Walk Summary
One of my favourite local walks, this easy loop winds around Narrabeen Lagoon through bushland, mangroves and parklands, with abundant birdlife and other wildlife along the way.
Distance 8.5 km
Time 2 - 3 hours
Difficulty Easy
Walk Overview
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a flat, shared path that you can start at almost any point and walk in either direction.
I usually start at Berry Reserve and follow the trail through Jamieson Park, South Creek, Middle Creek and Bilarong Reserve before returning across the bridge to Berry Reserve.
You can walk the full circuit in around two hours, or take your time and make a day of it.
The walk is well-suited to families with the trail passing several picnic and play areas.
Walking the Trail
I like to start this walk in Berry Reserve, beside the Tramshed and playground.
Berry Reserve is the first of a few reserves on the walk where you’ll find picnic areas, barbecues and toilets. And plenty of ducks. In this reserve especially they are big, in size and number - and if they think you’ve got food, they’ll shadow you for a crumb.
Leaving the reserve, the path passes the Boatshed before continuing through Wheeler Park and into Jamieson Park.
Jamieson Park has lovely shady areas beside the lagoon, but beyond the park the walk becomes much more of a nature trail.
About halfway along this sandy stretch you’ll start to see signs commemorating Australia’s military past, before the trail reaches South Creek Reserve and crosses the first of several bridges.
With Cromer Golf Club on the left and the lagoon on your right, look out here for the large — and vocal — group of Black swans that often gathers on the water.
The trail continues around the lagoon through Middle Creek Reserve and onto the Graham Jones Track, a sturdy metal walkway that hugs the water. Despite the nearby traffic on Wakehurst Parkway, it still feels quite peaceful.
After crossing Deep Creek, the metal path gives way to a dirt track through Deep Creek Reserve and on to Bilarong Reserve. This is another good place to slow down and look for birds, particularly around the lagoon shallows and surrounding bushland.
Leaving Bilarong reserve the path meets the Wakehurst Parkway. Walk up to the Pittwater Road intersection and turn right to cross the bridge keeping an eye out for the pelicans who often nap on the overhead lampposts.
Once across the bridge, the path continues alongside the lagoon and around the bend back to Berry Reserve.
Wildlife around Narrabeen Lagoon
According to local wildlife officers, about a third of all the bird species in Sydney reside in and around Narrabeen Lagoon.
If you tune in as you walk, you’ll hear the sounds shift as you move between mangroves, bushland and open park areas.
Black Swans are among the most conspicuous residents and are regularly seen feeding in the shallow water near South Creek Reserve. Other waterbirds include herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks and pelicans, while the surrounding bushland attracts parrots, cockatoos and smaller woodland birds.
White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Powerful Owls have also been recorded around the lagoon.
Alongside all these birds are native possums, echidnas and numerous lizards. In the warmer months you might spy a snake or two, but the regular traffic on the path means they generally stay hidden in the undergrowth.
The freshwater wetlands around the lagoon also provide habitat for frogs, turtles and fishing bats.
For recent bird sightings in and arround Narrabeen Lagoon check eBird.
Trail Tips
This is a loop walk and can be started at almost any point and walked in either direction.
Parking is available at Berry, Jamieson, Middle Creek and Bilarong reserves.
The trail is shared by walkers, runners and cyclists — keep left and watch for bikes.
Most of the trail is flat and well formed, with wheelchair access from several reserves.
Some dirt sections can become muddy after rain.
Sunscreen and insect repellent are useful, particularly around the swampier sections.
Dogs are allowed on the main trail but must be kept on a leash; restrictions apply within some wildlife protection areas.
Early mornings are quieter and one of my favourite times to walk here. Weekends can be very busy.