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Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track — Image credit: Photo: Natasha Webb/OEH

Natural Attractions

Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop Track

If you like to mix things up a bit, you can’t miss Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track. The long walk leads along Bobbin Head trail past open forests of smooth barked apple gum and red bloodwoods to Empire Marina Bobbin Head and historic Halvorsen’s boatshed before arriving at Bobbin Head. Grab a bite here before joining Warrimoo track, which winds through thick mangroves. Keep an eye out for the Aboriginal middens as you walk, these unique heritage sites are testament to the bountiful food supplies enjoyed by the Aboriginal people in this region. Joining Sphinx track, a short climb will return you to the Sphinx Memorial and several pyramids among rough barked tree ferns. Enjoy a picnic or break at this peaceful spot.

North Turramurra NSW

1.2 km away

Sphinx Memorial

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Sphinx Memorial

Sphinx Memorial is a sandstone monument created in memory of lives lost in the First World War and was created by a returned soldier in the 1920s. Bushwalkers exploring Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track might be surprised to find this unusual symbol of Australian military history tucked away in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Grab something to eat at nearby Bobbin Head, or pack your lunch and stop for a picnic at Sphinx Memorial, where you'll find plenty of grassy spots to sit and relax. Take a virtual tour of Sphinx Memorial captured with Google Street View Trekker.

North Turramurra NSW

1.2 km away

Birrawanna Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Birrawanna Walking Track

After learning all about the plants, animals and Aboriginal history of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park at Kalkari Discovery Centre, head along the moderately difficult Birrawanna walking track. The kids will love putting their newfound knowledge into practice. A great nature adventure on a family day trip, historic Birrawanna walking track leads to Bobbin Head, where you can stop for a waterfront picnic or grab a tasty lunch at Bobbin Inn Cafe. Skirting the emu enclosure, the medium difficulty track passes through woodlands of scribbly gum and red bloodwood to join a historic track of open forests before reaching Bobbin Head. Be sure to look for the vibrant red waratah. On the way back up, stop for a breather and check out the lovely views over Cockle Creek and Cowan Water. You might see a brown hawk or nankeen kestrel circling above, looking for lizards and insects.

Mount Colah NSW

1.6 km away

Empire Marina Bobbin Head — Image credit: Photo: Andrew Richards

Natural Attractions

Empire Marina Bobbin Head

Empire Marina Bobbin Head, just north of Sydney, offers berths and boat hire, fishing and on-site dining options catering to every visitor in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. In 2008, Empire Marina Bobbin Head underwent a multi-million dollar re-development. Since then it has proved itself as the most outstanding marina of the area, offering a variety of berths and easy water access to the pristine reaches of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The award-winning business offers 200 deepwater berths and on-site trade services just 24 kilometres north of Sydney. If you’re looking to hire a runabout, this is the place to come and has been since the 1890s. Bring your gear and choose a small boat to reach dozens of inlets between Bobbin Head and Cottage Point, teeming with birdlife and superb opportunities for fishing. Before you set out, be sure to stop in at Galley Foods Restaurant, with a spacious outdoor dining area overlooking the marina. Locally sourced fish and organic produce from Galston or Flemington Markets guarantees a delicious breakfast and lunch. If you prefer to eat on the water, stop in at Gallery Foods to pick up some delicious snacks to take with you whilst on the water.

North Turramurra NSW

1.8 km away

Gibberagong Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Gibberagong Walking Track

A pleasant bush track leading to a scenic waterhole, Gibberagong walking track is an ideal nature day trip for the adventurous bushwalker. The moderate walking track starts at Bobbin Head in the southern section of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Taking in unique saltwater wetlands, it’s ideal for wildlife-spotting and birdwatching. Following Cockle Creek, you’ll reach an easy boardwalk, where grey saltwater mangroves grow in the brackish waters. Beneath your feet, a whole watery ecosystem thrives, with plankton, crabs and shellfish. You’re more likely to see wading birds like herons, spoonbills and ibises looking for snacks. You might even glimpse an azure kingfisher darting amongst the mangroves. The track winds through the bush, crossing the creek several times before arriving at a large waterhole. Enjoy a leisurely picnic before heading back, or hold out for an indulgent lunch at one of the delicious eateries at Bobbin Head.

