Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

9.6 km Circuit

499 m

Moderate track

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 the Cowan Creek and the interesting rock formations along its shores.

Bottom of Sphinx Walking track (Warrimoo Track)

Great views of Cowan Creek on Warrimoo Track

View from the lower end of Bobbin Head trail

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

Intersection of Bobbin head and Sphinx tracks

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.

(0km) Sphinx Memorial → Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail

60 m

1 mins

-6m Easy track

From the 'Sphinx Memorial'[1], this walk follows the asphalt footpath, behind the picnic tables[2] gently downhill for about 50m to a T-intersection with the 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[3].

(0km) Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail → Int of Sphinx walking Track and Service trail

10 m

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Fire Trail' sign[4] gently downhill along the wide trail, keeping the valley to your left for just over 10m to an intersection marked with a 'Sphinx Walking Track' sign[5] (on your left).

(0km) Int of Sphinx walking Track and management trail → Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks

1.1 km

25 mins

17m

-140m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Walking Track' sign[6] fairly steeply down the series of timber steps[7]. This walk follows the rocky track[8] and timber steps[9] for 300m to flatten out and pass between two tall eucalyptus[10], then just shy of 150m later this walk comes to a shallow sandstone overhang[11] (on your right). The mostly flat track continues along the side of the valley for about 30m[12] to then head down a series of and carved stone and timber steps[13] for 50m to cross a usually small creek on a sandstone rock platform[14]. From here the track leads gently downhill along the side of the valley among the grass trees[15] for almost 200m to cross a smaller often dry creek on a sandstone rock platform[16]. Here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill crossing a few pleasant rock platforms[17] for 130m to pass under the high tension power lines[18]. Now the track begins to zig-zags quite steeply in places, for almost 250m, down a series of timber and stone steps[19] to a T-intersection[20] in a flat ferny forest. Here there is a 'Sphinx Track - Nth. Turramurra' sign[21] pointing back up the rocky track.

(1km) Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks → Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks

3.7 km

1 hr 32 mins climb

242m

-245m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow on the 'Warrimoo Track' sign[22] along the clear track that leads through the mostly flat ferny section, keeping Cowan Creek some distance to your right. After about 100m the track leaves the ferns and passes under a set of high tension power lines[23] where the track undulates along the side of the hill close to Cowan Creek[24] crossing a few small gullies for about 900m to then pass along a long natural sandstone wall[25]. About 150m after this wall the track leads just below a notable sandstone overhang[26] (up to your left) where the track then starts to head downhill for just over 100m to a fairly open grassy salt marsh[27]. The walk stays just to the left of the salt marsh then leads along the edge of a section of mangroves[28] for 100m where the track bends left[29] and leads along side the creek for another 100m to then cross a creek at a wide rocky gully[30]. This is a pleasant cool spot with the usually small creek flowing over the sandstone rock platform with naturally carved holes[31]. For the next 200m the track undulates gently along the foreshore through the casuarina forest[32] to come to a tall overhang[33] that is on a rock platform right on the edge of Cowan Creek, a pleasant place to rest. This section of track may become covered with water at high tide. From the tall overhang the track continues along the shortening natural rock wall[34] for about 150m to then lead along another section of mangroves[35] for 150m. About 60m past the mangroves the track crosses a short flat timber bridge[36], then over the next 200m the track crosses a mossy gully and densely forested gully[37] where the rocky track climbs[38] over a rise, past some large smooth bark angophora's[39] then down to another tall and long rock wall[40] and some more pleasant water views[41]. Just 20m past this rock wall the track bends left[42] and leads alongside the edge of the mangroves[43] for 200m, were again the track may be covered with water at high tides. From the end of the mangroves the rocky track climbs[44] for about 200m before continuing along the water side through a casuarina forest[45] as the track gently undulates over some rocky sections passing some pleasant water views[46] for 400m to pass below another fairly large sandstone cave/overhang[47] (up the hill to your left). Over the next 250m the track leads through a grassy section[48] beside the creek before crossing a shallow gully over a scattering of sandstone blocks[49][50]. Over the next 300m the mostly flat track leads through a tall wooded forest[51] filled with ferns and crossing a few middens[52] to come to an three-way intersection, just before the marina, marked with a 'Warrimoo Ave & Sphinx Memorial' sign[53] pointing back along the track.

