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Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Overview

Go on a self-guided audio tour along Kalkari discovery trail in the Bobbin Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Learn more about the amazing native animals, plants and geology of this biodiverse area on the fringes of Sydney's northern suburbs.

Distance
1km loop
Time suggested
45min
Grade
Easy. This 12-stop tour takes place on a concrete path with flat sections and some gentle hills.
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Mobile phone, headphones, drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note

It's a good idea to download the NSWParks mobile app and this tour before you go.

Kalkari Discovery Centre is a great place to view informative displays, watch a film in the Discovery Theatre, and learn from the volunteer team.

It might be surprising to learn that Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a sanctuary for many native plants and animals, and complex ecosystems that provide critical habitat for endangered and intriguing species.

On this audio tour NSW National Parks rangers, volunteers and scientists will share stories about the park’s threatened plants and animals hiding in plain sight. Learn how their work is helping to protect them, and how you can help. Stroll along the short, easy Kalkari discovery trail, take in stunning views from Kalkari lookout, and let the landscapes come to life as you listen.

Areas in this park have been declared Assets of Intergenerational Significance (AIS), to safeguard threatened animals and plants for future generations.

Download the tour before you go

Before your visit, download the free NSW National Parks mobile app.

Download on the App Store    Get it on Google Play

  • Search for Kalkari in the app
  • Select Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour and click 'Start story' to download the tour
Two people stand at a timber fence atop Kalkari lookout timber platform, overlooking Cowan Creek and a forested valley in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Johny Spencer © DCCEEW
Two people stand at a timber fence atop Kalkari lookout timber platform, overlooking Cowan Creek and a forested valley in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Johny Spencer © DCCEEW

Combine this tour with

  • A visitor stands at the info desk talking to a volunteer at Kalkari Discovery Centre, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Johny Spencer © DCCEEW

    Kalkari Discovery Centre

    Walk the Kalkari Discovery Centre’s easy Discovery trail to learn more about Ku-ring-gai’s native species, Aboriginal history and network of bushwalks.

  • Two women sit on a timber bench while enjoying views at Kalkari lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Johny Spencer © DCCEEW

    Kalkari discovery trail

    Kalkari discovery trail is a short, easy walking track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s a great introduction to the park’s amazing views, wildlife, and native plants.

  • An eastern pygmy-possum curled up asleep in a nest of eucalypt leaves. Photo: Sue Brookhouse © Sue Brookhouse

    Sydney native habitats in 360

    Explore our 360-degree interactive images to discover national park habitats in and around Sydney's urban fringe, and the protected plants and animals that live here.

Operated by

  • Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
  • 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
  • 02 9472 8949
  • 688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.
  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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