Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial

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2 hrs 45 mins

6.6 km One way

366 m

Moderate track

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.

Entering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Bottom of Sphinx Walking track (Warrimoo Track)

(0km) Bedford Ave, Turramurra → Int. Darri Track and Malborough Rd Servicetrail

490 m

9 mins

-25m Easy track

From opposite 18 Bedford Ave, this walk follows the service trail around the metal gate and past the 'Terramerragal Reserve' sign, soon passing the information sign about the Darri Track. This wide track winds down the hill and crosses a small creek, and then follows Cowan Creek downstream. After passing through the dense bush, enjoying the occasional view of the small creek (and avoiding a small false track off to the right), this track comes to an intersection with a service trail coming in from the left, at the concrete ditch.

(0km) Int. of Darri Track and Malborough Rd Servicetrail → Cowan Creek and Darri track Int.

1 km

21 mins

27m

-47m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail that heads up the hill and away from Cowan Creek. The trail soon turns to the right and starts to flatten out. Just before the trail starts heading downhill, it comes to an intersection with a small bush track coming down from the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the service trail, passing a large Scribbly Gum on the right and then heading down the hill. The track continues to wind down to the bottom of the valley where it crosses Cowan Creek and continues along the other side, steadily climbing up the side of the valley until coming to the intersection of the Glengarry Road service trail, and a Darri Track information sign.

(2km) Cowan Creek and Darri track Int. → Tokanue Place Track Intersection

230 m

5 mins

17m

-5m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail heading north-east up the hill, climbing up the side of the valley for a short while until it flattens out and comes to the intersection with the Tokanue Place access trail at the large metal gate.

(2km) Tokanue Place Track Intersection → Waipori Street Track Intersection

330 m

9 mins

31m

-19m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail heading north-east, keeping the asphalt service trail on the right, winding around the back of some houses and through the bush for a while until it comes to the intersection of the Waipori Street service trail.

(2km) Waipori Street Track Intersection → Gould Avenue Creek crossing

400 m

9 mins

21m

-27m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Darri Track' sign past the 'Terramerragal Reserve' sign and along the service trail, heading through the bush and down the long gentle hill, until it comes to the intersection of the lower valley link trail at the information sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail past the "No Through Road" sign and along the side of the hill, gently undulating until it comes to a small creek crossing, where the service trail becomes a bush track.

(2km) Gould Avenue Creek crossing → Int of Darri and Timbarra Road tracks

720 m

18 mins

63m

-18m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of the service trail, this walk crosses the small creek and continues along the bush track, winding up the long hill, keeping the metal handrail on the right. The walk continues up the rocky hill, and up a metal staircase to a flat rock platform at the top. From here, the track turns left onto the rock platform and continues along the bush track, passing a 'Kuringai Chase National Park' sign before dropping down a small hill then continuing up some rock steps. From the top of the steps, the walk follows the bush track through the gum trees until it comes to a 'Y' intersection with another bush track at a Darri Track marker.

(3km) Int of Darri and Timbarra Road tracks → Int of Darri and Warrimoo Tracks

530 m

10 mins

-22m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, heading north past some blackened gum trees and through the bush, undulating gently for a while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Warrimoo Track'.

(4km) Int of Darri and Warrimoo Tracks → Sonja Huddles Chair

850 m

18 mins

-92m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Bobbin Head arrow along the service trail (heading north west). The trail meanders through the bush for a while before winding steadily down a long hill to the end of the ridge. Here, the trail comes to a Memorial Chair at a lookout over Cowan Creek.

(5km) Sonja Huddles Chair → Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks

520 m

12 mins

12m

-57m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Memorial Chair, the walk heads down the rock steps and follows the bush track. The track winds steeply down the rocky hill and crosses Cowan Creek at the stepping stones. The track then continues along the edge of the creek (keeping the creek to the right) until coming to the signposted intersection with the Sphinx Track.

(5km) Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks → Int of Sphinx walking Track and management trail

1.1 km

25 mins

140m

-17m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Track - Nth. Turramurra' sign[1] uphill along the clear rocky track. The track zig-zags quite steeply up a series of timber and stone steps[2] for almost 250m to then pass under the high tension power lines[3]. Here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill crossing a few pleasant rock platforms[4] for 130m to cross a small often dry creek on a sandstone rock platform[5]. Now the track leads gently uphill along the side of the valley among the grass trees[6] for almost 200m to cross a usually larger but still fairly small creek on a sandstone rock platform[7]. The walk then heads up a series of and carved stone and timber steps[8] for about 50m where the track mostly flattens out[9] for about 30m to come to a shallow sandstone overhang[10] (on your left). Just shy of 150m past this cave, the track leads between two tall eucalyptus[11] then follows the rocky track[12] and series of timber steps[13] uphill for another 300m to a T-intersection with a wide trail, marked with a 'Sphinx Walking Track' sign[14] pointing back down the track.

