Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

Download & Print Map and Notes

6 hrs 30 mins

16.1 km One way

588 m

Experienced only

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 notes as a way around the Defile Track which and be very faint. You will enjoy a wide range of panoramic views from TumblecowII ridge, Rocky Ponds (Tank Creek) and an optional side trip to enjoy the view from Mount Wondabyne. The walk finishes with a walk of contrast, beside the Woy Woy landfill and a road walk to Woy Woy Station. A great day out or make it an overnighter by camping overnight at Tank Creek or Mt Wondabyne.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Walking along the shoreline of Little Wobby

Great trees and views on the Pacific Trail

Large Squiggly gum at the top of 'The Defile' track

Through the scrub on the Highway Ridge trail

Great view from Tumblecowii over the Hawkesbury River

Int of Highway Ridge Track and Patonga Creek trail

View towards Wondabyne from Rocky ponds trail

National Park sign near Woy Woy landfill

Permit Required

This walk passes over land owned by the Department of Sport and Recreation the 'Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre'. They are very welcoming of bushwalkers and have an easy system in place to get permission to walk on their land. The system is in place mostly to avoid impact on their camps. Just a quick phone call and they will email you a letter (which you carry) – worth the small amount of effort. Phone (02) 4349 0600 and ask for permission. More info.

(0km) Brooklyn Ferry Terminal → Little Wobby Wharf

3.1 km

20 mins

-4m Easy track

From the wharf near Hawkesburry River Station (Brooklyn), this walk takes a ferry ride. The ferry leaves Monday to Friday at 6:25am, 7:25am, 9:30am, 10:55am, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:05pm, 4:45pm, 5:45pm, 6:45pm, 7:15pm. On weekends and public holidays, the ferry leaves at 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm and 6:15pm (and 7:10 DST) . The ferry costs about $6 one-way and running times are affected by weather. Phone: 0448 101016 Please check their website as the timetable may change. Alternatively, you can catch a water taxi, which generally costs about $100 per group of 4 and needs to be booked ahead. There are a few options - try Hawkesbury River Water Taxi on 0400 600 111 or Rick on 0448 101 010. More info.

Little Wobby

Little Wobby is a boat-access only township on the eastern bank of the Hawkesbury River, opposite Brooklyn and Dangar Island. The houses stretch for 1.3km along the river and are backed by a long cliffline know as tumblecowII[1]. South of the houses (and much of the point) is home to the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. North of the headland is Brisbane Water National Park. Little Wobby has a public wharf and phone box, about 350m north of the southernmost house, and a Sport and Recreation Centre wharf about 80m south of this last house. The town was established during WW2 to support artillery batteries, to prevent the Japanese entering Broken Bay.

(3km) Little Wobby Beach Wharf → Little Wobby Sport and Rec Wharf

400 m

9 mins

20m

-22m Easy track

Veer right: From the public wharf and phone box, this walk heads along the grassy edge (keeping the water to the right). The walk then heads up some stairs and under some houses and generally makes its way along the footpath. Once in front of the houses again, the grassy path heads along the edge of the water then passes a large clearing (under the power lines) to come to the Little Wobby Sport and Recreation Centre wharf.

(3km) Little Wobby Sport and Rec Wharf → Int of Pacific Trail and Defile Track

870 m

19 mins

43m

-38m Easy track

Continue straight: From the sport and rec wharf, this walk heads uphill along the management trail, past the boat ramp and brown 'Authorised Entry Only' sign (keeping the water on the right). After about 350m of climbing up the hill, the trail flattens as it comes to a large concrete 'Tee Low Tanks'[4] water tank on Croppy Point. From the tank, the walk continues along the trail still heading uphill (but more gently), passing many great water views (on the right). As the trail approaches Spring Beach, it bends left fairly sharply. After passing an access track to the beach (on the right), the trail comes to an intersection on the left with a track heading steeply up the hill (to two obvious sandstone caves - this is the bottom of 'The Defile' Track).

Spring Beach

Spring Beach is a 60m wide, south-west facing, yellow sand beach on the Hawkesbury River. The sandy section is about 20m deep and extends another 30m across a grassy section into the steep gully (and small lagoon). There is a large yellow Telstra sign[6] showing that a underwater cable crosses the Hawkesbury River. Behind the beach on the Pacific Trail (the main management trail), is a sandstone dam[7] and an old pit toilet[8]. The beach is a great spot to stop and rest, enjoying the water view into Porto Bay and Cowan Creek.

