Enjoy the natural beauty of Narrabeen lakes by hiking and cycling around the scenic Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail was completed last February 2015. Since then, visitors have enjoyed its stunning 8.4-kilometre track around the scenic Narrabeen lake and its surrounding bushlands.
It is quite a popular place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life due to its idyllic and calming atmosphere. During weekends you will see people wandering and enjoying this place by either walking, jogging, or cycling around the circuit track. A number of exciting boardwalks and steel bridges were also built at the trail for everyone’s enjoyment.
Due to its popularity, the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail can get a bit crowded sometimes. But there is no need to worry or feel stressed about the crowd since visitors are typically friendly, accommodating, and respectful to one another.
5 Sections of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
The Narrabeen Lagoon trail is divided into 5 sections: Middle Creek to Bilarong Reserve, Bilarong Reserve to Berry Reserve, Berry Reserve to Jamieson Park, Jamieson Park to South Creek, and South Creek back to Middle Creek
Middle Creek to Bilarong Reserve
You may begin your trail adventure starting at Middle Creek Reserve. It is considered as a good starting point for the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, and it has decent facilities such as a car park, toilet, and water fountain.
At Middle Creek, you shall make your way up north and follow the Wakehurst Parkway that will eventually lead you to the Bilarong Reserve. Make sure to keep an eye out for some historical features scattered along the trail whilst walking. You may spot some lime and cement remains from the construction works in the area back in 1930’s and 1940’s. The total distance covered from Middle Creek to Bilarong Reserve is 2.2 kilometre.
Bilarong Reserve to Berry Reserve
Coming from a 2-km hike, you may opt to have a short stopover at the Bilarong Reserve especially if you have kids with you since it has a huge playground and excellent barbecue facilities. Bilarong Reserve is also a great spot for boat enthusiasts to launch their boats.
After your stopover, head on for a short stroll around the corner to Berry Reserve. The distance covered from Bilarong to Berry Reserve is about 1.2 kilometre
Berry Reserve to Jamieson Park
If you’re in the mood for a quick snack or meal, Berry Reserve is also a great place for a stopover. You may either have a picnic at the park or go to any of the cafes nearby. Other facilities of the Berry Reserve include public toilets, playground, basketball court, and barbecue grill.
After filling in your hungry stomach at Berry Reserve, simply follow the shoreline of the lake that will lead you all the way to Jamieson Park. The hike distance from Berry Reserve to Jamieson Park is about 1.5 kilometre
Jamieson Park to South Creek
Jamieson Park offers a picturesque surrounding and sheltered waters that comes from the southern point of the Narrabeen Lagoon. It is an ideal place for some water sports activities such as kayaking and stand up paddling. Board and boat rentals are available at the park.
The 2.3-km hike from Jamieson Park to South Creek will give you scenic views of the lake and its native bushland surroundings
South Creek to Middle Creek
The trail from South Creek to Middle Creek was only finished last 2015. A wooden boardwalk and steel bridges were built in order to connect these two creeks, making a full and uninterrupted loop around the Narrabeen lakes possible. The distance covered from South Creek to Middle Creek is 1.2 kilometre.
When passing through this area, you may spot the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, an organization that specializes on sports programs for schools and other community and sporting groups that are looking for some outdoor activities to do.
The trail at Narrabeen Lagoon is very easy and diverse, although it can be too long for young children. Dogs are allowed too on the trail but only when they are on leash.
The expected duration for completing the entire trail is between 2-3 hours depending on your pacing. But of course, you don’t have to finish the whole trail in one day to enjoy Narrabeen Lagoon. You may simply choose one or two of the five sections and do the rest on a different day.
