Berowra to Bobbin Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

8.7 km One way

473 m

Hard track

Following Cowan Creek, this walk is one of the most pleasant in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with great views over the water as well as nice views from the ridge at Berowra. Be sure to stop at the cafe for a cuppa in Bobbin Head before going home. Apple Tree Bay is also a very pleasant spot to take a break and enjoy the day.

View of freeway from near Berowra Station

The Bridge over the SydneyNewcastle Freeway

Top most hairpin bend in the Berowra Track

Walking along the Berowra Track east of the Waratah Gully crossing

Rusty hulk of Windybank boat in Waratah Bay

Footings for Windybank's old boatshed in Waratah Bay

Mushroom on Berowra Track beside Cowan Creek

Orange Fungus growing beside Cowan Creek

Walking along the edge of one of many bays on Cowan Creek

Track beside Cowan Creek north of Winson Bay

Berowra track north of int with Mt Kuring-gai track

View of Cowan creek near Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks

Historic steps near the Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks

Rocky gully crossing north of Apple Tree Bay

Picnic area on the north side of Apple Tree Bay

Berowra Track sign north of Apple Tree Bay

Bridge crossing Apple Tree Creek and Bay

Looking across Apple Tree Bay from the boat ramp

Glimpse of Bobbin Head from Apple Tree Bay Road

Lower end of Cockle Creek lookout track.

(0km) Berowra Railway Station → End of the old Berowra Parade

200 m

3 mins

-5m Easy track

From the front of Berowra Station[1], this walk follows the footpath[2][3] between the Pacific Highway and railway line, whilst keeping the highway to your left. After about 50m this walk comes to 'Berowra Parade'[4] marked with a large 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' information sign and map[5]. Here the walk turns right and follows the little used road down over railway bridge[6][7] then around the green metal gate[8] to cross over the F3 on a large concrete bridge[9]. On the other side of the freeway this walk comes to a small clearing marked with a large 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Berowra Track' sign[10].

(0km) End of the old Berowra Parade → Waratah Gully Crossing

1.2 km

29 mins

31m

-167m Hard track

Veer right: From the clearing, this walk follows the track beside the large 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Berowra Track' sign[11] heading directly away from the freeway[12]. The track is initially slightly overgrown and leads over a series of concrete drains[13]. The track then leads gently down through a tall casuarina and eucalypt stand[14] for about 30m to come to the edge of an unfenced cliff, with filtered valley views[15]. Here the walk turns left and leads gently down along the clear track[16] and beside a long rock wall (on your left)[17] for about 150m to a sharp right hand bend[18]. From here the track becomes a little steeper and continues through a series of 9 more hairpin bends[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] for 800m becoming moderately steep and passing through a grass tree forest[28] to come beside Waratah Gully creek[29]. Here the track flattens out and heads down through the canyon like gully for 100m then down some stone steps[30] to the Waratah Gully creek[31] crossing. The walk crosses the slippery sandstone creek bed at the site of an old bridge to find a small constructed sandstone buttress on the far side[32]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.

(1km) Waratah Gully Crossing → Waratah Bay

760 m

15 mins

-64m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the sandstone buttress on the south side of Waratah Creek[33], this walk follows the clear and mostly flat track down through the steep sided canyon like gully[34], keeping the creek steeply below and to your left[35]. After passing through the dense moist forest for about 500m the rocky track leads over an exposed section of old pipes[36] then 70m later the track comes to the start of Waratah Bay[37]. Here the rocky track continues to lead beside the bay, keeping the water to your left[38] for 80m to pass a 'No Camping' and a 'Gas fires only' sign[39]. The walk now climbs up and over a short rocky rise[40] for about 35m to come back to the waters edge beside the rusted steel skeleton of a boat[41].

