Bulgandry Engravings

Download & Print Map and Notes

20 mins

800 m Return

19 m

Very easy

This short walk follows a footpath to a large rock platform with some well-preserved Aboriginal engravings. Named after Bulgandry man, an ancestral hero and one of the more detailed engravings at the site, this is clearly a special place. The footpath gently winds through the bush before following a timber platform around the engravings. This walk is accessible for people in wheelchairs but it is important to note the path has deteriorated in some places, making it a bit bouncy.

Timber chicane at start of Bulgandry track

Several information signs along the track

Signs on track to help better appreciate the engravings

(0km) Bulgandry car park → Bulgandry Site intersection

310 m

6 mins

-5m Very easy

From the north-east end of Bulgandry Road car park (signposted 'Bulgandry' on Woy Woy Road[1]), this walk leads through the timber chicane

[Pinch Point]

and along the asphalt footpath. After about 20m the path narrows

[Trip Hazard]

as it leads between two trees. Soon after be aware of a 40cm drop

[Trip Hazard]

on both sides of the path. This walk continues along the winding footpath through the forest for another 35m where it then heads moderately steeply uphill for about 30m then starts heading gently downhill for the next 20m. The path leads gently uphill again for about 45m to then flatten out, offering beautiful views of the valley. After about 10m past the view this walk comes to a 'Welcome to Bulgandry Aboriginal Site' sign[2] (on the right). This walk soon heads gently uphill for about 30m to then flatten out after 10m. After the next 10m this walk passes signs 'Bulgandry Rock Art Site and Aboriginal Place'[3] and 'Links to the past'[4] (on the right). From here this path leads gently downhill for about 20m to come to the 'Stone as Canvas' sign[5]. After about 15m this walk starts to lead a bit steeper downhill for about 30m to reach the intersection with a track (on the right) marked by the 'Care of the Site' sign[6] (on the left).

Bulgandry Site Care

This site is home to some significant cultural artwork. The engravings have been here for centuries, and hopefully many more years to come. Please take care to stay on the boardwalk to avoid accidentally damage - simply touching the engravings may speed up the weathering process. The engravings are easier to photograph early morning or late afternoon (when the sun is low in the sky) and after rain.

(0km) Bulgandry Site intersection → Bulgandry Aboriginal Site

90 m

2 mins

-3m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the footpath for about 10m to the timber platform. The walk turns right, heading anticlockwise around the rock platform for about 70m. There are numbered signs (2-10) on the path that provide some details on the individual engravings. The last engraving (number 10) is that of a man, Bulgandry, an ancestral hero.

Bulgandry Site

The Bulgandry Site has a number of very clear engravings. The timber path and signage help visitors discover the artworks. 'Bulgandry' is the name of an ancestral hero believed to be engraved at the rock (see item 10). Following are some of the items marked by NPWS. 1. A fish[8] (plaque now missing) 2. Another fish[9] 3. Eel[10] 4. Dolphin (or large fish)[11] 5. Woman and Kangaroo[12] [13] 6. Speared fish[14] 7. Kangaroo and octopus?[15] 8. Axe Grinding Grooves[16] 9. Canoe?[17] 10. Bulgandry Man[18]

Maps for the Bulgandry Engravings walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Bulgandry Engravings bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bulgandry Engravings

Altitude analysis for Bulgandry Engravings

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: Mostly gentle undulation with the peak about halfway through the track.

Surface: Smooth & hard surface the whole way, there are a number of unmarked and ungraded drainage ditches on side of path. Car park is unsealed and becomes soggy after rain

Access hazards: There are 3 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Pinch Point (5m)

Timber guards. Minimum width between the guards is 1.2m (maximum is 1.38m).

2 Trip Hazard (18m)

Path narrowing between two trees. The trees are 1.4m apart.

3 Trip Hazard (28m)

A trip hazard on the path. Potential fall of the the side with no guards. The path is 1.1m wide and the fall is 40cm on either side of the path.

