Starting in North Turramurra, this walk follows the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and down along the picturesque Cowan Creek. Bobbin Head makes a great spot to take a break and have some lunch at the cafe, kiosk or picnic area. From Bobbin Head, the track continues through Apple Tree Bay, following Cowan Creek for a little while before climbing up and out of the valley to Mt Kuring-gai station.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Darri and Warrimoo Tracks to Mt Kuring-gai 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
15km
Time
6 hrs 30 mins
.
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
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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
6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.2km is very steep and the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
10km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (990m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(0 km)
Bedford Ave, Turramurra
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Int. Darri Track and Malborough Rd Servicetrail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 485 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -25 m
From opposite 18 Bedford Ave, this walk follows the service trail around the metal gate and past the 'Terramerragal Reserve' sign, soon passing the information sign about the Darri Track. This wide track winds down the hill and crosses a small creek, and then follows Cowan Creek downstream. After passing through the dense bush, enjoying the occasional view of the small creek (and avoiding a small false track off to the right), this track comes to an intersection with a service trail coming in from the left, at the concrete ditch.
(0.49 km)
Int. of Darri Track and Malborough Rd Servicetrail
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Cowan Creek and Darri track Int. Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.03 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -47 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail that heads up the hill and away from Cowan Creek. The trail soon turns to the right and starts to flatten out. Just before the trail starts heading downhill, it comes to an intersection with a small bush track coming down from the left. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the service trail, passing a large Scribbly Gum on the right and then heading down the hill. The track continues to wind down to the bottom of the valley where it crosses Cowan Creek and continues along the other side, steadily climbing up the side of the valley until coming to the intersection of the Glengarry Road service trail, and a Darri Track information sign.
(1.52 km)
Cowan Creek and Darri track Int.
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Tokanue Place Track Intersection Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 229 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail heading north-east up the hill, climbing up the side of the valley for a short while until it flattens out and comes to the intersection with the Tokanue Place access trail at the large metal gate.
(1.75 km)
Tokanue Place Track Intersection
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Waipori Street Track Intersection Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 326 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail heading north-east, keeping the asphalt service trail on the right, winding around the back of some houses and through the bush for a while until it comes to the intersection of the Waipori Street service trail.
(2.07 km)
Waipori Street Track Intersection
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Gould Avenue Creek crossing Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 395 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -27 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Darri Track' sign past the 'Terramerragal Reserve' sign and along the service trail, heading through the bush and down the long gentle hill, until it comes to the intersection of the lower valley link trail at the information sign. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the service trail past the "No Through Road" sign and along the side of the hill, gently undulating until it comes to a small creek crossing, where the service trail becomes a bush track.
(2.47 km)
Gould Avenue Creek crossing
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Int of Darri and Timbarra Road tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 724 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 63 m
Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From the end of the service trail, this walk crosses the small creek and continues along the bush track, winding up the long hill, keeping the metal handrail on the right. The walk continues up the rocky hill, and up a metal staircase to a flat rock platform at the top. From here, the track turns left onto the rock platform and continues along the bush track, passing a 'Kuringai Chase National Park' sign before dropping down a small hill then continuing up some rock steps. From the top of the steps, the walk follows the bush track through the gum trees until it comes to a 'Y' intersection with another bush track at a Darri Track marker.
(3.19 km)
Int of Darri and Timbarra Road tracks
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Int of Darri and Warrimoo Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 528 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -22 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, heading north past some blackened gum trees and through the bush, undulating gently for a while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Warrimoo Track'.
(3.72 km)
Int of Darri and Warrimoo Tracks
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Sonja Huddles Chair Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 849 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -92 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Bobbin Head arrow along the service trail (heading north west). The trail meanders through the bush for a while before winding steadily down a long hill to the end of the ridge. Here, the trail comes to a Memorial Chair at a lookout over Cowan Creek.
(4.57 km)
Sonja Huddles Chair
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Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 521 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -57 m
Continue straight: From the Memorial Chair, the walk heads down the rock steps and follows the bush track. The track winds steeply down the rocky hill and crosses Cowan Creek at the stepping stones. The track then continues along the edge of the creek (keeping the creek to the right) until coming to the signposted intersection with the Sphinx Track.
