
Red Hands Cave Ku-ring-gai
Discover ancient Indigenous art at Red Hands Cave, a significant cultural site within the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Red Hands Cave Ku-ring-gai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Indigenous art at Red Hands Cave, a significant cultural site within the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
"Amazing that something that old has kept that long."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk to the cave is a Grade 4 and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While there are picnic areas, carrying water and snacks is recommended for the walk.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Red Hand Stencils
Red Hands Cave
Marvel at the ancient Indigenous art, with clearly visible red handprints preserved for centuries.

Scenic Coastal Trails
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Explore beautiful walking trails offering stunning coastal views surrounding the cave.

Resolute Picnic Area
Near Red Hands Cave
Enjoy a picnic with facilities available, a perfect spot to relax after your walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respecting Indigenous Heritage
Access and Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Showing Indigenous cultural sites to overseas visitors
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk to the cave is a Grade 4 and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While there are picnic areas, carrying water and snacks is recommended for the walk.
🚫 Don't Touch the Art
The Indigenous rock art is ancient and fragile. Admire it from a distance to preserve it for future generations.
🚗 Parking Availability
Public parking is available near the cave, but can fill up during peak times. Arrive early if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk to the cave is a Grade 4 and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While there are picnic areas, carrying water and snacks is recommended for the walk.
🚫 Don't Touch the Art
The Indigenous rock art is ancient and fragile. Admire it from a distance to preserve it for future generations.
🚗 Parking Availability
Public parking is available near the cave, but can fill up during peak times. Arrive early if possible.
🌳 Respect the Environment
Be mindful of the natural surroundings and avoid any actions that could damage the site or its ecosystem.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Red Hands Cave historically interesting, with clearly visible ancient Indigenous handprints and beautiful surrounding trails. While the cave itself is a short visit, the scenic walks and picnic areas enhance the experience. Some note the walk can be steep and express concern about the art's preservation due to visitor behaviour.
"The Red Hands Cave is a little rocky outcropping with some ancient Indigenous art work on it. Its easy to walk past and miss it as the surrounding costal views are stunning. Overall, not the most riveting site but historically interesting.
There's quite a nice trail and picnic area surrounding the cave, so I would recommend walking that. If you're in the area pop by and see it. It's amazing that something that old has kept that long."
Matt
"Clearly visible red hands and an easy hike to see them. Very educational as well. Beautiful trails in the area."
Elisabeth Lindsey
"Interesting cave art. Short 5 minute walk from public parking and picnic facilities."
Ray L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Red Hands Cave is located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Access is typically via West Head Road. You can drive to the Resolute picnic area, which is a short walk from the cave. Public transport options are limited, so a car is recommended.
Yes, there is public parking available at the Resolute picnic area, which is a short walk from the cave. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.
Driving from Sydney is the most convenient way. The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Follow signs for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and then West Head Road.
Yes, toilets are available at the Resolute picnic area, which is a short walk from the cave.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of Red Hands Cave is very limited. It's best to have a car for easy access to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and its attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park generally requires a park entry fee, which can be paid daily or annually. Check the NSW National Parks website for current fees. The cave itself does not have a separate admission charge.
Red Hands Cave is located within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening hours for the cave itself, but it's best visited during daylight for safety and visibility.
Yes, there is typically a park entry fee for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This fee contributes to the maintenance and conservation of the park. You can usually pay at entry points or online.
While there might not be specific guided tours to Red Hands Cave, Indigenous cultural tours operate in the wider Sydney region that may include similar sites. It's worth researching local Indigenous tourism operators.
The cave is an outdoor natural site within a national park, so it's accessible whenever the park is open. However, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the art.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk to Red Hands Cave is classified as a Grade 4 walk, meaning it can be steep and challenging in parts. It's a relatively short walk, taking about 30 minutes from West Head, but requires sturdy footwear.
The walk to the cave is short, and viewing the art itself takes only a few minutes. However, many visitors combine this with a longer walk in the area or a picnic, so allow at least 1-2 hours for the overall experience.
The main attraction is the ancient Indigenous rock art, featuring clearly visible red hand stencils. The surrounding area also offers beautiful coastal scenery and walking trails.
The walk can be steep, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, older children can enjoy the walk and the educational aspect of seeing ancient art.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable walking shoes. A camera is also recommended to capture the scenery, but remember to be respectful of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting for photography. However, the primary focus is the art, which is visible throughout the day.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use, but always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Avoid using flash directly on the ancient artwork, as it can be damaging.
You can photograph the iconic red hand stencils, the cave's natural rock formations, and the stunning coastal landscapes surrounding the area.
The handprints are generally quite visible, making it relatively easy to capture them. However, the angle and lighting can affect the clarity, so experiment with different viewpoints.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the specific regulations for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🏛️ History and Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
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Social
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