Mount Colah NSW

1.9 km away

Bobbin Head

Natural Attractions

Bobbin Head

Located in the west of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Bobbin Head is a large area offering lots of attractions and facilities. As well as being a great place to bushwalk, paddle or go fishing, Bobbin Head is the perfect waterfront picnic spot. The area features barbecues, picnic tables, shelters and plenty of green space for an impromptu frisbee session or a spot of cricket. There's also a children's playground that's sure to be a hit with kids and you can pick up a coffee at the Bobbin Head Inn Caf or tuck into some contemporary Australian cuisine at Waterside Bistro. Visit Empire Marina Bobbin Head to enjoy a coffee or leisurely meal by the water, or follow any of the number of walking tracks and collect maps and brochures from Bobbin Head Visitor Centre. Stroll the mangrove boardwalk behind the picnic area and see if you can spot some of the park's many birds. You can also learn more about connecting to Country at Bobbin Head through video stories which share our Aboriginal cultural heritage and the importance of protecting the natural environment in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Mount Colah NSW

2.1 km away

Apple Tree picnic area

Natural Attractions

Apple Tree picnic area

Apple Tree picnic area is only an hour's drive from Sydney and one of the gateways to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park's many walking trails, waterways and lookouts. Apple Tree picnic area provides an easily accessible spot to park your car and re-energise, before you head off into the park and explore. Bring a picnic and make use of the shaded picnic tables and barbecues. You can start the Berowra track to Apple Tree Bay here. Walk to the intersection of the Mount Ku-ring-gai track to Berowra Station and either walk up the track to Mt Ku-ring-gai station or choose to walk on to Berowra where the track exits at the station. If you have a boat, you can also set sail from Apple Tree picnic area's boat ramp.

Mount Colah NSW

2.8 km away

Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station — Image credit: Photo:Andy Richards/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Mount Ku-ring-gai Track to Berowra Station

When it’s time to answer the call of the wild, pack the sandwiches and grab your mates for a rugged bushwalk near Brooklyn. Only an hour from Sydney, it’s a perfect bush getaway taking in several fascinating historic sites. Mount Ku-ring-gai track links Mount Ku-ring-gai and Berowra train stations, so it’s a perfect day out by public transport. Starting from Mount Ku-ring-gai Train Station, this moderately challenging track leads through dense woodlands past an Aboriginal midden of the Guringai people. Middens are common throughout the park and often found along creek lines and near rock overhangs. The track leads to historic Appletree Bay, where you’ll follow Cowan Creek to Waratah Bay, the site of Windybank’s Boatshed. A rusting frame is all that’s left of a romantic holiday ‘paradise’. From here, it’s a steep climb to Berowra Station.

Mount Kuring-Gai NSW

3.0 km away

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

Natural Attractions

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

Tucked away just off Mona Vale Road in St. Ives, Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden is one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. With 123 hectares of pristine untouched bushland and free entry all year round, this is a perfect place to enjoy bushwalking, picnics, barbecues and more. Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden includes landscapes of tall forest, shrublands, ponds, gullies, sandstone outcrops, and waterfalls. There are plenty of walking trails to choose from, ranging from the child-friendly Senses Track to the challenging, two-hour Mueller Track hike. Wildlife enthusiasts can also follow the Banks Track boardwalk through the wetlands to spot frogs, lizards and turtles swimming in the ponds or basking in the sun. Browse a variety of local produce, crafts and books at the visitor centre, or learn more about the walking trails, animals and plant species found throughout the garden. You can also buy a number of wildflowers and plants in the native nursery. The garden also specialises in bushland education, offering a variety of nature-based programs for children of all ages.

St Ives NSW

3.8 km away

Rose Seidler House

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Rose Seidler House

Rose Seidler House, built between 1948 and 1950, is one of the most uncompromising modernist houses in Australia. Nestled in natural bushland, the house has panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai National Park from its glass walls and sun-filled deck. Restored to its 1950s scheme, Rose Seidler House incorporates the modernist features of open planning, minimal colour scheme, mod cons, appliances and labour-saving devices that were new to Australia. Its original furniture is one of the most important post-war design collections in Australia. Rose Seidler House was the first commission for internationally renowned architect Harry Seidler. He came to Australia from New York expressly to build the house for his parents Rose and Max, who lived there until 1967. Awarded the Sulman Medal in 1951, it has been a very influential house, stimulating much social comment and intellectual debate.

Wahroonga NSW

3.9 km away

Regional Playground

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St Ives Showground

The St Ives Showground site is a much valued regional recreation and major events destination for Ku-ring-gai and the wider northern Sydney region. The site boasts Ku-ring-gai’s largest inclusive playground and is the home of an annual program of festivals and events, sports and recreational activities. Areas for hire include picnic shelters with barbeques, open spaces, dog rings and pavilions.

