Walking Trails
Mackerel Beach lies within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is accessed by water or via walking trails from West Head or the Resolute car park.
Please note the Mackerel track offshoot of the Basin track from West Head Road is now closed due to landslips. There is no access either up or down the track.
Once at Mackerel Beach the only walking track access is at the northern end of the beach.
Next to the cabbage tree palms there’s a rock with a National Parks sign and a trail that goes to Resolute Beach. From there you can either continue the coastal path to West Head, or turn left inland up the steps and go to Resolute car park where you pick up the Red Hands track to West Head. Aboriginal rock art and carvings are highlights of the walk. For the return journey it is best to continue on the loop to Resolute and Mackerel to maximise the scenery.
Another walk involves catching the ferry to Palm Beach, then on to the Basin (or a direct ferry to the Basin at 4 or 5pm), then walk up the Basin Trail, out to West Head Road, up to the Resolute Trail, then back down to Mackerel. Along the way you will pass wonderful aboriginal rock art on the way to West Head Road where you can proceed to other walks, including the America Bay track.
For more on local walks see the NSW National Parks website.
Important note!! Behind the beach front the path leads into the valley, lined with houses, following the creek. Many walkers follow confusing maps which suggest that there is a trail to the road – there is no trail to West Head Road, and there is no access to other trails.
