Birrawanna Track

2 h to 4 h

4.4 km
return

↑ 243 m
↓ -243 m

Moderate track
This pleasant walk starts near the kiosk at Bobbin Head, climbing the sandstone stairs and then follows a defined track to the Kalkari Discovery Centre. Kalkari is well worth spending some time exploring, with opportunities to learn about and mix with the local flora and fauna. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Show all
Kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana trackhead behind kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing up the hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Passing a rock overhang. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Continuing through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Intersection of the Kalkari and Regional Office Tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Continuing up through the trees. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing under some powerlines. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the Kalkari Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the fenceline. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Coming to the Kalkari carpark. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Kalkari Centre. | Photo by admin, 2006.
Downloads GPX PDF

+
-
Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
+
-
Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.6599968,151.1587716)
Mode Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road Offramp, Asquith.
  • Turn on to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road Offramp then drive for 6.5 km
  • Turn right and drive for another 110 m
  • Turn right and drive for another 85 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From behind 'Bobbin Inn', this walk follows the brick paved footpath, away from the water and Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd to the stone steps marked with a 'Welcome to the Birrawanna Track' sign (about halfway between the 'Gibberagong Centre' and 'Bobbin Inn'). From here this walk head up the sandstone steps then along the rocky track as it starts to zig-zag uphill for about 60m to then follow a metal handrail up some steps. About 30m from the top of these steps, this walk heads through a tunnel formed under a sandstone overhang then just another 30m later the track leads to a flat sandstone rock platform beside a large angophora with filtered views over Cowan Creek. Here the track bends left then continues to wind up a series of timber and stone steps for about 300m where the track mostly flattens out for about 100m before head fairly gently uphill again for another 80m to pass an intersection with an informal track in a casuarina forest (on your left). Soon after this intersection, this walk leads between to piles of disused stone blocks and continues following the clear track up through the tall wooded forest for 400m to a three-way intersection (where a sign points back down to 'Bobbin Head').....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Birrawanna Track.
Bobbin Head (about 30 m back from the start).
Bobbin Head
Bobbin Head

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', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. 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 and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, 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 and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.
+
-
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', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. 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 and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, 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 and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.

Find the Bobbin Inn Cafe at the start.
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Bobbin Inn Cafe

At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, 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 available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
+
-
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, 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 available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Find the National Parks Information Centre at the start.

Mo-Su 10:00-16:00
Find the Welcome to Cockle Creek Lookout Track at the start.
Then head down the 12 concrete steps (about 40 m long)
Then head down the 48 steps (about 35 m long)
After another 40 m pass the toilet (about 50 m ahead).
Then pass the BBQ (about 65 m ahead).
Then head up the 46 steps (about 20 m long)
After another 6 m head up the 8 steps (about 5 m long)
After another 15 m head up the 19 steps (about 15 m long)
Then head up the 26 steps (about 30 m long)
After another 30 m head up the 18 steps (about 9 m long)
After another 80 m head up the 21 steps (about 25 m long)
After another 25 m head up the 50 steps (about 60 m long)
After another 10 m head up the 35 steps (about 30 m long)
After another 195 m veer right, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 430 m continue straight, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 225 m (at the intersection of Birrawanna Track & Birrawanna Trail) continue straight, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 650 m find the "Seat" (65 m on your left).
Seat
Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 43cm high, 40cm deep and 1.8m wide with 38cm backrest. Seat is located on the concrete path.
+
-
A timber slat bench seat, 43cm high, 40cm deep and 1.8m wide with 38cm backrest. Seat is located on the concrete path.

After another 40 m find the "Kalkari Outlook" (55 m on your left).
Kalkari Outlook
Kalkari Outlook

The Kalkari Outlook is a fenced lookout with views over one of the Kalkari fenced enclosures. At times you will be able to see kangaroos grazing in the clearing. There are two seats with views over the outlook. The lower end of the platform is natural rock and the fence is about 90cm high.
+
-
The Kalkari Outlook is a fenced lookout with views over one of the Kalkari fenced enclosures. At times you will be able to see kangaroos grazing in the clearing. There are two seats with views over the outlook. The lower end of the platform is natural rock and the fence is about 90cm high.
After another 140 m veer right.
After another 50 m turn left.
After another 35 m find the "Kalkari Picnic Area" (about 8 m ahead).
Kalkari Picnic Area
Kalkari Picnic Area

Out the back of the Kalkari Visitor Center is a fenced animal enclosure and a small seating area. There are some information signs and some seats. There is also a covered 3D terrain map of the area.
+
-
Out the back of the Kalkari Visitor Center is a fenced animal enclosure and a small seating area. There are some information signs and some seats. There is also a covered 3D terrain map of the area.

Then find the "Seat" (about 35 m ahead).
Seat
Seat

A series of 3 timber slat bench seats, 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide. Seats are on a conrete slab beside the path.
+
-
A series of 3 timber slat bench seats, 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide. Seats are on a conrete slab beside the path.

After another 9 m pass the "Kalkari Discovery Centre" (5 m on your left).
Then find the "Picnic Table" (on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 75cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide (no backrest).
+
-
A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 75cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 30cm deep and 2.3m wide (no backrest).

After another 7 m find the "Seat" (on your left).
Seat
Seat

A series of 4 timber slat bench seats, 44cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Seats are at the edge of a concrete path.
+
-
A series of 4 timber slat bench seats, 44cm high, 30cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Seats are at the edge of a concrete path.

After another 15 m come to "Potable Water".
Potable Water
Potable Water

A drinking fountain, 1m high, not working in June 2016.
+
-
A drinking fountain, 1m high, not working in June 2016.

About 30 m past the end is "Kalkari Discovery Centre".
Kalkari Discovery Centre
Kalkari Discovery Centre

Kalkari Discovery Centre is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, Mt Colah. The discovery center is staffed by volunteers from Chase Alive. The center boasts some interesting flora and fauna displays inside, and out the back is a large enclosure with emu, kangaroos and other native animals roaming around. Take time to explore the wheelchair-accessible circuit within the fence. There are toilets at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables, seats and drinking fountain at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays.
+
-
Kalkari Discovery Centre is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, Mt Colah. The discovery center is staffed by volunteers from Chase Alive. The center boasts some interesting flora and fauna displays inside, and out the back is a large enclosure with emu, kangaroos and other native animals roaming around. Take time to explore the wheelchair-accessible circuit within the fence. There are toilets at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables, seats and drinking fountain at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.2 km to get back to the start.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Birrawanna Track


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 4.4 km
Time 2 h to 4 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 90 m from the start.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.1 km apart with the largest gap of 2.2 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
90 m[toilet]
Seat
1.9 kmSeat
Seat
2.2 kmSeat
Seat
2.2 kmSeat
+
-
Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Bobbin Inn Cafe
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, 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 available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
Bobbin Head
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', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. 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 and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, 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 and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.
Kalkari Discovery Centre
Kalkari Discovery Centre is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, Mt Colah. The discovery center is staffed by volunteers from Chase Alive. The center boasts some interesting flora and fauna displays inside, and out the back is a large enclosure with emu, kangaroos and other native animals roaming around. Take time to explore the wheelchair-accessible circuit within the fence. There are toilets at the centre. For information, phone 02 9472 9300. There are picnic tables, seats and drinking fountain at the front. There is a large car parking area at the front of the centre with two designated mobility parking bays.
Get more information
Wildwalks
+
-
Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
+
-
Weather & Alerts
Check forecasts & closures
Show Full Weather
Alerts and Closures
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
+
-
Other Journeys
Discover nearby and similar journeys
Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.