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Kalkari discovery trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Kalkari discovery trail.

Track grading

Grade 2

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km loop

Time

30 - 45min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track:

  • The shorter, 500m loop section at the start of this walking track is a 1m to 1.5m wide cement path with flat to gentle slopes.
  • The longer, extended loop section includes sections of hard surface or gravel path.

Other barriers

Other barriers: From the Kalkari Discovery Centre carpark, a low ramp goes between bollards that are spaced 1.3m apart.

Accessible options

The shorter, 500m loop section at the start of this walking track, starting and ending at Kalkari Discovery Centre, is suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and people with reduced mobility.

Getting there and parking

Kalkari discovery trail starts at Kalkari Discovery Centre in the Bobbin Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, enter the park from Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, off Pacific Highway.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Kalkari Discovery Centre, including 2 designated disabled spots.

Facilities

Drinking water, picnic tables and toilets are available at Kalkari Discovery Centre.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Wildlife safety

Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters and how to avoid them.

Eastern grey kangaroos live in the area around Kalkari Discovery Centre. They’re powerful animals, so please keep to formed tracks and approach at a distance.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

  • The shorter, 500m loop section at the start of this walking track, starting and ending at Kalkari Discovery Centre, is suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and people with reduced mobility.
  • This section of track is 1m to 1.5m wide cement path with flat to gentle slopes.
  • There is a wide bridge over a pond near the Discovery Centre, which features chest-high metal railings.
  • Kalkari lookout is a flat, timber platform with 1m tall timber slatted railings that allow visitors to see through the slats.
  • Several timber benches with and without back rests provide a range of seating options at Kalkari lookout.
  • There are picnic tables with bench seats outside the Kalkari Discovery Centre, where this walk begins. Timber slatted seats with back rests are available at intervals along the track.
  • There are 2 accessible parking spaces at the Kalkari Discovery Centre carpark.

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Gathering firewood and the use of head bead barbecues is not permitted.

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.

Kalkari discovery trail

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). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    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