Gibberagong Track

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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 Gibberagong Track & Grosvenor Street (-33.6960922,151.126699)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Junction Road, Wahroonga. Turn on to Grosvenor Street then drive for 1.6 km
Finish	From the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road (-33.6596461,151.1591056)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the very end of Grosvenor Rd (Wahroonga), this walk follows the management trail gently downhill around the locked green metal gate and past the 'No through road' sign. The trail leads through a dip among a scribly gum forest for just over 100m to an intersection with a track (on your left)marked with a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Gibberagon Trail sign.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Gibberagong Track & Grosvenor Street Start heading along Gibberagong Track (a vehicle track). After 50 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 75 m (from the Gibberagong Track) veer right, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 225 m (from the Gibberagong Track) continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track.
	After another 270 m (at the intersection of Gibberagong Track & Cliff Connection) continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 850 m head down the earthen steps (about 245 m long)
	After another 210 m (at the intersection of Gibberagong Track & Lover's Jump Creek) continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track.
	After another 195 m (from the Gibberagong Track) turn left, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 65 m cross the ford.
	From the Gibberagong Track continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 30 m come to the viewpoint (on your left). After another 8 m find the "Gibberagong waterhole" (on your left). Gibberagong waterhole Gibberagong waterhole is an informal name for a wide section of Cockle Creek that run for over 150m north of the confluence with Lovers Jump creek. This secluded and shady spot is a great place to sit and enjoy the waterholes, cascading water and the view to the sandy banks on the other side. If you sit quietly enough you may see lyrebirds scratching through the bush by the creek. After another 1.3 km cross the ford.
	From the Gibberagong Track continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 670 m cross the ford.
	From the Gibberagong Track veer left, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 170 m head down the 9 earthen steps (about 10 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Bobbin Head Rainforest. 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 1.1 km (at the intersection of Gibberagong Track & Rainforest Track) continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 25 m find the "Aboriginal Axe Grindings" (6 m on your right). Aboriginal Axe Grindings This protected site clearly shows 23 oval-shaped grooves that were worn by Indigenous Australian people, making axe heads from hard rock. Using a blank axe head, the Aboriginal people would use this rock platform, with water from the nearby creek, to sharpen the stone into a useful tool. The rubbing ground the axe head to a sharp edge and left behind these tell-tale signs.
	From the Gibberagong Track continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. After another 25 m head up the 6 earthen steps (about 5 m long) After another 70 m head up the 24 earthen steps (about 25 m long) After another 150 m head down the stone steps (about 45 m long)
	After another 120 m (from the Gibberagong Track) continue straight, to head along Gibberagong Track. Then find the "Cockle Creek viewing platform" (on your right). Cockle Creek viewing platform Part way along the timber Bobbin Head boardwalk is a partially fenced timber viewing platform. There is a beautiful view over Cockle Creek and a 'Teeming with life' information sign to enjoy. The platform area is 7.3m deep and 3.9m wide. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long) After another 30 m pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest. After another 10 m find the "Seat" (on your right). Seat A timber slat bench seat, 43cm high, 30cm deep and 1.6m wide with a 41cm high backrest. The seat is on concrete beside the track. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 45 m find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your left). Picnic Table A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 74cm high, 74cm deep and 2.9m wide. The seats are 40cm high, 23cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). The table is centered on a 3.5x4.5m concrete slab. Then find the "Picnic Table" (8 m on your left). Picnic Table A series of 3 timber slat picnic tables and bench seats. The tables are 74cm high, 74cm deep and 2.9m wide. The seats are 40cm high, 23cm deep and 1.8m wide (no backrest). The tables are centred on 3.5x4.5m concrete slabs. Access over grass.
	Turn left.
	After another 7 m turn right. After another 60 m pass the BBQ (20 m on your left). After another 15 m pass the park (on your left).
	After another 15 m continue straight.
	After another 50 m veer left. After another 35 m pass the toilet (30 m on your left). Then pass a seat (50 m on your right).
	After another 10 m continue straight. After another 40 m pass the playground (10 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the BBQ (9 m on your left). After another 65 m pass the shelter (9 m on your left). Then pass the BBQ (10 m on your left). After another 25 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 10 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your left).
	After another 90 m (from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) turn left, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road (a road). After another 30 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right). After another 10 m find the "Bobbin Head" (20 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. About 20 m past the end is a picnic table. About 25 m past the end is "National Parks Information Centre". Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 About 30 m past the end is "Bobbin Inn Cafe". Bobbin Inn Cafe At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, and a range of foods and drinks. Food includes fish and chips, wraps, focaccia, sandwiches and snack foods. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are also on offer. Opening hours are 9 - 4pm Mon to Fri (closed Tuesdays) & 9 - 5pm weekends. For more information, phone the cafe on 9457 7170. The NPWS Bobbin Head Information Centre is open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) 10 - 4pm (closed 12 - 12:30pm lunch). Ramp access available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe. About 30 m past the end is a car park.
	Continue another 0 m to find from the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road at the end.

