Things To Do At Bobbin Head: Family Favourites

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If you need a little Sunday drive inspiration, Bobbin Head ticks so many boxes. So, pry your little ones away from their screens, pack the car, and load up your family for a picturesque Sunday drive to this stunning National Park.

Things To Do At Bobbin Head: Family Favourites

Where is Bobbin Head?

Location: 688 Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Rd, Mount Colah

Bobbin Head sits within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, a landscape rich in Aboriginal heritage, and a playground for families seeking endless outdoor adventures.

Families can learn about the deep and continuing connection the Guringai people have to this land through nearby rock engravings, interpretive signage and storytelling that shares thousands of years of history. It's a wonderful opportunity to help kids understand that these waterways and bush tracks have long been places of gathering, fishing and cultural significance.

Beyond its connection to country, this peaceful waterfront spot offers far more than picnic tables and scenic views. Young explorers can discover the park's unique ecosystems — from mangrove-lined creeks to towering eucalypts — while learning about native wildlife, conservation and the importance of protecting our environment. Families can enjoy bushwalks, paddle boat rides, dining with water views, while little ones can play in the nature-inspired playground — the options are endless. 

Bobbin Head Walks

There is absolutely no excuse not to make the most of the stunning National Park by going on a bushwalk.

The easy and scenic Mangrove Boardwalk behind the picnic area meanders through mangroves and estuarine habitats as well as traversing the famous Mangrove Boardwalk.

For those looking for a little more grit to their bushwalks, the Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track is a far more challenging 10-kilometre looped walk but it does have the added benefit of putting you up close to the historic carved Sphinx. 

Bobbin Head Boat Hire

Opposite the Bobbin Inn cafe, you can rent a paddleboat on weekends and public holidays.

You can get a two- or four-seater for either 30 mins or an hour, and prices range from $25-$40 give your legs a good workout with this one! If you're keen for a Sunday afternoon of fishing, head to the Empire Marina where you can rent a small boat or ‘tinny’ to explore the inlets between Bobbin Head and Cottage Point.

 Visit the Bobbin Head Playground

The nature-based playground was refurbished a few years ago and has some pretty cool digs the kids will love! 

The relaxed, nature-filled play space is tucked beside the peaceful waters of Cowan Creek. Designed to blend into its bushland surrounds, the playground features classic equipment like swings, slides and climbing structures that keep little adventurers happily entertained without overwhelming the natural setting.
 

What makes this playground special is its location. Kids can play under shady trees while parents enjoy scenic water views, nearby picnic tables and easy access to walking paths, mangroves and wildlife spotting. It's an ideal spot for a slower, outdoorsy family day — pack a picnic, bring the scooters or bikes, and let the kids burn off energy in between bushwalks and waterfront exploring.
 

 

Enjoy a Spot of Lunch

There are plenty of BBQ's and picnic tables, so pack some of your family's favourite treats to enjoy.

If you'd prefer to be waited on, head to the Bobbin Head Inn Cafe or the Waterside Bistro, where you can look out over the marina while enjoying some Mediterranean-style food fresh from the local markets.

There are two picnic shelters available for hire: The Pavilion and The Station. The Pavilion can hold up to 100 people (plenty of room for a family get-together or birthday party) and has waterfront views of Cowan Creek. The Station is slightly smaller but can accommodate up to 60 people and is a typical low-key BBQ or picnic area.

National Park Bookings are done via the website.

Whether you're wandering along the boardwalk, spotting birds by the water or diving into local history, Bobbin Head makes learning feel like an adventure — and it's a beautiful way to spark curiosity about culture, Country and the natural world.

Other Details to Know

Parking: Parking at the National Park costs $12 per vehicle per day.
Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset (may close due to poor weather or fire danger)
Can you swim at Bobbin Head? While swimming isn't officially prohibited, it's generally not recommended. The water here is part of a tidal estuary (Cowan Creek), which means there’s regular boat traffic, unpredictable tides and currents, marine life (including jellyfish and, occasionally, stingrays), and water quality that can vary after rain.
Contact: Call (02) 9472 8949 or visit the website.

More to See in NSW

NSW's Top Natural Hot Springs
The Best of the Lane Cove National Park
Family Adventures in Newcastle

 

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