Birrawanna Track

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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	(-33.6599968,151.1587716)
Mode	Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	90 m	[toilet]
Seat	1.9 km	Seat
Seat	2.2 km	Seat
Seat	2.2 km	Seat

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

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  Clear.
  
  Clear. Winds southeast to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Tuesday 24 December
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: High
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:40am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 11 [Extreme]
  
  Wednesday 25 December
  
  16°C → 26°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Thursday 26 December
  
  16°C → 28°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
  
  Friday 27 December
  
  20°C → 34°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h shifting southerly 25 to 35 km/h during the afternoon.
  
  Saturday 28 December
  
  18°C → 26°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower during the morning. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h turning easterly during the day.
  
  Sunday 29 December
  
  17°C → 28°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 30 December
  
  19°C → 28°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Bobbin Inn Cafe closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
  The Bobbin Inn Cafe will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, 25 and 26 December 2024. The Cafe will reopen on Friday 27 December 2024. For further information, call the Bobbin Inn Visitor's Centre on (02) 9472 8949.
  
  Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - All tracks and trails closed in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Monday 23 December 2024
  All tracks and trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed on Monday 23 December 2024 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.
  The following areas are closed:
  
  West Head road
  
  West Head lookout
  
  Barrenjoey headland
  
  Sphinx memorial precinct
  
  These areas will remain open:
  
  Apple Tree Bay picnic area
  
  Apple Tree Bay boat ramp
  
  Bobbin Head picnic areas
  
  Bobbin Head Marina
  
  Duckholes picnic area
  
  Illawong Bay picnic area
  
  Gibberagong Boardwalk
  
  Kalkari Discovery Centre (the walking track is closed)
  
  The Basin campground and picnic area (accessible by water only)
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Bobbin Head Visitor Centre on 02 9472 8949.
  Please review RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:
  https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app
  
  Fire bans: Total Fire Ban
  A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  
  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 August 2024 and 31 January 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: 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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