(6km) Int of Sphinx walking Track and Service trail → Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail

10 m

0m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the wide trail, for just over 10m to an intersection with an asphalted path (on your left), marked with a 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[15] sign pointing back down the trail.

(6km) Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail → Sphinx Memorial

60 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection this walk follows the asphalt footpath, gently uphill directly away from the face of the 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[16] sign. The footpath leads for about 50m to head behind the picnic tables[17] and come to the sandstone 'Sphinx Memorial'[18].

Sphinx Memorial

Private Shirley spent one and a half years carving this monument whilst a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital. William Shirley was in hospital, being treated after serving in WW1. Shirley died in 1929, leaving this memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades. "To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F by the late W. Shirley No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion Died 27th August 1928" More info.

(6km) Sphinx Memorial → Int of Bobbin Head and the Sphinx Roads

370 m

7 mins

23m

0m Easy track

Veer right: From the picnic ground, this walk heads south-west, uphill along the footpath, until emerging onto the Sphinx Memorial Drive. At this point, there is a gate and a sign giving information on the local walks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the road, heading up the long gentle hill. The road flattens out and passes through some metal gates, coming to the intersection with Bobbin Head Road. The NPWS toll booth is just to the left.

Maps for the Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial 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 Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial

Altitude analysis for Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial

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	6.6 km
		Time	2 hrs 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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

3.3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (95m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

4.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (430m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial 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

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

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 Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial walk.

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

Cascades Track, return from St Ives

3.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores part of the northern section of Garigal National Park and the upper reaches of Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows a service trail from Douglas Street, St Ives, to cross Middle Harbour Creek, then explores a large rock platform with the Cascades. The cascades themselves are n

Total climbing: 171m

Moderate track

The Cascades Track (St Ives to Davidson)

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a section of Garigal National Park from St Ives following service trails through the forest and into the valley. The cascades, from which this track derives its name, are at the junction of Middle Harbour and Frenchs creeks. After taking time to explore the rock platform, this w

Total climbing: 117m

Moderate track

Quarry Rd Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

Starting at Cambourne Ave, St Ives, this walks explores the ridges and valleys of the upper reaches of the Middle Harbour Creek in Garigal National Park. The walk follows service trails, and crosses several creeks along the way. The Lower Cambourne waterhole is a great spot to rest and enjoy a sna

Total climbing: 245m

Hard track

The Cambourne Loop

4.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This pleasant walk starts in the outskirts of St Ives and follows several tracks to explore a section of the Garigal National Park. The walk follows the Upper Cambourne Track down into Garigal National Park, then the Lower Cambourne Track into the valley, and the Bare Creek Track, through the forest

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

Sheldon Forest Walk

1.8 km One way, 50 mins

This is a pleasant walk exploring the Sheldon Forest from the 1st Turramurra Scout Hall to Troon place in Pymble. The forest is one of the few remaining pieces of the Blue Gum high forest in the Sydney Basin, and is supported by community bushcare programs. This walk meanders through rainforest for

Total climbing: 33m

Moderate track

St Ives to Davidson Park via Casuarina Track

9 km One way, 4 hrs

This walk starts in St Ives and follows the Pipeline and Bungaroo tracks down to Middle Harbour Creek, crossing the creek at the stepping stones and continuing to Davidson Picnic area. Much of this walk follows Middle Harbour Creek, providing great water views and passing some interesting sandstone

Total climbing: 399m

Hard track

The Pipeline Track

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk explores the bush from St Ives, and follows the pipeline down the the banks of Middle Harbour. There are a few steep sections in the second half of the walk. This walk is an interesting way to get into the heart of Garigal National Park following the Founders track.

Total climbing: 206m

Moderate track

The Pipeline Way

4.7 km One way, 2 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant walk follows the pipeline, from Hunter Avenue in St Ives, to John Oxley Drive, Davidson. The walk follows the pipeline down into the valley and crosses Middle Harbour Creek (via a quick upstream detour to the Bungaroo Track crossing) before climbing out of the valley to John Oxley Driv

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

Bobbin Head track

5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 94m

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

The Bare Creek Track

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

This pleasant return walk starts from the outskirts of Belrose and follows the management trails through Garigal National Park to the bottom of the valley and along Bare Creek to the cascades. The cascades are a good place for a break before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 265m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial walk starts at the Bedford Ave, Turramurra (gps: -33.719333, 151.15008)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Darri and Warrimoo to the Sphinx Memorial ends at the Int of Bobbin Head and the Sphinx Roads (gps: -33.688744, 151.15235)

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,

Cowan Creek Reserve

Cowan Creek Reserve (aka Terramerragal Reserve) is a large reserve owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve is home to the Darri track and some wonderful stands of She-oak trees.

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