Getting started
From behind 'Bobbin Inn', this walk follows the brick paved footpath, away from the water and Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd to the stone steps marked with a 'Welcome to the Birrawanna Track' sign (about halfway between the 'Gibberagong Centre' and 'Bobbin Inn'). From here this walk head up the sandstone steps then along the rocky track as it starts to zig-zag uphill for about 60m to then follow a metal handrail up some steps. About 30m from the top of these steps, this walk heads through a tunnel formed under a sandstone overhang then just another 30m later the track leads to a flat sandstone rock platform beside a large angophora with filtered views over Cowan Creek. Here the track bends left then continues to wind up a series of timber and stone steps for about 300m where the track mostly flattens out for about 100m before head fairly gently uphill again for another 80m to pass an intersection with an informal track in a casuarina forest (on your left). Soon after this intersection, this walk leads between to piles of disused stone blocks and continues following the clear track up through the tall wooded forest for 400m to a three-way intersection (where a sign points back down to 'Bobbin Head').....

Toilet: There is one 90 m from the start.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.1 km apart with the largest gap of 2.2 km.

Bobbin Inn Cafe
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, and a range of foods and drinks. Food includes fish and chips, wraps, focaccia, sandwiches and snack foods. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are also on offer. Opening hours are 9 - 4pm Mon to Fri (closed Tuesdays) & 9 - 5pm weekends. For more information, phone the cafe on 9457 7170. The NPWS Bobbin Head Information Centre is open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) 10 - 4pm (closed 12 - 12:30pm lunch). Ramp access available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Bobbin Head
Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east). Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups. The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.

Kalkari Discovery Centre
Kalkari Discovery Centre is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, Mt Colah. The discovery center is staffed by volunteers from Chase Alive. The center boasts some interesting flora and fauna displays inside, and out the back is a large enclosure with emu, kangaroos and other native animals roaming around. Take time to explore the wheelchair-accessible circuit within the fence. There are toilets at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables, seats and drinking fountain at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays.