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.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Berowra to Bobbin Head bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Berowra to Bobbin Head 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
9km
Time
4 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*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
4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.2km is very steep and the remaining 370m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 200m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 5km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 3.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 2.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (1.9km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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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. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
(0 km)
Berowra Railway Station
to
End of the old Berowra Parade Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 196 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -5 m
From the front of Berowra Station[1], this walk follows the footpath[2][3] between the Pacific Highway and railway line, whilst keeping the highway to your left. After about 50m this walk comes to 'Berowra Parade'[4] marked with a large 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' information sign and map[5]. Here the walk turns right and follows the little used road down over railway bridge[6][7] then around the green metal gate[8] to cross over the F3 on a large concrete bridge[9]. 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[10].
(0.2 km)
End of the old Berowra Parade
to
Waratah Gully Crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.15 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -167 m
Veer right: From the clearing, this walk follows the track beside the large 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Berowra Track' sign[11] heading directly away from the freeway[12]. The track is initially slightly overgrown and leads over a series of concrete drains[13]. The track then leads gently down through a tall casuarina and eucalypt stand[14] for about 30m to come to the edge of an unfenced cliff, with filtered valley views[15]. Here the walk turns left and leads gently down along the clear track[16] and beside a long rock wall (on your left)[17] for about 150m to a sharp right hand bend[18]. From here the track becomes a little steeper and continues through a series of 9 more hairpin bends[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] for 800m becoming moderately steep and passing through a grass tree forest[28] to come beside Waratah Gully creek[29]. Here the track flattens out and heads down through the canyon like gully for 100m then down some stone steps[30] to the Waratah Gully creek[31] crossing. The walk crosses the slippery sandstone creek bed at the site of an old bridge to find a small constructed sandstone buttress on the far side[32]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.
(1.35 km)
Waratah Gully Crossing
to
Waratah Bay Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 759 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -64 m
Continue straight: From the sandstone buttress on the south side of Waratah Creek[33], this walk follows the clear and mostly flat track down through the steep sided canyon like gully[34], keeping the creek steeply below and to your left[35]. After passing through the dense moist forest for about 500m the rocky track leads over an exposed section of old pipes[36] then 70m later the track comes to the start of Waratah Bay[37]. Here the rocky track continues to lead beside the bay, keeping the water to your left[38] for 80m to pass a 'No Camping' and a 'Gas fires only' sign[39]. The walk now climbs up and over a short rocky rise[40] for about 35m to come back to the waters edge beside the rusted steel skeleton of a boat[41].
Waratah Bay
Alt = 10 m
Waratah Bay sits on the eastern extent of Cowan Waters east of Berowra. The bay is home to a rusting metal boat hull[42], 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[43]. Windybank also named the bay and acquired a life-long lease to use it[44]. It seems that he built a small home, boat shed[45] and a narrow road up the hill. Windybank operate a boat building a hire business on site[46]
(2.11 km)
Waratah Bay
to
Lords Bay headland Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.08 km
Time = 53 mins
Climb = 143 m
Descent = -150 m
Continue straight: From beside the rusty remnants of Windybank boat[47], this walk follows the track along the foreshore keeping the water to your left[48]. The track leads over a small rise for about 120m to come to a set of old peers[49] that once supported the Windybank's boat shed. There are other remnant of their home in the area[50]. The rocky track continues to undulate along the southern shoreline of Waratah Bay for about 400m passing some large boulders to where the track bends right, following the shoreline, to come alongside Cowan Creek[51]. This walk follows the rocky track as it leads upstream along the western shore of Cowan Creek for about 50m to pass a deep but short sandstone overhang[52] (on your right). Continuing to undulating along the rocky shoreline, this walk heads through the bracken ferns and tall forest for 500m to cross a shallow rocky gully[53]. About 180m later this walk veers right to follow the formal track[54] up the timber steps, over a rise to continue long the shoreline over a few more rises for 300m before crossing a deep moist gully[55] just beyond a large sandstone cave[56], just inside the northern headland of Lords Bay. The walk now leads along the northern shore into Lords bay for 250m to cross the usually small creek and densely forest gully[57] at the apex of Lords Bay. About 60m later the track crosses another usually small creek[58] on the slippery sandstone rocks to then follow the clear track[59] along the southern shoreline of Lords bay for 200m to a small rock platform[60] on the southern headland of Lords Bay.
(4.19 km)
Lords Bay headland
to
Cowan Creek View Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.93 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 132 m
Descent = -130 m
Continue straight: From the small rock platform[61] on the southern headland of Lords Bay, this walk follows the track along foreshore keeping the water to your left for 350m to then head alongside a natural rock wall[62] (on your right) and a shorter wall (on your left). From here the walk continues along the foreshore for 400m to cross the rocky apex of Winson Gully bay[63] then along the southern foreshore of this bay for just shy of 200m to an unfenced flat rock with great views[64] down Cowan Creek. This walk now continues to follow the track for 200m past a small cave[65] to the where the track bends right at the southern headland of Winson Gully bay to continue along side Cowan Creek for 250m to pass a section of track where large sandstone boulders have been placed to stabilise the shoreline[66]. The track then bends right to follow the shoreline into another bay then along north shore of this bay for 300m to cross the usually shallow but wide (unnamed) creek flowing over sandstone platform and around boulders[67]. Now this walk follows the track out of the bay along the southern shoreline[68] past a section where more large rocks have been placed to protect the track[69] then up a few steps to a timber boardwalk[70] and viewing platform[71] on Cowan Creek.
