Starting at the Sphinx War Memorial in North Turramurra, this walk follows a series of well-used tracks exploring the waterways and Bobbin Head. The walk drops through Bobbin Head picnic area before passing through Apple Tree Bay on its way to Mt Kuring-gai. The scenic views and variety of things to do along this track make it a fantastic walk. There are a couple of Cafe's at Bobbin Head to add to this journey.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station 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
11km
Time
4 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
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
6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.2km is very steep. Whilst another 1.8km has short steep hills and the remaining 1.2km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1.8km) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.2km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.2km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Catch the bus to Int of Bobbin Head and the Sphinx Roads
(0 km)
Int of Bobbin Head and the Sphinx Roads
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Int of Memorial Rd and Sphinx Track Walk: Easy - road
Length = 283 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -14 m
From the toll booth, this walk follows the 'Sphinx War Memorial' sign through the metal gates and along the road. The walk continues down the long gentle hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt path, at the information sign on the left of the road.
(0.28 km)
Int of Memorial Rd and Sphinx Track
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Sphinx Memorial Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 88 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -9 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, north-east along the footpath, until reaching the Sphinx Memorial picnic ground (the Sphinx will be just off to your right).
Sphinx Memorial
Alt = 138 m
Private Shirley spent one and a half years carving this monument whilst a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital. William Shirley was in hospital, being treated after serving in WW1. Shirley died in 1929, leaving this memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades.
"To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F
by the late W. Shirley
No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion
Died 27th August 1928" More info
(0.37 km)
Sphinx Memorial
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Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 57 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
Veer left: From the 'Sphinx Memorial'[1], this walk follows the asphalt footpath, behind the picnic tables[2] gently downhill for about 50m to a T-intersection with the 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[3].
(0.43 km)
Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail
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Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 367 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Walking Tack' sign[4] along the wide trail keeping the main valley to your right. After about 20m the trail leads over a culverted creek[5] then bends left[6]. Here the trail leads distinctly uphill[7] for just over 150m to mostly flatten out near an intersection with a faint track[8] (on your left). Here the walk continues gently up along the wide trail[9] (as it bends right) for just over 100m to pass under some power lines[10]. Just 20m past the power lines the trail leads to a T-intersection with another trail, marked with a 'Sphinx Trail' sign[11] pointing back along the walk.
(0.8 km)
Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks
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Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.49 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Trail' sign[12] gently up along the wide trail, keeping the power lines[13] (through the trees) to your right. This trail was part of original road down to Bobbin Head, now closed to traffic it gently undulates along the ridge past some scribbly gums and among the tall heath for just over 400m to pass under some power lines[14]. Just over 150m later this walk veers left at the Y-intersection[15] and continues along the trail for another 300m to pass under the same set of power lines again[16]. Just shy of 150m later the trail passes under two sets of high tension power lines[17][18]. From here the trail bends right and continues for almost 300m pass under the smaller set of power lines[19] again, then just 90m later the trail leads to an intersection with a short track[20] (on the left) that leads to the the signposted 'The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site'[21].
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site
Alt = 165 m
The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted[22] off the side of the old Bobbin Head Road and is home to a series of engravings on a sandstone rock platform. The engravings are behind a series timber log barriers[23] designed to reduce further wear on these faint engravings, please stay off the engravings area. If you look carefully you may see the engravings of a wallaby, gliding possum, bird, goanna[24] the Information board also shows there are two emus[25]. More info
(2.28 km)
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site
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Water Tank Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.25 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -28 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail north east, away from the power lines, initially keeping the engraving site on your left[26]. The walk continues along the ridge top for 400m passing through a mixed eucalypt forest[27] to pass a small bulldozed clearing[28] (on your left), then just 500m later the trail leads under a set of power lines[29] again. The trail leads gently downhill for about 80m to pass a larger clearing and turning area[30] to head more steeply downhill along the trail for just shy of 250m, following a metal pipe[31], to come alongside a large disused concrete water tank[32].
(3.53 km)
Water Tank
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int. near gate on Bobbin head trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.41 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -140 m
Continue straight: From beside of the water tank, this walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the wide trail[33] following a metal pipe[34]. After about 170m the trail bends sharply right[35] and passes a faint track (that follows the pipeline[36]) then 60m later the trail bends sharply left[37].
