Sydney, Australia

Narrabeen trail 20k loop

From the lagoon into the Ingleside bush and back

Distance
20.34 km
Elevation
323 m
Difficulty
Hard

2 hr – 2 hr 45 Loop

A 20 km bushland loop that starts beside Narrabeen Lagoon, heads west along the Deep Creek Valley Trail into the Ingleside trail network, then climbs back over the escarpment before finishing on the lagoon foreshore. Fire trails, single track and one of the most rewarding long trail runs on the northern beaches.

Trail RunningWeekend AdventureSunriseHard
Narrabeen trail 20k loop

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  • Elevation profile
  • Printable terrain map
  • Public transport info
  • Photo-stop guide
  • Coffee + brunch suggestions

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The experience

Why you'll love this run

  • A genuine 20 km trail loop minutes from the beach
  • Deep Creek Valley and the Ingleside bush trails
  • Fire trails, single track and a proper escarpment climb
  • Start and finish beside Narrabeen Lagoon

At a glance

crowds
scenery
adventure
technicality
accessibility

Route map

Every stop, mapped

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Printable illustrated route card

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StartFinishWaterToiletsTransportCafeBeachLookoutLandmark Photo stop

Route timeline

Kilometre by kilometre

  1. 0 km

    Narrabeen

    Set off west on the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.

  2. 2.5 km

    North Narrabeen

    Flat, easy running beside the lagoon.

  3. 5 km

    Deep Creek Valley Trail

    Into the bush as the trail narrows.

  4. 7.5 km

    Road To Nowhere

    Fire trail through the Ingleside bushland.

  5. 10 km

    Western turn

    The far point of the loop.

  6. 12.6 km

    Slippery Dip Trail

    Turn for home as the climbing begins.

  7. 15.1 km

    Ingleside trails

    Rolling single track back towards the escarpment.

  8. 17.6 km

    Graham Jones Track

    Descend towards Narrabeen.

  9. 20.34 km

    Narrabeen

    Finish on the lagoon foreshore.

Route highlights

The parts you'll remember

5 km

Deep Creek Valley Trail

The loop leaves the suburbs and drops into the bush

-33.7064, 151.2639

7.5 km

Road To Nowhere

A long fire-trail stretch through the Ingleside bushland

-33.7072, 151.2495

10 km

Western turn

The far point of the loop, where the trail swings back east

-33.7067, 151.2360

17.6 km

Graham Jones Track

Descending back towards Narrabeen with the lagoon in sight

-33.7189, 151.2799

Photo stops

Where to stop and shoot

Narrabeen Lagoon

Still water and pelicans at the start and finish.

Best time
Sunrise
Photography tip
Shoot across the lagoon from the foreshore path as the light comes up.
GPS
-33.7165, 151.2958

Deep Creek Valley Trail

The moment the run becomes a genuine bush trail.

Best time
Early morning
Photography tip
Use the tree canopy for a natural frame down the trail.
GPS
-33.7064, 151.2639

Western turn

The quietest, most remote-feeling part of the loop.

Best time
Morning
Photography tip
Look for openings in the bush for views back towards the coast.
GPS
-33.7067, 151.2360

Local knowledge

Before you go

Best time to run
Early morning, before the heat builds in the bush and while the lagoon is calm.
Sunrise
Sunrise over the lagoon is a beautiful way to start the loop.
Sunset
Avoid late starts — the bush section is unlit and feels remote after dark.
Parking
Parking near the lagoon foreshore in Narrabeen; arrive early on weekends.
Public transport
Buses run along Pittwater Road to Narrabeen, a short walk from the start.
Water
Carry what you need — there is no reliable water between the start and finish.
Toilets
Public toilets at the lagoon foreshore reserve in Narrabeen.

Safety

The Ingleside trails are shared with mountain bikers and feel remote — take a phone, tell someone your plans and stay on the marked trail.

Getting there

  • • Narrabeen

1 water point · 0 toilet stops on route

Make a morning of it

Settle in for the first flat five kilometres beside the lagoon; the real work starts when you hit the bush.

  • swimNarrabeen Beach — A swim across the peninsula at the finish.
  • coffeeNarrabeen cafés — Coffee and breakfast near the lagoon and on the main street.
  • viewpointNarrabeen Lagoon Trail — An easy flat lap of the lagoon makes a perfect recovery run the next day.

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