Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station
Darug Country

4 h to 4 h 30 min

10.2 km
oneway

↑ 453 m
↓ -400 m

Hard track
Starting at the Sphinx War Memorial in North Turramurra, this walk follows a series of well-used tracks exploring the waterways and Bobbin Head. The walk drops through Bobbin Head picnic area before passing through Apple Tree Bay on its way to Mt Kuring-gai. The scenic views and variety of things to do along this track make it a fantastic walk. There are a couple of Cafe's at Bobbin Head to add to this journey. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Bobbin Head entrance gate. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Entrance to Sphinx. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sphinx War Memorial. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sphinx. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sphinx War Memorial. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sphinx Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Int of Sphinx Track and Firetrail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bobbin Head Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Intersection of Bobbin head and Sphinx tracks. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bobbin Head Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bobbin head Trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Water tank. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The old road to Bobbin head. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View over Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bobbin Head track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Gate at end of service trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Top of the bushtrack at the lower end of Bobbin head trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from the lower end of Bobbin Head trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bottom end of Bobbin Head track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Enjoy the views. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empire Bay Marina. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track behind the marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Passing through the marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Cafe at Empire Marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empire Marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Marina walkway. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bobbin head area near marina. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Road Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bobbin head road bridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana trackhead behind kiosk at Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing up the hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old Picnic area at base of Cockle Creek lookout track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps and track passing cliff. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Log Steps on Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawana Track above Bobbin Head. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawanna north of Cockle Creek lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ferns surrounding the track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Birrawanna trackhead at regional office. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Signpost along Birrawana Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office. | Photo by admin, 2009.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Apple Tree Flat picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Footpath up to road. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rocks along Birwanna Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Winding down the hill form the picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Apple tree Flat track near Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Looking across Apple Tree Bay from the boat ramp. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking across Apple Tree Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Following the Mt Kuringai Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Berowra Track near Apple Tree Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Meandering along the bank of Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track following Cowan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track between Apple Tree Bay and the Int of the Berowra and Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Tracks. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View of Cowan creek near Intersection of Berowra and Mt Ku-ring-gai tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
A flat section on the Mt Ku-ring-gai track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing up the hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Re-growth on the Mt Ku-ring-gai track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rock steps north of the lookout track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lookout track intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Wide track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Continuing through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Welcome to Ku-ring-gai Chase national park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Memorial Road & Bobbin Head Road (-33.6887478,151.1523507)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Special (Mt Ku-ring-gai Train Station is located on the Newcastle Line running between Hornsby and Wyong. Trains run approximately every hour. More info) Train
DirectionsFrom Pennant Hills Road, A28
  • Turn on to Coonanbarra Road then drive for 155 m
  • Turn right onto Railway Avenue and drive for another 110 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Redleaf Avenue and drive for another 70 m
  • Turn sharp right onto Millewa Avenue and drive for another 650 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bangalla Street and drive for another 790 m
  • Turn left onto Eastern Road and drive for another 85 m
  • Turn right onto The Chase Road and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Turn right onto Burns Road and drive for another 215 m
  • Turn left onto Bobbin Head Road and drive for another 2.7 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Bobbin Head Road and drive for another 1.2 km
Finish (-33.6538542,151.1370136)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the toll booth, this walk follows the 'Sphinx War Memorial' sign through the metal gates and along the road. The walk continues down the long gentle hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt path, at the information sign on the left of the road.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Memorial Road & Bobbin Head Road Start heading along Memorial Road (a service road).
After 115 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left).
Then head through/around the gate.

sunrise-sunset
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Memorial Road.
After another 200 m (at the intersection of Memorial Road & Sphinx Track) veer left, to head along Sphinx Track (a walking track).
After another 20 m head through/around the gate.
After another 6 m pass the "Sphinx Track / Warrimoo Track" (on your right).
After another 35 m pass the car park (25 m on your right).
After another 1 m continue straight.
After another 25 m pass a seat (10 m on your right)., has a backrest.
Then head through the bollard.
After another 15 m turn around.
After another 15 m find the "Sphinx Memorial" (on your right).
Sphinx Memorial
Sphinx Memorial

Private Shirley spent one and a half years carving this monument whilst a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital. William Shirley was in hospital, being treated after serving in WW1. Shirley died in 1929, leaving this memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades. "To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F by the late W. Shirley No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion Died 27th August 1928"
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Private Shirley spent one and a half years carving this monument whilst a patient of the Lady Davidson Convalescent Hospital. William Shirley was in hospital, being treated after serving in WW1. Shirley died in 1929, leaving this memorial to fallen A.I.F. comrades. "To my glorious comrades of the A.I.F by the late W. Shirley No 5756 Pte. 13th Battalion Died 27th August 1928"

After another 1 m continue straight.
After another 10 m turn sharp right, to head along Sphinx Track.
After another 20 m head through the bollard.
After another 9 m pass the water tap (on your right).
After another 35 m (at the intersection of Sphinx Trail & Sphinx Track) turn left, to head along Sphinx Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 215 m continue straight, to head along Sphinx Trail.
After another 160 m (at the intersection of Bobbin Head Trail & Sphinx Trail) continue straight, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
After another 550 m (at the intersection of Jacombs Trail & Bobbin Head Trail) continue straight, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
After another 335 m continue straight.
After another 400 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
After another 160 m find the "Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site" (15 m on your left).
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site
Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site

The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted off the side of the old Bobbin Head Road and is home to a series of engravings on a sandstone rock platform. The engravings are behind a series timber log barriers designed to reduce further wear on these faint engravings, please stay off the engravings area. If you look carefully you may see the engravings of a wallaby, gliding possum, bird, goanna the Information board also shows there are two emus.
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The Bobbin Head Track Aboriginal Engraving Site, is signposted off the side of the old Bobbin Head Road and is home to a series of engravings on a sandstone rock platform. The engravings are behind a series timber log barriers designed to reduce further wear on these faint engravings, please stay off the engravings area. If you look carefully you may see the engravings of a wallaby, gliding possum, bird, goanna the Information board also shows there are two emus.

