Past adventure.
 

ADVENTURE REPORT
Ten eager hikers, Maria, Bruce, Sandra, Gina, Geoff, Rob, Cathy, Megan, Mary-Lou and myself, gathered in North Turramurra on a warm Sunday morning ready to wonder into the beautiful bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on the northern fringe of Sydney.

First stop was the unusual WW1 Sphinx War Memorial sculpted by a local convalescing soldier Private William Shirley in the 1920s. It was then down the rough and rocky track to Cowan Creek. Walking in the shade of tall gums and other trees and below towering sandstone cliffs we enjoyed water views and backdrops of bush covered hills. It was very peaceful and restorative. We could have been anywhere, let alone less than 18km from the centre of Australia’s largest city. The waterway beside us was more an inlet than a creek with wide open stretches of shimmering water plyed by local birdlife, the odd jumping fish and the occasional canoeist. After 6km we reached our morning tea spot and recharged on caffeine and snacks at a cafe on the waters edge. Two, who will remain nameless to protect Sandra & Mary-Lou, wandered right past oblivious until found after a small search party went to look for them.

After a rest and recharge we tackled the very steep ascent out of Bobbin Head. We finally merged onto an open windy fire trail that eventually lead us back to where we began. Over this stretch we spread out and meandered happily in smaller groups.

After 11km and 282m of elevation gain overall, we completed our enjoyable trek before the heat of the day. We had a brief chat then dispersed, some I think looking forward to possibly a short afternoon siesta.

Thanks everyone, it was a great morning.

Yours in adventure Nick

ADVENTURE DETAILS
A medium grade 11km loop walk along bush tracks and fire trails through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Approx. 3 to 4 hours. We start on the edge of the park in North Turramurra, spending a short while at the interesting Sphinx Memorial. From here the track descends quickly down to Cowan Creek and then along a very pretty track that eventually takes us to Bobbin Head, the halfway mark. All the descents & ascents are quite rough and rocky. Refreshments and/or a light lunch is suggested at the Empire Marina café. The return journey starts with a very steep zig zag climb out for about 400m, then a winding uphill gravel fire trail for another 1.7km.  Eventually the trail flattens out for the final 3km.

Park your car and meet just outside the National Park entrance. Hiking poles are recommended and will make the walk a lot easier, but they’re not essential.