Gibberagong Track
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 hrs 30 mins
6.5 km One way
180 m
Hard track
(0km) End of Grosvenor Rd → Gibberagong Track Lookout Int.
120 m
2 mins
3m
-4m
Easy track
From the very end of Grosvenor Rd[1] (Wahroonga), this walk follows the management trail gently downhill around the locked green metal gate[2] and past the ‘No through road’ sign[3]. 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[4].
(0.12km) Gibberagong Track Lookout Int. → End of Gibberagong trail
1.2 km
20 mins
5m
-22m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[5] gently uphill along the wide trail, following the ridge line over a gently rise. After about 350m this walk leads past a small clearing[6] (on your right). Here the walk continue downhill through the scribbly gum forest[7] for another 900m to where the trail bends sharply right[8] (to end) and comes to an intersection with the fairly wide Gibberagon Track[9] (on your left, part way around the bend).
(1.36km) End of Gibberagong trail → Gibberagong AND Murrua Track Int.
800 m
18 mins
7m
-103m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection[10], this walk follows the fairly wide Gibberagong Track[11] north east, gently downhill. The track soon starts to narrow and lead a little steeper down a series of timber steps[12] for about 80m before heading down through a notably steep rocky pass[13]. Here the track continues to winds down the ridge moderately steeply for just shy of 250m, to step down a rock pass around a right hand hair-pin bend[14]. Then just 30m later the track bends sharply left at another hair-pin bend[15] then just shy of 50m later
the track bends sharply right[16] again. From here the track leads down the series of timber and stone steps through then casurina forest[17] for about 200m to come to a ‘Bobbin Head’ sign[18], just before distinct gully. Here the walk veers left (following the arrow on the sign) and heads down the bank to cross Lovers Jump Creek[19] on the mossy rocks with carved steps[20]. After heading up the other bank this walk follows the clear track near Cockle Creek for just shy of 100m to a more open section providing clearer views over the creek[21] and the southern section of Gibberagong Waterholes. From here the track then leads further down the widening valley through the tall eucalypt and stringy bark forest[22] for 100m to a intersection with a faint track (on your right) at a tall smooth bark angophera[23], marked with an obvious sign pointing back ‘To Grosvenor Street’.
(2.16km) Int of Gibberagong and Murrua Link Tracks → Gibberagong waterhole
40 m
1 mins
1m
-2m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, beside the large smooth bark angophera[24], this walk follows the ‘To Bobbin Head’ sign along the clear track gently downhill, keeping the creek a short distance to your left, for about 20m to pass a section of metal fencing[25] propped up by a tree. The walk continues for another 10m or so to come to a flat area beside[26] the northern end of Gibberagong waterholes[27], this is just before the track crosses a small side creek[28].
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.
(2.19km) Gibberagong waterhole → Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks
3.2 km
1 hr 9 mins
129m
-170m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From beside[29] the northern end of Gibberagong waterholes[30], this walk follow the track along the waters edge, keeping Cockle Creek to your left. After 25m this walk crosses a small side creek[31] them follows the track gently uphill for just shy of 100m to pass a rock platform[32] (on your left), with a good view over this bend in Cockle Creek[33]. The track continues up the side of the hill for another 100m to pass alongside an 2m high natural rock wall[34] then about 120m later this walk leads back down close to the edge of the creek[35]. Just over 120m later the track leads under two tall over hangs[36][37] (the first overhang has a notable hole high in the roof[38]), then just over 100m later the track leads under a set of power lines[39] (a bit tricky to see through the canopy). From here the track continues to gently undulate along the side of the hill, in view of the creek, for just over 1km to come back down to a pleasant, fairly open forest[40] on a sandy bank beside a long pool[41] on Cockle Creek (with a few small cascades upstream[42]). The track continues downstream for another 100m to cross over a mostly but mostly flat rock platform[43] then over the next 200m the track leads up the side of the hill to cross a shallow gully[44] with several tall palms among the mostly tall eucalypt forest[45]. Here the track passes under a two sets of high tension power lines[46]. The track continues to undulate along the side of hill for another 200m to lead down to to the rocky creeks edge again[47], near the upper reaches of the tidal section of the creek[48]. From here the now mostly flat track continues downstream beside the creek for 300m to come to a notably flat and open sandy area with some bracken fern beside the creek[49]. The track then leads alongside the tidal section of Cockle Creek among the mixed forest of casuarina[50], grass trees[51] and tall eucalypt[52] for just shy of 300m to then head through a 200m long section section of mangroves[53] with a scattering of open casuarina forest[54]. Here the rocky track leads up the side of the hill, up a few steps to the top of the ridge line. Just as the track comes to the top of this hill it bends right and comes to a three-way intersection[55], where a ‘Wahroonga 5km’ sign[56] points back down the track.
(5.39km) Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks → Bobbin Head Rainforest
190 m
5 mins
15m
-7m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Rainforest 500m’ sign[57] gently uphill along the clear track heading south east. After about 60m the track starts to lead gently down the side of the hill among the grass tree and eucalypt forest[58] for about 100m before leading down a series of timber steps into the more densely forest gully[59]. Here the walk comes to a sandstone rock bed[60] and creek in a pleasant rainforest setting[61]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
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.
(5.39km) Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks → Aboriginal Axe Grindings
20 m
0m
-3m
Easy track
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. More info.
