Cascades Trail

4.3
4 reviews
Attraction
Walker on the Cascades trail. Photo: Shaun Sursok
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Park alerts

Garigal National Park

6 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 11:05 am

Official alerts
  • Other planned eventsUntil 1 Feb 2027

    1080 pest management operation

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

    Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

    For more information, contact the local park office on:

    Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)

    NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

About

Revive your senses along Cascades trail, a beautiful medium-difficulty fire trail shared by walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers in picturesque Garigal National Park.

Whether you start your walk or ride at St Ives or Davidson, you’ll see native Australian trees such as Sydney red gums, Red Bloodwoods and Scribbly Gums. As you wind your way down to the creek, larger trees soon make way for species of banksia, dwarf apple and the narrow-leafed apple, while wattles, pea, boronia and wax flowers pepper the undergrowth.

The trail gets its name from a series of beautiful little waterfalls, rock platforms and rockpools at the junction of Middle Harbour creek and French’s creek, a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a picnic before your return walk or ride. Staying on Cascades trail, you’ll leave the valley travelling up the sometimes steep trail to exit onto Stone Parade.

If you want to extend your walk or ride to a day loop, Cascades trail also links to the Lower Cambourne and Heath and Bare Creek trails.

The walk at a glance

Part of Garigal National Park

Garigal National Park · Sydney and surrounds

Cascades trail is ideal for walking, horseriding and mountain biking in Garigal National Park. A medium difficulty walk or ride along a fire trail, it traverses Middle Harbour creek.

Distance
3.2km one-way
Time
1hr

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Drinking water
  • Sunscreen

Plan your ride

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

5 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Mia Vinte

Mia Vinte

Google review

Perfect for a first date! Just close enough to be away from the city, but still safe enough. Shame no dogs are allowed.

Before you set off

Park entry

Park entry fees apply at Davidson Park only.

Get in touch

Website

Visit website

Park office

02 9451 3479

Where you'll be

Douglas Street

St Ives NSW 2075

Get DirectionsView on map