Waratah Bay

Waratah Bay sits on the eastern extent of Cowan Waters east of Berowra. The bay is home to a rusting metal boat hull[42], this boat marks the spot where the Edward Windybank and his family once worked and lived. Edward Windybank worked on the construction nearby railway line from 1886 to 87. Windybank also named the bay and acquired a life-long lease to use it. It seems that he built a small home, boat shed[45] and a narrow road up the hill. Windybank operate a boat building a hire business on site

(2km) Waratah Bay → Lords Bay headland

2.1 km

53 mins

143m

-150m Moderate track

Continue straight: From beside the rusty remnants of Windybank boat[47], this walk follows the track along the foreshore keeping the water to your left[48]. The track leads over a small rise for about 120m to come to a set of old peers[49] that once supported the Windybank's boat shed. There are other remnant of their home in the area[50]. The rocky track continues to undulate along the southern shoreline of Waratah Bay for about 400m passing some large boulders to where the track bends right, following the shoreline, to come alongside Cowan Creek[51]. This walk follows the rocky track as it leads upstream along the western shore of Cowan Creek for about 50m to pass a deep but short sandstone overhang[52] (on your right). Continuing to undulating along the rocky shoreline, this walk heads through the bracken ferns and tall forest for 500m to cross a shallow rocky gully[53]. About 180m later this walk veers right to follow the formal track[54] up the timber steps, over a rise to continue long the shoreline over a few more rises for 300m before crossing a deep moist gully[55] just beyond a large sandstone cave[56], just inside the northern headland of Lords Bay. The walk now leads along the northern shore into Lords bay for 250m to cross the usually small creek and densely forest gully[57] at the apex of Lords Bay. About 60m later the track crosses another usually small creek[58] on the slippery sandstone rocks to then follow the clear track[59] along the southern shoreline of Lords bay for 200m to a small rock platform[60] on the southern headland of Lords Bay.

(4km) Lords Bay headland → Cowan Creek View

1.9 km

49 mins

132m

-130m Hard track

Continue straight: From the small rock platform[61] on the southern headland of Lords Bay, this walk follows the track along foreshore keeping the water to your left for 350m to then head alongside a natural rock wall[62] (on your right) and a shorter wall (on your left). From here the walk continues along the foreshore for 400m to cross the rocky apex of Winson Gully bay[63] then along the southern foreshore of this bay for just shy of 200m to an unfenced flat rock with great views[64] down Cowan Creek. This walk now continues to follow the track for 200m past a small cave[65] to the where the track bends right at the southern headland of Winson Gully bay to continue along side Cowan Creek for 250m to pass a section of track where large sandstone boulders have been placed to stabilise the shoreline[66]. The track then bends right to follow the shoreline into another bay then along north shore of this bay for 300m to cross the usually shallow but wide (unnamed) creek flowing over sandstone platform and around boulders[67]. Now this walk follows the track out of the bay along the southern shoreline[68] past a section where more large rocks have been placed to protect the track[69] then up a few steps to a timber boardwalk[70] and viewing platform[71] on Cowan Creek.

Cowan Creek View

Cowan Creek View, is a timber platform[72] lookout on Cowan Creek. The lookout is on the northern side of a headland and provide great views[73] down along Cowan Creek. This is a great place to rest and enjoy the water views.

(6km) Cowan Creek View → Int of Berowra and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks

330 m

8 mins

27m

-7m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the viewing platform[74], this walk heads along the timber boardwalk[75] keeping Cowan Creek to your left. The boardwalk bends right where the walk then heads up some steps[76] and follows the rocky track as it undulates along the shoreline for 150m to pass close to a green channel marker[77]. From here the walk continues along shoreline for just over 160m to then head up some timber steps[78] and come to a signposted intersection[79] at the bottom of the the signposted 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Track'[80] (up to your right).

(6km) Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks → Apple Tree Bay

940 m

26 mins

66m

-82m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[81], this walk follows the clear track along the shoreline, keeping the water to your left. After about 40m this walk comes to a constructed stone wall[82] and series of disused stone steps (on your right)[83]. This is the site of the Woodnutts Boatshed that was built in 1910. The rusting water tank and a few other relics remain[85]. From here this walk continues along the shore line for just over 300m veering right a few times to pass over small rises using some timber steps[86] to then cross two small rock gully and grove of sassafras[87]. From this second gully the walk continues for 200m along side Cowan creek to here the now mostly flat track[88] tends right (still on the shoreline) and into Apple Tree Bay. The track then becomes rocky and leads up and down a series of stone steps for about 100m to find small fenced clearing and picnic area where a sign points back along the 'Berowra Track'[89]. Here the walk turns left and crosses Apple Tree Creek on the timber bridge[90] to find a sheltered 'Information' sign[91] on the other side. Now the walk leads past the top of the boat ramp[92] and wanders across the car park[93] just shy of 100m to find the kiosk at and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[94] at the main entrance to the parking area.

