This great walk starts at the Sphinx Memorial and loops around via Cowan Creek, exploring diverse environments as it changes altitude. There is an optional side trip to the Empire Marina and cafe for a recharge before the climb back up to the Sphinx. This walk provides some great water views of the Cowan Creek and the interesting rock formations along its shores.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sphinx, Warrimoo and Bobbin Head tracks 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
10km
Time
4 hrs
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
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 3.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (About 10m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (480m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.2km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 4.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 4.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
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 km)
Sphinx Memorial
to
Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 57 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
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].
(0.06 km)
Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail
to
Int of Sphinx walking Track and Service trail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 9 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Fire Trail' sign[4] gently downhill along the wide trail, keeping the valley to your left for just over 10m to an intersection marked with a 'Sphinx Walking Track' sign[5] (on your left).
(0.07 km)
Int of Sphinx walking Track and management trail
to
Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.05 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -140 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Walking Track' sign[6] fairly steeply down the series of timber steps[7]. This walk follows the rocky track[8] and timber steps[9] for 300m to flatten out and pass between two tall eucalyptus[10], then just shy of 150m later this walk comes to a shallow sandstone overhang[11] (on your right). The mostly flat track continues along the side of the valley for about 30m[12] to then head down a series of and carved stone and timber steps[13] for 50m to cross a usually small creek on a sandstone rock platform[14]. From here the track leads gently downhill along the side of the valley among the grass trees[15] for almost 200m to cross a smaller often dry creek on a sandstone rock platform[16]. Here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill crossing a few pleasant rock platforms[17] for 130m to pass under the high tension power lines[18]. Now the track begins to zig-zags quite steeply in places, for almost 250m, down a series of timber and stone steps[19] to a T-intersection[20] in a flat ferny forest. Here there is a 'Sphinx Track - Nth. Turramurra' sign[21] pointing back up the rocky track.
(1.12 km)
Int of Sphinx walking and Warrimoo Tracks
to
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
Turn left: From the intersection this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head' arrow on the 'Warrimoo Track' sign[22] 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[23] where the track undulates along the side of the hill close to Cowan Creek[24] crossing a few small gullies for about 900m to then pass along a long natural sandstone wall[25]. About 150m after this wall the track leads just below a notable sandstone overhang[26] (up to your left) where the track then starts to head downhill for just over 100m
to a fairly open grassy salt marsh[27]. The walk stays just to the left of the salt marsh then leads along the edge of a section of mangroves[28] for 100m where the track bends left[29] and leads along side the creek for another 100m to then cross a creek at a wide rocky gully[30]. This is a pleasant cool spot with the usually small creek flowing over the sandstone rock platform with naturally carved holes[31]. For the next 200m the track undulates gently along the foreshore through the casuarina forest[32] to come to a tall overhang[33] 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[34] for about 150m
to then lead along another section of mangroves[35] for 150m. About 60m past the mangroves the track crosses a short flat timber bridge[36], then over the next 200m the track crosses a mossy gully and densely forested gully[37] where the rocky track climbs[38] over a rise, past some large smooth bark angophora's[39] then down to another tall and long rock wall[40] and some more pleasant water views[41].
Just 20m past this rock wall the track bends left[42] and leads alongside the edge of the mangroves[43] for 200m, were again the track may be covered with water at high tides. From the end of the mangroves the rocky track climbs[44] for about 200m before continuing along the water side through a casuarina forest[45] as the track gently undulates over some rocky sections passing some pleasant water views[46] for 400m to pass below another fairly large sandstone cave/overhang[47] (up the hill to your left). Over the next 250m the track leads through a grassy section[48] beside the creek before crossing a shallow gully over a scattering of sandstone blocks[49][50]. Over the next 300m the mostly flat track leads through a tall wooded forest[51] filled with ferns and crossing a few middens[52] to come to an three-way intersection, just before the marina, marked with a 'Warrimoo Ave & Sphinx Memorial' sign[53] pointing back along the track.
