Berowra to Bobbin Head

3 h 45 min to 4 h

8.9 km
oneway

↑ 412 m
↓ -617 m

Hard track
Following Cowan Creek, this walk is one of the most pleasant in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with great views over the water as well as nice views from the ridge at Berowra. Be sure to stop at the cafe for a cuppa in Bobbin Head before going home. Apple Tree Bay is also a very pleasant spot to take a break and enjoy the day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Berowra Station. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Path beside Berowra Station. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View of Berowra Station from bridge. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View of freeway from near Berowra Station. | Photo by admin, 2011.
The Bridge over the SydneyNewcastle Freeway. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Berowra Track signpost. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View from near the top of Berowra Track. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Boronia flower. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Top most hairpin bend in the Berowra Track. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View across the valley. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Berowra Track in Waratah Gully. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Waratah Gully. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Waratah Gully crossing. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Walking along the Berowra Track east of the Waratah Gully crossing. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Near the apex of Waratah Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Rusty hulk of Windybank boat in Waratah Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Footings for Windybank's old boatshed in Waratah Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Looking across Waratah Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Small cave on the Berowra Track. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Looking over Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Mushroom on Berowra Track beside Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Overhang near Lord's Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Orange Fungus growing beside Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Walking alongside Lord's Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Walking along the edge of one of many bays on Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Fungus south of Lord's Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Track beside Cowan Creek north of Winson Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Looking up Cowan Creek from Winson Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Berowra Track south of Winson Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Crossing an unnamed Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Cowan Creek viewpoint. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Cowan Creek viewpoint view. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Nav marker on Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Berowra track north of int with Mt Kuring-gai track. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View of Cowan creek near Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rusting water tank relic. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Historic steps near the Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Walking track north of Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
View south to Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Rocky gully crossing north of Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stone steps near Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Picnic area on the north side of Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Berowra Track sign north of Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Bridge crossing Apple Tree Creek and Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Looking across Apple Tree Bay from the boat ramp. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Kiosk at Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Road into Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking along Apple Tree Bay Road. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Apple Tree Bay Road. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Glimpse of Bobbin Head from Apple Tree Bay Road. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Picnic area at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Lower end of Cockle Creek lookout track.. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bobbin Inn. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Information Centre. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.623172,151.1533134)
Mode Car (The train station is on the Pacific Hwy about 10 km north of Hornsby. There is parking in the area (although this can fill up mid week with commuters). Parking is permitted in many of the back streets.) Train
Finish (-33.6602805,151.1592789)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car   (Parking fees apply in the area.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the front of Berowra Station, this walk follows the footpath between the Pacific Highway and railway line, whilst keeping the highway to your left. After about 50m this walk comes to 'Berowra Parade' marked with a large 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' information sign and map. Here the walk turns right and follows the little used road down over railway bridge then around the green metal gate to cross over the F3 on a large concrete bridge. On the other side of the freeway this walk comes to a small clearing marked with a large 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Berowra Track' sign.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a car park (about 20 m back from the start).
After another 65 m turn right.
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 70 m long)
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 155 m turn left, to head along Berowra Track.
After another 305 m turn left, to head along Berowra Track.
After another 1.6 km find the "Waratah Bay" (8 m on your right).
Waratah Bay
Waratah Bay

Waratah Bay sits on the eastern extent of Cowan Waters east of Berowra. The bay is home to a rusting metal boat hull, this boat marks the spot where the Edward Windybank and his family once worked and lived. Edward Windybank worked on the construction nearby railway line from 1886 to 87. Windybank also named the bay and acquired a life-long lease to use it. It seems that he built a small home, boat shed and a narrow road up the hill. Windybank operate a boat building a hire business on site
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Waratah Bay sits on the eastern extent of Cowan Waters east of Berowra. The bay is home to a rusting metal boat hull, this boat marks the spot where the Edward Windybank and his family once worked and lived. Edward Windybank worked on the construction nearby railway line from 1886 to 87. Windybank also named the bay and acquired a life-long lease to use it. It seems that he built a small home, boat shed and a narrow road up the hill. Windybank operate a boat building a hire business on site

After another 4.1 km cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
Then find the "Cowan Creek View" (on your right).
Cowan Creek View
Cowan Creek View

Cowan Creek View, is a timber platform lookout on Cowan Creek. The lookout is on the northern side of a headland and provide great views down along Cowan Creek. This is a great place to rest and enjoy the water views.
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Cowan Creek View, is a timber platform lookout on Cowan Creek. The lookout is on the northern side of a headland and provide great views down along Cowan Creek. This is a great place to rest and enjoy the water views.

After another 320 m (at the intersection of Berowra Track & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) veer left, to head along Berowra Track.
After another 800 m pass the sign.
After another 6 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 55 m to find the car park.
Turn right.
After another 35 m turn left.
After another 7 m pass the park (7 m on your right).
After another 25 m turn left.
After another 20 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
After another 25 m pass the cafe (20 m on your right).

Sa-Su
PH
After another 8 m find the "Apple Tree Bay" (20 m on your right).
Apple Tree Bay
Apple Tree Bay

Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise. The kiosk/cafe is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
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Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise. The kiosk/cafe is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.

Turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
After another 40 m find the "Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area" (140 m on your right).
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area

Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.
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Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.

After another 940 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left).
After another 15 m to find the car park.
After another 100 m pass the shelter (40 m on your left).
Then pass the BBQ (60 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the toilet (35 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 55 m pass the picnic table (20 m on your left).
At the intersection of Birrawanna Track & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road turn left, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road (a road).
After another 30 m pass the "Welcome to Cockle Creek Lookout Track" (8 m on your right).
After another 10 m pass the "National Parks Information Centre" (10 m on your right).

Mo-Su 10:00-16:00
After another 40 m find the "Bobbin Inn Cafe" (35 m on your right).
Bobbin Inn Cafe
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.
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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.

After another 6 m pass the picnic table (20 m on your left).
After another 25 m pass the car park (40 m on your right).
About 25 m past the end is "Bobbin Head".
Bobbin Head
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.
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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.

Turn right.
About 105 m past the end is a park.
The end.
About 110 m past the end is a pay phone.
About 125 m past the end is a BBQ.
About 125 m past the end is a toilet.
About 115 m past the end is a seat.
About 110 m past the end is "Toilet Accessible".
Toilet Accessible
Toilet Accessible

Two accessible unisex toilet toilets. There are handrails, a basin with running water. Door is 90cm wide. Access is via concreate path from the carpark. The toilet is located at the edge of 'The Station' BBQ area.
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Two accessible unisex toilet toilets. There are handrails, a basin with running water. Door is 90cm wide. Access is via concreate path from the carpark. The toilet is located at the edge of 'The Station' BBQ area.

About 110 m past the end is a shelter.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Berowra to Bobbin Head


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 8.9 km
Time 3 h 45 min to 4 h
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3 km apart with the largest gap of 8.8 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.2 km apart with the largest gap of 7.5 km.

Seat: There is one 8.9 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
7.5 km[toilet]
Shelter
8.8 km[shelter]
Toilet
8.8 km[toilet]
Toilet
8.9 km[toilet]
Seat
8.9 km[seat]
Shelter
8.9 km[shelter]
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