Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Bobbin Head and Cowan Creek hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Bobbin Head and Cowan Creek
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
4 Hrs
8.6 km
617 m
Circuit
5.4 km NNE of Turramurra
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Track: Hard
This ridge and river walk explores a fair section of southern Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. Starting on the ridge you walk through eucalyptus forest with some open sandstone rock platforms. The track than winds its way down to the main public use area of the park. The track than meanders up Cowan creek, before a final climbing up a ridge to the Sphinx monument, and back to the start of the walk
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
The track notes describing the walk from the gate at the northern end of Bobbin Head road. You can drive to the start of the walk there is usually plenty of parking, either outside the gate, or just inside the gate on the roads off to the right. There is also buses that go down Bobbin Head road from Turramurra train station.
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(0 km) Sphinx car park to Bobbin Head Trail Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -13 m
From The Sphinx Car park Walk through the memorial and follow the sealed path less than 100 meters to the dirt service trail. Turn left (west) and follow the rocky track as it winds its way up to Bobbin Head Trail. The service trail intersects Bobbin Head Trail about 50m from the track head with Bobbin Head Road.
(0.4 km) Sphinx service trail to Water tank Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 2.6 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -31 m
Follow the Bobbin Head service Trail north, will see other track off to the side and some power line, but just stick to the main track, just as the track begins to narrow and head down hill you will find a water tank, and a steal pipe. There are also some views down into the Bobbin Head picnic area.
(3 km) Water Tank to Warrimoo Track Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -173 m
From the water tank follow the track down the hill. Before to long the track turns into a significant service trail again. Follow the track next to the steel water pipe to avoid the service trail and several switch backs. Join the main fire trail again just before the pipe pass under an old wire fence, (there is another water tank further past the fence). The Service trail comes to a locked gate, Follow the sign posted bush track down the hill and below the cliff lines as it winds down through some nice rock formation to Warrimoo track and Cowan Creek.
(4 km) Bobbin Head trail to Sphinx trail Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 3.6 km
Time = 2 Hrs 10 mins
Climb = 402 m
Descent = -380 m
Follow the distinct Warrimoo track along the river bank (south east). The track is mostly flat, with a few hills to navigate cliffs and the shore line. There are several cliffs and rock formation that make lovely backdrops to the great views of the Cowan waters. There are some sections of the track that get wet at high tide but can still be passed with care. You pass under some powerlines about 100 meters before the signpost and steps that mark the Sphinx track intersection.
(7.6 km) Warrimoo Track to Sphinx Memorial Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 132 m
Descent = -23 m
From the signposted intersection on Warrimoo track, take the steps up the ridge and follow the well formed bush track up the hill. There are lots of well formed steps for the initial part of this climb. The track starts to flatten out a bit near the top where you intersect with a service trail. At the service trail turn right then left and take the track back up to the Sphinx Memorial.
A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,
Hi Matt, Enjoyed talking to you at St Ives showground today! I have done this lovely walk several times...during the week you may not see anyone else! I usually do it the other way round. For a senior citizen, I find it easier to go down the very steep Sphinx track, and wind back up the more gradual gradient old coaching track, The marina has a cafe that is open every day 90 till 50PM I think. Alternately there are a copule of bench seats where you can have a rest and eat a packed sndwich at the marina, and taps at the back of the sheds to re-fill a water bottle!
Glad you like the site and the walk. By the end of the year I hope to add a "reverse" feature to all walks, so that you will be able to pick the direction you walk to walk in (this is obviously for Cicuit and one way walks, for so much for return walks) But comment s like this are great to help others planning there day, I will try to add some info about the marina soon. THanks again and happy walking
Trevor Andrews wrote:
Hi Matt, Enjoyed talking to you at St Ives showground today! I have done this lovely walk several times...during the week you may not see anyone else! I usually do it the other way round. For a senior citizen, I find it easier to go down the very steep Sphinx track, and wind back up the more gradual gradient old coaching track, The marina has a cafe that is open every day 90 till 50PM I think. Alternately there are a copule of bench seats where you can have a rest and eat a packed sndwich at the marina, and taps at the back of the sheds to re-fill a water bottle!
Hiking near Sydney 
1 km
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