After another 1.4 km veer left.
After another 50 m turn left.
After another 55 m continue straight.
After another 160 m veer left.
After another 45 m turn left, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
After another 55 m turn right.
After another 20 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Trail.
After another 180 m veer right.
After another 210 m turn left, to head along Warrimoo Track.
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Warrimoo Track.
After another 40 m find the "Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe" (20 m on your right).
Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe
Empire Marina - Galley Foods cafe

Empire Marina, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, provides facilities and services for people on boats and on foot. The marina is home to "Galley Foods" kiosk and restaurant. The kiosk provides a variety of food priced between $4-$16, and is open from 8:30am to 5pm seven days. The restaurant requires reservations, and is open for lunch Thurs-Mon, breakfast on the weekend, and in dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Phone 9457 0477
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Empire Marina, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, provides facilities and services for people on boats and on foot. The marina is home to "Galley Foods" kiosk and restaurant. The kiosk provides a variety of food priced between $4-$16, and is open from 8:30am to 5pm seven days. The restaurant requires reservations, and is open for lunch Thurs-Mon, breakfast on the weekend, and in dinner on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Phone 9457 0477

Then pass the toilet (10 m on your right).
After another 20 m veer left.
After another 195 m head through/around the gate.

Mo-Su 08:00-17:00
Turn left.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 15 m pass the park (5 m on your right).
After another 35 m veer left.
After another 15 m pass the pay phone (10 m on your left).
After another 5 m turn right, to head along Bobbin Head Road.
After another 10 m pass the shelter (15 m on your left).
Then cross the Bobbin Head Bridge (about 60 m long)
After another 5 m continue straight, to head along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road.
After another 90 m find the "Bobbin Head" (25 m on your left).
Bobbin Head
Bobbin Head

Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east). Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups. The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.
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Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn', built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east). Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park and dotted with picnic tables, electric BBQs, shelters and a large playground. There are toilets nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables that can be booked NPWS. The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park) area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter, surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters, each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups. The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant and public toilets.

After another 15 m (at the intersection of Apple Tree Bay Road & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road) turn left, to head along Birrawanna Track (a walking track).
After another 10 m pass the "Bobbin Head Inn" (15 m on your left).
Then pass the "National Parks Information Centre" (10 m on your left).

Mo-Su 10:00-16:00
After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 15 m pass the "Birrawana Loop Track" (6 m on your right).
Then head up the 30 steps (about 10 m long)
After another 10 m head up the 28 steps (about 7 m long)
After another 20 m head up the 60 steps (about 30 m long)
Then pass the toilet (60 m on your right).
After another 20 m head up the 12 steps (about 10 m long)
After another 60 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 165 m veer left, to head along Birrawanna Track.
After another 370 m cross the ford.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 10 m veer right.
After another 10 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 195 m turn left, to head along Apple Tree Bay Road.
After another 150 m turn right.
After another 7 m to find the car park.
After another 30 m find the "Apple Tree Bay" (20 m on your left).
Apple Tree Bay
Apple Tree Bay

Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise. The kiosk/cafe is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
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Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise. The kiosk/cafe is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.

After another 10 m pass the cafe (20 m on your left).

Sa-Su
PH
After another 3 m turn right.
After another 7 m pass the park (7 m on your left).
After another 10 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left).
After another 10 m turn right.
After another 35 m turn left, to head along Berowra Track.
After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
After another 65 m pass the sign.
After another 345 m continue straight.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Berowra Track.
After another 345 m (at the intersection of Berowra Track & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) turn sharp left, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track.
After another 10 m head up the 19 steps (about 20 m long)
After another 290 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 1.3 km head up the 30 rock steps (about 10 m long)
After another 95 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 260 m continue straight, to head along Mount Kuring-Gai Track.
After another 640 m head through/around the gate.
After another 30 m pass the "Mount Ku-ring-gai Track" (5 m on your right).
After another 20 m (at the intersection of Young Street & Mount Kuring-Gai Track) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue (a residential road).
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Seaview Street & Harwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue.
After another 85 m (at the intersection of Harwood Avenue & Low Street) continue straight, to head along Harwood Avenue.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long)
After another 15 m come to the end.
About 100 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Cockle Creek Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Continue another 115 m to find Cockle Creek Lookout at the end.
"Cockle Creek Lookout".
Cockle Creek Lookout
Cockle Creek Lookout

Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.
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Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Flat Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road.
After another 15 m veer left.
After another 50 m find the "NPWS North Sydney Regional Office" (20 m on your right).
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office

The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities.
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The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities.

After another 45 m come to "Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area".
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area

Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.
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Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.

The end.
"Apple Tree Flat Lookout".
Apple Tree Flat Lookout
Apple Tree Flat Lookout

Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
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Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 105 m come to the end.
"Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout".
Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout
Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout

This informal, unfenced lookout is perched on some rocks, not far from the Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track. It provides views across the valley to Cowan Creek and over much of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
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This informal, unfenced lookout is perched on some rocks, not far from the Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track. It provides views across the valley to Cowan Creek and over much of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Sphinx War Memorial to Mt Kuring-gai Station


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 10.2 km
Time 4 h to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 4.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 4.6 km.

Seat: There is one 380 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
380 m[seat]
Toilet
4.6 km[toilet]
Shelter
4.9 km[shelter]
Toilet
5.2 km[toilet]
Toilet
6.3 km[toilet]
Toilet
10.2 km[toilet]
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