St Ives NSW

3.9 km away

Mount Colah Station to Pymble Station Cycle Route — Image credit: Photo: Andy Rich

Natural Attractions

Mount Colah Station to Pymble Station Cycle Route

For an exhilarating day trip that’s sure to get the adrenaline flowing, try Mount Colah Station to Pymble Station cycle route, via Bobbin Head. It’s a great introduction to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and bound to invigorate the senses, bringing a healthy glow to the cheeks. From Mount Colah Station, head south before turning left into Ku-ring-gai Chase Road. You’ll soon be winding your way through the park, revelling in the sights and sounds of the bush. It’s eight kilometres to Apple Tree Bay, with a great downhill run. Upon reaching Bobbin Head, stop for a refreshing swim and a well-deserved picnic lunch. Don’t forget to check out the historic Bobbin Inn Visitor Centre. Following the road round, it’s an uphill climb to the southern park entrance. From here take the short detour to see the fascinating Sphinx Memorial, a replica of the famous sphinx carved out of sandstone. From the edge of the park, it’s an eight kilometre ride along Bobbin head Road, turning south onto Pacific Highway, to Pymble Station.

Mount Colah NSW

4.0 km away

Shortees in all it's glory — Image credit: Shortees Golf Pty Ltd

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Shortees Golf Club

Shortees Golf Club is Australia's only 18-hole day and night pitch and putt golf course and boasts a thoughtful layout that challenges players without being overly intimidating. The course features eighteen short holes, each designed to test different aspects of a golfer's short game. With hole distances ranging from 38 to 88 meters, the course emphasises precision and skill over sheer power. The strategically placed bunkers and undulating greens add an extra layer of complexity, ensuring that even seasoned players find the course engaging. Nestled in the picturesque surrounds of Ku-ring-gai National Park in Terrey Hills just 35 minutes north of Sydney's CBD, Shortees Golf Club's Par Three Golf Course offers a delightful escape for both novice and experienced golfers alike. This charming par three course is renowned for its accessibility, scenic beauty, and well-maintained greens, making it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a quick yet fulfilling round of golf. Parking is available for 90 vehicles and the Club encourage visitors to use public transport if they plan on enjoying a drink or two whilst they play or after their round.

Terrey Hills NSW

5.4 km away

Garigal National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Garigal National Park

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Garigal National Park. Just a short drive from Sydney's CBD, its impressive sandstone country offers great water and bush views, waterfalls and several significant Aboriginal sites and historic places. It's the ideal escape for a daytrip or picnic. Garigal is home to a remarkable array of animals and plants, including the threatened southern brown bandicoot and protects thousands of years of heritage. You can retrace Governor Phillip's steps along the heritage walk to Bungaroo, where he camped for two nights on his first expedition in 1788. Discover Garigal on foot along the extensive walking track system or ride your mountain bike on one of the challenging fire trails. The park is also great for boating, canoeing and fishing along tranquil Middle Harbour Creek.

St Ives NSW

5.5 km away

St Ives High Ropes

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure St Ives

St Ives Showground soars to new heights! Families have a new experience exploring the southern border of Ku-ring-gai National Park. St Ives Tree Ropes Course Park hosts 95 plus aerial obstacles and 10 plus zip lines, all suspended between platforms to create a maze of activities in the treetops. Courses start at one metre for little climbers and jump up to 15 metres for bigger adventurers! A 2.5-hour session through the aerial challenges (including gearing up) will have you laughing along with the Kookaburras. After safety, your adrenaline is the top priority, so the courses are designed to challenge you, no matter your level.

St Ives NSW

5.5 km away

Cascades Trail — Image credit: Photo: Shaun Sursok

Natural Attractions

Cascades Trail

Revive your senses along Cascades trail, a beautiful medium-difficulty fire trail shared by walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers in picturesque Garigal National Park. Whether you start your walk or ride at St Ives or Davidson, you’ll see native Australian trees such as Sydney red gums, Red Bloodwoods and Scribbly Gums. As you wind your way down to the creek, larger trees soon make way for species of banksia, dwarf apple and the narrow-leafed apple, while wattles, pea, boronia and wax flowers pepper the undergrowth. The trail gets its name from a series of beautiful little waterfalls, rock platforms and rockpools at the junction of Middle Harbour creek and French’s creek, a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a picnic before your return walk or ride. Staying on Cascades trail, you’ll leave the valley travelling up the sometimes steep trail to exit onto Stone Parade. If you want to extend your walk or ride to a day loop, Cascades trail also links to the Lower Cambourne and Heath and Bare Creek trails.

St Ives NSW

5.7 km away

Perimeter Trail, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards

Natural Attractions

Perimeter Trail, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

If you love horse riding, then it’s time to saddle up and head for the hills; Terrey Hills that is. Perimeter trail is a popular horse riding track, nestled in the bush just north of Sydney. There’s 21 kilometres of scenic trails designated for horse riding, within Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks. However, you can choose to explore on horse-back, mountain bike or foot along these tracks through iconic Australian bushland. Passing grass trees and magnificent angophoras, this seven kilometre trail traces the edge of the park. Continue to Long Trail, which leads to Peach Trees lookout with spectacular water views across to Cowan Creek. There are plenty of walking tracks to further explore the surrounding bushland and waterways. It’s only a short drive to Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track.

