Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Memorial Road & Bobbin Head Road (-33.6887478,151.1523507)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Special (Mt Ku-ring-gai Train Station is located on the Newcastle Line running between Hornsby and Wyong. Trains run approximately every hour. More info) Train
Directions	From Pennant Hills Road, A28 Turn on to Coonanbarra Road then drive for 155 m Turn right onto Railway Avenue and drive for another 110 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Redleaf Avenue and drive for another 70 m Turn sharp right onto Millewa Avenue and drive for another 650 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bangalla Street and drive for another 790 m Turn left onto Eastern Road and drive for another 85 m Turn right onto The Chase Road and drive for another 1.1 km Turn right onto Burns Road and drive for another 215 m Turn left onto Bobbin Head Road and drive for another 2.7 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Bobbin Head Road and drive for another 1.2 km
Finish	(-33.6538542,151.1370136)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the toll booth, this walk follows the 'Sphinx War Memorial' sign through the metal gates and along the road. The walk continues down the long gentle hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt path, at the information sign on the left of the road.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Memorial Road & Bobbin Head Road Start heading along Memorial Road (a service road). After 115 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left). Then head through/around the gate. sunrise-sunset After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Memorial Road.
	After another 200 m (at the intersection of Memorial Road & Sphinx Track) veer left, to head along Sphinx Track (a walking track). After another 20 m head through/around the gate. After another 6 m pass the "Sphinx Track / Warrimoo Track" (on your right). After another 35 m pass the car park (25 m on your right).
	After another 1 m continue straight. After another 25 m pass a seat (10 m on your right)., has a backrest. Then head through the bollard.
	After another 15 m turn around. After another 15 m find the "Sphinx Memorial" (on your right). Sphinx Memorial Private Shirley spent one and a half years carving this monument whilst a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital. William Shirley was in hospital, being treated after serving in WW1. Shirley died in 1929, leaving this memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades. "To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F by the late W. Shirley No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion Died 27th August 1928"
	After another 1 m continue straight. After another 10 m turn sharp right, to head along Sphinx Track. After another 20 m head through the bollard. After another 9 m pass the water tap (on your right).
	After another 35 m (at the intersection of Sphinx Trail & Sphinx Track) turn left, to head along Sphinx Trail (a vehicle track).
	After another 215 m continue straight, to head along Sphinx Trail.
	After another 160 m (at the intersection of Bobbin Head Trail & Sphinx Trail) continue straight, to head along Bobbin Head Trail. After another 550 m (at the intersection of Jacombs Trail & Bobbin Head Trail) continue straight, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
	After another 335 m continue straight.
	After another 400 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Trail. After another 160 m find the "Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site" (15 m on your left). Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted off the side of the old Bobbin Head Road and is home to a series of engravings on a sandstone rock platform. The engravings are behind a series timber log barriers designed to reduce further wear on these faint engravings, please stay off the engravings area. If you look carefully you may see the engravings of a wallaby, gliding possum, bird, goanna the Information board also shows there are two emus.
	After another 1.4 km veer left.
	After another 50 m turn left.
	After another 55 m continue straight.
	After another 160 m veer left.
	After another 45 m turn left, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
	After another 55 m turn right.
	After another 20 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
	After another 180 m veer right.
	After another 210 m turn left, to head along Warrimoo Track.
	After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Warrimoo Track. After another 40 m find the "Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe" (20 m on your right). Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe Empire Marina, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, provides facilities and services for people on boats and on foot. The marina is home to "Galley Foods" kiosk and restaurant. The kiosk provides a variety of food priced between $4-$16, and is open from 8:30am to 5pm seven days. The restaurant requires reservations, and is open for lunch Thurs-Mon, breakfast on the weekend, and in dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Phone 9457 0477 Then pass the toilet (10 m on your right).
	After another 20 m veer left. After another 195 m head through/around the gate. Mo-Su 08:00-17:00
	Turn left. After another 15 m continue straight. After another 15 m pass the park (5 m on your right).
	After another 35 m veer left. After another 15 m pass the pay phone (10 m on your left).
	After another 5 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Road. After another 10 m pass the shelter (15 m on your left). Then cross the Bobbin Head Bridge (about 60 m long)
	After another 5 m continue straight, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road. After another 90 m find the "Bobbin Head" (25 m on your left). Bobbin Head Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east). Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups. The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Apple Tree Bay Road & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) turn left, to head along Birrawanna Track (a walking track). After another 10 m pass the "Bobbin Head Inn" (15 m on your left). Then pass the "National Parks Information Centre" (10 m on your left). Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 15 m pass the "Birrawana Loop Track" (6 m on your right). Then head up the 30 steps (about 10 m long) After another 10 m head up the 28 steps (about 7 m long) After another 20 m head up the 60 steps (about 30 m long) Then pass the toilet (60 m on your right). After another 20 m head up the 12 steps (about 10 m long) After another 60 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 165 m veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track. After another 370 m cross the ford.
	After another 25 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m veer right. After another 10 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 15 m continue straight.
	After another 195 m turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
	After another 150 m turn right. After another 7 m to find the car park. After another 30 m find the "Apple Tree Bay" (20 m on your left). Apple Tree Bay Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise. The kiosk/cafe is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food. After another 10 m pass the cafe (20 m on your left). Sa-Su PH
	After another 3 m turn right. After another 7 m pass the park (7 m on your left). After another 10 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left).
	After another 10 m turn right.
	After another 35 m turn left, to head along Berowra Track. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long) After another 65 m pass the sign.
	After another 345 m continue straight. After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Berowra Track.
	After another 345 m (at the intersection of Berowra Track & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) turn sharp left, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. After another 10 m head up the 19 steps (about 20 m long) After another 290 m come to the viewpoint. After another 1.3 km head up the 30 rock steps (about 10 m long) After another 95 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
	Continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 260 m continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track. After another 640 m head through/around the gate. After another 30 m pass the "Mount Ku-ring-gai Track" (5 m on your right).
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Young Street & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue (a residential road). After another 105 m (at the intersection of Seaview Street & Harwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue.
	After another 85 m (at the intersection of Harwood Avenue & Low Street) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue. After another 60 m continue straight. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long)
	After another 15 m come to the end. About 100 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 115 m to find Cockle Creek Lookout at the end.

