Kalkari discovery trail
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Overview
Kalkari discovery trail is a short, easy walking track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s a great introduction to the park’s amazing views, wildlife, and native plants.
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Distance
- 1km loop
- Time suggested
- 30 - 45min
- Grade
- Grade 2
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes
- Please note
- Kalkari Discovery Centre is a great place to view informative displays, watch a film in the Discovery Theatre, and learn from the volunteer team.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
This family-friendly trail connects 2 loop tracks in the Bobbin Head area of the park. Choose from the shorter, fully-accessible 500m loop or the easy 1km circuit.
Starting from the picnic area behind Kalkari Discovery Centre, the concrete path leads over a pretty pond and through open parkland before arriving at Kalkari lookout. This timber lookout is perched on the edge of the rocky ridge overlooking a densely forested valley and Cockle Creek. Take advantage of the seats to enjoy the stunning scenery and sounds of nature.
As you continue along the track, take time to read the signs to learn interesting facts about the native plants and animals you might see (and some rare and remarkable species you might miss). Make the most of this walk with our free Kalkari discovery self-guided audio tour.
If you're visiting with a pram or have reduced mobility, you may prefer to head left at the junction to stay on the accessible loop. The main track meanders through ridgetop forest, passing another man-made pond before returning to the picnic area.
For a longer walk, connect with Birrwanna walking track. This adventurous track leads downhill to Bobbin Head, where you can enjoy the waterfront or a snack at the cafe.
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General enquiries
- National Parks support
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- 02 9995 6518
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
- bobbin.head@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 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 always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- 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.
- Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.
-
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).
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.
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What's nearby:
Things to do (59)
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