(5.09 km)
Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks
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Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.71 km
Time = 1 hr 32 mins
Climb = 242 m
Descent = -245 m
Continue straight: From the intersection this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow on the 'Warrimoo Track' sign[1] along the clear track that leads through the mostly flat ferny section, keeping Cowan Creek some distance to your right. After about 100m the track leaves the ferns and passes under a set of high tension power lines[2] where the track undulates along the side of the hill close to Cowan Creek[3] crossing a few small gullies for about 900m to then pass along a long natural sandstone wall[4]. About 150m after this wall the track leads just below a notable sandstone overhang[5] (up to your left) where the track then starts to head downhill for just over 100m
to a fairly open grassy salt marsh[6]. The walk stays just to the left of the salt marsh then leads along the edge of a section of mangroves[7] for 100m where the track bends left[8] and leads along side the creek for another 100m to then cross a creek at a wide rocky gully[9]. This is a pleasant cool spot with the usually small creek flowing over the sandstone rock platform with naturally carved holes[10]. For the next 200m the track undulates gently along the foreshore through the casuarina forest[11] to come to a tall overhang[12] that is on a rock platform right on the edge of Cowan Creek, a pleasant place to rest. This section of track may become covered with water at high tide.
From the tall overhang the track continues along the shortening natural rock wall[13] for about 150m
to then lead along another section of mangroves[14] for 150m. About 60m past the mangroves the track crosses a short flat timber bridge[15], then over the next 200m the track crosses a mossy gully and densely forested gully[16] where the rocky track climbs[17] over a rise, past some large smooth bark angophora's[18] then down to another tall and long rock wall[19] and some more pleasant water views[20].
Just 20m past this rock wall the track bends left[21] and leads alongside the edge of the mangroves[22] for 200m, were again the track may be covered with water at high tides. From the end of the mangroves the rocky track climbs[23] for about 200m before continuing along the water side through a casuarina forest[24] as the track gently undulates over some rocky sections passing some pleasant water views[25] for 400m to pass below another fairly large sandstone cave/overhang[26] (up the hill to your left). Over the next 250m the track leads through a grassy section[27] beside the creek before crossing a shallow gully over a scattering of sandstone blocks[28][29]. Over the next 300m the mostly flat track leads through a tall wooded forest[30] filled with ferns and crossing a few middens[31] to come to an three-way intersection, just before the marina, marked with a 'Warrimoo Ave & Sphinx Memorial' sign[32] pointing back along the track.
(8.8 km)
Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks
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Empire Marina Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 173 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[33] along the mostly flat track following the foreshore, keeping the water and boats to your right. After about 30m this walk follows a fence and handrail[34] behind a dry dock[35] for 40m. Here the track narrows a bit to head between the rock face and buildings[36] for 100m to turn right at a 'Warrimo Track' sign[37] and a yellow painted walker (on the ground). Here the walk heads through the hallway, past the public toilets[38] to the water front of Empire Marina, beside the 'Kiosk'[39] (on your right).
Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe
Alt = 6 m
Empire Marina, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, provides facilities and services for people on boats and on foot. The marina is home to "Galley Foods" kiosk and restaurant. The kiosk provides a variety of food priced between $4-$16, and is open from 8:30am to 5pm seven days. The restaurant requires reservations, and is open for lunch Thurs-Mon, breakfast on the weekend, and in dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Phone 9457 0477 More info
(8.97 km)
Empire Marina
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Bobbin Inn Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath,road,road
Length = 418 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn left: From beside the Kiosk at Empire Marina[40], this walk follows the concrete path keeping keeping the water just to your right[41]. After about 20m this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[42] along the elevated path past a series of information signs [43][44][45][46][47][48][49] about the local heritage, beside the car park for 150m to leave the marina through the lockable gate[50]. This gate is locked outside of 'park operating hours'[51], that is 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and 5.30pm to 6am at other times of the year[52]. Here the walk passes a sign pointing back to the 'Warrimmo Track'[53] and continues along the waterside then through the car park for another 60m to find another sign pointing back to 'Warrimoo Track', next to the 'Pay Here' station[54]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the driveway[55] out of the car park a short distance to the intersection with Bobbin Head Road, just beside the bridge. Here there is a toilet block[56] (ahead and on the left), a shelter and phone both[57] (just to your left). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath beside the road over the wide bridge[58], crossing Cowan Creek[59]. On the far side of the bridge, this walk continues beside the road along side 'Orchard Park'[60] to pass a side road (on the left)[61]. Just 60m later along the main road (Ku-ring-gai Chase Road) this walk comes to the end of a small set of car parks just beside the 'Bobbin Inn' building[62] (on your left), home to cafe and 'information centre'.
