Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

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Time 2 hrs 15 mins
Circuit 5.2 km Circuit
Climb 298 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
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 up through the bush to the National Park Regional Office, before returning to the Kalkari.
Kalkari Centre Start of the bushtrack Following the side of the animal enclosures Continuing through the bush Crossing under some powerlines Heading through the trees The Regional Office Track intersection Looking up the hill Down the steps Birrawana trackhead behind kiosk at Bobbin Head Kiosk at Bobbin Head Picnic shelter at Bobbin head Old Picnic area at base of Cockle Creek lookout track One of a few Birrawanna trackheads Steps and track passing cliff To Cockle Creek Lookout Following the side of the hill Continuing through the bush Birrawanna trackhead at regional office Climbing up the hill The Regional Office Track Heading through the bush Through the ferns Back to the Birrawanna Track

Kalkari Discovery Centre

Kalkari Discovery Centre
Kalkari Discovery Centre[1] 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[2], 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]Toilet

Separate male and female toilet blocks. Each block has entrance 101cm wide, hall is 91cm wide, 2 hand basins 87cm high, 2 toilet seats 42cm high. Male toilet has a urinal. No handrails.
[Toilet]Toilet

Shared male/female wheelchair accessible toilet. Entrance is 87cm wide (with 2cm step up), hand basin 85cm high, toilet seat 42cm high with a handrail, in a 1.57x1.64m room. The toilet is located behind a locked gate.
at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 75cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide (no backrest).
, seats
[Seat]Seat

A series of 4 timber slat bench seats, 44cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Seats are at the edge of a concrete path.
and drinking fountain
[Potable Water]Potable Water

A drinking fountain, 1m high, not working in June 2016.
at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays
[Parking Accessible]Parking Accessible

There are many car parking bays at the front of the Kalkari Visitor Center. There are two marked mobility parking bays, they are 3m wide and 5m deep with a rough asphalt surface.
.

(0km) Kalkari Discovery Centre → Int of Birrawanna and Regional Office tracks

distance 1.2 km time 25 mins climb 29m descent -63m Moderate track
From the front of the 'Kalkari' centre[3], this walk heads gently downhill through the car park, keeping the Ku-ring-gai Chase Road to your left, to walk past the 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' map[4] to the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[5] at the far end of the car park. This walk now follows the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[6] to the SW corner of the Kalkari enclosure fence[7] and follows the fence[8] for just shy of 400m to step down off a rock platform[9] and continue along the fence[10] for another 150m to the NW corner of the enclosure fence[11]. Here the walk leaves the fence and follows the track as it gently undulates through the wooded forest following the occasional timber step[12] for just over 350m to come to a clear four-way intersection where a sign points back to the 'Kalkari Visitor Centre'[13].
Continue straight: From the intersection this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow post[14] east along the track as it almost immediately passes under a set of power lines[15]. The track starts to wind downhill, down a number of timber steps[16] for about 250m where the sandy track flattens out again to come to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Kalkari' sign[17] point back up the hill.

(1km) Int of Birrawanna and Regional Office tracks → Bobbin Head Kiosk

distance 1.1 km time 32 mins climb 14m descent -156m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' sign[18] east and gently down through the tall wooded forest. After about 400m this track passes between two piles of disused sandstone blocks[19] then about 30m later leads past an intersection with an informal track[20] in a casuarina forest (on your right). The main track continues straight, gently downhill for 80m where this walk almost completely flattens out[21] for about 100m. The track then begins to wind down a series of timber[22] and stone[23] steps for about 300m to find a flat sandstone rock platform beside a large angophora with filtered views over Cowan Creek[24]. From here the rocky track bends right and heads downhill for another 30m to pass through a tunnel formed under a sandstone overhang[25], then about 30m further downhill this walk follows a metal handrail down some steps[26]. Here the track then zig-zags downhill for about 60m before heading down some sandstone stairs[27], where the track comes to the edge of the Bobbin Head clearing, marked with a 'Welcome to the Birrawanna Track' sign[28]. This walk now veers left and follows the brick paved footpath[29], to come to the now visible 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[30], just before Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd.

Bobbin Head

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'[31], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[32]. 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[33] and dotted with picnic tables[34][35], electric BBQs[36], shelters and a large playground[37]. There are toilets[38]
[Toilet Accessible]Toilet Accessible

Two accessible unisex toilet toilets. There are handrails, a basin with running water. Door is 90cm wide. Access is via concreate path from the carpark. The toilet is located at the edge of 'The Station' BBQ area.
nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[39][40] that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[42] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[43], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[44], 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[45] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[46] and public toilets[47].

Bobbin Inn Cafe

Bobbin Inn Cafe
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[48], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[49], 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[50][51] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

(2km) Bobbin Inn Cafe → Bottom of the Birrawana track steps

distance 160 m time 4 mins climb 30m descent 0m Easy track
Turn left: From the 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[52], this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' main entrance. From here this walk follows the 'Birrawana Loop Track'[53] alongside the road a few meters to find a metal 'Welcome to the Cockle Creek Lookout Track' sign and map[54]. Now the walk follows the track behind the safety barrier (keeping the road to your right) for about 70m to cross a small culverted creek[55] and pass a few old a couple of picnic tables[56] in a shaded and mossy gully. This walk continues for another 30m behind the safety barrier[57] to come to the bottom of the signposted 'Birrawanna Track'[58] steps.

