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. 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, 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 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 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 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 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
	Start.
	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

Start.

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 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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