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Empire Marina Bobbin Head

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Empire Marina Bobbin Head is in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:

  • Take Bobbin Head Road through North Turramurra and turn right before the bridge at Cowan Creek
  • Take Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road from Mount Colah or Pacific Highway

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

General public parking is available at the public wharf precinct and on the other side of Cowan Creek. Reserved parking is available within the Marina for its customers only. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

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

Boat moorings

  • NSW National Parks provides free, courtesy moorings available to all recreational boat users on Cowan Waters in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
  • Domestic Commercial Vessels may use courtesy moorings with NPWS consent.
  • Vessels must not be left unattended on a courtesy mooring.
  • Only one vessel can be attached to each mooring at a time, for a maximum of 24 hours. Attaching other vessels to the moored vessel is not allowed.
  • Vessels cannot exceed 14 metres in length. 
  • There's no need to book, just moor your boat at any of the available yellow buoys marked with a NSW National Parks logo.
  • There are 54 moorings in 17 locations and the NPWS mooring locations are shown as a black number inside a yellow circle on this map provided by Department of Roads and Maritime Safety.

    • Amenities

    Toilets

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    Cafe/kiosk

    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.

    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 - easy

    This area is fully 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

    Gathering firewood

    Gathering firewood and the use of heat beads is not permitted.

    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.

    Empire Marina Bobbin Head

    Operated by

    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