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Bobbin Head

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Bobbin Head.

Getting there and parking

On entering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, take Bobbin Head Road through North Turramurra, or Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah near Hornsby.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available near the barbecues, picnic tables, shelters and other facilities.

Best times to visit

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.

Spring

If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.

Summer

Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.

Winter

Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17°C and 31°C

Highest recorded

43.1°C (1994)

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-3.5°C (1986

Rainfall

Wettest month

February and March

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

253mm

Facilities

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

Gas barbecues only.

Drinking water

Public phone

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Boating safety

If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

Paddle boats are not available for hire during extreme weather conditions.

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Assistance may be required to access this area

  • The southern part of Bobbin Head wheelchair accessible

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Please note that spear guns and hand spears are not permitted in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They may not be carried through the park and must not be used within 100m of a beach in the national park.

Prohibited

For visitors holding a picnic or an approved event in this park, please note that the following is also prohibited:

  • Amplified or loud music, or public address systems.
  • Balloons, water balloons, or paintball equipment.
  • Decorations consisting of flowers, vines or other exotic plant materials.
  • Throwing of rice, confetti, petals or similar decorative items.
  • Candles or other open flames.
  • Tents and marquees. Please do not put up signage or cordon off structures picnic shelter areas.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Open fires and any form of solid fuel are not allowed.

Gathering firewood

 

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Bobbin Head Book now

Operated by

  • Bobbin Head Visitor Centre
  • 10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
  • 02 9472 8949
  • 688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road, Mount Colah, NSW 2079

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass

Visitor centre