This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The walk has some steep sections but is well worth the effort.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
3.9km
Time
2 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
1.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 820m is very steep and the remaining 500m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 350m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (340m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 3.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 670m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 3.2km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 690m requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 3.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 2.9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 940m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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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[1] is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
(0 km)
Apple Tree Bay Kiosk
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Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesbury Track Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 173 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -4 m
From the Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[2], this walk follows the road out of the car park[3] and gently uphill keeping the water down to your left. After about 150m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina[4], on your left) to continue up the road for another 30m to find the intersection with the signposted 'Regional Office' track[5] (on your right).
(0.17 km)
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Apple Tree Flat bushtrack.
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Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 229 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 60 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Regional Office' sign[6] uphill along the rocky track, beside the road[7]. After just over 30m the track leads through a sharp right hand hair pin bend[8] where the track then winds up the side of a gully[9] for about 200m to find a 'HH' AND NPWS arrow post[10]. Here the walk ignores the faint track (on the right) and continues on up the clear track for another 30m to come to a T-intersection, at the signposted 'Apple Tree flat' picnic area[11][12]
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
Alt = 63 m
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.
(0.4 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
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Apple Tree Flat Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 67 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads behind the 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[13] to follow the flat gravel path, past the picnic tables[14]. After about 30m this walk heads down a few stone steps[15] then just 30m later the path comes to a to the fenced Lookout[16] and views[17] over Cowan Creek. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Apple Tree Flat Lookout
Alt = 52 m
Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
(0.4 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
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National Parks Regional Office Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 42 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From 'Apple Tree Flat'[18] picnic area, this walk follows the clear path towards the road and up a few stone steps. The track leads up to a small clearing[19] to the cross Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Rd, veering a little to the right to enter the car park[20][21] beside the National Parks Regional Office.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office
Alt = 68 m
The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities.
(0.44 km)
National Parks Regional Office
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Bobbin Head Kiosk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.12 km
Time = 54 mins
Climb = 116 m
Descent = -173 m
Veer left: From the driveway entrance to the NPWS Regional Office, this walk heads heads across the car park, keeping the office building to your left. This walk then leads gently downhill across the grassy clearing behind the office building following the 'Birrawana Track' sign[22] a short distance to a a clear Y-intersection, marked with a 'Birrawana Loop Track' sign and map[23]. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Kalkari' arrow[24] along the track which climbs up the ridge. The track winds steeply up the long, rocky hill until it climbs up through a cleft in a rock, then flattens out. A short distance later, the track again starts to climb up the ridge, winding up a long set of wooden steps. The track then flattens again and comes to an intersection and a sign pointing back towards 'Regional Office'[25]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow[26] along the track, winding down and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to the left. After a while, the track comes to an intersection with the Birrawanna track, and a sign pointing back towards 'Regional Office'[27]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' sign[28] east and gently down through the tall wooded forest. After about 400m this track passes between two piles of disused sandstone blocks[29] then about 30m later leads past an intersection with an informal track[30] in a casuarina forest (on your right).
The main track continues straight, gently downhill for 80m where this walk almost completely flattens out[31] for about 100m. The track then begins to wind down a series of timber[32] and stone[33] steps for about 300m to find a flat sandstone rock platform beside a large angophora with filtered views over Cowan Creek[34].
From here the rocky track bends right and heads downhill for another 30m to pass through a tunnel formed under a sandstone overhang[35], then about 30m further downhill this walk follows a metal handrail down some steps[36]. Here the track then zig-zags downhill for about 60m before heading down some sandstone stairs[37], where the track comes to the edge of the Bobbin Head clearing, marked with a 'Welcome to the Birrawanna Track' sign[38]. This walk now veers left and follows the brick paved footpath[39], to come to the now visible 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[40], just before Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd.
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[41], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[42], 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[43][44] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[45], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[46], 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[47][48] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
Bobbin Head
Alt = 9 m
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'[49], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[50]. 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[51] and dotted with picnic tables[52][53], electric BBQs[54], shelters and a large playground[55]. There are toilets[56][fac=8042] nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[57][58] that can be booked NPWS[59].
The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[60] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[61], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[62], 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[63] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[64] and public toilets[65].
