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Australians love their outdoors and why not, when we have beautiful beaches, parks, well maintained bush, harbour and coastal walks to enjoy.
On Wednesday 25 February 2015, Warringah Council finally opened the last link in the Narrabeen Lagoon Bush trail from South Creek, Middle Creek and to Deep Creek. The 8.4km complete trail around the Lagoon crosses two steel bridges and runs adjacent to the Sydney Sports Academy. The path and bridges allows bushwalkers, cyclists and joggers to travel in safety while being close to nature and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Narrabeen Lagoon.
This stunning bush trail is considered one of Sydney's best bush walks on the Northern Beaches. There are several entry points for the new section, you can enter from either James Wheeler Parade, Wheeler Heights, South Creek or from the Middle Creek Carpark off Wakehurst Parkway. Do note that you can walk or cycle and it is also dog friendly if you keep your dogs on a lead. Click here for the Narrabeen Lagoon Walking Trail Map.
The original bush trail commences on the right side of the South Creek entrance running through bushland at the back of Collaroy Veterans Home and along the edge of the Lagoon. This section is well shaded and will take you all the way past Jameson Park, Kayaking, a children's playground and cafes to Narrabeen Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail continues taking you through Deep Creek, Middle Creek and back to South Creek where you started. You can click here to read my article related to the first link of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
As I live at Cromer, I use the James Wheeler Parade, Wheeler Heights entrance at the South Creek end. The new trail begins to the left, starting with an wide elevated concrete path running through bushland, backing onto Cromer Golf Club.
There are also some park benches along the way if you wish to rest. After a few minutes, you will come across the first steel bridge. Clever thought has been given into the final design which is elevated high over South Creek, allowing you an extensive uninterrupted views of Narrabeen lagoon and lake.
The 54 tonne galvanised steel bridge was designed and installed by Fleetwood Urban. Complete with eye catching colours and steel inlaid designs of Australian wildlife and lake activities.
Further along, the trail will run adjacent to the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation. The Sydney Academy has numerous sporting facilities, running programs for schools, sporting and community groups and for anyone looking for outdoor adventure and fun.
The collaboration by different government bodies have achieved a wonderful result in creating such a useful public space not only to enjoy, but as an excellent alternative route for those wishing to travel by foot or bicycle between Warringah and Pittwater.
The parking is free to Warringah rate paying residents with stickers on display, other visitors will need to pay if using the Middle Creek Reserve Car Park.
Continuing along the trail towards Deep Creek, you will come across several interesting seating areas at different lookout points designed by Aspect Studios.
Eventually you will reach Deep Creek reserve, which also has a lovely picnic area. Past there, you will cross the Narrabeen Bridge and find yourself at the beginning of the trail which runs along the lake past more picnic areas, cafes and the Boatshed Cafe. Here you can hire Kayaks from ProKayaks and also stop for food and refreshments. Past Jameson Park you will enter more bushland along the lagoon. This path blends nicely with the bushland and often you will see a variety of bird life in the trees and on the water. On one particular day, I heard and saw a Barking Frog high in the tree and also a flock of Cockatoos going off at a large Lizard that was about to enter their nest. If you enjoy seeing nature in action then this walk will give you plenty of opportunity to take some memorable photos. Click here to read my article and see photos of this part of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
Eventually you will find yourself back where you started. If you like a good couple hours walking then you will enjoy the walk as there are no hills and it is mostly shaded. Keep in mind that it is 8.4kms round trip, which I feel ideally would be wonderful on a bicycle. I did see plenty of families already enjoying the trail and it had only been open two days. Joggers, depending how fast they are could do the whole trip in around 40 -50 mins. Or you can opt to do sections of the walk and come back on another visit to do more.
This trail will definitely prove popular to locals and visitors, so get on your bicycle or put on your best walking shoes, make sure you wear a hat, sunblock, carry water and enjoy.
Great article - we walked around the lake on the weekend and didn't realise that there was also the lagoon to walk around - will have to go back and do it soon.
Got a few laps in over the weekend - how times change.
First looped the lake on bikes around six years ago. Going clockwise, the trail ended at South Creek - we had to do some very hilly suburban roads, then we cut across the golf course raising much ire from the golfers (they thought what we were doing was dangerous but, hey, *I* was the one with the helmet on!), then snuck through the sports and rec ground. Avoiding Wakehurst Parkway meant bush-bashing the bikes between road and lake - my then-seven-year-old son moaned that if we didn't find civilisation soon we'd likely need to start eating each other. Then once east of the Deep Creek bridge we found a pathway again - what an adventure! Solitary and satisfying.
Now the 8.4km loop is an easy 35 minute cycle…..and crowded!
I just hired a bike from a bike shop nearby (Northern Beaches Cyles) and I haven't ridden a bike for 4 years and just rode round Narrabeen Lake track it was so much fun. There was hardly anyone there (Monday and overcast so pick your day). OMG the hire bike was the most comfortable bike ever :D, I am so impressed I intend to buy one =) love this track
