Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a 4km adventure along the Birrawanna Walking Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This Grade 3 trail offers a moderate hike through scribbly gum and red bloodwood forests, leading to the scenic Bobbin Head. Marvel at the vibrant red waratah and enjoy beautiful views over Cockle Creek and Cowan Water. Perfect for a family day trip, the trail offers a chance to learn about local flora, fauna, and Aboriginal history at the Kalkari Discovery Centre.

Length:

4km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Birrawanna Trail

End: Birrawanna Trail

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Mount Colah

From state capital: 33.4km

Latitude: -33.65945667

Longitude: 151.1538867

3,545 Total views

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Hike overview

After learning all about the plants, animals and Aboriginal history of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park at Kalkari Discovery Centre, head along the moderately difficult Birrawanna walking track. The kids will love putting their newfound knowledge into practice. A great nature adventure on a family day trip, historic Birrawanna walking track leads to Bobbin Head, where you can stop for a waterfront picnic or grab a tasty lunch at Bobbin Inn CafÃÆ©.
Skirting the emu enclosure, the medium difficulty track passes through woodlands of scribbly gum and red bloodwood to join a historic track of open forests before reaching Bobbin Head. Be sure to look for the vibrant red waratah.
On the way back up, stop for a breather and check out the lovely views over Cockle Creek and Cowan Water. You might see a brown hawk or nankeen kestrel circling above, looking for lizards and insects.

Map and GPX file

Birrawanna Walking Track (4km)

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Akuna Bay, Bayview, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Bobbin Head, Church Point, Davidson, Elanora Heights, Frenchs Forest, Gordon, Hornsby, Ingleside, Manly, Mona Vale, Mosman, Mount Colah, Newport, North Narrabeen, North Sydney, North Turramurra, Pittwater, Pymble, St Ives, Terrey Hills, Wahroonga, Warrimoo, Warringah

Getting to the trailhead in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Birrawanna walking track 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. Parking Parking is available at Kalkari Discovery Centre, including several designated disabled spots.

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Located in Sydney's north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for school excursions. Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.

Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a recreational favourite for locals and visitors alike. This large park, in Sydney's north, lets you feel at one with nature without leaving the Sydney metropolitan area. A heritage-listed park, it combines important history with scenic beauty.

Winding creeks and stretches of ocean meet rainforest and eucalypts, rocky cliffs and mangroves. Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts and significant Aboriginal sites. You'll still have plenty of time to discover its marinas, cafes, kiosks and well-equipped picnic areas."

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Birrawanna Walking Track (4km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Birrawanna Walking Track (4km)