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[63], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[64], 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[65][66] 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'[67], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[68]. 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[69] and dotted with picnic tables[70][71], electric BBQs[72], shelters and a large playground[73]. There are toilets[74][fac=8042] nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[75][76] that can be booked NPWS[77].
The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[78] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[79], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[80], 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[81] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[82] and public toilets[83].
(9.39 km)
Bobbin Inn Cafe
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Bottom of the Birrawana track steps Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 155 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[84], this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' main entrance. From here this walk follows the 'Birrawana Loop Track'[85] alongside the road a few meters to find a metal 'Welcome to the Cockle Creek Lookout Track' sign and map[86]. 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[87] and pass a few old a couple of picnic tables[88] in a shaded and mossy gully. This walk continues for another 30m behind the safety barrier[89] to come to the bottom of the signposted 'Birrawanna Track'[90] steps.
(9.54 km)
Int of Birrawana track and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road
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Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 299 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -10 m
Veer left: From beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road[91], this walk heads down a few steps to cross a small flat concrete bridge[92], to then follow the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[93] up the timber steps. This walk leads quite steeply up the track as it zig-zags up a series of timber and rock steps[94][95] for just over 300m to find the top of small rocky ridge[96]. Here the walk leads down a series of timber steps[97] for about 50m to cross a moist gully[98] that is home to a disused telegraph pole[99]. Now this walk follows the clear rocky track leads uphill[100] for just shy of 200m to come to a faint intersection at the top of the ridge[101] (where the lookout track is on your right).
(9.84 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[102]. After about 50m this walk passes through a gap between two large rock outcrops[103], 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[104]. (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.
(9.84 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
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Birrawana Loop Int (behind the Regional Office) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 366 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -25 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north gently down hill for a few meters to follow an NPWS arrow post[105] along the clear track. After just shy of 100m this track bends left[106] to then gently undulate along the side of the hill (with the road down to your right)[107] for about 300m. Here the track mostly flattens out and contours around the side of the hill[108] 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[109] pointing back along the track.
(10.21 km)
Birrawana Loop Int (behind the Regional Office)
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National Parks Regional Office Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 52 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk head gently uphill across the grassy clearing[110], veering left a little to head across the car park and come the the driveway entrance[111] of the sandstone National Parks Regional Office building.
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.
(10.26 km)
National Parks Regional Office
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Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 42 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
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[112]. From the clearing, the walk heads down some stone steps to almost immediately come to an intersession marked with an 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[113] just beside the picnic area[114].
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.
(10.3 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
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads behind the 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[115] to follow the flat gravel path, past the picnic tables[116]. After about 30m this walk heads down a few stone steps[117] then just 30m later the path comes to a to the fenced Lookout[118] and views[119] over Cowan Creek. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right 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.
(10.3 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
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Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Apple Tree Flat bushtrack. Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 229 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -60 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Apple Tree Bay' sign[120] 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[121]. The track the winds down the side of a gully[122] for about 200m to pass through a sharp left hand hair pin bend[123]. Here the walk continues downhill for just over 30m to an intersection with the sealed Apple Tree Bay road[124] where a 'Regional Office' sign points back up the hill[125].
(10.53 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[126], 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[127], on your right) to continue down the road for 150m to the Apple Tree Bay car park[128]. Just across from the entrance this walk comes to a Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[129].
Apple Tree Bay
Alt = 8 m
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[130] is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
(10.71 km)
Apple Tree Bay
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Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 936 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 82 m
Descent = -66 m
Turn right: From the kiosk[131], this walk heads across the eastern end of the car park[132], keeping the water to your right for just shy of 100m to pass the top of the boat ramp[133] and find the sheltered 'Information' sign[134]. Here the walk crosses Apple Tree Creek on the timber bridge[135] to find a small clearing and picnic area where this walk turns right following the 'Berowra Track' sign[136]. The walk soon leaves the metal fence and follows the rocky track and stone steps[137] for about 100m where the track then mostly flattens out[138] for another 100m to cross a small rock gully and grove of sassafras[139]. The track then crosses another gully and continues along the shore for just over 200m leaving the Apple Tree Bay where the track veers left over a small rise using some timber steps[140]. From here this walk continues along the shoreline in a similar manor for 300m to come to a constructed stone wall[141] and series of disused stone steps (on your left)[142]. This is the site of the historic Woodnutts Boatshed[143] that was built in 1910. The rusting water tank and a few other relics remain[144].
