Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Day Trip from Sydney

Travel north in a comfortable climate-controlled minivan, crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge and driving for about 45 minutes until you enter Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

In the national park, your first stop is West Head lookout, a spot with sweeping views of Broken Bay, Pittwater and  Barrenjoey Headland's historic sandstone lighthouse. Hear stories about shipwrecks, pirates, smugglers, escaped convicts and the park’s importance during World War II. From afar, admire the beaches of the central coast and Lion Island, site of the largest population of little penguins in the Sydney area.

From your guide, learn about the Guringai people — the original residents of this region. Hear interpretations of Aboriginal customs and Dreamtime stories that speak of the origins of the world. Then take a guided walk around a remote Aboriginal heritage site that contains some of Australia's most important ancient rock carvings.

Drive to Akuna Bay for a 2.5-hour cruise through the park's remote waterways. From the 50-foot catamaran, look for exotic birds and marine life. You'll also come across one of Sydney’s most inaccessible waterfalls and pass by Aboriginal heritage sites that are only accessible from the water. While on-board, watch a 1-hour cultural presentation that includes hands-on Aboriginal skill demonstrations of the didgeridoo, hunting spears, woomera (spear-throwing device), fire making and more.

Warm up with morning and afternoon tea, and get a taste of the nation's snack foods when your guide breaks out some classic local treats. Recharge with a hearty lunch of typical Australian fare that features flavors found in bush tucker (food harvested in the wilderness). Tea, snacks and lunch are included.

Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sydney, ending with your return in the late afternoon.