Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

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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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.6599497,151.1593196)
Mode	Car (Parking fees apply in the area.)
Finish	(-33.653774,151.1368008)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (From Mt Ku-ring-gai Station it is possible to get away to either Hornsby to the South or Brooklyn and the Central Coast in the North using the Pacific Hwy.) Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Bobbin Inn, this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' to turn right and cross Bobbin Head Road. Here the walk follows the 'Apple Tree Bay' signs through the car park and between the toilet block (on your left) and 'The Pavillion' (on your right) for just over 100m to pass over a speed bump between six sandstone pillars. The walk continues to follow the sealed road gently uphill for 900m passing a few speed bumps to the top of the rise where the road bends left. Here the walk continues downhill along the road for just over 150m to and intersection at the bottom of the signposted 'Regional Office' track (on your left).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a shelter (about 135 m back from the start). There is a park (about 130 m back from the start). There is a car park (about 40 m back from the start). After 60 m find the "Bobbin Head" (25 m on your left). 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. After another 70 m find the "Bobbin Inn Cafe" (35 m on your left). 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.
	At the intersection of Apple Tree Bay Road & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road turn right, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road (a vehicle track). After another 10 m pass the "Bobbin Head Inn" (15 m on your left). Then to find the car park. Then pass the "National Parks Information Centre" (10 m on your left). Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 After another 25 m pass the "Welcome to Cockle Creek Lookout Track" (8 m on your left). Continue straight. After another 25 m continue straight. After another 8 m pass the picnic table (20 m on your right).
	After another 3 m continue straight. After another 30 m pass the toilet (35 m on your left). Continue straight. After another 20 m pass the BBQ (60 m on your right). After another 5 m pass the shelter (40 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right). After another 1 km continue straight, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
	After another 150 m turn right. After another 35 m find the "Apple Tree Bay" (20 m on your left). 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. After another 10 m pass the cafe (20 m on your left). Sa-Su PH
	After another 3 m turn right. After another 7 m pass the park (7 m on your left). After another 10 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left).
	After another 10 m turn right.
	After another 35 m turn left. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long) After another 65 m pass the sign.
	After another 740 m (at the intersection of Berowra Track & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) turn sharp left, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. After another 325 m come to the viewpoint. After another 1.4 km come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
	Continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. Then come to the "Firefighters Rest" (35 m on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 250 m continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. After another 660 m head through/around the gate.
	Continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. Then pass the "Mount Ku-ring-gai Track" (5 m on your right).
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Young Street & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue (a residential road). After another 105 m (at the intersection of Seaview Street & Harwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue. After another 85 m (at the intersection of Harwood Avenue & Low Street) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue. After another 15 m (at the intersection of Bayview Street & Harwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue.
	After another 45 m (at the intersection of Harwood Avenue Pedestrian Bridge & Harwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue Pedestrian Bridge (a walking track). Then cross the bridge (about 90 m long) Then head through the tunnel
	After another 25 m turn right. Then head through the tunnel
	After another 4 m come to the end. About 90 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 105 m come to the end. "Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout". Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout This informal, unfenced lookout is perched on some rocks, not far from the Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track. It provides views across the valley to Cowan Creek and over much of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.3 km
Time	2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.2 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 3.9 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	-96 m	[shelter]
Toilet	150 m	[toilet]
Shelter	165 m	[shelter]
Toilet	1.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	5.3 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  22°C
  Shower or two. Possible storm.
  70% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  14°C → 19°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  3 → 20mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  13°C → 18°C
  Showers.
  95% chance of rain
  6 → 30mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning southerly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  12°C → 19°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  13°C → 21°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly during the day.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  13°C → 21°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  14°C → 22°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 May 2025 in West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Do not touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville: 02 9451 3479 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Warrimoo track closure
  Warrimoo track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park will be closed for essential maintenance from Monday 28 April until Monday 12 May 2025. There will be no access to Bobbin Head or the Marina from Warrimoo track. There is a diversion in place to the Bobbin Head track for access to Bobbin Head precinct.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS local area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Bobbin Inn Cafe Closed
  The Bobbin Inn Cafe will be closed from Monday 28 April to Wednesday 30 April 2025 for minor renovation works.
  Bobbin Head Visitors Centre and Bobbin Head Picnic Areas will remain open.
  For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure
  Berowra walking track is partially closed from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track until further notice. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.
  The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
  
  Closed areas: Gibberagong trail
  Surface and vegetation works will be carried out on the Gibberagong Trail from Tuesday 22 April to Friday 9 May 2025, weather permitting.
  Walkers permitted but there may be delays. Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Brooklyn Dam trail maintenance
  Surface works will be carried out on the Brooklyn Dam trail and Brooklyn Dam South trail until Wednesday 30 April 2025, weather permitting.
  Walkers permitted but there may be delays. Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed
  North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.
  The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.
  Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:
  
  The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  
  The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.
  
  Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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