Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

National park · Australia

Marramarra National Park

Go only if you have a car and a full half-day: park entry is free, the drive from Hornsby is 40–50 min of winding gorge road, and the 10 km (6.2 mi) Coba Ridge walk is the best return for effort; skip it if you have no vehicle or under 3 hours.

Not field-verified
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
Directions
From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

120 km² (46 sq mi)

approximate

Established

1986

Best months

Mar–May, Sep–Oct

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7
  • Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
  • Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
  • Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
  • Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
  • Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
  • Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
  • Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

At a glance

Country
Australia
Area
120 km² (46 sq mi)
Roughly 120 km² of sandstone ridges, creek valleys and Hawkesbury River frontage; boundaries and figures vary by source (check).
Established
1986
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Permits
For some areas
Base
Sydney

Marramarra National Park is the quiet sandstone country on Sydney's northern edge, where the Hawkesbury River and its mangrove creeks cut between dry ridgelines about an hour's drive from the CBD. There is no entry fee, no visitor centre and no public transport: you come by car, park at a signed trailhead on Cobah Road or Canoelands Road, and walk. The park suits a half-day rather than a full day out — Coba Ridge to Collingridge Point is the shortest real walk at about 10 km return, Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge is a 13 km loop, and Canoelands Ridge runs about 21 km return towards the river for fit, experienced walkers. Camping is walk-in or boat-in only at three basic sites. The practical risks are heat and no shade on the ridges, bushfire in summer, and patchy phone signal in the valleys.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1986.

Size and age

120 km² (46 sq mi) · national park since 1986

Roughly 120 km² of sandstone ridges, creek valleys and Hawkesbury River frontage; boundaries and figures vary by source (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Sydney.

Why go

  • Bushland on Sydney's northern edge that most visitors never reach: mangrove creeks, sandstone ridges and Hawkesbury River frontage.
  • Coba Ridge to Collingridge Point is the easiest real walk here, with valley views, and takes 3–4 hours return.
  • Canoelands Ridge walking track runs about 21 km (13 mi) return from inland ridges down towards the Hawkesbury River.
  • Free entry and no booking for day walks; you pay only for camping and any vehicle access fees where they apply.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanCaution
  2. FebCaution
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JunGo
  7. JulGo
  8. AugGo
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovGo
  12. DecCaution
  • JanHot; start before 8:00, carry 3 L of water
  • FebHot and humid; afternoon storms
  • MarWarm, drying out; good walking
  • AprMild and clear; the pick month
  • MayCool, dry, quiet
  • JunCold mornings; short daylight
  • JulColdest; clear ridge views
  • AugCool and dry; wattle out
  • SepMild, wildflowers, dry tracks
  • OctWarm and clear; watch for snakes
  • NovWarm; storms build late day
  • DecHot; school holidays; fire risk

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Marramarra National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Birds along Marramarra Creek mangrovesMar–May, Sep–Nov · Early morning is best; the creek is the most reliable habitat in the park.nonoyesyesyesnononoyesyesyesno
Wildflowers on the ridgesAug–Oct · Wattle in August, then heath flowers through spring.nononononononoyesyesyesnono
Snakes (eastern browns and red-bellied blacks)Oct–Mar · Warm months; stay on track, wear boots, never step over logs blindly.yesyesyesnonononononoyesyesyes
Ticks and leeches after rainDec–Mar · Long trousers and repellent on creek-side sections.yesyesyesnonononononononoyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Sydney CBD

Drive over the Harbour Bridge or tunnel to Hornsby, then Galston Rd through Galston Gorge; for southern trailheads turn into Arcadia Rd, then Cobah Rd.

1–1.5 h

Open the page →

From Hornsby

Galston Rd through the gorge; about 4 km (2.5 mi) along Arcadia Rd then Cobah Rd for the southern access.

40–50 min

From Northern access (Canoelands)

Galston Rd to Old Northern Rd, right, then about 18 km (11 mi) to Canoelands Rd and into the park.

1–1.25 h from Sydney

Zones and sectors

Zones of Marramarra National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Southern ridges (Coba Ridge, Marramarra Ridge)Sandstone ridge tops, the Coba Ridge and Marramarra Ridge–Smugglers Ridge tracks.Car to trailheads on Cobah Rd; walk in.
Marramarra CreekMangrove-lined creek valley with the Marramarra Creek campground.Walk-in or boat; no road access.
Canoelands Ridge and Gentlemans HaltLong ridge running north-east towards the Hawkesbury River, with Gentlemans Halt campground.Walk or boat; long approach.
Hawkesbury River frontageRiver shoreline, Twin Beaches campground and boat access points.Boat or long walk.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 6 approximate points in Marramarra National Park, north up123456
Coordinates are approximate, taken from park and campground listings, for orientation only.
  1. 1Coba Ridge trailhead (Cobah Rd) · Gate≈-33.545, 151.055Approximate; southern access for Coba Ridge and Marramarra Ridge walks.Map ↗
  2. 2Marramarra Creek campground · Sleep≈-33.522, 151.087Map ↗
  3. 3Twin Beaches campground · Sleep≈-33.536, 151.141Map ↗
  4. 4Gentlemans Halt campground · Sleep≈-33.466, 151.153Map ↗
  5. 5Marramarra Lodge, Berowra Waters · Sleep≈-33.523, 151.154Private lodge outside the park boundary; approximate.Map ↗
  6. 6Canoelands Ridge trailhead · Trail≈-33.510, 151.080Approximate; northern access via Canoelands Rd.Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates are approximate, taken from park and campground listings, for orientation only.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