An optional side trip to Bobbin Head Rainforest.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Rainforest Track & Gibberagong Track Start heading along Rainforest Track (a walking track). After another 205 m come to "Bobbin Head Rainforest". Bobbin Head Rainforest A well-protected piece of rainforest is found just a short walk from the popular Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The rainforest is distinct when compared to much of the dry eucalypt forests that dominate the area. The rainforest is beside a small creek, just below Bobbin Head Road, and is a safe haven for many birds that frequent the area. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 205 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Rainforest Track & Gibberagong Track Start heading along Rainforest Track (a walking track).

After another 205 m come to "Bobbin Head Rainforest".

Bobbin Head Rainforest

A well-protected piece of rainforest is found just a short walk from the popular Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The rainforest is distinct when compared to much of the dry eucalypt forests that dominate the area. The rainforest is beside a small creek, just below Bobbin Head Road, and is a safe haven for many birds that frequent the area.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 205 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Gibberagong Track

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	6.4 km
Time	2 h 15 min to 2 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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 6.2 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.1 km apart with the largest gap of 6.1 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.6 km apart with the largest gap of 5.8 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	5.8 km	[seat]
Seat	5.9 km	Seat
Seat	6.1 km	[seat]
Toilet	6.1 km	[toilet]
Shelter	6.2 km	[shelter]
Toilet	6.3 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Gibberagong waterhole
Gibberagong waterhole is an informal name for a wide section of Cockle Creek that run for over 150m north of the confluence with Lovers Jump creek. This secluded and shady spot is a great place to sit and enjoy the waterholes, cascading water and the view to the sandy banks on the other side. If you sit quietly enough you may see lyrebirds scratching through the bush by the creek.

Bobbin Head Rainforest
A well-protected piece of rainforest is found just a short walk from the popular Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The rainforest is distinct when compared to much of the dry eucalypt forests that dominate the area. The rainforest is beside a small creek, just below Bobbin Head Road, and is a safe haven for many birds that frequent the area.

Aboriginal Axe Grindings
This protected site clearly shows 23 oval-shaped grooves that were worn by Indigenous Australian people, making axe heads from hard rock. Using a blank axe head, the Aboriginal people would use this rock platform, with water from the nearby creek, to sharpen the stone into a useful tool. The rubbing ground the axe head to a sharp edge and left behind these tell-tale signs.

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.

Bobbin Inn Cafe
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building, is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining, and a range of foods and drinks. Food includes fish and chips, wraps, focaccia, sandwiches and snack foods. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are also on offer. Opening hours are 9 - 4pm Mon to Fri (closed Tuesdays) & 9 - 5pm weekends. For more information, phone the cafe on 9457 7170. The NPWS Bobbin Head Information Centre is open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) 10 - 4pm (closed 12 - 12:30pm lunch). Ramp access available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 5 November
  
  22°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, becoming less likely in the afternoon. Winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the evening then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:50am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Wednesday 6 November
  
  17°C → 29°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Thursday 7 November
  
  20°C → 34°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northerly 15 to 20 km/h shifting southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Friday 8 November
  
  17°C → 31°C
  Mostly sunny.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning. Mostly sunny day. Light winds becoming northwest to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then tending south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
  
  Saturday 9 November
  
  16°C → 23°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h turning easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Sunday 10 November
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning.
  
  Monday 11 November
  
  16°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays
  Barrenjoey access road is closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July 2024 to Monday 25 November 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.
  
  Closed areas: Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails closed for upgrade works
  There will be vegetation and surface works on the Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from Friday 18 October 2024 until Friday 15 November 2024, weather permitting.
  Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.
  
  Closed areas: Murrua trail closed for surface works
  There will be emergency surface repair works on the Murrua trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from Wednesday 23rd October 2024 until Friday 29th November 2024, weather permitting.
  Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Towlers Bay fire trail closed for major works
  Towlers Bay Trail is closed from Tuesday 15 October to Friday 29 November 2024 while major works are undertaken.
  Access to Halls Wharf, Morning Bay remains open.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS 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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