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	800 m
		Time	20 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 400m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 400m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 400m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 400m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 400m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 400m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bulgandry Engravings walk.

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

5.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk gives the shortest access to Kariong Brook waterfall, one of the nicest falls in the area. Starting from Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd, most of the walking is along the Thommos Loop management trail, except for the last descent into Kariong Brook. The waterfall is a nice and cool place

Total climbing: 261m

Hard track

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

10.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts and finishes at Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd. The walk follows sections of the Great North Walk around Mount Wondabyne and the old Bulls Hill Quarry. There are a few options for short side trips, one leading to the tranquil Kariong Brook falls and the other to the peak of Mount

Total climbing: 337m

Hard track

Girrakool to Patonga

24.8 km One way, 10 hrs

This walk explores the main ridge of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting at Girrakool picnic area in the north, this track heads over Scopas Peak, with some excellent views over Mooney Mooney creek, and then over Mt Wondabyne, further south. As the track approaches the southern edge of Brisbane

Total climbing: 1083m

Hard track

Girrakool to Patonga Overnight

24.8 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk explores the main ridge of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting at Girrakool picnic area in the north, this track heads over Scopas Peak, with some excellent views over Mooney Mooney creek, and then over Mt Wondabyne, further south. Much of this walk follows the Great North Wal

Total climbing: 1083m

Hard track

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

12.3 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds down alongside Piles creek, before climbing up through the Brisbane Waters National Park to Scopas peak, and then on to the lovely Kariong brook falls. The walk finishes at the Staples Lookout. This walk mostly follows a section of the Grea

Total climbing: 697m

Hard track

Girrakool to Wondabyne station

9.5 km One way, 4 hrs

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses some long rock flats and climbs to the top of Scopas Peak, providing views spanning right across the park. The walk then continues down to Wondabyne station, and provides an

Total climbing: 438m

Hard track

Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar caves

18.1 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, following Piles creek into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses over Scopas Peak and continues down to Pindar caves, passing the Pindar lookout and Pindar Pool on the way. From the caves the walk backtracks some distance

Total climbing: 741m

Experienced only

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

20.7 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

This long day-walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and works its way south, alongside Piles creek and through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs over Scopas Peak and passes the Kariong brook falls, before winding to the top of Mt Wondabyne and finishing at the Woy Woy train st

Total climbing: 870m

Hard track

Piles Creek Loop

4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Starting from the Girrakool picnic area, this walk takes you on a round trip through part of the stunning Brisbane Water National Park. The walk explores both sides of Piles Creek, rewarding you with its waterfall and lookouts. Girrakool picnic area also has barbeques and toilets.

Total climbing: 306m

Moderate track

Somersby & Mooney Mooney Creek Loop

20 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

<b>**Closed**</b> The link track west of Somerby Falls is closed, an alternate route is been sought. This loop walk takes you through the Brisbane Waters National Park, starting from the Girrakool picnic area and exploring Piles Creek down to the Mooney Mooney Creek Junction. The walk meanders back

Total climbing: 744m

Moderate track

Western Girrakool Loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

This walk explores the western half of the Girrakool Loop track. From the picnic area, this walk heads down the footpath to Illoura Lookout, with views down over Piles Creek (there is an optional side trip to the top of the waterfall). The walk then has another optional trip to Bundilla Lookout, p

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Eastern Girrakool Loop

803 m Circuit, 20 mins

This walk explores the eastern branch of the Girrakool Loop track. Starting from the car park, this walk first visits the Aboriginal Engraving site. Before reaching Broula Lookout, there is an optional side trip to a lovely section of Piles Creek. There is a second optional side trip, to Illoura

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bulgandry Engravings walk starts and ends at the Bulgandry car park (gps: -33.456001, 151.28440)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Waters National Park is situated south west of Gosford perched on the Hawkesbury River. The park is characterised by sandstone features, Aboriginal engravings, flowery heaths, bird life and spectacular water views. Brisbane Waters NP has many bushwalks through the are with the Great North Walk passing through the middle of the park.

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