
The Cascades
The Cascades

The Cascades are a series of small cascades (little waterfalls) in Garigal National Park. The cascades centre around a large rock platform on Middle Harbour Creek and are found in the northern section of the park, at the intersection of the Middle Harbour and Cascade Tracks. The cascades make a great spot to sit and rest when exploring the area.
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The Cascades are a series of small cascades (little waterfalls) in Garigal National Park. The cascades centre around a large rock platform on Middle Harbour Creek and are found in the northern section of the park, at the intersection of the Middle Harbour and Cascade Tracks. The cascades make a great spot to sit and rest when exploring the area.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 315 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

The Cambourne Loop


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 4.3 km
Time 1 h 45 min to 2 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Lower Cambourne waterhole
This unnamed waterhole and cascade is on Middle Harbour Creek, just below its junction with Bare Creek in Garigal National Park. The waterhole accessed by a short track from the Lower Cambourne track. There is a large rock platform, and a waterhole with a small waterfall flowing into it. This can be a great spot to relax and enjoy the local area, if you sit quietly enough you may see a Water Dragon.
The Cascades
The Cascades are a series of small cascades (little waterfalls) in Garigal National Park. The cascades centre around a large rock platform on Middle Harbour Creek and are found in the northern section of the park, at the intersection of the Middle Harbour and Cascade Tracks. The cascades make a great spot to sit and rest when exploring the area.
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