Last updated: March 30, 2024
The 10 km Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop via Warrimoo Track is an exciting bushwalk through various landscapes in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP.
The first half of the walk follows the shoreline of Cowan Creek, while the second half is mostly a fire trail through a thriving forest of gum trees.
In this article, we’ll share the highlights of this beautiful walking track, including photos and a map.
| Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (loop) |
| Time: | 3 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Moderate |
How to Get There
The loop track between the Sphinx Memorial in North Turramurra and Bobbin Head can be started at either end, but we recommend starting from the Sphinx Memorial.
The Sphinx Memorial is located within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and can be accessed via Bobbin Head Road in North Turramurra. The car park at the Memorial is at the end of Memorial Road, only moments away from the entry point to the National Park (see map location).
The entry fee for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is $12 per vehicle per day, to be paid at the access booth on Bobbin Head Rd.
You can also park on Bobbin Head Rd just outside the National Park if you don’t want to pay that entry fee. It’s only a few hundred metres to the Memorial from there.
Track Notes
The Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track is a 10 km, moderately challenging bushwalk through different landscapes and sceneries.
The trail is easy to follow from start to finish, but there are a few steep sections and sections with uneven surfaces. It’s recommended that you wear good hiking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Map
The below track notes describe the walk in an anticlockwise manner along the following sections, highlights, and landmarks:
- Sphinx Memorial
- Sphinx Walking Track
- Warrimoo Track
- Bobbin Head
- Bobbin Head Trail
Here is a map of the walking track:
1. Sphinx Memorial
Once you’ve parked your car (either inside or outside the National Park’s boundaries), it’s time to explore the Sphinx Memorial.
The Sphinx Memorial is a sandstone monument that was built in the 1920s to commemorate those who died in service or were killed in World War I from 1914 to 1918.
This unique structure was built by a returning soldier, Private William T. Shirley, as a token of respect for his fallen comrades. Following restoration, the monument was rededicated in November 1995.
The memorial takes the form of a sphinx and accompanying pyramids, and is approximately 1/80th the size of the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt.
The mast in front of the Sphinx Memorial is the mainmast of the HMAS Adelaide, a cruiser commissioned in 1922 and decommissioned in 1946. Its mainmast was erected in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in 1950.
2. Sphinx Walking Track
From the memorial, look for the walking trail that is signposted as Sphinx Fire Trail and Sphinx Walking Track.
The Sphinx Walking Track is mostly a downhill path, including some steps, that leads to Cowan Creek, where it meets the Warrimoo Track.
This is a pleasant section of the loop and a great warmup for what’s to come, even more so because it’s mostly a descent.
3. Warrimoo Track
After approximately 1 km, the trail arrives at the Warrimoo Track junction, where you’ll need to turn left towards Bobbin Head to continue the loop.
The Warrimoo Track is the most enjoyable section of the entire loop, as it follows the shoreline of Cowan Creek through beautiful bushland scenery alongside the water.
The serenity of the forest, the interesting rock formations, the mangroves, and the lovely water views make this a fantastic bushwalk.
Don’t forget to also pay attention to the wildlife in this area.
You’ll most likely see a few goannas along the trail, and the many birds will certainly make themselves heard, too.
As the Warrimoo Track continues northbound along Cowan Creek, you will soon see the first glimpses of the Empire Marina at Bobbin Head.
Before the trail arrives at the marina, you will see a signpost for the Bobbin Head Trail, which goes up the stairs to higher ground. That’s where you will need to go to continue the loop back to the Sphinx Memorial.
4. Bobbin Head
But before continuing on the Bobbin Head Trail, it’s worth exploring Bobbin Head and perhaps grabbing some lunch or a drink at the cafe at the marina.
Having lunch at that cafe means you will sit next to the water, looking at the beautiful yachts, which is a lovely experience.
Read our guide to Bobbin Head with a complete summary of things to do in this beautiful part of the world.
5. Bobbin Head Trail
To continue the Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track, head up the staircase that links with the Bobbin Head Trail.
The first part of this trail goes uphill in a zig-zag manner and is quite steep. After about 1 km of climbing, the trail straightens up and continues all the way back to the Sphinx Memorial.
Admittedly, the Bobbin Head Trail isn’t very exciting because it is essentially a fire trail from start to finish. But while this trail may be a bit uninspiring, it’s still nice to hike through a forest and get a good workout.
However, if you prefer to skip this section altogether, you can also return to the Sphinx Memorial via the Warrimoo Track and turn the loop into a return walking track.
Once you reach the end of the Bobbin Head Trail, you can either return to the Sphinx Memorial via the Sphinx Trail (if you parked your car there), or continue straight onto Bobbin Head Rd to exit the National Park.
If you’re interested in more great hiking trails in this area, read our guide to the best walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for a good selection of easy and challenging hikes.
