Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

1 h 45 min to 2 h

4.1 km
circuit

↑ 281 m
↓ -279 m

Hard track
This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The walk has some steep sections but is well worth the effort. 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
Looking across Apple Tree Bay from the boat ramp. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Toilet block at Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Road into Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Road into Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birwanna Track above Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The bottom of the track leading to Apple Tree Flat. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ferns beside Birwanna Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track between Apple Tree bay and Flats. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birwanna Track above Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rocks along Birwanna Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Apple Tree Flat picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track through trees along Birwanna Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Footpath up to road. | Photo by admin, 2009.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office. | Photo by admin, 2009.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Signpost along Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birwanna Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rocks along the Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ferns surrounding the track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Heath beside track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Log steps on Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track down through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Heading through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ferns around Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track signpost. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track steps. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Continuing up through the trees. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rock steps down Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Down the steps. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing up the hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana trackhead behind kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sign at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track beside Bobbin Head kiosk. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old Picnic area at base of Cockle Creek lookout track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
One of a few Birrawanna trackheads. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps and track passing cliff. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Log Steps on Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track above Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track towards Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Road to Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.6525105,151.1553841)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom 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
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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.
Find the car park at the start.
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

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.
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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.

Turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
After another 150 m turn right.
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 continue straight.
After another 25 m veer left.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 20 m 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 veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 450 m veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 430 m 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
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.
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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
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.
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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 turn left, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road.
After another 75 m find the "Bobbin Head" (25 m on your left).
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.
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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 veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 370 m cross the ford.
After another 7 m 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 continue straight.
After another 195 m turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
After another 150 m turn right.
After another 20 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road.
After another 15 m veer left.
After another 50 m find the "NPWS North Sydney Regional Office" (20 m on your right).
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office
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.
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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

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.
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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

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.
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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
Start.
Continue another 115 m to find Cockle Creek Lookout at the end.
"Cockle Creek Lookout".
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.
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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.
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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
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-32 m[toilet]
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