Located in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park, access to the Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk will cost $12.00 per car for a day. This will cover you for any other parts of the National Park you visit on that day too. The fee allows you to use the picnic areas and walking tracks in the area, which are well maintained by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Payment can be made at the entry gate as you drive in.
Our first stop was Empire Marina, where the still morning are provided amazing reflections on the water of the boats and surrounding forest. After this we drove to the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, where the boardwalk starts.
View from Empire Marina to the picnic groundsBoats at Empire Marina Bobbin Head
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk meanders through the mangroves and there are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Because it was low tide when we went, we didn’t see any crabs, only the openings to their burrows.
The boardwalk is 552 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way we had more amazing reflections in Cockle Creek as well as views of the mangroves.
The track continues into the forest as Gibberagong Track, which we followed for a short distance to get more views over the creek.
This was a great little walk with amazing views. We were the only ones there during our visit early on a winter morning, but in summer it is very busy.
Suspension bridge through the mangrovesSuspension bridge through the mangrovesMetal sculpture of Cunningham’s SkinkCowan CreekThe boardwalk through the mangrovesEroded sandstoneTrees growing in the sandstone on the river bankBrush TurkeyStone steps at the end of the boardwalkView over Cowan Creek
The first European to visit the area was Governor Arthur Phillip, who explored the lower river by small boat in March 1788 within weeks of the First Fleet’s arrival. He named it Mullet Island, for the abundance of fish in the local Hawkesbury River. The island was purchased in 1864 and renamed by Henry Cary Dangar, the son of Henry Dangar, a surveyor, pastoralist and parliamentarian.
Subdivided into residential plots in the 1920s while it still retains some areas for recreational use. Around 330 permanent residents call the island home.
Getting There
Dangar Island can only be accessed by water, either by ferry, private boat or water taxi. We used the ferry, which operates seven days per week. The ferry “Sun” is itself a historic boat, making the trip that little bit more interesting.
The ferry leaves from Brooklyn north of Sydney, where parking is available near the wharf. The Brooklyn train station is only a short walk from the wharf, making this a great option if you don’t want to drive. The ferry arrival and departure times coincide with the train’s timetable.
On the Island
The only vehicles on the island are the fire truck and council ute, with all other vehicles banned. Residents use wheel barrows to haul items from the wharf to their homes. As you leave the ferry, you will see a line up of wheel barrows on the side of the path. On the opposite side is a metal sculpture of a Stegosaurus.
Our first stop was the coffee shop next to the wharf. This also serves as the island’s only shop, because of the small population. Sitting outside was very relaxing, and a great way to start our visit before setting off to explore.
Walking Around
With only around 3km of roads, walking around the island does not take too long. You can download a map, to show various things to see on the island. However, we spent a lot of time at the beach, which had driftwood from recent storms washed up. Also near the beach the rocks are covered in oysters, although most have been removed by fishermen.
One small relic here dates from the Second World War when the Australian Army garrisoned the island and manned a cable boom across the river to protect the railway bridge. A small section of rusted steel embedded in the rocks is all that remains.
We visited at low tide and much of the beach was exposed. The exposed sand was covered in small mounds of sand from crabs that had burrowed down until the tide returned. From the amount of burrows, there must be a huge crab population here.
From the upper road, you get great views of the Hawkesbury and the railway bridge. A rock shelter previously used the local Guringai people before European settlement sits just off the upper road.
Returning to Brooklyn
After around three hours, we returned to the wharf where we had a cold drink while we waited for the ferry. Make sure you don’t miss the last ferry, or you will need to call the water taxi, which is much more expensive.
This was a fun relaxing morning out to somewhere that’s a little different. The locals and the atmosphere of the island is great and we had a great time, well worth a visit.
Historic Ferry the SunFishing boats tied up at BrooklynHouses and private jetties on Dangar IslandBikes left at the ferry wharfMetal stegosaurustypical Dangar Island roadThe Pavilion and Beware of the Rabbit signFence made of old surf boardsdriftwood on a beachOne of Dangar Island’s beachesPrivate jetties at low tideRusting remains of the barrage from World War TwoCrab metropolis. The piles of sand are from crab burrowsRocks and trees on a beachThe CaveHawkesbury River Railway BridgeCold Bundaberg Ginger Beer
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located near Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast, Mount Penang Gardens covers eight hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens. With twelve distinct garden rooms, the displays range from drought tolerant Australian natives to water lilies in the cascading wetlands area.
Parking is available adjacent to the gardens and is currently being expanded, along with improved road access to the area. Entry is free, but dogs are not permitted.
Entrance and Aquatic Garden
Entrance is via the Waterfall Café which overlooks a large pond. This is an excellent place to start your visit or relax after having explored the gardens. From the café, a bridge crosses the pond into the gardens.
Café overlooking the pond Aquatic GardenWater Lilly in Flower
Wildlife
On entering, an information board shows the species of birds you might be lucky enough to see. During our visit though, we only saw a few wood ducks. Also, scattered throughout the gardens are some interesting insect hotels. These are designed to attract insects and provide shelter for them.
Insect Hotel
The Gardens
Well maintained paths wind through the gardens taking you from one setting to another. The sloping terrain allows walled “rooms” to enclose area creating a micro-climate suitable for humidity-loving plants. The bromeliads and ferns growing in one of these rooms were impressive.
We loved the bottle tree grove at the top of the hill because they are such unusual trees. It was great to see them growing here on the Central coast.
AmphitheatreRainforestMount Penang GardensWollemi PinesBottle Tree GroveBromeliads and Ferns
Sculpture Garden
Created in 1987 by a group of international sculptors at waterside Wondabyne, these massive artworks carved from Gosford sandstone. Gifted to the people of Australia as a bi-centennial gift in 1988 to as a bicentennial they are as varied in style as the artists who made them.
Bird of Paradise Totem by Apkwina AsanambaZone of Peace by Nu Nem Raj SakyaAboriginal Pondering the Future 1988 by Pavel KoichevSculpture Garden
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
