Things to do at Bobbin Head: Family Favourites

By: Phoebe Ackland, 26 October 2023

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

Things to do at Bobbin Head: Family Favourites

Where is Bobbin Head?

You can find the National Park inside the west end of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is roughly a 30km drive north of Sydney. The picturesque park is a renowned picnic area that's ideal for a little family lunch in the sunshine, a gentle bushwalk, some fishing, a BBQ, or a touch of paddleboarding - the options are endless!

Enjoy a Spot of Lunch

Waterside Bistro Turramurra
Enjoy lunch with a view at Waterside Bistro.


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 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 awesome picnic shelters available for hire — The Pavillion and The Station. The Pavillion 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 a little bit smaller but can hold up to 60 people, and is your typical low-key BBQ or picnic area.

National Park Bookings are done via the website.

Visit the Bobbin Head Playground

The playground at Bobbin Head
The kid's playground was recently refurbished.


Once you’ve eaten, there’s plenty of things to do, and lots of space for children to run around, kick a ball or start up a game of cricket!

There’s a nature-based playground that was refurbished in September 2021 and has some pretty cool new digs the kids will love!

Bobbin Head Walks

Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk
The kids will love checking out the Mangrove Boardwalk.


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.

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)
Contact: Call (02) 9472 8949 or visit the website.

More to See in NSW

Things to do in Palm Beach
The Best of the Lane Cove National Park
Family Adventures in Newcastle

 

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