"Cockle Creek Lookout".

Cockle Creek Lookout

Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road. After another 15 m veer left. After another 50 m find the "NPWS North Sydney Regional Office" (20 m on your right). NPWS North Sydney Regional Office The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities. After another 45 m come to "Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area". Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.
	The end. "Apple Tree Flat Lookout". Apple Tree Flat Lookout Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start heading along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road.

After another 15 m veer left.

After another 50 m find the "NPWS North Sydney Regional Office" (20 m on your right).

NPWS North Sydney Regional Office

The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities.

After another 45 m come to "Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area".

Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area

Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.

The end.

"Apple Tree Flat Lookout".

Apple Tree Flat Lookout

Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 105 m come to the end. "Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout". Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout This informal, unfenced lookout is perched on some rocks, not far from the Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track. It provides views across the valley to Cowan Creek and over much of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	10.2 km
Time	4 h to 4 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 4.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 4.6 km.

Seat: There is one 380 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	380 m	[seat]
Toilet	4.6 km	[toilet]
Shelter	4.9 km	[shelter]
Toilet	5.2 km	[toilet]
Toilet	6.3 km	[toilet]
Toilet	10.2 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 17 September
  
  20°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:10am to 2:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 18 September
  
  8°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  13°C → 26°C
  Becoming windy. Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h tending westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  12°C → 22°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  11°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  12°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Monday 23 September
  
  11°C → 21°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur between Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 September 2024 in West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Do not touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville: 02 9451 3479 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Section of Towlers Bay Fire Trail closed for trail maintenance
  A section of Towlers Bay Trail is closed from Tuesday 3 September to Friday 27 September 2024 while trail maintenance is undertaken. The closed section is between the Pittwater YHA and the end of the trail.
  Access to Halls Wharf, Morning Bay remains open.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Section of Perimeter trail closed for upgrade
  A section of Perimeter trail is closed from Monday 19 August to Thursday 31 October 2024 while a causeway is constructed and culverts replaced. The closed section is between Nerang track and the Perimeter trail entrance off Booralie Road.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays
  Barrenjoey access road is closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July 2024 to Thursday 31 October 2024 due to construction works. Pedestrian access to Barrenjoey Lighthouse will be via Smugglers track.
  The Smugglers track is a grade 3 walking track – mostly stairs. It is a steeper and more challenging walk to the top of the headland. Please consider your ability prior to ascent.
  For further information please call the local area office.
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2024 and 31 January 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure
  Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.
  The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
  
  Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed
  North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.
  The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.
  Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:
  
  The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  
  The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.
  
  Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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