(4.83 km)
Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks
to
Empire Marina Optional sidetrip: 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[54] 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[55] behind a dry dock[56] for 40m. Here the track narrows a bit to head between the rock face and buildings[57] for 100m to turn right at a 'Warrimo Track' sign[58] and a yellow painted walker (on the ground). Here the walk heads through the hallway, past the public toilets[59] to the water front of Empire Marina, beside the 'Kiosk'[60] (on your right). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
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
(4.83 km)
Int of Warrimoo and Bobbin Head Tracks
to
int. near gate on Bobbin Head trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 203 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the concrete steps[61] away from the face of the 'Warrimoo Track' sign[62]. The track immediately bends right and follows just above the other track for a short distance before winding uphill passing some pleasant rock formations[63] for just over 60m to a rock platform[64] with views over Cowan Creek and the marina[65]. Here the track bends left and winds up some more stone steps[66] to an intersection with a wide trail, where a sign points back down to 'Bobbin Head'[67].
(5.03 km)
int. near gate on Bobbin head trail
to
Water Tank Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.41 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 140 m
Descent = -28 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail uphill, this trail was part of original road down to Bobbin Head and is now closed to traffic. After about 80m the trail leads under a set of power lines[68] then continues to wind uphill for 250m to bend sharply right[69], passing under the same set of power lines[70] again. Over the next 250m the trail bends sharply left[71] then passes under the same set of power lines yet again, this time with a good view over Cowan Creek[72] (to your left). The trail bends right to pass under the power lines[73] again just 100m later then continues winding up in a similar way for just over 600m to head up a short steeper section[74] to find an old concrete water tank beside the trail[75] (on your left).
(6.44 km)
Water Tank
to
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.25 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From beside the water tank, this walk follows the wide trail uphill[76] following a metal pipe[77] for almost 250m where the trail mostly flattens out at a large cleared turning area[78]. Here the trail continues for another 80m to pass under a set of power lines[79] then about 500m later the trail leads past a small bulldozed clearing[80] (on your right). This walk continues following the trail along the ridge line for 400m passing through a mixed eucalypt forest [81] to come to an intersection with a short track[82] (on your right) that leads to the signposted 'The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site'[83] (about 90m before some power lines).
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site
Alt = 165 m
The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted[84] 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[85] 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[86] the Information board also shows there are two emus[87]. More info
(7.69 km)
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site
to
Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.49 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail south west, towards the power lines, initially keeping the engraving site on your right[88]. After 90m the
trail bends and passes under a set of power lines[89] then continues for almost 300m to head under two sets of high tension power lines[90][91]. The trail then continues for almost 150m to pass under the same set of smaller power lines again[92] then 300m later this walk ignores another trail[93] (on you left) to continue straight on the main trail. About 150m later the trail then leads under the same set of smaller power lines[94] once again to gently undulate along the ridge among the tall heath then a few scribbly gums for just over 400m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a 'Bobbin Head Trail' sign[95] pointing back along the walk.
(9.18 km)
Int of Bobbin Head and Sphinx service tracks
to
Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx service trail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 367 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -31 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sphinx Trail'[96] along the wide trail for about 20m to the pass under some power lines[97], clearly visible from the intersection. The walk continues gently down along this trail[98] for just over 100m to pass a faint track[99] (on your right). From there the trail begins to steepen and leads more distinctly downhill[100] for just over 150m where the trail then bends right[101] to cross the culverted creek[102]. About 20m after, this walk comes to an intersection with an asphalt path (on your right) marked with a sign pointing back along the trail to the 'Bobbin Head Walking Tack'[103].
(9.54 km)
Int of Sphinx Memorial Track and Sphinx fire trail
to
Sphinx Memorial Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 57 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection this walk follows the asphalt footpath, gently uphill directly away from the face of the 'Sphinx Fire Trail'[104] sign. The footpath leads for about 50m to head behind the picnic tables[105] and come to the sandstone 'Sphinx Memorial'[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 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.
Hi Matt, Enjoyed talking to you at St Ives showground today! I have done this lovely walk several times...during the week you may not see anyone else! I usually do it the other way round. For a senior citizen, I find it easier to go down the very steep Sphinx track, and wind back up the more gradual gradient old coaching track, The marina has a cafe that is open every day 9:00 till 5:00PM I think. Alternately there are a copule of bench seats where you can have a rest and eat a packed sndwich at the marina, and taps at the back of the sheds to re-fill a water bottle!
