Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs 30 mins

12.3 km One way

697 m

Hard track

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 Great North Walk. Depending what time you start, either Scopas Peak or Kariong Brook can make great lunch and rest stops.

Girrakool Picnic Area

Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'. More info.

(0km) Girrakool picnic area car park → Illoura Lookout

270 m

6 mins

-33m Easy track

From the lower side of the car park, this walk follows the 'To The Great North Walk' sign down the path to the lower picnic area. The walk passes the toilet block (on the left) and comes to another picnic area. The path passes through this picnic area to turn right following the 'Piles Creek Loop Track' sign down the steps. The footpath then leads to an intersection with the Broula Lookout track (on the left) and a 'car park' sign pointing back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool Loop' sign down along the stone path. The path soon heads down some steps and comes to a fenced and signposted 'Illoura Lookout'.

Illoura Lookout

Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.

(0km) Illoura Lookout → Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks

1.1 km

27 mins

47m

-83m Moderate track

Turn left: From Illoura Lookout, the walk follows the left-hand 'Piles Creek' and GNW arrow down the wooden steps (keeping the valley to the right). The track soon passes a 'Caution Low Water Level Crossing Only' sign and crosses Piles Creek using the concrete stepping stones (the creek may be impassable after rain). The track then opens up on an unfenced rock platform, at the top of the waterfall.
Veer left: From the top of Piles Creek waterfall, this walk follows the track heading south away from the waterfall (keeping the big valley to the right). The clear track winds through the thick bush crossing a few small tributaries and though four sandstone caves. The caves provide good shelter and a great spot to rest. The track then flattens out and comes to a 3-way intersection and a 'Girrakool' sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads south along the wide track in the opposite direction of the 'Girrakool' sign. Soon the track heads down a short wooden staircase to the intersection at the bottom (Piles Creek Lookout visible to the right).

(1km) Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks → Piles Ck Lookout

20 m

1 mins

-8m Moderate track

Turn right: With the stairs to the right, this walk follows the short track to the fenced lookout. There are a few steps that then lead down the the lookout platform. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Piles Creek Lookout

Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

(1km) Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks → Monolith Cave

80 m

2 mins

16m

0m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the steps and lookout to soon pass a rock wall. A short time later the track leads through the cleft in a rock to reveal a cave on the right.

Monolith Cave

Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.

(1km) Monolith Cave → Rat Gully Lookout

220 m

7 mins

13m

-29m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the cave, this walk heads south following the track away from the rock to soon come to another large and interesting monolithic rock. Soon after this large rock the track starts to head down the hill to come to an old fenced lookout, looking over Rat Gully.

(2km) Rat Gully Lookout → Tributary Crossing

1 km

29 mins

96m

-81m Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, the track follows the bush track heading downhill. The track soon does a sharp left hand switch back (at the 'Girrakool' sign) and continues down to Rat Gully. The track then crosses the creek and boulder field following the cut steps (and passing the old bridge). On the other side the track heads right, under the fallen tree and then climbs up the hill. After a short meander through the bush the track drops down and crosses another gully (passing a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool') and coming to a 'Great North Walk' signpost and intersection.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga Ferry' sign[3] up the side of the gully, keeping the intermittent creek[4] to your left. The track leads past a 'Patonga' sign then winds steeply up the hill for about 130m, through a cleft in the rock[5] and past a few rock walls, and then the track mostly flattens out with some filtered distant views[6]. The track continues gently uphill for another 300m, becoming progressively flatter[7] before passing along the side of a long rock wall[8], with a tall sandstone overhang[9]. The track then crosses a small gully and leads past another overhang, where the track begins to lead downhill. The rocky track winds steeply downhill for about 130m to then cross an intermittent creek which flows over the solid sandstone platform[10].

