Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

40 mins

1.6 km Return

82 m

Moderate track

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.

Bridge over Cockle Creek in at Bobbin Head

Gibbergong track using stone stairs near the end of the boardwalk

Passing through the rock on the Gibbergong track

From Gibbergong track looking towards Bobbin Head

Intersection of Gibbergong and Rainforest track

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'[1], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[2]. 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[3] and dotted with picnic tables[4][5], electric BBQs[6], shelters and a large playground[7]. There are toilets[8]

[Toilet Accessible]

nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[9][10] that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[12] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[13], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[14], 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[15] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[16] and public toilets[17].

(0km) South End of Bobbin Head Park → End of the Mangroves Boardwalk

280 m

5 mins

-8m Very easy

From the far southern end of the Bobbin Head car park

[Parking Accessible]

[Wheelchair Rough]

, this walk follows the footpath behind the 'Gibberagong Track. Mangrove Boardwalk.' sign[18] (away from the car park and picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

) for about 20m to the sheltered 'Welcome to the Mangrove Boardwalk & Gibberagong Track' information sign[19]. Here the walk continues along the patterned concrete path beside the water for just under 20m to pass a bench seat

[Seat]

where the path bends right. After just shy of 20m the path leads past another bench seat

[Seat]

to find a sandstone cave (with a 1.9m clearance[20])with a 'Rock Solid?' information sign[21]. Here the path bends left and crosses Cockle Creek on a cable-stayed foot bridge[22]

[Wheelchair Steep]

. Enjoy the great water and cliff views from the bridge. The walk now follows the fenced timber boardwalk for about 25m to come to a viewing area[23] marked with a 'Teeming with life' information sign[24].
Continue straight: From the viewing area[25], this walk follows the timber boardwalk away from the fenced area initially keeping the main view of water to your left. This section of boardwalks does not have handrails or side capping

[Trip Hazard]

. Over the next 100m the boardwalk winds among the mangroves and saltmarsh[26] and past the 'Natural Recycler'[27] and 'Land Developers?'[28] information signs to come to the end of the boardwalk[29], marked with a 'More? You want more?' information sign[30]. There is a turning area for wheelchairs at the end of the boardwalk

[Trip Hazard]

(0km) End of the Mangroves Boardwalk → Aboriginal Axe Grindings

330 m

8 mins

23m

-17m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of the boardwalk, this walk heads past the 'More?' sign and up the timber ramp[31]. The rocky track then leads past a small sand stone overhang[32] then up some steps that lead through a cleft in the rock[33]. Here the walk leads across the top of the rock platform then follows the track uphill for just shy of 300m to the top of a rise[34] where the is a unfenced[35] view over the water[36] (just of the track to your right) Then over the next 80m the sandy track heads gently downhill along the ridge, before leading up a series of stone steps[37] where the track mostly flattens out to come to a the signposted Aboriginal 'Axe Grinding Grooves' site[38] (on a short detour track, on your left).

Aboriginal Axe Grindings

This protected site clearly shows 23 oval-shaped grooves that were worn by Indigenous Australian people, making axe heads from hard rock. Using a blank axe head, the Aboriginal people would use this rock platform, with water from the nearby creek, to sharpen the stone into a useful tool. The rubbing ground the axe head to a sharp edge and left behind these tell-tale signs. More info.

(1km) Aboriginal Axe Grindings → Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks

20 m

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the Aboriginal 'Axe Grinding Grooves' site[39] this walk follows the track gently uphill along the ridge, for just shy of 20m to come to a T-intersection where a 'Bobbin Head 500m' sign[40] points back downhill.

(1km) Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks → Bobbin Head Rainforest

190 m

5 mins

15m

-7m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rainforest 500m' sign[41] gently uphill along the clear track heading south east. After about 60m the track starts to lead gently down the side of the hill among the grass tree and eucalypt forest[42] for about 100m before leading down a series of timber steps into the more densely forest gully[43]. Here the walk comes to a sandstone rock bed[44] and creek in a pleasant rainforest setting[45].

Bobbin Head Rainforest

A well-protected piece of rainforest is found just a short walk from the popular Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The rainforest is distinct when compared to much of the dry eucalypt forests that dominate the area. The rainforest is beside a small creek, just below Bobbin Head Road, and is a safe haven for many birds that frequent the area.

Maps for the Bobbin Head Rainforest walk 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 Bobbin Head Rainforest walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

Altitude analysis for Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

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	1.6 km
		Time	40 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 520m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 300m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

520m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 280m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (20m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 820m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 820m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 820m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 820m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

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

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

Gibberagong Track

6.5 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Starting in suburban Wahroonga, this well-maintained track follows Cockle Creek down to Bobbin Head in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There are a number of great waterviews, and two short side trips to add to this venture. The lower section the walk follows a boardwalk, getting up close to the

Total climbing: 180m

Hard track

Bobbin Head Loop

12.9 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This great circuit walk enjoys a variety of landscapes in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk starts at the historic Sphinx war memorial and follows a series of popular walking tracks that loop around Bobbin Head, including historic Aboriginal engravings, temperate rainforest and a lookout. As

Total climbing: 619m

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 Bobbin Head Rainforest walk walk.

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

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.

Total climbing: 262m

Moderate track

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

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

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

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

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

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A less frequented track, this rough, steep bush track abounds with wildlife including goannas and black snakes. Slade Lookout is definitely worth the short trip along the management trail to see good views over the marina at Bobbin Head. The mangroves at Duffy's Wharf (Cowan Creek) are also teeming

Total climbing: 214m

Moderate track

The Slade Lookout Track

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

This is a short walk along a popular horse riding trail, going to a great lookout over Bobbin Head. The lookout is a lovely spot, so allow time just to sit on the boulders and enjoy the view.

Total climbing: 55m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bobbin Head Rainforest walk walk starts and ends at the South End of Bobbin Head Park (gps: -33.663293, 151.15709)

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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