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2008-04-02 10:24:31
Thanks Trevor
Glad you like the site and the walk. By the end of the year I hope to add a "reverse" feature to all walks, so that you will be able to pick the direction you walk to walk in (this is obviously for Cicuit and one way walks, for so much for return walks) But comment s like this are great to help others planning there day, I will try to add some info about the marina soon. THanks again and happy walking :D
Trevor Andrews wrote:
Hi Matt, Enjoyed talking to you at St Ives showground today! I have done this lovely walk several times...during the week you may not see anyone else! I usually do it the other way round. For a senior citizen, I find it easier to go down the very steep Sphinx track, and wind back up the more gradual gradient old coaching track, The marina has a cafe that is open every day 9:00 till 5:00PM I think. Alternately there are a copule of bench seats where you can have a rest and eat a packed sndwich at the marina, and taps at the back of the sheds to re-fill a water bottle!
Gerben - Nice hike with the kids
IP:58.107.14.xxx | 2008-07-14 11:07:04
Hi, we did this walk yesterday with the kids (6 and 8) and we had a great time. First bit is easy, We had a picnic at the head, as we wanted to safe time and move on. Along the Cowan was great, very 'jungle' for the kids. The Sphinx track back up to the start was a good exercise, our kids did it no problem, but they are used to hiking. We got back just before sun down, so perfect timing. Question for you: what is up with Australian hikers and not stopping to give space when passing each other? A lot of people just pushed through. we have hiked all over the world, and in most places people make space for each other. Just polite. :?: Anyway, great hike, great website, you are bookmarked!
Pete & Bec - Missing Ribbons
IP:117.120.16.xxx | 2010-08-24 00:44:59
Hi Matt,
My wife and I did this walk the last 2 weekends in a row because we're using it as a time trial training track.
When we did it on the 15th there was an(over)abundance of pink ribbons to lead the way but when we did it on the 22nd, they were all gone.
Just thought you'd want to know.
Gerben makes a good point too. People on this track are very rude. My wife and I always move out of peoples way because we're unfit and feel like we're in the way but nobody shows the same respect :(
admin - re: Missing Ribbons
Super Administrator | 2010-08-24 00:58:16
Pete & Bec wrote:
People on this track are very rude.
Thanks guys for the feedback.
This time of year is popular for people training on a few endurance events. There is no excuse for people being rude, but I tend to find it something that tends to only happen around end of July through August and early Sept. Maybe try wearing one of those t-shirts with the big yellow smiley faces on it.
Matt :)
Louise - Suprises
IP:58.111.129.xxx | 2010-12-31 02:13:57
Hello all.
I walked this track today 31/12/10(I've done it a couple of times).
Warning for single female hikers. There was a naked male hiker at the top about 100m down from Sphinx. He did say 'hello' pleasantly, but not what I was expecting to see at 8 in the morning.
Also, along the Warrimoo, there are now quite a few fallen trees and at one stage the track disappeared. I was heading in the direction from Sphinx to Marina, but I think it would still be visible from the Marina heading south.
Cheers.
admin - re: Suprises
Super Administrator | 2010-12-31 02:27:06
Louise wrote:
.... There was a naked male hiker at the top about 100m down from Sphinx. He did say 'hello' pleasantly, but not what I was expecting to see at 8 in the morning......
Hi Louise
Thanks for your feedback, hope you enjoyed the walk overall. I will send an e-mail to the rangers at Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP to let them know about the naked hiker, and your other feedback about the track conditions. You should not have to put up with behavior like that, thankfully it is rare.
Matt :)
admin - re: re: Suprises
Super Administrator | 2011-01-10 22:26:16
admin wrote:
I will send an e-mail to the rangers at Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP to let them know about the naked hiker, and your other feedback about the track conditions.
I got a fast response from the ranger (but I have been away for a bit so sorry for my slow response posting it.)
In response to the track condition, he said....
"I will organise staff to clear the track asap. If walkers find trees across any trails they can drop into the information centre at Bobbin Head or call on 94728949. The centre will then pass on the information to the relevant ranger"
In response the to nude walker he said that he and the police are aware of this happening. They haven't been able to catch him yet, and he tends to only be around in summer.