(5km) Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks → Empire Marina

170 m

3 mins

-5m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[54] 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[55] behind a dry dock[56] for 40m. Here the track narrows a bit to head between the rock face and buildings[57] for 100m to turn right at a 'Warrimo Track' sign[58] and a yellow painted walker (on the ground). Here the walk heads through the hallway, past the public toilets[59] to the water front of Empire Marina, beside the 'Kiosk'[60] (on your right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn 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) Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks → int. near gate on Bobbin Head trail

200 m

8 mins

48m

-5m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the concrete steps[61] away from the face of the 'Warrimoo Track' sign[62]. The track immediately bends right and follows just above the other track for a short distance before winding uphill passing some pleasant rock formations[63] for just over 60m to a rock platform[64] with views over Cowan Creek and the marina[65]. Here the track bends left and winds up some more stone steps[66] to an intersection with a wide trail, where a sign points back down to 'Bobbin Head'[67].

(5km) int. near gate on Bobbin head trail → Water Tank

1.4 km

31 mins

140m

-28m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail uphill, this trail was part of original road down to Bobbin Head and is now closed to traffic. After about 80m the trail leads under a set of power lines[68] then continues to wind uphill for 250m to bend sharply right[69], passing under the same set of power lines[70] again. Over the next 250m the trail bends sharply left[71] then passes under the same set of power lines yet again, this time with a good view over Cowan Creek[72] (to your left). The trail bends right to pass under the power lines[73] again just 100m later then continues winding up in a similar way for just over 600m to head up a short steeper section[74] to find an old concrete water tank beside the trail[75] (on your left).

(6km) Water Tank → Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site

1.3 km

22 mins

28m

-21m Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the water tank, this walk follows the wide trail uphill[76] following a metal pipe[77] for almost 250m where the trail mostly flattens out at a large cleared turning area[78]. Here the trail continues for another 80m to pass under a set of power lines[79] then about 500m later the trail leads past a small bulldozed clearing[80] (on your right). This walk continues following the trail along the ridge line for 400m passing through a mixed eucalypt forest [81] to come to an intersection with a short track[82] (on your right) that leads to the signposted 'The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site'[83] (about 90m before some power lines).

Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site

The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted[84] 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[85] 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[87]. More info.

(8km) Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site → Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks

1.5 km

25 mins

17m

-19m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail south west, towards the power lines, initially keeping the engraving site on your right[88]. After 90m the trail bends and passes under a set of power lines[89] then continues for almost 300m to head under two sets of high tension power lines[90][91]. The trail then continues for almost 150m to pass under the same set of smaller power lines again[92] then 300m later this walk ignores another trail[93] (on you left) to continue straight on the main trail. About 150m later the trail then leads under the same set of smaller power lines[94] once again to gently undulate along the ridge among the tall heath then a few scribbly gums for just over 400m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a 'Bobbin Head Trail' sign[95] pointing back along the walk.

(9km) Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks → Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail

370 m

9 mins

-31m Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Trail'[96] along the wide trail for about 20m to the pass under some power lines[97], clearly visible from the intersection. The walk continues gently down along this trail[98] for just over 100m to pass a faint track[99] (on your right). From there the trail begins to steepen and leads more distinctly downhill[100] for just over 150m where the trail then bends right[101] to cross the culverted creek[102]. About 20m after, this walk comes to an intersection with an asphalt path (on your right) marked with a sign pointing back along the trail to the 'Bobbin Head Walking Tack'[103].

(10km) Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail → Sphinx Memorial

60 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection this walk follows the asphalt footpath, gently uphill directly away from the face of the 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[104] sign. The footpath leads for about 50m to head behind the picnic tables[105] and come to the sandstone 'Sphinx Memorial'[106].

Maps for the Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head 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.

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 Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks

Altitude analysis for Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head 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.

		Length	9.6 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
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

6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (About 10m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (480m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 4.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.2km 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 Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks 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

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

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 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 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 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 Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks walk.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks walk starts and ends at the Sphinx Memorial (gps: -33.688678, 151.15581)

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,

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/swbh