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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

0.9 km away

Bellamy fire trail

Natural Attractions

Bellamy fire trail

This short walk through Berowra Valley Regional Park is perfect for a daily breather. A level path takes you down to Zig-Zag Creek, over a bridge and up to the high walls and towering forest of the old railway quarry, an attractive natural amphitheatre of sandstone. Even though there's no directional signage, you'll find the path easy to follow. You’ll see fern trees, grass trees, coachwood and a variety of tall eucalypts while hearing the joyful call of kookaburras. Interpretive signs tell the history of the historic Zig-Zag railway that used to pass through here. Take a seat on the old railway sleepers and enjoy the peace and beauty of the bush before heading back to daily life.

Pennant Hills NSW

3.5 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

3.7 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

3.8 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

4.2 km away

Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park

Natural Attractions

Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park

Also known as Benowie walking track, this beautiful bushland walk through Berowra Valley National Park follows Berowra Creek for 25 kilometres of the iconic Great North walk between Sydney and Newcastle. This section of the walk, from Pennant Hills to Berowra Waters, takes about two to three days to walk, with several places to camp along the way. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, you can always break the trail up into more manageable sections, particularly if you're taking the kids out for the day. Join the walk from Pennant Hills, Westleigh, Hornsby, Galston Gorge picnic area or Berowra Waters, and head out into the bush for an adventure. For a longer walk extend your trip south along the Great North walk - Lane Cove National Park or link up with the Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and continue north towards Newcastle.

Pennant Hills NSW

4.6 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

5.2 km away

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

5.2 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

5.8 km away

Dr Mark Lidwill Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Dr Mark Lidwill 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 Dr Mark Lidwill who was an Australian medical pioneer that invented a portable machine for anaesthesia and the world's first cardiac pacemaker. Visit the blue plaque at the Arden Anglican School, 63 Beecroft Road, Beecroft NSW 2119 and scan the QR code there to learn more.

Beecroft NSW

5.9 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

6.1 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

6.1 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

6.4 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

6.4 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

6.6 km away

Browns Forest Loop Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Browns Forest Loop Trail

If you’ve ever wondered what Sydney looked like before the city took over, then head to Browns Forest loop trail, in the North Sydney suburb of St Ives. Immerse yourself in unspoilt bushland within Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve by taking advantage of its short and easy walking track. Just 30 minutes north of the central business district, it’s ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts, nature-lovers and botanists, and is a great walk for kids. You’ll enter a forest of majestic blue gums and magnificent blackbutts that hark back to pre-colonial times with a lush understorey of ferns. Following the clearly signposted path, the kids will enjoy the self-guided series of interpretation signs. In the spring, the ground cover of native flowers, such as the blue flax lily and pastel flower, burst into a colourful display. Any time of year, you’ll hear the chatter of birds such as rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas and king parrots echoing through the bush.

St Ives NSW

6.6 km away

Koala Presentations

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Koala Park Sydney

Come face to face at their place with friendly Australian animals. Take photo's next to our koala's after our shows which is included in the entry price. Koala Park was created in the 1920s and officially opened in October of 1930 by the founder Noel Burnet. He became alarmed at the high numbers of koalas shot for the large export fur trade. He feared that if such harsh treatment was allowed to continue, this lovable and unique Australian animal would disappear from the face of the earth forever. From that time on he spent his whole life fighting to protect research and Create a safe environment in which they could live and breed naturally.

West Pennant Hills NSW

6.9 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

6.9 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

7.1 km away

Lane Cove National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland that sits on either side of the peaceful Lane Cove River. It's in easy reach for Sydneysiders, extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood. It's a great place for a day out with the family; there are lots of picnic areas to choose from, including those that offer picnic tables, barbecues, children's play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to walking tracks and places to ride your bike. Whatever activities you fancy, you're bound to find a perfect place to picnic for the day. When you've polished off the picnic, you can hit the walking tracks to explore the park's bushland, hire a boat from the Lane Cove Boatshed to row along the quiet Lane Cove River or cycle along the park's roads. There's also a fire trail between Pennant Hills and West Pymble, where you can ride your bike if you're feeling more adventurous. The park's historic sites are best explored along the self-guided Heritage walk. Pick up a brochure from the Lane Cove park office. If you'd like to stay overnight...

Chatswood West NSW

7.2 km away

Walking tracks abound in Cumberland State Forest — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Cumberland State Forest

Australia's only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland State Forest, is a beautiful native forest located at West Pennant Hills, Sydney, only half an hour from the city centre. Enjoy a forest walk, picnic or barbecue, and discover the surprising diversity of wildlife in the forest. Cumberland State Forest is home to Calgaroo Picnic Area, Shepherds Picnic Area, Swains Picnic Area, Bellamy Picnic Area, and three walking trails - Forestry Trail, Palm Gully Trail and Sensory Trail. Visiting Cumberland State Forest is free. This 40-hectare forest in the heart of Sydney was originally privately owned cleared land in 1908. The NSW Forestry Commission took over management in 1938 and created a dedicated State forest in 1939. At that time, one-third of the land was planted as an arboretum while the rest was allowed to regenerate naturally. Today, Cumberland is a green space in the heart of a capital city where visitors can experience the sights, sounds and serenity of the forest environment. Cumberland State Forest is also home to independently-operated Treetops Adventure The Hills, Cafe Saligna and Plants Plus Cumberland State Forest. Please note: Cumberland's picnic facilities cannot be booked. They are free to use, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

West Pennant Hills NSW

7.2 km away

Treetops Adventure The Hills

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure The Hills

Treetops Adventure The Hills is a natural wonder not so far away. Secretly hidden amongst the tall pines of the Cumberland State Forest, you’ll find one of our most magical tree rope parks. Treetops Adventure The Hills is located only 30 minutes from Sydney city and is the perfect quick forest retreat for city slickers. With nine different tree ropes courses to choose from, family members of all ages can experience the fantastical serenity of this park. 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.

West Pennant Hills NSW

7.2 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

7.2 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

7.3 km away

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