The trail continues in a similar way winding downhill for 400m to pass under the power lines[38] again, then over the next 100m the trail bends bends left again to pass under the same set of power lines again, this time with good views over Cowan Creek[39]. Over the next 250m the trail bends sharply right[40]
then sharply left[41], where it passes under the same set of power lines[42] once again. The trail continues to wind downhill for another 250m to pass under the same set of power lines again[43]. Here the trail continues for another 80m to come to a locked gate with a 'Service Trail' sign[44] (on your left), where there is a track ahead marked with a 'Bobbin Head' sign[45].
(4.94 km)
int. near gate on Bobbin Head trail
to
Empire Marina Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 376 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -53 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' sign[46], down the rocky track and series of stone steps[47]. The track soon flattens out on a rock platform[48] with views over Cowan Creek and the marina[49]. Here the track bends right then winds downhill passing more pleasant rock formations[50] for about 60m where this track then follows parallel (just above another track) for a short distance before heading down a set of concrete steps[51] to a T-intersection with the signposted 'Warrimoo Track'[52]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[53] 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[54] behind a dry dock[55] for 40m. Here the track narrows a bit to head between the rock face and buildings[56] for 100m to turn right at a 'Warrimo Track' sign[57] and a yellow painted walker (on the ground). Here the walk heads through the hallway, past the public toilets[58] to the water front of Empire Marina, beside the 'Kiosk'[59] (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
(5.32 km)
Empire Marina
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Bobbin Head Wharf carpark Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 237 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From beside the Kiosk at Empire Marina[60], this walk follows the concrete path keeping keeping the water just to your right[61]. After about 20m this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head Picnic Area' sign[62] along the elevated path past a series of information signs [63][64][65][66][67][68][69] about the local heritage, beside the car park for 150m to leave the marina through the lockable gate[70]. This gate is locked outside of 'park operating hours'[71], that is 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and 5.30pm to 6am at other times of the year[72]. Here the walk passes a sign pointing back to the 'Warrimmo Track'[73] 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[74].
(5.55 km)
Bobbin Head Wharf carpark
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Bobbin Inn Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 181 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the driveway[75] 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[76] (ahead and on the left), a shelter and phone both[77] (just to your left). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath beside the road over the wide bridge[78], crossing Cowan Creek[79]. On the far side of the bridge, this walk continues beside the road along side 'Orchard Park'[80] to pass a side road (on the left)[81]. 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[82] (on your left), home to cafe and 'information centre'.
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'[83], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[84]. 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[85] and dotted with picnic tables[86][87], electric BBQs[88], shelters and a large playground[89]. There are toilets[90][fac=8042] nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[91][92] that can be booked NPWS[93].
The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[94] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[95], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[96], 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[97] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[98] and public toilets[99].
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[100], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[101], 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[102][103] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
(5.74 km)
Bobbin Inn Cafe
to
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 454 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 68 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From the 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[104], this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' main entrance. From here this walk follows the 'Birrawana Loop Track'[105] alongside the road a few meters to find a metal 'Welcome to the Cockle Creek Lookout Track' sign and map[106]. 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[107] and pass a few old a couple of picnic tables[108] in a shaded and mossy gully. This walk continues for another 30m behind the safety barrier[109] to come to the bottom of the signposted 'Birrawanna Track'[110] steps. Veer left: From beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road[111], this walk heads down a few steps to cross a small flat concrete bridge[112], to then follow the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[113] up the timber steps. This walk leads quite steeply up the track as it zig-zags up a series of timber and rock steps[114][115] for just over 300m to find the top of small rocky ridge[116]. Here the walk leads down a series of timber steps[117] for about 50m to cross a moist gully[118] that is home to a disused telegraph pole[119]. Now this walk follows the clear rocky track leads uphill[120] for just shy of 200m to come to a faint intersection at the top of the ridge[121] (where the lookout track is on your right).
(6.19 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[122]. After about 50m this walk passes through a gap between two large rock outcrops[123], 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[124]. (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.
