Kalkari Discovery trail

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Time 30 mins
Circuit 798 m Circuit
Climb 25 m
Grade 1 Very easy
Car
wheelchair_steep no_pets
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 through the large fenced enclosure keep an eye out for wallabies, bush turkeys and other animals. The main lookout provides stunning views and well worth spending time to enjoy.
Kalkari Centre

(0km) Kalkari car park → Kalkari Discovery Centre

distance 30 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent 0m Very easy
From the Kalkari Discovery Centre car park[1]
[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.
(on Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd), this walk heads up the short ramp[2] towards the Visitor Centre[3]. At the top of the ramp this walks goes between 2 bollards[4] (1.3m apart, 93cm high), past the picnic table
[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 toilets
[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.
[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.
to the front door[5] of the Discovery Centre. From here the walk heads through the front door (80cm wide, expandable to 1.7m with a 3cm step[6]) into the Visitor Centre with the information desk[7] (on your right).

Kalkari Discovery Centre

Kalkari Discovery Centre
Kalkari Discovery Centre[8] 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[9], 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 → Kalkari picnic area

distance 40 m time 1 mins climb 1m descent 0m Very easy
Continue straight: From the front desk[10] (inside the Kalkari Discovery Centre), this walk leads through the back glass door[11] into the fence enclosure area. The wide concrete path leads for about 35m past the information sign[12] and sheltered 3D map[13] to find short picnic tables and seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 47cm high, 1m deep and 2.26m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and similar width as the table (no backrest). There's a similar table near by with four seats and a wider table.
[14][15] at the Kalkari picnic area[16].

Kalkari Picnic Area

Kalkari Picnic Area
Out the back of the Kalkari Visitor Center[17] is a fenced animal enclosure and a small seating area. There are some information signs[18][19] and some seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 47cm high, 1m deep and 2.26m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and similar width as the table (no backrest). There's a similar table near by with four seats and a wider table.
[Seat]Seat

A series of 3 timber slat bench seats, 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide. Seats are on a concrete slab beside the path.
. There is also a covered 3D terrain map of the area[20].

(0km) Kalkari picnic area → Pond intersection

distance 70 m time 1 mins climb 3m descent 0m Very easy
Continue straight: From the picnic tables and seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 47cm high, 1m deep and 2.26m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and similar width as the table (no backrest). There's a similar table near by with four seats and a wider table.
[21][22] at the Kalkari picnic area[23], this walk leads along the concrete path, past the sheltered information sign[24] (on your left). This walk then winds along the path gently uphill for 20m, past the 'Tallowwood'[25] and 'White Bottlebrush'[26] signs to a timber bridge (2.2m wide)[27] with timber handrails (1m high)[28]. Continue across the bridge over the pond[29] to reach a 3-way intersection[30], marked with a 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' sign[31].

(0km) Pond intersection → Lookout intersection

distance 110 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -12m Very easy
Veer right: From the intersection[32], this walk follows the 'one way' arrow (marked on the 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' sign[33]) along the concrete path, directly away from the pond, over a small rise then gently downhill. Over the next 60m this walk passes the 'Sweet Pittosporum' sign[34] and comes to a seat[35]
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 54cm high, 35cm deep and 1.6m wide with a 51cm high backrest. Seat is located right next to the path.
(on your left). From the seat this walk continues for another 30m to a 3-way intersection[36], marked with a 'Sydney Red Gum' sign[37].

(0km) Lookout intersection → The Kalkari Lookout

distance 20 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -9m Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the concrete path gently downhill for about 25m to the visible Kalkari Lookout[39]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Kalkari Lookout

Kalkari Lookout
The Kalkari Lookout is a timber fenced platform[40] with fantastic views over Cockle Creek[41] and Bobbin Head area. There are a series of seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 53cm high, 43cm deep and 4.3m wide with a 43cm high backrest. Seat is located at the lookout on a timber platform.
[Seat]Seat

2 timber slat bench seats, 45cm high, 34cm deep and 2m wide. Seats are located at the lookout on a concrete platform.
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with 51cm backrest. Seat is located at the lookout on a concrete platform.
providing different ways of enjoying this space. The timber fence is 1m tall and provides a view through the slats[42]. A lovely place to sit and enjoy this amazing national park.

(0km) Lookout intersection → Eastern loop int.

distance 110 m time 2 mins climb 5m descent -1m Very easy
Turn left: From the intersection[43], this walk meanders gently uphill, following the concrete path directly away from the lookout, leaving the main valley and fence to your right[44]. This walk then heads downhill, past the 'Old Man Banksia'[45] and 'Black She-Oak'[46] signs for 100m, over a rise, to come to a 3-way intersection[47] marked with a 'No hiding place' sign[48] (on the left).

(0km) Eastern loop int. → Western loop int.

distance 110 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -5m Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk leads gently uphill along the concrete path, following the NPWS arrow sign[49] and under the power lines[50]. This path bends sharply left and goes up and over a rise for the next 80m, past the 'Grasstrees' sign[51] (on the left) to the 3-way intersection with a dirt path with timber steps[52] (on the right), just before the scribbly gum tree with the 'Die' sign[53] next to it.

(0km) Western loop int. → The Kalkari Outlook

distance 30 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -2m Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection[54], this walk heads along the concrete path past the scribbly gum tree (with the 'Die' sign[55]) and towards the clearing and the fence[56]. The path soon bends left and then leads gently downhill for the next 10m to the seat
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 56cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with 52cm backrest. Seat is located right beside the concrete path.
[57] on the fenced concrete platform (on the right).

Kalkari Outlook

Kalkari Outlook
The Kalkari Outlook is a fenced lookout[58] with views over one of the Kalkari fenced enclosures. At times you will be able to see kangaroos grazing in the clearing. There are two seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 56cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with 52cm backrest. Seat is located right beside the concrete path.
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 43cm high, 40cm deep and 1.8m wide with 38cm backrest. Seat is located on the concrete path.
with views over the outlook. The lower end of the platform is natural rock[59] and the fence is about 90cm high[60].

(0km) The Kalkari Outlook → Pond intersection

distance 180 m time 4 mins climb 16m descent -1m Very easy
Veer left: From the Kalkari Outlook[61], this walk follows the concrete path uphill and directly away from the view. This walk winds through the open forest (near a house) passing signs for a 'Grey Gum'[62], a 'Dwarf Apple'[63] and a 'Scribbly Gum'[64], to pass straight through the 4-way intersection under the power lines[65]. From here this walk leads gently downhill for 25m to a 3-way intersection[66], marked with a 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' sign[67].

(1km) Pond intersection → Kalkari car park

distance 140 m time 3 mins climb 0m descent -4m Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection[68], this walk heads towards the timber fenced bridge (2.2m wide)[69] with timber handrails (1m high)[70], away from the face of the 'Kalkari Bush Discovery Track' sign[71]. This walk then winds for 20m gently downhill, leaving the pond on your right, passing the 'White Bottlebrush'[72], 'Tallowwood'[73] signs and a sheltered information sign[74] (on your right) to reach the picnic tables and seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 47cm high, 1m deep and 2.26m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and similar width as the table (no backrest). There's a similar table near by with four seats and a wider table.
[75][76] at the Kalkari picnic area[77].
Continue straight: From picnic tables and seats
[Seat]Seat

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 47cm high, 1m deep and 2.26m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and similar width as the table (no backrest). There's a similar table near by with four seats and a wider table.
[78][79] at the Kalkari picnic area[80], this walk leads along the wide concrete path toward the Kalkari Discovery Centre[81]. After 35m this walk leads through the glass back door[82], straight to the front desk[83] (inside of the Kalkari Discovery Centre).
Continue straight: From the information desk[84] at the Kalkari Discovery Centre[85] this walk leads down the hallway[86] (on the car park side) to the front door (80cm wide, expandable to 1.7m with a 3cm step[87]). Walk heads through the door, veers right (away from the toilets
[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.
[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.
) then past 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 picnic table
[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).
, down the short ramp[88], between 2 bollards[89] (1.3m apart, 93cm high), to the car park[90]
[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.
(on Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd).

Maps for the Kalkari Discovery trail 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 Discovery trail bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Kalkari Discovery trail

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kalkari Discovery trail

Altitude analysis for Kalkari Discovery trail

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.

Length798 m
Time30 mins
.




Grade 1/6



Very easy		AS 2156.1GradientFlat, no steps (1/6)
Quality of trackSmooth and hardened path (1/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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

This whole walk, 800m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 800m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 800m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 800m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 800m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 800m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Kalkari Discovery trail walk.

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Kalkari Discovery trail walk starts and ends at the Kalkari car park (gps: -33.665258, 151.14905)

car Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

A detailed forecast for this walk isn't available yet.

Current Alerts

Live alerts aren't available for this walk. Check the NPWS website for closures and the RFS for current fire danger.

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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