Here the walk continues along the clear track along the shoreline for another 40m to the intersection at the bottom of the signposted 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Track'[145] (on your left).
(11.64 km)
Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks
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Int of Lookout and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.93 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 190 m
Descent = -13 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'MT Ku-ring-gai Track' sign[146] up the rock and timber steps and past the small overhang[147]. The track leads fairly steeply up for 80m to then bend sharply right[148] and continue fairly steeply for another 200m to pass a natural rock wall[149] (on your left). Just 20m past this wall the track comes to a small flat area[150] with good views over Cowan Creek[151]. Here the walk continues more gently uphill along the rocky ridge line[152] for 300m where the track completely flattens out to pass along the side of a small hill[153] (on your left). Over the next 600m the track leads down across a saddle then up along the ridge to bend right onto[154] an exposed rock platform[155]. From there the sandy track soon bends left again to follow the ridge uphill for 100m to pass a small sandstone overhang[156] then continue up a long set of stone steps[157] where the sandy track mostly flattens out again[158]. Soon the track starts heading up more stone steps [159] for about 400m to pass between a large boulder (on your left) and along rock wall (on your right)[160]. At the end of this rock wall the track bends right and leads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[161] where the then mostly flat wide sandy track leads gently uphill for 250m to find a three-way intersection[162]
marked with a NPWS arrow post[163].
(13.57 km)
Int of viewpoint and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks
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Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 107 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads east away from the main trail[164] to follow the wide sandy track gently downhill. The track begins to narrow[165] and after about 100m the now rocky track comes to an unfenced rock platform[166] with good views down over Apple Tree Bay and down along Cowan Creek valley[167]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout
Alt = 188 m
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.
(13.57 km)
Int of Lookout and Mt Kuringai Tracks
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Corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 653 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the face of the NPWS arrow post[168] to head south west over a small rise and along the sandy management trail. The trail passes through open wooded forest for just over 600m to pass a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Mt Kuring gai Track' sign[169] as the trail bends right where this walk heads around the green metal National Park gate[170]. Here the walk heads past a few houses to find the intersection of 'Harwood Ave' and 'Young St'[171] (Mt Kuring-gai).
(14.23 km)
Corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street
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Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 402 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street, this walk follows Harwood Ave downhill along the footpath. The footpath then leads up past a 'Seaview St'[172] and across 'Low St'[173] to continue to the end of Harwood Ave to find a footbridge[174]. Here the walk crosses the the F3 freeway using the caged foot bridge[175] to head down the steps into a concrete tunnel[176]. Part way through the tunnel this walk comes to an intersection at the bottom of the steps at Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station. Here there is a sign that points back to 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Walking Track'[177]
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.
Cowan Creek Reserve Cowan Creek Reserve (aka Terramerragal Reserve) is a large reserve owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve is home to the Darri track and some wonderful stands of She-oak trees. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
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.
Berowra Valley National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Following the Berowra Creek the Berowra Valley National Park is located on the Hornsby Plateau and is made up of typical Hawkesbury Sandstone. The great North walk, Benowie walking track, and many other great walks stretch spann this park. The area has varied vegetation including many different sorts of Eucalyptus and plenty of native animals, includingl swamp wallibies, water dragons, bandicoots, Lyre Birds, and bush turkeys. There are several campsites within the Park, and Crosslands Reserve is also a popular spot near the middle of the park. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCamping Current Park Closure information for Berowra Valley National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Safety alerts: Quarry trail and Benowie walking track restricted access Access restrictions are in place along trails that traverse the land managed by the Hornsby Rifle Range. Restricted areas include:
an 800m section of trail, 2km in from the Quarry Road entrance at Dural
an 800m section of trail, 300m in from the Stewart Avenue entrance at Hornsby
a 750m section of the Benowie walking track between Steele Bridge and Fishponds Waterholes.
Shooting times are between 9am and 4.30pm, 7 days a week. All visitors wishing to access the restricted sections of trail during these times must request prior authorisation by contacting the Hornsby Rifle Range on their 24 hour contact number 0417 201 606. Consult the map on Page vii of the Berowra Valley National Park Draft Plan of Management to plan alternative routes during these hours. Visit the website for further information about the Hornsby Rifle Range.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
Check out the facilities at 
not too much longer now :)