Narrabeen Lagoon
This is one of my favourite local walks, especially early in the morning. The trail takes you through beautiful bushland, mangroves and parklands, as it winds its way around Narrabeen Lagoon, home to nearly 200 species of birds.
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail is a flat, shared path, that you can start at any point and walk in either direction.* You can walk the full circuit in around two hours, or make a day of it, stopping to eat, play, paddle or swim at various spots along the way. With many places to jump on and off the track, plus playgrounds and cafés along the way, it’s an easy walk to adapt for families and shorter outings.
Berry Reserve to Jamieson Park
I started my walk in Berry Reserve, parking in the carpark beside the Tramshed cafe and playground. Markets are held here on the third Sunday of the month and though the carpark fills quickly on most weekends, you can usually find street parking nearby.
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 car park, take the path to the left and follow the signs towards Jamieson Park. You’ll pass the Boatshed Café and Pro Kayaks, a popular spot for hiring kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. The path continues through Wheeler Park, briefly joins a roadside footpath, then leads into Jamieson Park.
Jamieson Park has some lovely shady areas, fishing spots, picnic tables and barbecues, as well as a large grassed area ideal for ball games.
Jamieson Park to South Creek
Leaving Jamieson Park, follow the signs along a dirt track that extends for about two kilometres. This section of the trail is shaded and particularly pretty where it curves along close to the lagoon.
About half way along this stretch you’ll start to see signs commemorating Australia’s military past. Each offers a short overview of Australia’s involvement in conflicts from colonial times to the present day. RSL Lifecare’s ANZAC village sits just off the track here, and their cafe is open to the public.
Keep following the trail until you get to South Creek Reserve where the path winds off to the right over a small blue bridge.
South Creek to Middle Creek Reserve
As you continue, the path crosses a couple of blue metal bridges and passes Cromer Golf Club on the left. Look out to the right for a large - and vocal - group of black swans that often gather here.
Further along, the trail passes the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation before crossing a larger blue bridge over Middle Creek. You’ll begin to hear the hum of traffic as the path winds toward the Wakehurst Parkway.
Middle Creek Reserve has been recently upgraded and has excellent facilities, including toilets, barbecues, shaded seating areas and even a bike repair station. A large grassy area beside a sandy beach make it an ideal spot to stop for a rest, a picnic or even a spot of fishing.
Middle Creek Reserve to Bilarong Reserve
Beyond Middle Creek Reserve the walk continues along the Graham Jones track - a sturdy, mostly metal walkway that’s well suited to wheelchairs and prams. Much of this section hugs the lagoon and, despite the nearby traffic on Wakehurst Parkway, it still feels quite peaceful.
After crossing the bridge at Deep Creek, the metal path gives way to a dirt track. Continue through Deep Creek Reserve and on to Bilarong Reserve, where you’ll find more picnic facilities, toilets and another playground.
The playground has a large sandpit with by sculptured stone creatures, climbing equipment for the big kids and an enclosed area for younger ones. And for adults who still have the energy, a little further along is an exercise area with bars and hydraulic strength training equipment.
Return to Berry Reserve
Leaving Bilarong reserve the path meets the Wakehurst Parkway. Walk up to the Pittwater Rd intersection and turn right to cross the bridge keeping an eye out for the pelicans who often nap on the the overhead lampposts.
Once across the bridge, the path continues alongside the lake, past the laidback H2O Cafe and round the bend back to Berry Reserve for rest and refreshment.
*Wheel chair access from the Berry, Jamieson, Middle Creek and Bilarong carparks
DIRECTIONS & ACCESS
By public transport
- Buses service Narrabeen, Cromer and surrounding suburbs with stops close to multiple access points.
- Berry Reserve, Jamieson Park, Middle Creek and Bilarong Reserve are all easy to reach on foot from nearby stops.
By car
- Parking is available at several reserves around the lagoon, including Berry Reserve, Jamieson Park, Middle Creek and Bilarong Reserve.
- Car parks fill quickly on weekends, but street parking is usually available nearby.
Note: This is a loop walk and can be started at almost any point. The trail can be walked in either direction.
THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Swimming & water activities
- Swimming spots at various points around the lagoon.
- Kayak, paddleboard and pedal boat hire at Berry Reserve.
Picnics & facilities
- Picnic tables, barbecues and toilets at multiple reserves along the trail.
- Large grassy areas at Jamieson Park and Middle Creek Reserve.
Playgrounds & family areas
- Playgrounds at Berry Reserve and Bilarong Reserve.
- Flat paths and frequent rest spots make it easy to break the walk into shorter sections.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- The trail is a shared path for walkers, runners and cyclists — keep left and watch out for cyclists
- Most of the path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, though some sections may be uneven or muddy after rain.
- Sunscreen is a good idea, and insect repellent is a good idea especially in swampier sections.
- It can get busy at peak times; early mornings are quieter.
- Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Wlidlife
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.
Alongside all these birds are native possums, echidnas and numerous lizards. There are almost certainly snakes and other crawly creatures around too, but the regular traffic on the path generally means they’ll stay hidden in the undergrowth.
Final Thoughts
This is a walk I come back to regularly - not only because it’s close to home, but also for the peace and quiet it offers and the ever-changing light and outlook. It’s a walk that shifts with the seasons and the time of day, and one I tend to do slowly, noticing different things each time.
LAST UPDATED JANUARY 2026