TrailsEasy3–4 hCoba Ridge to Collingridge PointAbout 10 km (6.2 mi) return on a ridge with valley views; the simplest walk in the park and the one to pick on a first visit.
TrailsModerate4–6 hMarramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge loop13 km (8.1 mi) loop over sandstone ridge tops; navigation is straightforward but there is little shade.
TrailsHard6–8 hCanoelands Ridge walking trackAbout 21 km (13 mi) return from the ridge towards the Hawkesbury River; rough in places and not a beginner walk.
TrailsModerate3.5–5 hCanoelands Ridge horse riding trailAbout 18 km (11 mi) return through forested valleys; the only formal horse trail here.Booking: Check NSW National Parks rules before riding
WildlifeModerateHalf dayMarramarra Creek mangrovesWalk down to the creek campground for mangrove and birdlife; combine with a camp overnight.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check
Fees for Marramarra National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entry (day visit)FreevehicleNo entry fee for Marramarra; NSW charges vehicle fees only in parks listed as fee-collecting (check).
Marramarra Creek campgroundAUD 6 (≈ US$4)bookingBooking fee shown per booking; site fee may be additional (check).
Gentlemans Halt campgroundAUD 6 (≈ US$4)bookingReached on foot or by boat; no vehicle access (check).
Twin Beaches campgroundAUD 6 (≈ US$4)bookingBooking fee shown per booking (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Day walking no permit

No permit or booking; park at the signed trailheads and walk in.

Camping permit or guide

Book online with NSW National Parks before you go; campgrounds are walk-in or boat-in.

Horse riding (Canoelands Ridge trail) permit or guide

Check current NSW National Parks rules for the Canoelands Ridge horse riding trail before loading horses (check).

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

2

Nights or days

1
  • A$6≈ US$4
  • A$6≈ US$4
  • A$6≈ US$4

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NSW National Parks — Marramarra National Park before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
No camping outside campgrounds
Camp only at Marramarra Creek, Gentlemans Halt or Twin Beaches, and book ahead.
Dogs and pets
Not allowed in the national park; leave them at home.
Fires
No campfires; use a fuel stove only where permitted and check total fire bans before you go.
Drones
Not allowed without NSW National Parks approval (check).check
Water
Creek water is not treated for drinking; carry all the water you need.

Where to stay

In the park

Marramarra Creek campground

Walk-in or boat-in site in the creek valley; booking fee applies.

In the park

Gentlemans Halt campground

Remote site on the Hawkesbury River side, reached on foot or by boat.

In the park

Twin Beaches campground

River-front camping with boat access; no vehicle access.

Near the park

Berowra Waters and Hornsby

Motels, cabins and holiday rentals 20–40 min from the trailheads.

Safety

Heat and no shade on the ridges medium

Walk before 10:00 in summer, carry 3 L of water per person and turn back if you are drinking faster than planned.

Bushfire high

Check the NSW Rural Fire Service fire danger rating and total fire bans the morning you go; do not enter on a total fire ban day.

Getting lost on long ridge tracks medium

Carry the official park map, a charged phone and a paper copy; tell someone your route and expected return.

Cliffs and slippery sandstone medium

Stay back from edges, especially above the Hawkesbury; sandstone is slick after rain.

No phone signal in valleys low

Expect gaps on creek sections; do not rely on your phone for navigation.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

  • Trailheads are reached by unsealed or narrow roads; there is no paved loop or boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs.
  • The Coba Ridge walk is the flattest option but still has rough sandstone sections and no facilities.
  • There are no toilets, water or shops in the park; the last services are in Galston, Hornsby or Berowra.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on marked tracks; ridge-top shortcuts cause erosion that takes years to heal.
  • Carry out everything you bring in, including food scraps and used tissues.
  • Use a fuel stove rather than a fire, and keep to existing campsites.
  • Do not feed or approach wildlife; snakes and goannas here are wild and protected.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Marramarra National Park?

Nothing for a day visit. Marramarra is not a fee-collecting park, so there is no per-vehicle entry charge; you pay only if you camp, with a booking fee of about A$6 per booking shown for Marramarra Creek, Gentlemans Halt and Twin Beaches campgrounds (check current site fees).

What are the best hikes in Marramarra National Park?

Coba Ridge to Collingridge Point, about 10 km return and 3–4 hours, is the easiest and the best first walk. Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge is a 13 km loop taking 4–6 hours. Canoelands Ridge is the long one at about 21 km return and is not for beginners.

When is the best time to visit Marramarra National Park?

April, May, September and October: mild, mostly dry and clear on the ridges. Avoid January and February afternoons, and check the fire danger rating before any summer walk.

Do I need a car to get to Marramarra National Park?

Yes. There is no train or bus to the trailheads. Drive from Hornsby via Galston Rd through Galston Gorge, about 40–50 minutes, then use Arcadia Rd and Cobah Rd for the southern walks or Old Northern Rd and Canoelands Rd for the north.

Can I camp in Marramarra National Park?

Yes, at three campgrounds: Marramarra Creek, Gentlemans Halt and Twin Beaches. All are walk-in or boat-in, none has vehicle access, and you must book with NSW National Parks before you go.

Are there toilets or drinking water in the park?

No. There are no shops, taps or reliable toilets at the trailheads; carry all your water and plan to use facilities in Galston, Hornsby or Berowra before and after.

Related

visit Sydney plan your trip to Australia National park passes

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Sources