(3km) Tributary Crossing → Scopas Peak

2.4 km

57 mins

189m

-33m Hard track

Continue straight: From the west side of the creek, this walk climbs uphill following the rocky track[11]. The track climb for about 600m, fairly steeply for a while then becoming progressively less steep[12]. The track passes a couple of rocky outcrops[13] to then come to a large flat rock platform, with distant views[14]. The rocky track then leads off this rock platform and continues up the ridge[15] for just shy of 300m to come to the edge of a much larger rock platform[16] with more views. A series of GNW arrow posts lead across this rock platform, generally leading towards Scopas Peak[17] for about 400m where the arrows lead off the rock platform and back onto a heathy track[18]. Keeping Scopas Peak up to the left, this track leads around the side of the hill for about 150m to pass a view across the valley to Mooney Mooney Bridge[19]. Over the next 800m, the track leads up across a few more rock platforms[20] then climbs fairly steeply up to a view point, just to the west of Scopas Peak[21].

(5km) Scopas Peak → South end of Scopas Peak Track

1.2 km

23 mins

14m

-80m Hard track

Veer left: From the view point[22], just west of Scopas Peak, this walk heads south steeply down the rocky track[23], initially keeping the distant view to your right. The track leads steeply down past a few rock walls[24] then climbs down over some rocks with cut steps[25], enjoying more views[26] for about 230m, and then the track mostly flattens out to lead gently down across the narrow saddle[27]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m to come to a green painted metal box on a post (on your left), containing a Great North Walk intentions book[28].
Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[29], after leaving your comments, this walk heads south, gently downhill[30] along the clear track. After about 150m, the walk comes to a T-intersection[31] with the Gosford Rifle Range trail - At this intersection is a 'Girrakool' sign[32], pointing back along the track.

(6km) Int of GNW and Gosford Rifle Range trail → Myron Brook crossing

2.7 km

58 mins

76m

-205m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[33] downhill along the management trail[34] (directly away from the 'No Entry Past This Point' sign[35]). The trail undulates moderately steeply in a few places) along the ridge line for about 900m, to then walk over a large rock platform[36]. From the top of this platform, there are some distant views over Mooney Mooney Creek[37]. On the large rock platform, this walk tends left to follow the scrape marks on the rock and soon find the wide trail again[38]. The trail leads downhill for about 50m, coming to a signposted intersection with a track on your left[39] and a 'Girrakool' sign[40] pointing back up the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[41] heading east down along the rocky track[42]. The track soon bends right and heads around a rock outcrop[43] then continues down through the heath and scribbly gums[44] for about 400m to come to a flat rock platform[45]. Here the track continues downhill over several more rock platforms, becoming progressively steeper[46] for just over 1km to head into the cool valley and come to the bank beside Myron Brook[47].

(9km) Myron Brook crossing → Kariong Brook crossing

400 m

11 mins

28m

-33m Hard track

Continue straight: From the western side of Myron Brook, this walk crosses the creek on the sandstone rock platform[48] to follow the track up a few stone steps and up the short steep hill[49]. The track then flattens out as it leads around the side of the hill for about 200m to pass alongside a long rock wall[50] (on your left). Now leading downhill, the track continues for another 100m then heads down a short steep section[51] into the dense moist gully, coming to a faint intersection in front of Kariong Brook Falls[52] (on your left) (just before crossing the creek, which is often underground).

Kariong Brook Falls

This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

(9km) Kariong Brook crossing → Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail

690 m

24 mins

122m

-21m Hard track

Continue straight: From Kariong Brook[53], the walk crosses the creek and heads up the hill towards the cave[54] (keeping the waterfall[55] to the left). The track leads under the overhang[56] and then winds up the rocky path for about 400m, past a few rock walls[57] and among the grass trees[58]. The walk then heads up some more stone steps, bending left on the steps with a metal handrail[59]. The rocky track continues up for another 130m over a few more rocks[60] to come to a flat clearing[61] (on your right, that has been used as a campsite). From the clearing, the track continues uphill, passing another rocky outcrop[62] after about 60m, then after about 80m more, the track leads to a T-intersection[63] with a management trail (and a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool'[64]).