Terrey Hills NSW

6.2 km away

Grace Cossington Smith Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Grace Cossington Smith Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Grace Cossington Smith OBE, AO who is one of Australia's most celebrated modernist painters, renowned for her iconic Sydney cityscapes and luminous interiors. Visit the blue plaque at Cossington, 43 Ku-Ring-Gai Avenue, Turramurra NSW 2074

Turramurra NSW

6.4 km away

Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail — Image credit: Hornsby Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail

Enjoy 6km of white-knuckle mountain bike riding through picturesque bushland in Old Mans Valley, only a short cycle or walk from Hornsby Station in Sydney’s upper north shore. The single track has various skill levels and combines a series of narrow bushland trails and flowing metre-wide trails. The Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail is only open during daylight hours. The track is accessed from Quarry Road, where car parking is available.

Hornsby NSW

6.6 km away

Berowra Valley National Park — Image credit: DPIE

National Parks and Reserves

Berowra Valley National Park

This large park occupies the beautiful bushland valley between the suburbs of Hornsby Heights, Thornleigh, Galston, Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook, reaching up to the quiet waters of Berowra Creek. Covering a 25km stretch of the Great North walk, the park offers more than 70km of walking tracks and fire trails. If you'd rather enjoy nature at a slower pace, enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Crosslands Reserve, so close to the suburbs and yet so far from the speed of daily life. Berowra Creek is a great spot for some canoeing or kayaking, and there are some good places to dangle your line overboard - you might be lucky enough to catch some lunch.

Hornsby Heights NSW

6.6 km away

Bare Creek Jump — Image credit: Destination NSW

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Bare Creek Bike Path

Bare Creek is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts! Located in Belrose on Sydney's Northern Beaches, the park features 1.6 kilometres of downhill bike trails, flow trails, skills and dirt jump areas, a pump track, walking trails, a dedicated access road, as well as toilets, drinking fountains and bike maintenance stations. Mountain biking can be dangerous. Children under 16 must be under direct supervision of a responsible adult at all times. Check out our safety page on our Hello Manly website for park rules and more safety recommendations. The track is suitable for all levels with less experienced riders being able to start on the pump track and skills area before working through a progression zone and then tackling the advanced gravity trails. The project was funded and built by the NSW Government and managed by Northern Beaches Council.

Belrose NSW

6.6 km away

Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve

Escape the hustle of the city for a refreshing dose of nature. A 15-minute drive from the Sydney CBD can take you to a patch of paradise near St Ives. Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, in North Sydney, boasts one of the last remaining stands of magnificent blue gum forests within the Sydney region. This much-loved reserve is featured as part of the Ku-ring-gai Council nature walks and NPWS discovery program, making it popular for bushwalking and birdwatching. The towering canopy and lush understorey of ferns support a staggering array of wildlife including black-faced swamp wallabies and echidnas. If visiting Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve at night, then keep your eyes peeled for sugar gliders, possums and owls. Early morning is a superb time for birdwatching as the reserve comes alive with the sound of native Australian birds singing, including pardalotes, king parrots, and lorikeets.

Pymble NSW

6.6 km away

Heath and Bare Creek Trails — Image credit: Photo: Kim McClymont/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Heath and Bare Creek Trails

Popular for mountain biking and horse riding, Heath trail is a challenging fire trail running down into the valley of Garigal National Park. It's a fantastic ride and suited to more experienced mountain bikers. There are sandy corners and the terrain can be rough, so take care. Of course, if you ride down into the valley you'll have to ride back out - the climb can be hard work, but it's definitely worth the effort. Heath Trail merges into Bare Creek trail shortly after entering Garigal National Park. Bare Creek runs along the east side of the creek, passing Quarry trail at the first creek crossing and eventually adjoining Cascades trail, so there are plenty of options for extending your mountain biking adventure. It's a great track to walk as well - watch out for other track users.

Belrose NSW

6.8 km away

Place of Winds Interpretive Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Place of Winds Interpretive Trail

An easy hour’s walk along the Place of Winds interpretive trail is the perfect way to start or finish a day out at Crosslands Reserve. The easy walk takes you through mangroves, swamps and forest in quite a short space of time and there are interpretive signs along the way so you’ll be able to find out more about these varied habitats. A boardwalk takes you out over the marshes to a platform overlooking the water and along your walk you’ll see evidence of Aboriginal occupation and some scenic views of the valley.

Hornsby Heights NSW

7.1 km away

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