(5.42km) Aboriginal Axe Grindings → South End of Bobbin Head Park
600 m
13 mins
25m
-32m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the Aboriginal ‘Axe Grinding Grooves’ site[64] this walk follows the track gently downhill along the ridge, initially keeping the grinding site to your right. After about 20m this walk heads down some sandstone steps[65] the continues for another 60m along the sandy track down more steps[66] then up to the top of a small rise[67] where the is a unfenced[68] view over the water[69] (just off the track to your left). Here the walk continues generally down along the ridge for just shy of 300m where the track leads over a rock platform before heading down some steps that lead through a cleft in the rock[70]. The track then leads past a small sandstone overhang[71] to head down a timber ramp to find a timber boardwalk, marked with a ‘More?’ sign[72].
Continue straight: From the ‘More? you want more?’ information sign[73], this walk follows the timber boardwalk as it winds among the mangroves and saltmarsh[74]. Keep an eye out for missing boards and the lack of side capping on the edge of the boardwalk. The boardwalk leads past the ‘Land Developers?’[75] and ‘Natural Recycler’[76] information signs as it winds for about 100m to a fenced viewing area[77] marked with a ‘Teeming with life!’ information sign[78].
Continue straight: From the viewing area[79], this walk follows the fenced timber boardwalk keeping the main body of visible water to your right. After about 25m this walk crossed Cockle Creek on a cable-stayed foot bridge[80]. There are some great water and cliff views from the bridge. On the other side the footpath the path bends right to find a sandstone cave (with a 1.9m clearance[81]) with a ‘Rock Solid?’ information sign[82]. Here the walk continues along the patterned concrete path for about 20m to pass a bench seat, then another 20m there is another similar bench seat. A short distance later the path leads past the sheltered ‘Welcome to the Mangrove Boardwalk & Gibberagong Track’ information sign[83] (on your left). This walk then continues along the footpath for another 20m to the car park[84] and a small constructed sandstone wall with a ‘Gibberagong Track. Mangrove Boardwalk.’ sign[85]. There are a number of picnic tables beside the car park.
Continue straight: From the ‘More? you want more?’ information sign[73], this walk follows the timber boardwalk as it winds among the mangroves and saltmarsh[74]. Keep an eye out for missing boards and the lack of side capping on the edge of the boardwalk. The boardwalk leads past the ‘Land Developers?’[75] and ‘Natural Recycler’[76] information signs as it winds for about 100m to a fenced viewing area[77] marked with a ‘Teeming with life!’ information sign[78].
Continue straight: From the viewing area[79], this walk follows the fenced timber boardwalk keeping the main body of visible water to your right. After about 25m this walk crossed Cockle Creek on a cable-stayed foot bridge[80]. There are some great water and cliff views from the bridge. On the other side the footpath the path bends right to find a sandstone cave (with a 1.9m clearance[81]) with a ‘Rock Solid?’ information sign[82]. Here the walk continues along the patterned concrete path for about 20m to pass a bench seat, then another 20m there is another similar bench seat. A short distance later the path leads past the sheltered ‘Welcome to the Mangrove Boardwalk & Gibberagong Track’ information sign[83] (on your left). This walk then continues along the footpath for another 20m to the car park[84] and a small constructed sandstone wall with a ‘Gibberagong Track. Mangrove Boardwalk.’ sign[85]. There are a number of picnic tables beside the car park.
(6.02km) South End of Bobbin Head Park → Bobbin Head Kiosk
510 m
9 mins
10m
-5m
Very easy
Veer right: From the southern end of the car park, this walk heads away from the face of the ‘Gibberagong Track Mangrove Boardwalk’ sign[86] following the asphalt footpath[87] beside the car park, keeping the water to your right. After about 100m this walk heads past the signposted ‘Canoe Launch Area’[88] then continues along the compacted dirt foreshore path[89] for 100m where the path becomes asphalt again[90] to lead past the children’s play ground[91] for just over 50m to the sandstone steps[92] (that provide access to Cockle Creek). The walk continues along the foreshore path for almost 200m until just before the road bridge over Cockle Creek[93], where the now brick paved path bends left[94]. Here the walk crosses the car park entrance[95] and continues straight, over the grass to the back of ‘Bobbin Inn’ cafe, just beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Rd (on your right).
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’[96], built in the 1930s – it is now the park information center and cafe[97]. 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[98] and dotted with picnic tables[99][100], electric BBQs[101], shelters and a large playground[102]. There are toilets[103] nearby, and ‘The Station’ is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[104][105] that can be booked NPWS.
The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[107] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[108], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[109], 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[110] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[111] and public toilets[112].
Bobbin Inn Cafe
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old ‘Bobbin Inn’ building[113], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[114], 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[115][116] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
Maps for the Gibberagong Track walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Hornsby | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91304S HORNSBY | NSW-91304S |
| Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map | 1:40 000 Map Series | CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map | CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map |
| Sydney | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9130 SYDNEY | 9130 |
Cross sectional view of the Gibberagong Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gibberagong Track
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 6.5 km | ||
| Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
| Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
| Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) | ||
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
4.9km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 800m is flat with no steps. The remaining (800m) is very steep.
Quality of track
4.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (780m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 4km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 2.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Gibberagong Track walk starts at the End of Grosvenor Rd (gps: -33.695978, 151.12669)Your transport options to End of Grosvenor Rd are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Gibberagong Track ends at the Bobbin Head Kiosk (gps: -33.659696, 151.15912)
Your main transport option to Bobbin Head Kiosk is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/gt
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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