Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Sydney Itineraries » A Day in Bobbin Head: Sydney’s Natural Oasis in the Heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
If you’re seeking a day trip that combines the tranquillity of nature, the joy of picnicking, and the thrill of paddle boating, then you’re in for a treat. Bobbin Head, nestled within the breathtaking Ku-ring-gai-Chase National Park just north of Sydney, is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. This post is your passport to a day filled with quintessential Aussie experiences, where lush mangroves, picnic tables by the water, and paddleboats await your discovery. So, grab your Akubra hat, your sunblock, and your sense of adventure, as we embark on a journey to experience the very best of Bobbin Head.
Getting there
Getting to Bobbin Head is fairly easy, and it’s just a 45-minute drive from the Sydney CBD. The park is accessible by car, and you’ll find plenty of parking spaces available. However, do note that the parking can become quite full on weekends and public holidays so be sure to be there early in the day. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Turramurra Station and take a bus to Bobbin Head Road; from there, Bobbin Head is an hour walk one-way. However, for convenience and ease of access, we highly recommend driving directly to Bobbin Head.
As you approach the entrance of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the surroundings change dramatically. Tall eucalyptus trees create a welcoming canopy, and the air is filled with the refreshing scent of the bush. The road to Bobbin Head takes you through lush Australian bushland, providing glimpses of the surrounding creeks along the way. Keep an eye out for the occasional wallaby or kookaburra crossing your path.
Note: You will also need to pay park entry fees to enter Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Visit NSW National Parks' website for more information about the park entry fees and options.
Stop #1 - Mangrove Boardwalk
Our first activity for the day was to embark on the Mangroves boardwalk. We can tell for sure that one of the most serene and picturesque attractions in Bobbin Head is the Mangrove Boardwalk. This short but enchanting walk that commences and terminates near the Bobbin Head carpark offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the mangrove ecosystem. The boardwalk, which is wheelchair accessible, meanders through lush mangrove forests and is particularly captivating during high tide when the water reflects the surrounding greenery. As you embark on this adventure, you’ll be enveloped by the soothing sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that calls the mangroves home, including the iconic white-faced heron and the allusive eastern curlew. The Mangrove Boardwalk is an excellent spot for birdwatching, and you can also spot mud crabs and fish in the shallow waters.
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Stop #2 - Picnic Lunch
After a leisurely walk along the Mangrove Boardwalk, we made our way to one of the many picnic tables in Bobbin Head to enjoy our picnic lunch. Bobbin Head is a true picnic paradise, offering a variety of picnic spots that cater to different preferences and group sizes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic picnic for two, a family gathering, or a fun outing with friends, Bobbin Head has you covered. The park is also home to a variety of native species so while you enjoy your picnic lunch, you might spot a goanna sunbathing on a rock, a bush turkey foraging in the underbrush, or even an eastern water dragon by the water’s edge. Birdwatchers will have a field day with an abundance of colourful parrots, lorikeets, and kookaburras.
After a leisurely walk along the Mangrove Boardwalk, we made our way to one of the many picnic tables in Bobbin Head to enjoy our picnic lunch. Bobbin Head is a true picnic paradise, offering a variety of picnic spots that cater to different preferences and group sizes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic picnic for two, a family gathering, or a fun outing with friends, Bobbin Head has you covered. The park is also home to a variety of native species so while you enjoy your picnic lunch, you might spot a goanna sunbathing on a rock, a bush turkey foraging in the underbrush, or even an eastern water dragon by the water’s edge. Birdwatchers will have a field day with an abundance of colourful parrots, lorikeets, and kookaburras.
Should your picnic plans falter, fret not! Head to the Waterside Bistro at Bobbin Head Empire Marina or the Bobbin Inn Cafe near Bobbin Head Picnic Ground for a delectable lunch. These delightful eateries offer a variety of culinary delights, ensuring a scrumptious dining experience amid the serene surroundings.
Stop #3 - Bobbin Head Paddle Boat Hire
After whetting our appetite, it was time to hit the water so we headed straight to Bobbin Head Paddle Boat Hire.
Note: Make sure to carry cash with you as the EFTPOS reception is so weak in the area that credit cards won’t work most of the time. We don't want you to miss out on this fantastic experience just due to network connectivity challenges!
For those looking to explore the serene waters of Cockle Creek, Bobbin Head Paddle Boat Hire is the perfect choice. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and even small boats to embark on your aquatic adventure. Paddling along Cockle Creek allowed us to witness the breathtaking natural beauty from a different perspective. As we glided along the tranquil creek, we had the opportunity to spot local wildlife and various bird species. The peace and serenity of the water certainly offered a fantastic contrast to the bustling city life!
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Last Stop - Bobbin Head Playground
After a refreshing paddle boating, we then headed to the Bobbin Head Playground, which is just a short walk from the paddle boat hire and close to the carpark. The kids had a ball with all that the playground had to offer! The Bobbin Head Playground is a vibrant and joyful hub with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, offering families and young visitors an exciting play space nestled amidst the picturesque bushland. This playground, strategically positioned near the Bobbin Head picnic area, features modern play equipment designed to ignite children’s imaginations and encourage outdoor fun. From swings to slides, climbing frames, and interactive structures, the playground invites kids to explore, laugh, and engage in active play. Surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature, this well-maintained play area provides a safe and stimulating environment for children to enjoy while families unwind and relish the serenity of Bobbin Head’s natural beauty.
Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
It was then time for us to wrap up our Bobbin Head adventure so we made our way back to the carpark, reflecting on the day’s memories and the natural beauty of this Aussie gem. A day in Bobbin Head is a delightful experience that showcases the beauty of Australian nature and offers a refreshing escape from city life. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the river, a peaceful bushwalk, or a relaxing picnic with friends and family, Bobbin Head has something for everyone!
Here’re a few additional walks in the region that are worth trying:
In addition to the Mangrove Boardwalk, Bobbin Head offers a range of walking tracks for nature enthusiasts to explore. These walks offer something for everyone, from short, leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of Bobbin Head and its surroundings.
In addition to the Mangrove Boardwalk, Bobbin Head offers a range of walking tracks for nature enthusiasts to explore. These walks offer something for everyone, from short, leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the serene beauty of Bobbin Head and its surroundings.
- Gibberagong Track: This track, which also begins near the picnic area, leads you through lush rainforest and offers spectacular views of Cowan Creek. It’s a moderately challenging Grade 3 walk that takes around 3.5 - 4.5 hours, making it a great option for those seeking a bit more adventure.
- Kalkari Discovery Centre and Walks: The Kalkari Discovery Centre near Bobbin Head serves as an informative gateway to the wonders of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, offering insights into the park's rich history, Aboriginal heritage, and diverse flora and fauna. Situated amidst this educational hub are trailheads for scenic walks like the Kalkari and Birrawanna Tracks. The Kalkari Trail, a gentle 1.4-kilometer loop, invites visitors to wander through the bushland, providing glimpses of native wildlife and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Cowan Creek. Adjacent, the more challenging 3.4-kilometer Birrawanna Track meanders through the park, offering hikers stunning vistas of the Hawkesbury River and surrounding landscapes. These walks, easily accessible from the centre, complement the educational experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has to offer.
- Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop: This challenging 10-kilometer Grade 4 loop combines several tracks, including parts of the Great North Walk. Along the way, you’ll pass the Sphinx Memorial, which honours fallen soldiers, an experience the diversity of the local flora and fauna. You can read more about this walk in our post below:
From Architectural History to Wilderness Adventure: Rose Seidler House and Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Walk
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