Bobbin Head
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bobbin Head.
Getting there and parking
On entering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, take Bobbin Head Road through North Turramurra, or Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah near Hornsby.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in asphalt and bitumen carparks near the barbecues, picnic tables, shelters and other facilities.
There are accessible parking spots at several of the carparks, including 2 near the inn, 1 near the station and 1 near the playground.
Best times to visit
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.
Spring
If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.
Summer
Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.
Winter
Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 31°C
Highest recorded
43.1°C (1994)
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
-3.5°C (1986
Rainfall
Wettest month
February and March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
253mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Gas barbecues only.
Drinking water
Public phone
Step-free access
Bobbin Head picnic area is flat and step-free, with:
- Concrete and paved pathways that lead from the carpark to the Pavilion picnic shelter.
- Paths from the carpark to the toilets at Gibberagong precinct and to the playground
- A gravel path that runs along the river
To get to other parts of the picnic area, including some of the picnic tables and other shelters, you'll need to cross over flat grass and hard-packed ground.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Seats and resting points
There are bench seats In both the northern and the southern parts of the picnic area, and along nearby Birrawanna track.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Bobbin Head picnic area is mostly flat and step-free, with the following accessible facilities:
- Concrete, paved and gravel pathways that lead from the carpark to one of the picnic shelters, to the toilets at Gibberagong precinct, to the playground and along the river.
- Accessible toilets near the playground, at The Station picnic shelter and at Orchard Park, opposite the Pavilion picnic shelter.
- Accessible picnic tables
- Bench seats for resting
- Accessible parking spaces in several of the carparks, including 2 near the inn, 1 near the station and 1 near the playground.
You'll need to cross over flat grass and hard-packed ground to get to the parts of the picnic area that aren't along the paths.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Please note that spear guns and hand spears are not permitted in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They may not be carried through the park and must not be used within 100m of a beach in the national park.
Prohibited
For visitors holding a picnic or an approved event in this park, please note that the following is also prohibited:
- Amplified or loud music, or public address systems.
- Balloons, water balloons, or paintball equipment.
- Decorations consisting of flowers, vines or other exotic plant materials.
- Throwing of rice, confetti, petals or similar decorative items.
- Candles or other open flames.
- Tents and marquees. Please do not put up signage or cordon off structures picnic shelter areas.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Open fires and any form of solid fuel are not allowed.
Gathering firewood
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
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
- bobbin.head@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 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.
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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
Visitor centre
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Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079 - 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9472 8949
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Kalkari Discovery Centre
402 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah NSW 2079 - 9:30am to 4:30pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- 02 9472 9300
- 02 9472 9301
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Kalkari Discovery Centre