Having spent the last five days exploring Sydney it was time to move on so we collected a hire car from the airport, loaded our luggage on board and set off for the next part of our Australian adventure. Our plan for the day was to visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Located approximately one hour to the north of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase is Australia’s second oldest National Park. Entrance to the park by car is AUD$12 (£6) for a one day ticket, offering good value.
After purchasing our ticket our first stop was at the Kalkari Discovery Centre to pick up some leaflets and chat to one of the park wardens before looking at the interesting displays of flora and fauna that can be found in the park.
Kalkari Discovery Trail
We then stretched our legs by following the Kalkari Discovery Trail which is a short (1km) easy walking path and a welcome introduction to the park’s terrain, wildlife, and native plants. The trail connects two looped trails at the Bobbin Head area of the park. We started from the picnic area behind the Discovery Centre which took us over a pretty pond and through open parkland before arriving at the Kalkari lookout. This timber lookout is perched on the edge of the rocky ridge overlooking a densely forested valley and Cockle Creek.
As we continued along the trail we took time to read the information boards to learn interesting facts about the native plants and animals that are to be found in the park.
Bobbin Head
Back in the car, we drove along to Bobbin Head, a recreational centre at Cowan Creek. The area has numerous barbecues and picnic tables around the creek and was quite busy with families enjoying the outdoors on the weekend of our visit.
We called into the Bobbin Head Inn Café where we couldn’t resist ordering pots of tea and freshly baked scones with jam and cream to set us up for our afternoon activities. Continuing on our way we strolled along the waterfront, taking in the scenic views before following the Mangrove Boardwalk.
This short trail (15 minutes each way) starts from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area from where we enjoyed some lovely views of Cockle Creek from the bridge. The trail then meanders along the boardwalk through the rainforest mangroves and is interspersed with information signs to help visitors learn more about the environment.
West Head Lookout
After returning to the car we drove to the West Head Lookout which is located in the most north easterly corner of the park. To get there we actually had to leave the park and re-enter at another gate but as the entrance tickets are generated by car registration, we could just drive back in without issue.
It was well worth the 45 minute drive from Bobbin Head to the West Head Lookout which is a large sandstone viewing area with a number of information boards. We relaxed for a short time on one of the benches listening to the sounds of the birds and waves below us and were rewarded with some panoramic views. From the bench we were able to see Broken Bay and the iconic red and white striped Barrenjoey headland and lighthouse in the distance.
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at Sydney’s most northerly point, 91m above sea level. We just admired it from afar, but the starting point of trails to hike to the lighthouse can be reached by driving to the opposite side of the bay.
After spending most of the day in the National Park we headed to Maitland where we had arranged to stay overnight in a loft apartment at the Quest Aparthotel. The accommodation was very spacious boasting a bedroom, bathroom and balcony on the ground floor and a large lounge, dining area and kitchen upstairs. After settling in, we wandered into town and tucked into steak and chips at The Imperial which was the perfect end to our day.
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