(2km) Int of Birrawana track and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road → Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks

distance 300 m time 7 mins climb 38m descent -10m Hard track
Veer left: From beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road[59], this walk heads down a few steps to cross a small flat concrete bridge[60], to then follow the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[61] up the timber steps. This walk leads quite steeply up the track as it zig-zags up a series of timber and rock steps[62][63] for just over 300m to find the top of small rocky ridge[64]. Here the walk leads down a series of timber steps[65] for about 50m to cross a moist gully[66] that is home to a disused telegraph pole[67]. Now this walk follows the clear rocky track leads uphill[68] for just shy of 200m to come to a faint intersection at the top of the ridge[69] (where the lookout track is on your right).

(3km) Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks → Cockle Creek Lookout

distance 110 m time 3 mins climb 1m descent -15m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the rocky track, east along the top of the ridgeline towards the rocky outcrop[70]. After about 50m this walk passes through a gap between two large rock outcrops[71], then around another rock to wind gently down the hill for just shy of 50m to come to an unfenced rock ledge overlooking Cockle Creek[72]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Cockle Creek Lookout

Cockle Creek Lookout
Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.

(3km) Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks → Birrawana Loop Int (behind the Regional Office)

distance 370 m time 9 mins climb 24m descent -25m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north gently down hill for a few meters to follow an NPWS arrow post[73] along the clear track. After just shy of 100m this track bends left[74] to then gently undulate along the side of the hill (with the road down to your right)[75] for about 300m. Here the track mostly flattens out and contours around the side of the hill[76] for about 150m to then lead up a very gently hill to a signposted three way intersection. The intersection is beside a small clearing behind the regional office (on your right) and is marked with a 'Cockle Creek Lookout' and 'Bobbin Head' sign[77] pointing back along the track.

(3km) Birrawana Loop Int → Int of Regional Office and Link tracks

distance 520 m time 12 mins climb 78m descent -4m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari' arrow[78] along the track which climbs up the ridge. The track winds steeply up the long, rocky hill until it climbs up through a cleft in a rock, then flattens out. A short distance later, the track again starts to climb up the ridge, winding up a long set of wooden steps. The track then flattens again and comes to an intersection and a sign pointing back towards 'Regional Office'[79].

(4km) Int of Regional Office and Link tracks → Kalkari Discovery Centre

distance 1.6 km time 34 mins climb 85m descent -40m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow[80] along the track, winding down and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to the left. After a while, the track comes to an intersection with the Birrawanna track, and a sign pointing back towards 'Regional Office'[81].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari' sign[82] gently uphill along the sandy track. This track winds uphill, up a number of timber steps[83] for just shy of 250m where the track flattens out and leads under a set of power lines[84]. Just shy of 20m past these power lines this walk comes to a four-way intersection (where a 'Bobbin Head' arrow post[85] points back along the track).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari Visitor Centre' sign[86] along the track, over the metal pipe[87] and away from from power lines[88]. The track gently undulates through the wooded forest following the occasional timber step[89] for just over 350m to come to the NW corner of the Kalkari enclosure fence[90]. Here the walk follows the fence[91] for 150m to step step up onto a rock platform[92] and continue along the fence[93] for just shy of 400m to the SW corner enclosure[94]. This walk now follows the short track to car park[95] then walks through the car park, past the 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' map[96] to the entrance of 'Kalkari'[97].

Maps for the Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks 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.

Hornsby1:25 000 Map Series91304S HORNSBYNSW-91304S
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map1:40 000 Map SeriesCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist MapCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

Altitude analysis for Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

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.

Length5.2 km
Time2 hrs 15 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

3.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km has short steep hills. Whilst another 820m is very steep and the remaining 160m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 160m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 4.1km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

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

Infrastructure

Around 4.2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 940m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks walk.

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

Birrawanna 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.

Total climbing: 262m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Sphinx to Mt Kuring-gai

10.7 km One way, 4 hrs 45 mins

Sphinx to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

14.6 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai

14.7 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks walk.

Kalkari Discovery trail

798 m Circuit, 30 mins

Kalkari Discovery trail

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

552 m Return, 15 mins

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

1.6 km Return, 40 mins

Bobbin Head Rainforest walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

17.2 km One way, 8 hrs

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

9.4 km Return, 4 hrs

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Duffy's Track and Slade Lookout

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

The Slade Lookout Track

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

The Slade Lookout Track

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

The Perimeter Trail to Smiths Creek

16.1 km Return, 6 hrs

The Perimeter Trail to Smiths Creek

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Perimeter Trail

7.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

Perimeter Trail

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

The Perimeter Trail to Wilkins Viewpoint

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks walk starts and ends at the Kalkari Discovery Centre (gps: -33.665437, 151.14902)

car 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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