Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

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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	(-33.6525105,151.1553841)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road Offramp Turn on to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road Offramp then drive for 6.5 km Turn sharp left onto Apple Tree Bay Road and drive for another 1.3 km Turn right and drive for another 30 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign, this walk follows the road out of the car park and gently uphill keeping the water down to your left. After about 150m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina, on your left) to continue up the road for another 30m to find the intersection with the signposted 'Regional Office' track (on your right).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 8 m to find the car park. There is a toilet (about 45 m back from the start). There is a park (about 25 m back from the start). After 45 m pass the cafe (20 m on your right). Sa-Su PH After another 8 m find the "Apple Tree Bay" (20 m on your right). Apple Tree Bay 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 is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
	From the Apple Tree Bay Road turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 150 m (from the Apple Tree Bay Road) turn right (a walking track).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 195 m (from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) continue straight (a service road).
	After another 25 m veer left. After another 10 m continue straight.
	After another 20 m (from the Birrawanna Track) continue straight, to head along Birrawanna Track. After another 140 m pass the "Birrawana Loop Track". After another 175 m head up the 17 steps (about 10 m long) After another 45 m head up the 36 steps (about 45 m long) After another 15 m head up the 17 steps (about 10 m long) After another 145 m (from the Birrawanna Track) veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
	After another 450 m (from the Birrawanna Track) veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
	After another 430 m (from the Birrawanna Track) veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track. After another 195 m head down the 35 steps (about 30 m long) After another 9 m head down the 50 steps (about 60 m long) After another 25 m head down the 21 steps (about 25 m long) After another 80 m head down the 18 steps (about 9 m long) After another 30 m head down the 26 steps (about 30 m long) Then head down the 19 steps (about 15 m long) After another 15 m head down the 8 steps (about 5 m long) After another 6 m head down the 46 steps (about 20 m long) After another 30 m head up the 48 steps (about 40 m long) Then head up the 12 concrete steps (about 5 m long) After another 10 m find the "Bobbin Inn Cafe" (25 m on your left). 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.
	Turn right.
	After another 65 m continue straight. After another 9 m continue straight. After another 4 m continue straight. Then find the "Toilet Accessible" (15 m on your right). Toilet Accessible Two accessible unisex toilet toilets. There are handrails, a basin with running water. Door is 90cm wide. Access is via concreate path from the carpark. The toilet is located at the edge of 'The Station' BBQ area.
	After another 4 m turn left.
	After another 9 m continue straight.
	After another 50 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m continue straight.
	After another 35 m (from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) turn left, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road (a road). After another 75 m find the "Bobbin Head" (25 m on your left). 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.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Apple Tree Bay Road & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) turn left, to head along Birrawanna Track (a walking track). After another 10 m pass the "Bobbin Head Inn" (15 m on your left). Then pass the "National Parks Information Centre" (10 m on your left). Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 15 m pass the "Birrawana Loop Track" (6 m on your right). Then head up the 30 steps (about 10 m long) After another 10 m head up the 28 steps (about 7 m long) After another 20 m head up the 60 steps (about 30 m long) After another 8 m head up the 12 steps (about 10 m long) After another 60 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 165 m (from the Birrawanna Track) veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track. After another 370 m cross the ford.
	After another 7 m (from the Birrawanna Track) continue straight.
	After another 20 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m veer right.
	After another 10 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 15 m (from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) continue straight (a walking track).
	After another 195 m (from the Apple Tree Bay Road) turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 150 m (from the Apple Tree Bay Road) turn right (a service road). After another 20 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road Start heading along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road (a road).
	After another 15 m (from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) veer left (a walking track). After another 50 m find the "NPWS North Sydney Regional Office" (20 m on your right). NPWS North Sydney Regional Office 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. After another 45 m come to "Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area". Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area 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.
	The end. "Apple Tree Flat Lookout". Apple Tree Flat Lookout 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Birrawanna Track Start (a walking track).
	Continue another 115 m to find Cockle Creek Lookout at the end. "Cockle Creek Lookout". Cockle Creek Lookout 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Birrawanna Track Start (a walking track).

Continue another 115 m to find Cockle Creek Lookout at the end.

"Cockle Creek Lookout".

Cockle Creek Lookout

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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	4.1 km
Time	1 h 45 min to 2 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
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 -32 m back from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-32 m	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Apple Tree Bay
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 is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.

Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
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.

Apple Tree Flat Lookout
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.

NPWS North Sydney Regional Office
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.

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.

Cockle Creek Lookout
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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
  
  Friday 14 March
  
  30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  20°C → 31°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  22°C → 36°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Slight chance of a shower in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h shifting south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
  
  Tuesday 18 March
  
  15°C → 22°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Wednesday 19 March
  
  14°C → 26°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Thursday 20 March
  
  16°C → 26°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Gibberagong bridge closed for maintenance
  Gibberagong bridge at Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, will be closed for maintenance from Wednesday 19 March to Friday 21 March 2025 inclusive, weather permitting. There will be no through access on the Gibberagong track from either side of the bridge. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Some trails closed for vegetation maintenance 14 March to 4th April 2025
  Some trails are closed from Friday 14 March to Friday 4 April 2025 due to vegetation maintenance works.
  These trails are closed:
  
  Perimeter trail
  
  Long trail
  
  Cowan trail
  
  Wilkins trail
  
  Smith Creek West trail
  
  Follow directions as per signage and Contractors.
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  Major works are currently being undertaken to upgrade the sewerage system in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. As a result, there may be small delays experienced on Ku-ring-gai Chase Road on weekdays.
  There will also be a partial closure of the Apple Tree Bay picnic area, with the back section being inaccessible to the public during these works. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure
  Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.
  The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
  
  Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed
  North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.
  The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.
  Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:
  
  The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  
  The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.
  
  Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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