(7km) Apple Tree Bay Kiosk → Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesbury Track

170 m

3 mins

-4m Very easy

Turn left: From the Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[95], this walk follows the road out of the car park[96] and gently uphill keeping the water down to your left. After about 150m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina[97], on your left) to continue up the road for another 30m to find the intersection with the signposted 'Regional Office' track[98] (on your right).

(8km) Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesburry Track → Bobbin Inn

1.2 km

27 mins

67m

-64m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sealed road gently uphill. After just over 150m (and after passing a speed bump), this walk comes to the top of the rise where the road bends right[99]. Here the walk continues to follow the road gently downhill for 900m passing a few more speed bumps to then head between six sandstone pillars[100] at the edge of Orchard Park. The walk now heads through the car park[101] for about 100m passing between the toilet block[102] (on your right) and 'The Pavillion'[103] and other shelters (on your left) to come to a T-intersection with Bobbin Head Road. Here the walk crosses the road to find the 'information centre'[104] and then turns left to find the 'Bobbin Inn'[105] cafe at the back of the building, just before the carpark.

Bobbin Inn Cafe

At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[106], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[107], and a range of foods and drinks. Food includes fish and chips, wraps, focaccia, sandwiches and snack foods. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are also on offer. Opening hours are 9 - 4pm Mon to Fri (closed Tuesdays) & 9 - 5pm weekends. For more information, phone the cafe on 9457 7170. The NPWS Bobbin Head Information Centre is open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) 10 - 4pm (closed 12 - 12:30pm lunch). Ramp access[108][109] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Maps for the Berowra to Bobbin Head walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Berowra to Bobbin Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Berowra to Bobbin Head

Altitude analysis for Berowra to Bobbin Head

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	8.7 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.2km is very steep and the remaining 370m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 200m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 5km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 3.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 2.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (1.9km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Berowra to Bobbin Head walk.

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The wal

Total climbing: 281m

Hard track

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Exploring Cockle Creek at water level and Ku-ring-gai National Park from the ridge, this is an enjoyable short walk to Mt Kuring-gai. Pop into the cafe at Bobbin Head for a cup of coffee or a light meal. The short side trip to the lookout up on the ridge offers an amazing view. As there are no buses

Total climbing: 364m

Hard track

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

9.4 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

From the ridges above Cowan Creek, this walk takes in some great lookouts (especially around Mt Kuring-gai) as well as enjoying an extremely pleasant bush track along the creek. Easily accessible by public transport, this track gives walkers a good taste of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has t

Total climbing: 551m

Hard track

Sphinx to Mt Kuring-gai

10.7 km One way, 4 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts at the Sphinx War Memorial and follows some well maintained and popular walking tracks down to Cowan Creek. Enjoy the water views as you head through Bobbin Head and Apple Tree Bay. The walk continues through the National Park and up the hill to Mt Kuring-gai. There are plenty of

Total climbing: 673m

Hard track

Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting at the Sphinx War Memorial in North Turramurra, this walk follows a series of well-used tracks exploring the waterways and Bobbin Head. The walk drops through Bobbin Head picnic area before passing through Apple Tree Bay on its way to Mt Kuring-gai. The scenic views and variety of things to

Total climbing: 518m

Hard track

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

14.6 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

Starting in North Turramurra, this walk follows the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and down along the picturesque Cowan Creek. Bobbin Head makes a great spot to take a break and have some lunch at the cafe, kiosk or picnic area. From Bobbin Head, the track continue

Total climbing: 852m

Hard track

Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai

14.7 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Starting with a walk through the streets of Wahroonga, this walk then heads bush, following the Gibberagong Track to Bobbin Head. After a picnic or a bite to eat from the kiosk, the walk then heads up the Birrawanna track to lead to Apple Tree Bay. From here the track follows the picturesque Cowan

Total climbing: 607m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Berowra to Bobbin Head walk.