(2.56 km)
Bobbin Inn Cafe
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Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 454 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 68 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn left: From the 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[66], this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' main entrance. From here this walk follows the 'Birrawana Loop Track'[67] alongside the road a few meters to find a metal 'Welcome to the Cockle Creek Lookout Track' sign and map[68]. Now the walk follows the track behind the safety barrier (keeping the road to your right) for about 70m to cross a small culverted creek[69] and pass a few old a couple of picnic tables[70] in a shaded and mossy gully. This walk continues for another 30m behind the safety barrier[71] to come to the bottom of the signposted 'Birrawanna Track'[72] steps. Veer left: From beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road[73], this walk heads down a few steps to cross a small flat concrete bridge[74], to then follow the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[75] up the timber steps. This walk leads quite steeply up the track as it zig-zags up a series of timber and rock steps[76][77] for just over 300m to find the top of small rocky ridge[78]. Here the walk leads down a series of timber steps[79] for about 50m to cross a moist gully[80] that is home to a disused telegraph pole[81]. Now this walk follows the clear rocky track leads uphill[82] for just shy of 200m to come to a faint intersection at the top of the ridge[83] (where the lookout track is on your right).
(3.01 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
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Cockle Creek Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 112 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the rocky track, east along the top of the ridgeline towards the rocky outcrop[84]. After about 50m this walk passes through a gap between two large rock outcrops[85], then around another rock to wind gently down the hill for just shy of 50m to come to an unfenced rock ledge overlooking Cockle Creek[86]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Cockle Creek Lookout
Alt = 54 m
Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.
(3.01 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
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Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Apple Tree Flat bushtrack. Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 689 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -90 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north gently down hill for a few meters to follow an NPWS arrow post[87] along the clear track. After just shy of 100m this track bends left[88] to then gently undulate along the side of the hill (with the road down to your right)[89] for about 300m. Here the track mostly flattens out and contours around the side of the hill[90] for about 150m to then lead up a very gently hill to a signposted three way intersection. The intersection is beside a small clearing behind the regional office (on your right) and is marked with a 'Cockle Creek Lookout' and 'Bobbin Head' sign[91] pointing back along the track. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk head gently uphill across the grassy clearing[92], veering left a little to head across the car park and come the the driveway entrance[93] of the sandstone National Parks Regional Office building. Veer right: From the the NPWS Regional office, this walk heads out of the car park and crosses Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, veering right to find a small clearing on the other side[94]. From the clearing, the walk heads down some stone steps to almost immediately come to an intersession marked with an 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[95] just beside the picnic area[96]. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Apple Tree Bay' sign[97] downhill along the clear track. The track soon bends left then after 30m veers right at a faint intersection to follow the 'HH' AND NPWS arrow post further downhill[98]. The track the winds down the side of a gully[99] for about 200m to pass through a sharp left hand hair pin bend[100]. Here the walk continues downhill for just over 30m to an intersection with the sealed Apple Tree Bay road[101] where a 'Regional Office' sign points back up the hill[102].
(3.7 km)
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesbury Track
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Apple Tree Bay Kiosk Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 173 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the intersection at the bottom of the signposted 'Regional Office' track[103], this walk follows the sealed road gently downhill keeping the water and main valley to your right. After about 30m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina[104], on your right) to continue down the road for 150m to the Apple Tree Bay car park[105]. Just across from the entrance this walk comes to a Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[106].
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments, Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Nice walk. and thanks for the info. If I wanted to do it again I would park the car near National Parks Regional Office and the start and the loop there. From apple tree bay to the National Parks Regional Office is just some stairs.
hockey_guy99 - Thanks
IP:121.212.128.xxx | 2011-10-17 09:38:02
Walked this on 16 October 2011 with my wife and two sons, aged 5 and 9 months in a child carrier. It is a great walk we did it in less than 2 hours with a small child, so most people would be able to do it quicker.
The track was empty did not see anyone else on it, or evidence of anyone on it.
Great not easy not hard walk.
johnny
IP:58.106.229.xxx | 2012-09-09 10:03:47
Walked on 8/9/12 and combined it with "Bobbin Head Rainforest walk". It's a great walk with great views. Some sections are really steep!
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)