Hawkesbury People & Places
Bobbin Head
Topographic feature
Reference: p 10
This name derives from a large rock which stood at the end of the headland, and as tidal waters rose and fell about it, it appeared to bear a likeness to a head and shoulders bobbing in the creek, hence the “bobbing head”, which was later changed to Bobbin Head.
Bobbin Head, on Cowan Creek, is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which was proclaimed in 1894. It is a popular place for picnics, which are not so difficult to arrange as in 1897, when it was necessary to send a telegram, to hire a horse drawn vehicle to be in attendance at Wahroonga to meet the train. The name may also have been named after the farm of Mr. Hutchinson who had a farm in the area.
View from Bobbin Head looking down Cowan Creek. Cathy McHardy March 2020.
The dedication of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in 1894 came about due to the advocacy of Frederick Eccleston Du Faur patron of exploration and the arts and keen bushwalker and photographer who recognised the significance and value of the natural beauty of Cowan Creek and adjacent lands. In 1892 he petitioned the then Minister for Lands in New South Wales, Henry Copeland for the preservation of this important waterway “in the interests of the inhabitants of the North Shore”.
Interpretive signage, Bobbin Head showing the 1899 photograph of Du Faur. Cathy McHardy March 2020.
The Bobbin Rock may still be seen today although much reduced and partially obscured by the construction of the concrete pathway to the marina. In 1899, Du Faur was photographed seated on the rock looking down Cowan Creek. The area has been a popular destination for over 100 years for family picnics and social events.
Bobbin Rock partly obscured by the pathway leading to the marina. Cathy McHardy March 2020.
Several picnic areas are available at Bobbin Head and Apple Tree Bay. Cathy McHardy March 2020.
Bobbin Inn constructed in 1937 is now a National Parks and Wildlife Visitors’ Centre. Cathy McHardy March 2020.
Read more about Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/ and https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kuringgai-chase-national-park
See more photographs of Bobbin Head and district: Hornsby Shire Recollects: https://hornsbyshire.recollect.net.au/
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