The Mangrove Boardwalk across Cockle Creek is a short, family-friendly walking trail located in Bobbin Head, in the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Starting from the southwestern end of the picnic area, the boardwalk offers scenic views of the creek and features several signs that share interesting facts about the surrounding mangroves.
| Mangrove Boardwalk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 600 m (return) |
| Duration: | 30 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes (boardwalk only) |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
There are two ways to drive to Bobbin Head: via Ku-ring-gai Chase Road from the west near Hornsby or Bobbin Head Road from the south through North Turramurra.
Plenty of parking is available at Bobbin Head, although the area can fill up quickly on weekends. A $12 National Park entry fee applies per vehicle per day, payable at one of the ticket machines or through the Park’nPay app.
Track Notes
The Mangrove Boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Bobbin Head.
The signposted start of the Mangrove Boardwalk is located at the southwestern end of the picnic area, which is also the starting point of the Gibberagong Track.
It’s a short, easy, and accessible walk, but dogs aren’t permitted as it’s within national park land. Below is a map of the walk.
Boardwalk
To find the start of the boardwalk, follow the path south along the parking and picnic areas, with Cockle Creek on your left.
From the signpost, the path continues beside the water’s edge on a short concrete walkway for about twenty metres, passing a bench before curving to the right.
A little further along, the trail passes a small sandstone cave before bending left to cross Cockle Creek via a modern footbridge. This is a great spot to pause and enjoy the water views.
On the other side, the walk follows a timber boardwalk above the mangroves, leading to a viewing platform with scenic views over Cockle Creek.
In Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, mangroves grow in muddy areas and tidal creeks. Their above-ground roots help them breathe and stay stable in soft soil.
Mangroves also filter water, trap sediment, and help keep the creeks healthy. They protect the banks from erosion and provide shelter for young fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Continue Walking
After leaving the mangroves and boardwalk, the track continues as the Gibberagong Track, heading into the bush via a set of stone steps cut through a rocky outcrop.
A short distance along, you’ll reach a clearing on the left where you can enjoy lovely views over Cockle Creek with Bobbin Head in the background. Even if you’re only doing the Mangrove Boardwalk, this short detour to the viewpoint is well worth it.
From the viewpoint, the Gibberagong Track continues as a 5 km bushwalk leading to a scenic waterhole on Cockle Creek, eventually connecting to the suburban streets of Wahroonga.
