Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

Download & Print Map and Notes

8 hrs 30 mins

20.7 km One way

870 m

Hard track

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 station, (passing the Woy Woy landfill site). If doing a car shuffle, you can park a car near the landfill and save the road section.

There are many Rocky Outcrops like this in the area

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 → Piles Creek Waterfall

70 m

2 mins

-10m 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.

(0km) Piles Creek Waterfall → Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks

1 km

25 mins

47m

-73m Moderate track

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 → Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail

1.1 km

22 mins

40m

-27m Moderate 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.

(7km) Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station Trail → Myron Brook crossing

1.6 km

36 mins

36m

-178m Hard track

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 GNW and Thommos Loop track

1.5 km

28 mins

54m

-34m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[65] downhill along the management trail[66]. The trail then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[67]) to then step up onto a particularly large rock platform[68]. After crossing this rock platform, the trail continues for another 120m to come to a Y-intersection[69] (at another rock platform) where a 'Girrakool' sign[70] points back along the track.

(12km) Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail

1 km

22 mins

29m

-54m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[71] east, gently downhill along the narrow track. After about 250m, the track leads to a notably large rock platform[72] with a clear view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[73]. Here the track continues gently downhill, crossing more rock platforms[74] for about 300m to head over a section of timber boardwalk[75] and past a few disused power poles[76]. The track then continues over another rock platform for another 200m to cross a small ephemeral creek[77]. From the creek, the track leads up a short distance up under the power lines to come to a T-intersection[78] with a wide trail, where a sign points back to 'Girrakool'[79].
Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the GNW arrow post along the management trail[80], initially keeping the power lines to your right. The trail soon bends left and leads uphill. As the trail flattens out again, it comes to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' and 'Wondabyne Station' sign[81], pointing back along the trail.

(13km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail → Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks

950 m

21 mins

109m

-11m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[82] south up the trail. The trail soon begins to narrow[83] and after almost 200m, the track steps up to cross a rock platform[84], following a few GNW arrow posts to find a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[85]. After writing a comment, the walk continues uphill[86] along the track for about 700m, as the track become progressively flatter[87], passing beside the Mt Wondabyne Peak (up to your left). Then about 50m after leaving the trees and entering a section of low heath, this track then comes to a three-way intersection[88] (the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the left[89]), marked with a GNW arrow post.

(14km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Peak

210 m

5 mins

20m

-1m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Mt Wondabyne peak track north-east as it heads uphill directly towards Mt Wondabyne. The track is leads gently at first then starts to climb up a series of rock ledges[90]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[91] (large enough for 2 or 3 people to lie in). The track then continues to climb for another 90m, up the rocky track then for through a grove of small trees[92], to come to the first peak[93]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[94] and great panoramic views[95]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Mt Wondabyne

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

(14km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Campsite

90 m

2 mins

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[96] south over a small rise then gently downhill along the rocky track, leaving Mt Wondabyne peak[97] behind and to your left. After about 90m, the track leads down to a clearing[98] at the end of a management trail, where there is a sign pointing back to 'Mooney Mooney rest area'[99]. This is the Mt Wondabyne campsite[100].

Mt Wondabyne Campsite

This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

(14km) Mt Wondabyne Campsite → Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail

760 m

16 mins

-49m Moderate track

Turn left: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Patonga'[101] sign down the wide management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 300m, enjoying some views back to Mount Wondabyne[102] as well as to Woy Woy and Brisbane Water[103]. From here, the trail continues downhill through the heath for another 400m to come to a T-intersection with another management trail (Tunnel Track), where there is a 'Mt Wondabyne'[104] and 'Girrakool'[105] sign pointing back up the hill.

(14km) Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail → Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track

470 m

9 mins

-15m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[106] west, gently down along the wide management trail, keeping the main wide valley to your left. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m to come to a clear three-way intersection[107] with the signposted with the 'Rocky Ponds Trail'[108] (on your right). There is a sign here, pointing back up the trail to 'Girrakool'.

(15km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Int of Hawkesbury Track and Dillons Trail

190 m

3 mins

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[109] south, downhill along the wide trail. After just over 100m, the trail passes through a metal gate[110] and fence then continues for another 50m to come to an intersection with a narrow track[111] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post and 'Tunnel Trail'[112] (on your right).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post directly away from the face of the 'Tunnel Trail' sign[113][114] along the narrow track. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted 'Dillons Trail'[115].

(15km) Int of Great North Walk service trail and Patonga track → Woy Woy Landfill

1.8 km

34 mins

24m

-112m Moderate track

Turn left: With the Patonga-bound bush track on the right, this walk follows the management trail east, down the long, gentle hill. The trail gradually steepens as it winds down to the Woy Woy Landfill site. The walk then follows the landfill fence past a building and steps through a gap in the fence. The walk then heads along the gravel driveway to the landfill road.

(17km) Woy Woy Landfill → Woy Woy Landfill site front gates

1 km

23 mins

38m

-84m Easy track

Veer left: From the Woy Woy landfill site, this walk down the road, winding to the bottom where it flattens out at the Woy Woy Landfill front gates (these gates are locked at night but there is a gap for walkers to get through just up to the right of the gates).

(18km) Woy Woy Landfill site front gates → Woy Woy train station

2.9 km

45 mins

-21m Easy track

Continue straight: From the landfill gates, this walk follows Nagari Road past the large self-storage facility on the right, and along to the intersection of Shoalhaven Drive.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Railway Street through the residential area, past the shopping centre to the Woy Woy train station.

Maps for the Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne 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
Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

Altitude analysis for Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

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	20.7 km
		Time	8 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

8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 6km is very steep. Whilst another 6km has short steep hills and the remaining 160m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 6km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 3.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.5km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 11km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 19km 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 16km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.2km 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 Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne 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

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

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 Woy Woy

15.5 km One way, 5 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores a variety of environments from the shore line and coastal cliffs near Patonga, to the dry, rocky and open ridge line. The last part of the walk skirts around the edge of Woy Woy tip, but most of the walk offers great views of the water systems around the park. You can catch the

Total climbing: 497m

Hard track

Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This is a great walk, crossing the middle of Brisbane Water National Park and visiting several highlights including Rocky Ponds. Starting with a ferry trip from Brooklyn, this walk follows a series of faint tracks, clear tracks and management trails. There is an alternate route described in the not

Total climbing: 588m

Experienced only

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

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 Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne 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 Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne 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 Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne ends at the Woy Woy train station (gps: -33.485814, 151.32361)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/gtwwsvmw