Matt :)
Juliet - re: Suprises
IP:124.168.25.xxx | 2011-08-05 04:06:13
Hi - I walked this track today with 3 of my friends and we came across the naked walker. We thought it was quite funny a
I just saw the naked man (5/8/11) just after we started our walk on the Sphinx Trail. I was with 3 of my friends at the time so I was not the least bit bothered about it but had I been on my own or with the children I would not have been amused.
Berry
IP:124.183.255.xxx | 2011-08-28 11:21:07
Hi Matt
Highly recommended bushwalk!
I was really glad that we did the track in reverse, ending with the Warimoo track, and going up the rather steep track back up to the Sphinx. I think anyone with a knee problem should also consider doing the same!
The trail was clear - no fallen trees, and thankfully no naked hiker!!
Other hikers we came across were friendly too - a very enjoyable day out!
Rin - Jan 2012
IP:220.236.44.xxx | 2012-01-18 02:31:41
Set out early this morning and was very quiet in the area.
Heading down the Sphinx track from the Memorial it was quite wet and this makes for some slipery rocks and wooden stairs. Just becareful.
about 3/4 along the track i encountered a goanna, about a meter long and i wasnt ready to challenge him so i turned around and headed back. Im sure with a couple of people and a bit of noise he might have just cleared out, but being a solo walker i didnt want to take the risk. Just remember to look quite a bit ahead of you, poarticulalry this time of year for those little creatures enjoying the track too :).
happy walking.
admin - re: Jan 2012
Super Administrator | 2012-01-18 20:50:57
Rin wrote:
about 3/4 along the track i encountered a goanna, about a meter long
Hi Rin
Wow what a find. amazing creatures. Good idea to turn around if you are not comfortable. Next time you will probably find if you sit nearby for about 5mins that he will get board and move on, they tend to be quiet shy of people. A wonderful encounter all the same, thanks for sharing
Matt :)
Grant
IP:220.239.120.xxx | 2012-01-29 12:20:35
Hi Matt
Thank you, I really like your website.
My 2 sons and I did this walk today. There is certainly plenty of water running!
We also came across a big lace monitor (goanna) well over meter long, yep he was impressive. Got a shot of him heading up a tree. We also saw other polite hikers enjoying this stunning track.
I’m researching my next walk as we speak.
Grant :)
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2012-01-30 02:04:07
Grant wrote:
...My 2 sons and I did this walk today....
Great news
Hope the boys enjoyed it, what a great place to explore hey.
Thanks for your kind feedback
Happy walking
Matt :)
Misc.
IP:60.242.112.xxx | 2012-06-26 08:24:43
hi guys - taking a group on the Sphinx walk soon.
I heard leeches & ticks are many on this track. Any feedback would be appreciated ! I want to be prepared and inform the group ahead of time - especially those that are spreading the news and stopping from people going
Jessica
IP:60.242.17.xxx | 2012-06-30 05:22:42
We took the Sphinx trail first - absolutely fantastic. Hard to believe we were that close to suburban Sydney. I have to say we enjoyed this part the most, though the aboriginal rock art was a definite highlight on the road back up.
It has been fairly wet with the weather - we had no problem with leeches.
Michael
IP:103.28.130.xxx | 2013-04-21 08:04:39
Great Sunday walk, plenty of water on the track. No Leeches. The track notes state the optional side track is closed due to a fire at the Marina, however the Marina was open and we have lunch at the Kiosk, so perhaps an update required.
MichaelM
Penny - Fun but leechy
IP:203.174.172.xxx | 2013-11-26 00:14:43
We went on a damp Sunday in November and the leeches were everywhere. Still a fun walk, but come prepared!
Monique - Had to turn back
IP:110.33.118.xxx | 2015-03-21 03:56:57
Started off a great interesting walk with beautiful greenery. It was a damp day and we came across another walker who said he had to turn back because the river tide was in and covered the track. We continued to see it was impossible to continue without walking through the water. Also the leeches got us. Hopefully we can do this another time.
Gemma - re: Jan 2012
IP:58.173.56.xxx | 2015-04-09 23:51:39
Rin - Jan 2012
As long as you give goannas enough space they won't 'attack'. However if you'd tried to scare it away by making noise with your friends, you definetely would of put yourself in danger, because when goannas get a fright they don't run away, they run up the nearest thing resembling a tree ( which is quite often people)
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)