(10km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Int of Great North Walk and Thommos Loop service trail

1.2 km

24 mins

48m

-19m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east following the 'Staples Lookout' sign along the management trail. The walk steadily climbs uphill until to comes to a long rock platform with good views of the valley (to the left)

(11km) Rock platform → Int of Great North Walk and Woy Woy Road

620 m

13 mins

35m

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk heads north east along the management trail, keeping the main valley views to the left. The trail winds up the hill to come to a four-way intersection with the power line management trail and a 'Thommas Loop' (sign pointing back down the hill).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the service trail, past the National Park gate to the intersection of Woy Woy Road.

(12km) Int of Thommos Trail and Woy Woy Road → Staples Lookout

370 m

7 mins

13m

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, heads along Woy Woy Road passing the large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign. The walk crosses the road (where safe) and crosses a grassy area to come to the car park and signposted Staples Lookout.

Staples Lookout

Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows[65]. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy[66]. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Maps for the Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls 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.

Gunderman	1:25 000 Map Series	91313S GUNDERMAN	NSW-91313S
Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

Altitude analysis for Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

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	12.3 km
		Time	5 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

6km of this walk is very steep and another 3km has short steep hills. Whilst another 2.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 130m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 4.6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (2.6km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 3.5km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (2.2km) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls walk.

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

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

Girrakool Loop track

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

Starting at the well-established Girrakool picnic area, this walk visits four lookouts and an Aboriginal engravings site. The walk offers a couple of side trips, visiting some nice spots on Piles Creek. The views from each of the lookout are filtered through trees, but still worth the visit. The wa

Total climbing: 55m

Moderate 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

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

Wondabyne station to Kariong Brook falls

8.1 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from Wondabyne train station, winding up into the Brisbane Waters National Park, and follows a section of the Great North Walk to the beautiful Kariong Brook falls. Starting from the isolated train station, the walk explores an area of the park not accessible by road. Since

Total climbing: 489m

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

Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead

10.1 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

Starting with a steep climb from Wondabyne Train station you will explore a series of large rock platforms with wide views over the Brisbane Water National Park and visit Scopas Peak. After Scopas walk you cross a few pleasant rocky gullies before crossing Piles Creek on the Phil Houghton suspension

Total climbing: 484m

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

Wondabyne to Woy Woy

15.4 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk starts at a small isolated train station, and takes in some great scenery on the way to Woy Woy station. The walk gets most of the climbing out of the way quickly. Once up on the main ridge there are great views along the Hawkesbury River and Mooney Mooney creek. Highlights of the walk i

Total climbing: 646m

Hard track

Patonga to Staples Lookout

17 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This great walk explores much of the main ridge ridge running through Brisbane Water National Park. The walk visits a number of great lookouts and has two worthy side trips, one up to the top of Mt Wondabyne and another to the falls in Kariong Brook. The walk requires a bit of planning for transpo

Total climbing: 702m

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

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Mt Wondabyne

19.5 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trail

Total climbing: 861m

Hard 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

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

Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

24 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

This full day walk is for the fit and keen bushwalker, exploring some of the Brisbane Waters National Park's great destinations like the Pindar caves, the Kariong Brook falls and Mt Wondabyne. The walk offers a few optional side trips to key locations including Pindar falls and the Mt Wondabyne Peak

Total climbing: 949m

Experienced only

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

Wondabyne station to Somersby Store

26.2 km One way, 10 hrs

This walk, following a section of the Great North Walk, starts from the Wondabyne train station and winds north, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs all the way up to the top of Scopas Peak, and down to the Phill Haughton bridge, then follows the Mooney Mooney Creek north, windin

Total climbing: 1164m

Hard track

Wondabyne station to Somersby Store overnight

26.2 km One way, 2 Days

This walk, following a section of the Great North Walk, starts from the Wondabyne train station and winds north, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs to the top of Scopas Peak, and down to the Phill Haughton bridge. The walk heads through the bush to the Somersby general store, wh

Total climbing: 1164m

Hard track

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight hike starts from Patonga beach and winds along a section of the Great North Walk, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs up and around the Warra reserve headland, continuing to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves. The overnight stay is at the Mt Wondabyne campsite. The

Total climbing: 1164m

Experienced only

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and

Total climbing: 1523m

Hard track

Patonga to Somersby

41.5 km One way, 3 Days

This three day walk follows the Great North Walk from Patonga, through Brisbane Waters National Park, to the Somersby General Store. The two campsites can be found near the summit of Mt Wondabyne, and along the banks of the Mooney Mooney Creek. Water is available from Kariong Brook and often from tr

Total climbing: 1811m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls walk.

Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings track

378 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk takes you from the Girrakool picnic area to the Aboriginal Engravings site, located on a large rock platform. From the picnic area, the walk follows a well-maintained track to the signposted site. The engravings have faded but with a bit of time, it is still possible to see the eng

Total climbing: 21m

Easy track

Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead to Somersby

16.1 km One way, 6 hrs

This enjoyable walk starts from where the old Pacific Hwy where you walk along dirt roads and trails for while alongside the wide Mooney Mooney Creek, and under the huge F3 Mooney Mooney bridge. The wide track continues upstream, passing a few campsites before crossing the wide creek at a pleasant l

Total climbing: 680m

Hard track

Bulgandry Engravings

800 m Return, 20 mins

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

Total climbing: 19m

Very easy

Somersby Falls

426 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts from the Somersby Falls picnic area and follows the series of waterfalls along Floods Creek. The picnic area provides barbeques, picnic tables, toilets and ample parking. This walk could make part of a great family day out in the area. The main falls drop onto a large rock pl

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

White St firetrail

991 m One way, 30 mins

A surprisingly nice fire trail walk. A lot of the forest scenery along this walk is really beautiful. Much of it is very moist forest, filled with ferns. You also get a glimpse of an old quarry at Cappers Gully, adding a little historic interest to the walk.

Total climbing: 65m

Moderate track

White St Rainforest loop

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

A very nice loop walk in the lower part of the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The walk includes a section of road but spends most time in very nice forest scenery, including pockets of the beautiful rainforest in the reserve. This walk has substantially fewer steps than some of the other walks in the r

Total climbing: 76m

Moderate track

Rainforest Walk

3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A great walk through some beautiful pockets of rainforest in the Rumbalara Reserve. Parts of the track are quite steep, although the well-formed track with plenty of steps makes the walking easier. As well as the beautiful rainforest scenery, this walk includes some glimpses into an old quarry at Ca

Total climbing: 192m

Hard track

Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

An extended version of the Rumbalara Reserve Rainforest Walk. After walking through some beautiful pockets of rainforest, this walk continues to the upper section of the reserve, enjoying some great views across Gosford and the surrounding areas. The sheer variety in the vegetation from the start of

Total climbing: 196m

Hard track

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

An excellent walk, crossing the Rumbalara Reserve and covering plenty of the scenic highlights of the reserve. This walk goes through beautiful pockets of rainforest as well as the drier ridgetop forest, showcasing the great variety of scenery in Rumbalara. There is some steep walking along the way,

Total climbing: 228m

Hard track

Ouraka Point loop

2.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

A beautiful walk, taking in some of the scenic highlights of the lower section of the Rumbalara Reserve. The walk covers a great variety of vegetation, from quite dry eucalypt forest through to rainforest. The tracks are well formed, with a lot of steps in the steeper sections, making the walking a

Total climbing: 141m

Hard track

Rumbalara Explorer

6.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

Pretty well the grand tour of the Rumbalara Reserve, this walk takes in much of the great scenery the reserve has to offer. The walk covers both the lower and upper sections of the reserve and passes through the great variety of forest on show. The walk also passes three of the four bronze sculpture

Total climbing: 326m

Hard track

Gosford to Lisarow

11.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a great way to explore the ridge-top bushland between Gosford and Lisarow. Passing through Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves, there are several picnic area, lookouts and other facilities scattered along the way. At times you will forget you are anywhere near houses, and at other points

Total climbing: 479m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls walk starts at the Girrakool picnic area car park (gps: -33.431680, 151.27660)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls ends at the Staples Lookout (gps: -33.471741, 151.28830)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

A detailed forecast for this walk isn't available yet.

Current Alerts

Live alerts aren't available for this walk. Check the NPWS website for closures and the RFS for current fire danger.

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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