Berowra to Berowra Waters

5.7 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This pleasant walk follows the Great North Walk from Berowra Station down to Berowra Waters. On this walk you will spend much of the time on ridges enjoying scattered views across the Berowra Creek Valley, there are especially good views from Naa Badu Lookout. The walk crosses a few moist and cool

Total climbing: 287m

Hard track

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

12.9 km One way, 6 hrs

With train station at each end this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk so be sure to allow enough time. Berowra Wate

Total climbing: 884m

Hard track

Berowra to Hornsby

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 18 mins

One of the longer day walks in Berowra Valley National Park, this walk mostly follows Berowra Creek along the Great North Walk. Excellent views of the creek can be expected, especially at places like Crosslands and Fishponds. Be sure to pace yourself and take regular breaks. Crosslands and Tunks Rid

Total climbing: 1423m

Hard track

Barnetts Lookout

420 m Return, 15 mins

A very pleasant and easy stroll along a path to a stunning view. Starting from Barnetts Road car park you follow the footpath through the picnic area, past the playground then meander gently downhill through the open forest among the scribbly gum trees. You soon discover a fenced lookout platform

Total climbing: 14m

Very easy

Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

980 m Return, 30 mins

This great walk starts from Crosslands Reserve. The walk follows a section of the Great North Walk along an old road, timber boardwalk and firm dirt tracks to a lovely timber lookout platform on the edge of Berowra Creek. Along the way are signs providing interesting information about the mangroves

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

Crosslands to Berowra Waters return

13.7 km Return, 6 hrs

This return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows the Great North Walk along Berowra creek. The walk includes some boardwalks. After climbing up the side of the valley, the walk comes back down into Berowra Waters. Here you can enjoy lunch by Berowra Creek, at the Garden House restaura

Total climbing: 1005m

Hard track

Crosslands to Cowan

14 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Crosslands camping area and winds north alongside Berowra creek, passing through Berowra Waters and climbing up into Cowan. This day walk provides great views of the Berowra creek from the Naa Badu lookout and, as it finishes at the Cowan train st

Total climbing: 1103m

Hard track

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This half day return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows a section of the Great North Walk along side Berowra creek, across boardwalks and bush tracks, before climbing steeply up the side of the valley to the Naa Badu Lookout. The lookout provides a great view down, across the valley

Total climbing: 561m

Hard track

Crosslands to Brooklyn

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

From the Crosslands Reserve, this walk heads along the Great North Walk via Berowra Waters, Cowan, Jerusalem Bay and onto Brooklyn. This is one of the prettiest multi-day walks in the area. The walk explores two rivers and ridge tops, giving a great variety of views. The campsite is not the best, a

Total climbing: 1757m

Hard track

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This is a hilly walk out of the beautiful Berowra Waters valley to Cowan Station. There are many wide views across Berowra Creek providing some great excuses for well deserved rest stops. Take your time to enjoy the views, and rock formations, and creek crossings along the way as the track leads a

Total climbing: 597m

Hard track

Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

13.4 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This Cowan to Brooklyn Station walk is a popular section of the Great North Walk, with scenery ranging from foreshore to ridge top lookouts. You will follow the Great North Walk from Cowan Station down to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay, then climb up over a series of ridges before descending into Bro

Total climbing: 654m

Hard track

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and

Total climbing: 1523m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Berowra to Bobbin Head walk starts at the Berowra Railway Station (gps: -33.623159, 151.15329)

Train. (get details)

Car. The train station is on the Pacific Hwy about 10 km north of Hornsby. There is parking in the area (although this can fill up mid week with commuters). Parking is permitted in many of the back streets. (get details)

The Berowra to Bobbin Head ends at the Bobbin Inn (gps: -33.659694, 151.15912)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,

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