The Pavillion picnic shelter

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Book now

Overview

Book The Pavillion picnic shelter for your next party. The waterfront views of Cowan Creek are perfect for a summer celebration.

Venue is suitable for
Picnics and private party or function
Capacity
Maximum people: 100
The NPWS Area Office must approve any bookings or activities of more than 100 people.
Facilities
Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, drinking water, toilets
Fees
Rates and availability are displayed when making an online booking.
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Availability
Venue is available for booking from 10am to 4pm.
Bookings
Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757
Other Information
  • Picnic shelters are cleaned regularly. If the shelter is not at the standard you require, Bobbin Head Visitor Centre can provide you with cleaning supplies.
  • Please leave the area clean and tidy. If significant cleaning is required there may be a fee. Please take all rubbish with you when you go.
Book now

Since it first opened in the 1930s, The Pavillion picnic shelter has been popular with families and picnickers. You’ll find it on the northern side of Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

This pocket of green space is perfect for large group celebrations like Christmas parties, family gatherings and social club picnics. Kids can play for hours on the grass, and there’s room for up to 100 people at the shelter’s 8 undercover tables with bench seats.

You’ll be just 20m from the water if your guests want to go paddling – or why not just sit back and enjoy the views of picturesque Cowan Creek as it winds its way past you?

For directions, safety and practical information, see venue info

Nearby

Apple Tree picnic area, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo © Andy Richards

Picnic

Apple Tree picnic area

See more attractions

The Station picnic shelter, surrounded by trees in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Nicole Ribera © OEH

Hire

The Station picnic shelter

See more venues

A father and son go fishing next to a marina at Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/OEH

Picnic

Bobbin Head

See more attractions

Apple Tree Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo © Andy Richards

Walk

Berowra track to Apple Tree Bay

See more activities

Birrawanna walking track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © OEH

Walk

Birrawanna walking track

See more activities

Bobbin Head Visitor Centre and the scenic rocky cliff and rainforest surrounds in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Learn

Bobbin Head Visitor Centre

See more attractions

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/the-pavillion-picnic-shelter/local-alerts

General enquiries

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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more info on the venue

Venue info

All the practical information you need to know about The Pavillion picnic shelter.

Getting there and parking

The Pavillion is in Orchard Park within Bobbin Head picnic area. Access is via either Bobbin Head Road in North Turramurra or Ku-ring-gai Chase Road in Mount Colah.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Parking

There's parking in a bitumen carpark on Apple Tree Bay Road, 20m from The Pavillion picnic shelter. The carpark includes parking for at least 50 cars and an accessible bus-only parking spot.

Facilities

Toilets

There are accessible flush toilets across the carpark, around 50m away from The Pavillion.

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

There are 8 undercover rectangular tables, each with 2 benches providing undercover seating.

Barbecue facilities

Visitors can only use the barbecues provided.

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Drinking water

Sink and tap

Step-free access

There's step-free access from the carpark along a very short concrete path that becomes paved before it reaches The Pavillion.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

The Pavillion picnic shelter is flat and step-free with:

  • A short concrete and paved path that leads from the carpark to the shelter
  • Accessible toilets around 50m away across the carpark

Permitted

Food and drink

  • You may bring your own food as well as portable gas barbecues fitted with drip trays for cooking. Please note, these are prohibited during a total fire ban.
  • Commercial catering is permitted and must be detailed on the application form. Some forms of catering may be restricted during a total fire ban.
  • Responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted
  • We encourage plastic free events. Where possible, please use biodegradable plates, cups and cutlery (paper, corn starch, bamboo).

Structures, staging, furniture and amusements

Free-standing marquees are permitted but they must be weighted, not pegged. Please obtain approval prior to your event if you'd like to set up a marquee.

Cycling

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Prohibited

Amplified or loud music and public address systems are prohibited.

Balloons, plant materials and open flames are not permitted, including:

  • Water balloons and paintball equipment
  • Decorations consisting of flowers, vines or other exotic plant materials
  • Throwing of rice, confetti, petals or similar decorative items is not permitted
  • Candles or other open flames

Tents are not permitted. Please do not put up signage or cordon off structures or areas at The Pavillion picnic shelter.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Open fires and any form of solid fuel are not allowed.

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.

Visitor centre