Birdguides - Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is approximately 20km north of Sydney city. Access can be from either car, train or ferry. The park is easily accessed by car from a number of routes. You can get there along the Pacific Hwy and then onto Bobbin Head Rd at Pymble; off the Pacific Hwy and onto Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd at Mt Colah; or from Mona Vale Rd onto McCarrs Creek Rd at Terrey Hills. Walking tracks into the park are easily accessed from Mt Colah, Ku-ring-gai, Berowra and Cowan train stations and there is a ferry that services The Basin and Bobbin Head from Palm Beach Wharf.
A species list of birds and other fauna of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is located on the NPWS homepage.
Birds Year Round
Winter (June-Sept) Lyrebirds may be seen nesting in the wet sclerophyll forests during this time. Look for freshly disturbed soil and scratchings. Rose Robins, Whistling Kites and Sea Eagles may also be seen, the latter two species nesting nearby. The coraltrees at The Basin attract a lot of nectar-eating birds in winter and provide good viewing opportunities.
Spring (Sept-Dec) Spring is the ideal time to visit many habitats as the spring flowering attracts many birds making them easier to see. In early spring Honeyeaters and other bush birds can be seen displaying and preparing their nests in anticipation of breeding.
Summer (Dec-March) The Basin is a great place to be in the summer as swimming in Pittwater is quite safe. Many bird species may be observed from this relaxing spot or from many of the other walking tracks that run through the park.
Autumn (March-June) The cool autumn weather makes bushwalking a lot easier after the heat of the summer months. Honeyeaters are particularly abundant in the woodland-heath habitats at this time.
Where to Go
Jerusalem Bay Track runs from Cowan station through woodland-heath habitat, down to some swampy areas and tall wet sclerophyll forest.
The Berowra Track starts at Berowra station and runs to Waratah Bay. The track passes through Coachwood forest and is about 2km long.
Harwood Track begins at Ku-ring-gai station. It follows the top of a ridge through woodland-heath habitats before descending to Cowan Creek.
The Berowra Track and the Harwood track can be combined to form an 8km hike from Berowra to Ku-ring-gai station.
Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area is near the National Park shop. There is a short mangrove boardwalk where Striated Heron and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters occur.
Habitats
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park contains a wide variety of diverse habitats that is reflected in the diversity of its bird life.
Wet Sclerophyll Forest is found on the slopes of the hills and down into the valleys. The vegetation of this closed forest consists mainly of eucalypts. Forest birds are in abundance and are easy to find. Look and listen for Lyrebirds on the forest floor.
Estuarine habitats can be found in the inlets of Pittwater. These provide habitat for many waders and other shore birds. Look for Herons and Kingfishers as they feed on aquatic animals.
Woodland-heath habitat types are found in the drier areas of the park. These communities show spectacular displays in spring with the production of many colourful flowers. Numerous birds are attracted to such displays including the Honeyeaters, Wrens and Robins.
