The 8km Twin Peaks Loop Track in Sydney’s Garigal National Park had Steph wondering if there’d be a plot twist at the end. You’ll have to read on and see.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Ku-ring-gai Nation, the traditional Country of the Ku-ring-gai people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • A never-dull hike close to the city
  • Accessible opportunities for a bit of bouldering  
  • Ornate Scribbly gums

Taking on the Twin Peaks Loop Track

What makes David Lynch’s Twin Peaks a cult classic? Contenders include its iconic soundtrack, a modern gothic aesthetic (with psychedelic streaks), and a whodunnit plot with plenty of twists and turns. So, setting out on the Twin Peaks Loop Track last weekend, I was curious to find out the reason for its name. I expected, I guess, a pair of mountaintops.  

Read more: Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track

 

The Twin Peaks Loop Track, stephanie Lentz - Gadigal National Park, hiking, firetrail

 

Starting at a scraggly siding off Forest Way, a busy main road with no footpath, I took the loop in an anticlockwise direction. This is a part of Garigal National Park I hadn’t yet explored, comprising many trails shared by hikers and mountain bikers. The Twin Peaks loop is definitely mountain bike territory so keep your wits about you!

 

The Twin Peaks Loop Track, stephanie Lentz - Gadigal National Park, hiking, path

 

The sounds and sights of the bush were much as they usually are in Sydney’s northeast, and though there were some inclines as well as sizeable sandstone boulders, I wasn’t sure this hike was going to give me the #mountains photo I wanted for week one of the Unlock Outside challenge.

 

The Twin Peaks Loop Track, stephanie Lentz - Gadigal National Park, hiking, path, bushland

 

The path turns and curls tightly to maximise the thrills bikers seek, taking sharp corners at speed. It makes a map of the walk look like the lines on the Scribbly gums along the way.  

I was beginning to wonder if the loop track was in fact named for its semblance to the 90s TV series, in which there’s no shortage of plot twists…  

 

The Twin Peaks Loop Track, stephanie Lentz - Gadigal National Park, hiking

 

…until I hit the final 2km.  

In the last 30 minutes of this two-hour walk, the trail emerges from scrub onto two successive summits —  Twin Peaks, you might say!  

From both these vantage points, there’s a lot to see: several glimpses of the ocean, the domed roof of the Baha’i Temple to the north, and clusters of homes separated by bushland and paddocks. I finally got my mountaintop moment!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Essential Gear

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • At least 2L of water per person
  • Sturdy walking shoes with decent grip / tread

Read more: Packing List for a Day Hike

How To Get There

Buses stop frequently along Forest Way, including only 150m from the entrance to the track. This is  probably the best option given there’s neither footpath nor parking nearby.

The trailhead is across the highway from the northern exit of the road to Kamoroi Rudolf Steiner School. Follow this AllTrails map for precise location.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Some of the features of the track that cater to mountain bikers make for challenging walking and require some climbing.

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain

8km circuit / approximately 2 hours / 308m