Cowan Creek View
Alt = 7 m
Cowan Creek View, is a timber platform[72] lookout on Cowan Creek. The lookout is on the northern side of a headland and provide great views[73] down along Cowan Creek. This is a great place to rest and enjoy the water views.
(6.12 km)
Cowan Creek View
to
Int of Berowra and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 333 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -7 m
Continue straight: From the viewing platform[74], this walk heads along the timber boardwalk[75] keeping Cowan Creek to your left. The boardwalk bends right where the walk then heads up some steps[76] and follows the rocky track as it undulates along the shoreline for 150m to pass close to a green channel marker[77]. From here the walk continues along shoreline for just over 160m to then head up some timber steps[78] and come to a signposted intersection[79] at the bottom of the the signposted 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Track'[80] (up to your right).
(6.46 km)
Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks
to
Apple Tree Bay Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 936 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 66 m
Descent = -82 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[81], this walk follows the clear track along the shoreline, keeping the water to your left. After about 40m this walk comes to a constructed stone wall[82] and series of disused stone steps (on your right)[83]. This is the site of the Woodnutts Boatshed[84] that was built in 1910. The rusting water tank and a few other relics remain[85].
From here this walk continues along the shore line for just over 300m veering right a few times to pass over small rises using some timber steps[86] to then cross two small rock gully and grove of sassafras[87]. From this second gully the walk continues for 200m along side Cowan creek to here the now mostly flat track[88] tends right (still on the shoreline) and into Apple Tree Bay. The track then becomes rocky and leads up and down a series of stone steps for about 100m to find small fenced clearing and picnic area where a sign points back along the 'Berowra Track'[89]. Here the walk turns left and crosses Apple Tree Creek on the timber bridge[90] to find a sheltered 'Information' sign[91] on the other side. Now the walk leads past the top of the boat ramp[92] and wanders across the car park[93] just shy of 100m to find the kiosk at and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[94] at the main entrance to the parking area.
(7.39 km)
Apple Tree Bay Kiosk
to
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
Turn left: From the Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[95], this walk follows the road out of the car park[96] and gently uphill keeping the water down to your left. After about 150m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina[97], on your left) to continue up the road for another 30m to find the intersection with the signposted 'Regional Office' track[98] (on your right).
(7.57 km)
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesburry Track
to
Bobbin Inn Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.16 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 67 m
Descent = -64 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sealed road gently uphill. After just over 150m (and after passing a speed bump), this walk comes to the top of the rise where the road bends right[99]. Here the walk continues to follow the road gently downhill for 900m passing a few more speed bumps to then head between six sandstone pillars[100] at the edge of Orchard Park. The walk now heads through the car park[101] for about 100m passing between the toilet block[102] (on your right) and 'The Pavillion'[103] and other shelters (on your left) to come to a T-intersection with Bobbin Head Road. Here the walk crosses the road to find the 'information centre'[104] and then turns left to find the 'Bobbin Inn'[105] cafe at the back of the building, just before the carpark.
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[106], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[107], 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[108][109] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
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 7 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.
if you drive to the start of the track, how do you get back from the end of the track to where you parked??
admin - re: getting back out ??
Super Administrator | 2008-07-01 17:19:42
Robin wrote:
if you drive to the start of the track, how do you get back from the end of the track to where you parked??
This is a one way walk that some people do to meet up with firend who drive down to the picnic area (and then get a lift back up). So this walk is realy only for those who can do the car shuffle (or who are happy to pay for a taxi out). Alternative try this walk
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/berowra-to-mt-ku-ring-gai.html And add to it the side trip to the picnic area. (then you can catch the train back to your car) :)
Mike Cuming - Mr
IP:58.173.42.xxx | 2010-07-26 00:30:43
The track from Berowra has recently been re-opened having been closed for over two years for repair due to bushfire damage. It is more practical to backtrack from Bobbin Head to just north of Appletree Bay, from where you can pick up the track west to Mt Ku-ring-gai station and hence rejoin the railway to home base.
It is a very scenic walk with much variety and I recommend it.
It is more practical to backtrack from Bobbin Head to just north of Appletree Bay, from where you can pick up the track west to Mt Ku-ring-gai station and hence rejoin the railway to home base.
It is a very scenic walk with much variety and I recommend it.
exactly ! i did this walk last weekend by parking at Berowra rail station, enjoying a most beautiful walk to the Apple Tree Bay Kiosk, THEN returned to Berowra. Total distance return >>>> about 15 klms.....too far really for me.
Best way is to park at Mt. Ku-Ring-Gai rail station, catch a train north next stop to Berowra, walk to Apple Tree Bay, on your return from ATB take the Mt. Ku-Ring-Gai track up to Mt. Ku-Ring-Gai rail station and your car. Total distance about 11 klms.
a real nice walk. Loved watching the boats on Cowan Creek :)
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
Check out the facilities at 
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. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk 
not too much longer now :)