Birrawanna Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.4 km Return

262 m

Moderate track

This pleasant walk starts near the kiosk at Bobbin Head, climbing the sandstone stairs and then follows a defined track to the Kalkari Discovery Centre. Kalkari is well worth spending some time exploring, with opportunities to learn about and mix with the local flora and fauna.

Birrawana trackhead behind kiosk at Bobbin Head

Intersection of the Kalkari and Regional Office Tracks

Bobbin Inn Cafe

At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[1], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[2], 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[3][4] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Bobbin Head

Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn'[5], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[6]. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east). Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park[7] and dotted with picnic tables[8][9], electric BBQs[10], shelters and a large playground[11]. There are toilets[12]

[Toilet Accessible]

nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[13][14] that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[16] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[17], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[18], each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups. The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina[19] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[20] and public toilets[21].

(0km) Bobbin Head Kiosk → Int of Birrawanna and Regional Office tracks

1.1 km

32 mins

156m

-14m Moderate track

From behind 'Bobbin Inn'[22], this walk follows the brick paved footpath[23], away from the water and Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd to the stone steps marked[24] with a 'Welcome to the Birrawanna Track' sign[25] (about halfway between the 'Gibberagong Centre' and 'Bobbin Inn'). From here this walk head up the sandstone steps[26] then along the rocky track as it starts to zig-zag uphill for about 60m to then follow a metal handrail up some steps[27]. About 30m from the top of these steps, this walk heads through a tunnel formed under a sandstone overhang[28] then just another 30m later the track leads to a flat sandstone rock platform beside a large angophora with filtered views over Cowan Creek[29]. Here the track bends left then continues to wind up a series of timber[30] and stone[31] steps for about 300m where the track mostly flattens out[32] for about 100m before head fairly gently uphill again[33] for another 80m to pass an intersection with an informal track[34] in a casuarina forest (on your left). Soon after this intersection, this walk leads between to piles of disused stone blocks[35] and continues following the clear track up through the tall wooded forest for 400m to a three-way intersection (where a sign points back down to 'Bobbin Head'[36]).

(1km) Int of Birrawanna and Regional Office tracks → Int of Birrawanna track and powerline service trail

230 m

6 mins

23m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari' sign[37] gently uphill along the sandy track. This track winds uphill, up a number of timber steps[38] for just shy of 250m where the track flattens out and leads under a set of power lines[39]. Just shy of 20m past these power lines this walk comes to a four-way intersection (where a 'Bobbin Head' arrow post[40] points back along the track).

(1km) Int of Birrawanna track and powerline service trail → Kalkari Discovery Centre

920 m

19 mins

40m

-29m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari Visitor Centre' sign[41] along the track, over the metal pipe[42] and away from from power lines[43]. The track gently undulates through the wooded forest following the occasional timber step[44] for just over 350m to come to the NW corner of the Kalkari enclosure fence[45]. Here the walk follows the fence[46] for 150m to step step up onto a rock platform[47] and continue along the fence[48] for just shy of 400m to the SW corner enclosure[49]. This walk now follows the short track to car park[50] then walks through the car park, past the 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' map[51] to the entrance of 'Kalkari'[52].

Kalkari Discovery Centre

Kalkari Discovery Centre[53] is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, Mt Colah. The discovery center is staffed by volunteers from Chase Alive. The center boasts some interesting flora and fauna displays inside[54], and out the back is a large enclosure with emu, kangaroos and other native animals roaming around. Take time to explore the wheelchair-accessible circuit within the fence. There are toilets

[Toilet]

at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

, seats

[Seat]

and drinking fountain

[Potable Water]

at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays

[Parking Accessible]

Maps for the Birrawanna Track 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
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 Birrawanna Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Birrawanna Track

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	4.4 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 1.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.1km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 230m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.2km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 230m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Birrawanna Track 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

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This great circuit walk enjoys some views of Cowan Creek and explores the many ferns through the open forest. The walk starts at the Kalkari Discovery Centre and follows the Birrawanna Loop Track down to Bobbin Head, a large picnic area with kiosk, toilets, BBQ's and more. The walk then continues u

Total climbing: 298m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Birrawanna Track walk.

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great walk for visitors looking for a reasonably short adventure after lunch. The leisurely walk starts from the cafe and information centre at Bobbin Head and follows the Warrimoo Track up the hill to the Cockle Creek Lookout, before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 94m

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

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

552 m Return, 15 mins

This is a short and pretty walk that can be enjoyed by everyone. It makes a nice addition to a picnic or paddle at Bobbin Head. Starting from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, you will enjoy great views of Cockle Creek from the bridge, then meander along the boardwalk through the mang

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

1.6 km Return, 40 mins

This pleasant walk starts from the southern end of Bobbin Head, and enjoys blend of mangrove and rainforest environs. The well-signposted track gives you the opportunity to see the mangrove wildlife up close, and also a historic Aboriginal axe grinding stone and some temperate rainforest.

Total climbing: 82m

Moderate track

Kalkari Discovery trail

798 m Circuit, 30 mins

This pleasant walk starts with a wander through the interesting Kalkari Discovery Center. Enjoy the displays and chat with the volunteers before heading out the back door to find the rest of the walk. The walk follows the concrete path past more information signs and a lovely pond. As you wander t

Total climbing: 25m

Very easy

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk explores three valleys, with great displays of wild flowers in spring, and some nice sandstone overhangs. The section between Mt Kuring-gai and the end of Calna Creek is particularly nice, and Naa Badu Lookout is well worth the small side trip. Take the time to enjoy the many creek side r

Total climbing: 553m

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

17.2 km One way, 8 hrs

Ridge tops, grasslands, creek crossings and spectacular views are all part of this walk as it ventures from the ridge above Berowra Creek down to water level and back up again. Take the short and free ferry ride across the creek to get lunch at Berowra Waters. Conserve your energy for the steep sect

Total climbing: 1147m

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

9.4 km Return, 4 hrs

From the ridge above Berowra Creek, this walk goes steeply down into the valley following Calna Creek. The narrow bush track section is quite beautiful with plenty of small creek crossings and sandstone overhangs. The grasslands section, just before coming to the junction of Calna and Berowra Creeks

Total climbing: 425m

Hard track

The Wilkins Track

5.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk follows a well-defined management trail to one of the best views of Cowan Creek in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. At the halfway point, there is a great spot to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery and the surrounds.

Total climbing: 130m

Moderate track

The Perimeter Trail to Smiths Creek

16.1 km Return, 6 hrs

This walk to Smiths Creek follows a wide trail for most of the way, however it is well worth the walk, for Smiths Creek is a lovely spot with open grasslands and a creek to explore. The optional side trip to Wilkins Viewpoint is also worthwhile, with a fabulous view into Cowan Creek - consider incl

Total climbing: 576m

Moderate track

Perimeter Trail

7.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This Perimeter Trail walk contours gently around the northern side of Terrey Hills on a wide mostly level trail, with occasional views across Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. However, it is the side trips that make this walk truly worthwhile - if you are only going to do one side trip, the lookdown into

Total climbing: 214m

Moderate track

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This Perimeter Trail walk to Wilkins Viewpoint, near Terrey Hills offers a beautiful view into the waters of Cowan Creek. The setting and views at Wilkins Viewpoint are worth the walking, which is mostly along wide trails. This is a good walk in which to see some typical Ku-ring-gai Chase National

Total climbing: 137m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Birrawanna Track walk starts and ends at the Bobbin Head Kiosk (gps: -33.659699, 151.15912)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<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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