The North Arm Walking Track is a scenic trail in the suburb of Castle Cove, winding through beautiful Harbour-side bushland.
This moderately challenging 6.5 km walk explores a quiet part of Middle Harbour, offering lovely views of Sugarloaf Bay along the way.
In this article, we’ll cover the track’s highlights, how to get there, and the best starting points.
| North Arm Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (some steps, uneven surface) |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
Getting There
Since the North Arm Walking Track is a return walk, you can start from either of two locations:
It doesn’t make a big difference which starting point you choose, but in the track notes below, we begin from Cammaray Road and head west.
Below is a map of the North Arm Walking Track.
Track Notes
The North Arm Walking Track is a moderately challenging trail with several steep sections and staircases to navigate. Overall, the path is well-signposted and easy to follow.
Some sections can be a bit overgrown, and after rainfall, the track tends to get quite muddy. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes for a more comfortable walk.
1. The Start
After parking on Cammaray Road, head past the gate next to the information board to begin your hike.
The first section follows a steep, sealed road descending towards Sugarloaf Bay. This area, known as H.C. Press Park, was once home to a dance hall, baths, and picnic shelters until 1964.
As you get closer to the water, the sealed road ends, and the trail transitions into a bushwalking track.
2. Sugarloaf Bay
The track follows the foreshore of Sugarloaf Bay, offering several spots to take in views of Middle Harbour.
This section features a series of boardwalks and a creek crossing, winding through a landscape rich in plant life, trees, and wildlife.
The track eventually reaches an intersection with Willis Road, where you should continue straight. However, a short detour to a jetty at the water’s edge is well worth it.
3. Willis Road Jetty
Turn left at the intersection for a quick visit to the jetty, which offers fantastic views of Sugarloaf Bay.
A wooden bench at the jetty makes it a great spot for a short break, perhaps with a refreshing snack while soaking in the water views.
Back at the intersection, the track continues along a sealed road leading to a sewerage pumping station. A fenced platform here provides more elevated views of the water.
The next section of the walk is arguably the most enjoyable, winding through a thriving She-Oak forest with a few creek crossings along the way.
4. Scotts Creek Wooden Bridge
The track continues through the southern part of North Arm Reserve, passing above the mangroves of Sugarloaf Bay and Scotts Creek.
After a short stretch on a sealed road, the trail re-enters the bush and quickly descends to a wooden bridge over Scotts Creek.
Crossing the bridge leads into a fascinating area of mangrove forests and mudflats, which provide vital nutrients for a diverse range of plants and animals.
From the mangroves, the track follows the southern side of the creek, heading east before a short but steep climb out of the valley.
5. Lookout
After completing the steep climb, the North Arm Walking Track ends at North Arm Road in the leafy suburb of Middle Cove.
Just moments from this access point is a small lookout with a wooden bench, offering scenic views of the bay where Scotts Creek flows into.
Continue hiking?
For those keen to extend their hike, head to the end of North Arm Road, where you’ll find the start of the Harold Reid Foreshore Track.
This family-friendly bushwalk explores Harold Reid Reserve, offering more scenic views of Middle Harbour.
This extra walk adds about 4 km (return) to your adventure. It’s relatively easy and well worth the effort if you have the time and energy!
Where can I obtain a copy of an old photo taken of an ancient boat (probably in the 1930s) which took dancers to an old (now demolished) dance hall in the North Arm Reserve Area. I think H C Press may have built the dance hall. I recently went on a bushwalk of that area and saw a plaque with the photo.
Hi Joy, that’s an interesting story.
I don’t have an answer to your question, but perhaps someone else reading this may be able to help out.