The Gibberagong Track near Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an energising bushwalk that follows Cockle Creek and leads to a scenic waterhole.
Starting from the Bobbin Head picnic area, the walk first explores the mangroves via a boardwalk before continuing into the bush, with several creek crossings and peaceful forest scenery to enjoy.
| Gibberagong Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderately challenging |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
This walk can be started from Bobbin Head or from North Wahroonga. In the track notes below, we take you along the trail starting from the Bobbin Head end.
There is plenty of parking at Bobbin Head, although it can fill up quickly on weekends. A $12 National Park entry fee applies per vehicle per day, payable at a ticket machine or through the Park’nPay app.
Parking in North Wahroonga at the other end of the walk is free (Grosvenor Street), but starting there will make the walk 2 km longer one way.
Track Notes
We are doing this walk starting from Bobbin Head up to the waterhole, which is 4 km one way. If you start from North Wahroonga, the walk will be 6 km one way to Bobbin Head.
The stretch between the waterhole and North Wahroonga is not the most exciting part, which is why we recommend starting from the Bobbin Head end.
1. Mangrove Boardwalk
The start of the Gibberagong Track is the same as the Mangrove Boardwalk, located at the big sign at the southern end of the picnic areas.
The first 300 metres follow an accessible boardwalk over the Cockle Creek mangroves, with footbridges, viewing platforms, and information boards that share interesting details about this unique environment.
After leaving the mangroves and boardwalk, the track continues into the bush via a set of stone steps cut through a rocky outcrop. It soon reaches a junction signposted with Wahroonga and Rainforest.
To stay on the Gibberagong Track, head west towards Wahroonga.
2. Bushwalk Along Cockle Creek
From the junction, the track follows the ridge line for a short while, offering lovely views over the creek, before heading down through a section of mangroves and pockets of casuarina forest.
The path then continues through a forest of grass trees and tall eucalyptus alongside the tidal section of Cockle Creek, followed by a flat stretch with sandy areas beside the water.
From here up to the waterhole, the trail is a genuine bushwalk along the creek, with a few challenges and features along the way, including boulders, rock overhangs, and plenty of wildlife.
After about 4 km of hiking through this peaceful bushland, the waterhole appears on your right.
3. Gibberagong Waterhole
This waterhole, also informally referred to as Gibberagong Waterhole, is a wide stretch of Cockle Creek located just north of the junction with Lovers Jump Creek.
It is a quiet, shady spot with flowing water, sandy banks, and natural rock pools, perfect for a rest and perhaps a small picnic.
There is another waterhole on the creek nearby that is worth visiting before heading back to Bobbin Head. Follow the creek south for a few hundred metres and you will come across it.
This second waterhole is arguably even prettier than the first one, with striking emerald-blue water that looks especially appealing on a warm day.
From this spot, you can continue on the trail to North Wahroonga, which adds an extra 2 km one way to the walk.
For the most part, this stretch is a fire trail and not as exciting, but if you have the energy and time, it is worth considering.
Otherwise, retrace your steps back to Bobbin Head along the same path. There are a couple of nice cafes in Bobbin Head if you are feeling hungry after the walk.
Read our guide to the best walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for more great walking tracks in this area north of Sydney.
