Bobbin Head track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

5 km One way

94 m

Moderate track

This walk from the Turramurra entry to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this is an alternative way to get down to Bobbin Head. This walk mostly follows the old road down to Bobbin Head, starting along the flat management trail with its red dirt and high heath. About halfway along, the track becomes steeper as it winds down the hill, and then joins up with a bush track leading through the rocks to Warrimoo track, which you then follow to Bobbin Head.

Top of the bushtrack at the lower end of Bobbin head trail

Bushtrack at lower end of Bobbin Head trail

View from the lower end of Bobbin Head trail

(0km) Int of Bobbin Head Road and the Bobbin Head track → Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks

60 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

From Bobbin Head Road, about 100 north of the toll booth, the walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Track' sign up through the metal gate and along the dirt management trail for a short while to the signposted intersection of the 'Sphinx track' (a management trail).

(0km) Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks → Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site

1.5 km

25 mins

19m

-17m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Trail' sign[1] gently up along the wide trail, keeping the power lines[2] (through the trees) to your right. This trail was part of original road down to Bobbin Head, now closed to traffic it gently undulates along the ridge past some scribbly gums and among the tall heath for just over 400m to pass under some power lines[3]. Just over 150m later this walk veers left at the Y-intersection[4] and continues along the trail for another 300m to pass under the same set of power lines again[5]. Just shy of 150m later the trail passes under two sets of high tension power lines[6][7]. From here the trail bends right and continues for almost 300m pass under the smaller set of power lines[8] again, then just 90m later the trail leads to an intersection with a short track[9] (on the left) that leads to the the signposted 'The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site'[10].

Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site

The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted[11] off the side of the old Bobbin Head Road and is home to a series of engravings on a sandstone rock platform. The engravings are behind a series timber log barriers[12] designed to reduce further wear on these faint engravings, please stay off the engravings area. If you look carefully you may see the engravings of a wallaby, gliding possum, bird, goanna the Information board also shows there are two emus[14]. More info.

(2km) Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site → Water Tank

1.3 km

22 mins

21m

-28m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail north east, away from the power lines, initially keeping the engraving site on your left[15]. The walk continues along the ridge top for 400m passing through a mixed eucalypt forest[16] to pass a small bulldozed clearing[17] (on your left), then just 500m later the trail leads under a set of power lines[18] again. The trail leads gently downhill for about 80m to pass a larger clearing and turning area[19] to head more steeply downhill along the trail for just shy of 250m, following a metal pipe[20], to come alongside a large disused concrete water tank[21].

(3km) Water Tank → int. near gate on Bobbin head trail

1.4 km

31 mins

28m

-140m Moderate track

Continue straight: From beside of the water tank, this walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the wide trail[22] following a metal pipe[23]. After about 170m the trail bends sharply right[24] and passes a faint track (that follows the pipeline[25]) then 60m later the trail bends sharply left[26]. The trail continues in a similar way winding downhill for 400m to pass under the power lines[27] again, then over the next 100m the trail bends bends left again to pass under the same set of power lines again, this time with good views over Cowan Creek[28]. Over the next 250m the trail bends sharply right[29] then sharply left[30], where it passes under the same set of power lines[31] once again. The trail continues to wind downhill for another 250m to pass under the same set of power lines again[32]. Here the trail continues for another 80m to come to a locked gate with a 'Service Trail' sign[33] (on your left), where there is a track ahead marked with a 'Bobbin Head' sign[34].

(4km) int. near gate on Bobbin Head trail → Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks

200 m

8 mins

-48m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' sign[35], down the rocky track and series of stone steps[36]. The track soon flattens out on a rock platform[37] with views over Cowan Creek and the marina[38]. Here the track bends right then winds downhill passing more pleasant rock formations[39] for about 60m where this track then follows parallel (just above another track) for a short distance before heading down a set of concrete steps[40] to a T-intersection with the signposted 'Warrimoo Track'[41].

(4km) Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks → Empire Marina

170 m

3 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[42] along the mostly flat track following the foreshore, keeping the water and boats to your right. After about 30m this walk follows a fence and handrail[43] behind a dry dock[44] for 40m. Here the track narrows a bit to head between the rock face and buildings[45] for 100m to turn right at a 'Warrimo Track' sign[46] and a yellow painted walker (on the ground). Here the walk heads through the hallway, past the public toilets[47] to the water front of Empire Marina, beside the 'Kiosk'[48] (on your right).

Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe

Empire Marina, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, provides facilities and services for people on boats and on foot. The marina is home to "Galley Foods" kiosk and restaurant. The kiosk provides a variety of food priced between $4-$16, and is open from 8:30am to 5pm seven days. The restaurant requires reservations, and is open for lunch Thurs-Mon, breakfast on the weekend, and in dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Phone 9457 0477 More info.

(5km) Empire Marina → Bobbin Inn

420 m

8 mins

13m

-10m Very easy

Turn left: From beside the Kiosk at Empire Marina[49], this walk follows the concrete path keeping keeping the water just to your right[50]. After about 20m this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[51] along the elevated path past a series of information signs [52][53][54][55][56][57][58] about the local heritage, beside the car park for 150m to leave the marina through the lockable gate[59]. This gate is locked outside of 'park operating hours'[60], that is 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and 5.30pm to 6am at other times of the year. Here the walk passes a sign pointing back to the 'Warrimmo Track'[62] and continues along the waterside then through the car park for another 60m to find another sign pointing back to 'Warrimoo Track', next to the 'Pay Here' station[63].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the driveway[64] out of the car park a short distance to the intersection with Bobbin Head Road, just beside the bridge. Here there is a toilet block[65] (ahead and on the left), a shelter and phone both[66] (just to your left).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath beside the road over the wide bridge[67], crossing Cowan Creek[68]. On the far side of the bridge, this walk continues beside the road along side 'Orchard Park'[69] to pass a side road (on the left)[70]. Just 60m later along the main road (Ku-ring-gai Chase Road) this walk comes to the end of a small set of car parks just beside the 'Bobbin Inn' building[71] (on your left), home to cafe and 'information centre'.

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'[72], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[73]. 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[74] and dotted with picnic tables[75][76], electric BBQs[77], shelters and a large playground[78]. There are toilets[79]

[Toilet Accessible]

nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[80][81] that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[83] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[84], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[85], 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[86] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[87] and public toilets[88].

Bobbin Inn Cafe

At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[89], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[90], 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[91][92] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Maps for the Bobbin Head 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 Bobbin Head track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bobbin Head 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	5 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
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

3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.6km has short steep hills. The remaining (420m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

4.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 420m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (200m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 3.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

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

Warrimoo Track to Bobbin Head

6.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

The Warrimoo Track is a great walk for exploring the upper reaches of Cowan Creek. This walk wanders down the ridge to follow the bank of Cowan Creek to Bobbin Head. There are many different views to be seen and a variety of flora and fauna throughout makes this walk quite interesting. Enjoy a cool

Total climbing: 280m

Moderate track

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Bobbin head

9.4 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant walk starts in North Turramurra and follows the Darri and Warrimoo tracks into the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk follows the picturesque Cowan Creek through one of the most serene parts of the park, and finishes at Bobbin Head, a great place to enjoy the cafe or have a pic

Total climbing: 457m

Moderate track

Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks

9.6 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This great walk starts at the Sphinx Memorial and loops around via Cowan Creek, exploring diverse environments as it changes altitude. There is an optional side trip to the Empire Marina and cafe for a recharge before the climb back up to the Sphinx. This walk provides some great water views of th

Total climbing: 499m

Moderate 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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

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

Warrimoo Track to the Sphinx

3.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk offers a great way to explore most of the Warrimoo Track and also visit the Sphinx War Memorial. The walk winds down to Cowan Creek, providing some great views as the creek becomes wider. The journey continues up the steep hill through various bush environments before arriving at the Sph

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate track

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

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

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

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

Clarinda St dog walking trail

499 m One way, 15 mins

This short walk links Clarinda St and Simon Pl in Hornsby Heights. The walk follows a management trail and is one of three dog friendly walks in Berowra Valley Regional Park. Starting at the wetlands at the end of Clarinda St you follow the Great North Walk alternate route until the turn off to th

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

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

Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial

6.6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This nice walk starts from North Turramurra and follows the Darri and Warrimoo tracks into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk follows Cowan Creek through the lush green forest, then takes the Sphinx Track, climbing out of the valley to the war memorial, finishing on Bobbin Head Road.

Total climbing: 366m

Moderate track

Darri Track

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Named after the traditional owners, the Darri People, this track starts at Bedford Ave, Turramurra. The track follows a narrow piece of bushland along the upper reaches of Cowan Creek, into Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The official Darri track finishes at the intersection with Warrimoo track,

Total climbing: 200m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bobbin Head track walk starts at the Int of Bobbin Head Road and the Bobbin Head track (gps: -33.687867, 151.15228)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Bobbin Head track ends at the Bobbin Inn (gps: -33.659696, 151.15912)

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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