Picnic at Bobbin Head

by Aoife McGee (subscribe)

Bobbin Head is part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which stretches gloriously from the western shores of Pittwater as far as the Hawkesbury River.

The word ‘Bobbin’ comes from the Aboriginal Gurringai language, meaning ‘place of smoke’, a reference the Aboriginal Guringal people made to the radiation fog often seen in the Hawkesbury region. Englishman Eccleston Frederick Du Faur was largely responsible for establishing Ku-ring-gai Chase as a National Park and for the building of a roadway from North Turramurra to Bobbin Head in 1901.

Bobbin Head is a haven of tranquillity with a lot to offer Sydneysiders who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and get back in tune with nature.

It’s the ideal location for a family day out, with plenty of picnic tables and coin operated barbeques. You can hire one of the larger covered picnic areas for parties and gatherings through the Sydney North Region Information Centre on 02 - 94728949.

There’s lots of open space for a game of cricket or footie and a large children’s playground for the kids to work up an appetite.

There’s also a café and kiosk on site, located in the building which was once the Bobbin Head Inn, built in the 1930’s. This building also houses a National Parks Information Centre.

At the other side of the water there’s the marina
where you can hire a boat, or moor your own and enjoy lunch in the Marina Café.

At the southern end of Bobbin head, you can take a leisurely stroll on the mangrove boardwalk, crossing the Cockle Creek Bridge, enjoying the wildlife and flowers. The walk leads up through steps in the rocks to the site of aboriginal axe grindings and onto a rainforest track, a beautiful treat for bushwalkers.

Entry to Bobbin Head costs $11 per vehicle and there is usually someone at the gate. If not, there are pay and display machines in the park. You may wish to purchase an annual parks pass for $65, which covers all National Parks in NSW, except Kosciuszko. This can be purchased at the National Parks Office onsite and your $11 entry fee will be deducted.

Check out these photos of Bobbin Head

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4

To get to Bobbin Head from the City, follow the Pacific Highway north to Turramurra and turn right at Bobbin Head Road. Follow this road, which leads directly to Bobbin Head.

Help us improve  Click here if you liked this article  214

Share: email  facebook  twitter

Why? Escape the City

When: Dawn 'til Dusk

Where: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Cost: $11per vehicle or $65 for Annual Parks Pass

48

159