Discover Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP

Bobbin Head, located on Cowan Creek in the western section of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a popular destination for family day trips.

Set amidst stunning natural scenery, the area offers fantastic facilities, including picnic spots, gas barbecues, cafes, and playgrounds.

With a variety of hiking trails to explore, Bobbin Head also serves as an ideal starting point for a relaxing bushwalk.

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Getting There

There are two main routes to reach Bobbin Head: Ku-ring-gai Chase Road from the west near Hornsby or Bobbin Head Road from the south via North Turramurra.

Ample parking is available, but a $12 entrance fee applies, which grants you access to the National Park and parking for the day.

The best time to visit? Bobbin Head is a fantastic destination year-round. Sunny spring and summer days are perfect for water activities, while autumn and winter offer ideal conditions for hiking.

The official address of Bobbin Head is (see location on map):

Apple Tree Bay Carpark Rd
Mount Colah NSW 2079

Map of Bobbin Head

Things to Do in Bobbin Head

Escape the city and enjoy a day out in stunning natural scenery!

Located less than an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, Bobbin Head offers a range of facilities and activities to keep visitors entertained all day long.

Bobbin Head Information Centre
Bobbin Head Information Centre

If it’s your first visit, stop by the Bobbin Head Information Centre to learn about the area’s highlights and pick up a free map. The centre is housed in the historic Bobbin Inn building on Ku-ring-gai Chase Road.

Below are some ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Water Activities

With its waterfront location, Bobbin Head is perfect for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

You can hire paddle boats and kayaks to explore Cowan Creek and Apple Tree Creek at your own pace. For those bringing their own boats, a public boat ramp is available at Apple Tree Bay.

Apple Tree Bay
Apple Tree Bay

The area also offers several great fishing spots, but don’t forget that a fishing licence is required.

If you’re seeking a quieter spot, consider driving a little further north along Apple Tree Road, where the crowds tend to thin out.

2. Picnic Areas and Cafes

With its open green spaces and excellent facilities, Bobbin Head is an ideal spot for a barbecue or picnic.

Large picnic areas in Bobbin Head
Large picnic areas in Bobbin Head

The area features several barbecue stations, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and toilet facilities spread throughout.

For larger gatherings, you can hire one of the two large picnic shelters, The Pavilion and The Station. Contact the information centre for details and bookings.

Beautiful Bobbin Head
Beautiful Bobbin Head

If you’re just passing through or haven’t packed food, Bobbin Head also has a couple of cafes where you can grab a coffee or a meal.

The Bobbin Inn Cafe is located in the heart of Bobbin Head, housed in a historic building that was originally constructed in the 1930s as a dance hall and restaurant. Today, it serves as both a cafe and an information centre.

Bobbin Head Marina
Bobbin Head Marina

On the eastern side of Bobbin Head, the cafe inside the Empire Marina offers another great option.

With a diverse menu and a waterfront setting surrounded by 200 marina berths and 10 moorings, it provides a relaxing and appealing atmosphere.

3. Walking Tracks

If you’re as passionate about hiking as we are, Bobbin Head is a fantastic destination, offering a variety of short and long bushwalking trails to explore.

1. Mangrove Boardwalk

Mangrove boardwalk
Mangrove boardwalk

The easiest and most family-friendly walk is the Mangrove Boardwalk, a short trail that winds through a picturesque area of saltwater mangroves along Cockle Creek.

As you stroll through this unique environment, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including flying foxes, snakes, mangrove herons, and mud crabs. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the ecosystem of the area.

2. Rainforest Track

Footbridge over the mangrove
Footbridge over the mangrove

Not far from the end of the boardwalk, the trail splits into two paths: one leading to Wahroonga (see below) and the other winding through a rainforest, ending at a serene gully.

The Rainforest Track is relatively short and offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of a genuine rainforest.

3. Gibberagong Track

Gibberagong Track
Gibberagong Track

The Mangrove Boardwalk transitions into the Gibberagong Track, a 4 km trail that continues all the way to suburban Wahroonga.

Following the course of Cockle Creek, this moderately challenging bushwalking trail is ideal for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts, offering plenty of chances to spot native animals and birds.

4. Sphinx and Warrimoo Loop Track

Walking track signpost
Walking track signpost

One of the more challenging yet rewarding walks near Bobbin Head is the 10 km circuit that combines the Bobbin Head Track, Sphinx Track, and Warrimoo Track.

The Sphinx and Warrimoo Loop begins behind the Empire Marina and is signposted with Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Track. You can tackle it in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

The highlight of this loop is the Warrimoo Track, which features stunning forests, fascinating rock formations, peaceful mangroves, and panoramic water views.

5. Birrawanna Track

Start of the Birrawanna Track
Start of the Birrawanna Track

Starting near the Bobbin Inn, the 2.5 km Birrawanna Track leads to the Kalkari Discovery Centre on Ku-ring-gai Chase Road.

The discovery centre, run by volunteers, provides insights into the national park’s rich plant life, diverse wildlife, and Aboriginal heritage.

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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