(6.19 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
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National Parks Regional Office Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 418 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -27 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north gently down hill for a few meters to follow an NPWS arrow post[125] along the clear track. After just shy of 100m this track bends left[126] to then gently undulate along the side of the hill (with the road down to your right)[127] for about 300m. Here the track mostly flattens out and contours around the side of the hill[128] 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[129] pointing back along the track. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk head gently uphill across the grassy clearing[130], veering left a little to head across the car park and come the the driveway entrance[131] 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.
(6.61 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[132]. From the clearing, the walk heads down some stone steps to almost immediately come to an intersession marked with an 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[133] just beside the picnic area[134].
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.
(6.65 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[135] to follow the flat gravel path, past the picnic tables[136]. After about 30m this walk heads down a few stone steps[137] then just 30m later the path comes to a to the fenced Lookout[138] and views[139] 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.
(6.65 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
to
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[140] 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[141]. The track the winds down the side of a gully[142] for about 200m to pass through a sharp left hand hair pin bend[143]. Here the walk continues downhill for just over 30m to an intersection with the sealed Apple Tree Bay road[144] where a 'Regional Office' sign points back up the hill[145].
(6.88 km)
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesbury Track
to
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[146], 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[147], on your right) to continue down the road for 150m to the Apple Tree Bay car park[148]. Just across from the entrance this walk comes to a Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[149].
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[150] is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
(7.05 km)
Apple Tree Bay
to
Int of Lookout and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.87 km
Time = 1 hr 15 mins
Climb = 272 m
Descent = -79 m
Turn right: From the kiosk[151], this walk heads across the eastern end of the car park[152], keeping the water to your right for just shy of 100m to pass the top of the boat ramp[153] and find the sheltered 'Information' sign[154]. Here the walk crosses Apple Tree Creek on the timber bridge[155] to find a small clearing and picnic area where this walk turns right following the 'Berowra Track' sign[156]. The walk soon leaves the metal fence and follows the rocky track and stone steps[157] for about 100m where the track then mostly flattens out[158] for another 100m to cross a small rock gully and grove of sassafras[159]. 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[160]. From here this walk continues along the shoreline in a similar manor for 300m to come to a constructed stone wall[161] and series of disused stone steps (on your left)[162]. This is the site of the historic Woodnutts Boatshed[163] that was built in 1910. The rusting water tank and a few other relics remain[164].
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'[165] (on your left). Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'MT Ku-ring-gai Track' sign[166] up the rock and timber steps and past the small overhang[167]. The track leads fairly steeply up for 80m to then bend sharply right[168] and continue fairly steeply for another 200m to pass a natural rock wall[169] (on your left). Just 20m past this wall the track comes to a small flat area[170] with good views over Cowan Creek[171]. Here the walk continues more gently uphill along the rocky ridge line[172] for 300m where the track completely flattens out to pass along the side of a small hill[173] (on your left). Over the next 600m the track leads down across a saddle then up along the ridge to bend right onto[174] an exposed rock platform[175]. From there the sandy track soon bends left again to follow the ridge uphill for 100m to pass a small sandstone overhang[176] then continue up a long set of stone steps[177] where the sandy track mostly flattens out again[178]. Soon the track starts heading up more stone steps [179] for about 400m to pass between a large boulder (on your left) and along rock wall (on your right)[180]. At the end of this rock wall the track bends right and leads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[181] where the then mostly flat wide sandy track leads gently uphill for 250m to find a three-way intersection[182]
marked with a NPWS arrow post[183].
(9.92 km)
Int of viewpoint and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks
to
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[184] to follow the wide sandy track gently downhill. The track begins to narrow[185] and after about 100m the now rocky track comes to an unfenced rock platform[186] with good views down over Apple Tree Bay and down along Cowan Creek valley[187]. (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.
(9.92 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[188] 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[189] as the trail bends right where this walk heads around the green metal National Park gate[190]. Here the walk heads past a few houses to find the intersection of 'Harwood Ave' and 'Young St'[191] (Mt Kuring-gai).
(10.57 km)
Corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street
to
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'[192] and across 'Low St'[193] to continue to the end of Harwood Ave to find a footbridge[194]. Here the walk crosses the the F3 freeway using the caged foot bridge[195] to head down the steps into a concrete tunnel[196]. 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'[197]
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.
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 :)