(4km) Int of Pacific Trail and Defile Track → Int of Midway trail and The Defile

3.7 km

1 hr 24 mins climb

250m

-127m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the management trail away from the water, keeping the beach below on the right. As the trail bends right, it passes an interesting sandstone dam and, about 60m later, passes a smaller spring-fed dam. A short distance after the smaller dam, the trail comes to an intersection with a track (on the right) leading down to Spring Beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, keeping the water views to the right, this walk heads gently up hill along the management trail, soon passing an old toilet. The trail winds along the hill for a while (passing an old trail on the left just after the white posts), soon coming to and passing a green concrete pumping station (Forty Year Spring). About 650m past the spring, the trail passes the signposted 'Rock Climbing' track and then comes to an intersection just above the signposted 'Juno Head Campsite'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the power lines along the management trail (keeping the water views to the right). The trail rounds the side on the gully then, just before passing under the power lines, the trail comes to a signposted intersection with the 'Midway Trail'.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Midway Trail' and red post up the hill along the narrow track. The track soon climbs up through a rocky outcrop, leading to a clearing and campsite. From this clearing, the trail follows the red post up the hill for another 350m, coming to another clearing and campsite at the unsignposted intersection with the Magpie Trail.
Veer left: From the intersection and campsite, this walk follows the red and yellow marker north-west along the track. The track follows the ridge top, with the occasional clearing giving great views of the Hawkesbury River on the left. The red and yellow markers lead through a cleft in the rocks then up through a small gully in a rocky outcrop, then the walk comes to a fairly large tessellated rock platform (surround by heath, this is also the intersection with the unsignposted, yellow marker, Horseshoe trail).
Continue straight: From the tessellated rock platform, this walk follows the red painted marker north along the ridge (keeping the filtered water views to the left). The track follows a narrow rock platform for about 180m and then, just past the good views of the river, the walk steps off the rock and follows a rocky track. The track passes some rocky outcrops and more filtered views and, about 130m past the small rock wall (on the left), the track comes to a three way intersection with The Defile track on the left (and a large scribbly gum on the right). Now Continue straight to rejoin the main walk .

(4km) Int of Pacific Trail and Defile Track → Int of Midway trail and The Defile

740 m

18 mins

131m

-6m Experienced only

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the track (away from the beach) and through the two caves. On the other side of the caves, the faint track heads left up the side of the gully (keeping the gully on the right) and passes around the roots of a large fallen tree. About 80m past the fallen tree, the walk tends left up through the rocky gully (keeping the rock wall and overhang on the right). From here, the track winds up the ridge, tending right onto the main ridge, where the way becomes flatter. Near the top, the track passes some faint false tracks on the left to come to a clear three-way intersection (with the Midway Trail) in front of a large scribbly gum.

(5km) Int of Midway trail and The Defile → Tumblecow 2 flat rock

1.2 km

28 mins

64m

-78m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track north, keeping the large squiggly gum behind and to the right. The track soon comes to another, more obvious three-way intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads north, passing under the power lines and past the telegraph poles. The track heads through the scrub for a while before passing a few nice vantage points with great views over Brooklyn, then coming to a view with two TV antennas mounted on small masts. The track continues along the top of the ridge for another 350m, passing some more great views and coming to two more TV antennas on a another rocky outcrop. About 70m past these antennas, the track comes to a large flat rock platform with two more TV antennas and great views over Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River.

Tumblecow 2 flat rock

The Tumblecow 2 flat rock is an informal, unnamed and unfenced lookout on the Highway Ridge track above Little Wobby. The rock provides great views across the Hawkesbury River over Brooklyn, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridges. There are two TV antennas on the north side of the rock platform (form the houses far below). The name Tumblecow 2 flat rock is derived from the name of the cliff line Tumblecow2[9], an informal name used by locals. The large clearing is a great spot to rest and enjoy the view.

(6km) Tumblecow 2 flat rock → Tank Creek Crossing

2.6 km

57 mins

99m

-154m Hard track

Continue straight: From Tumblecow 2 flat rock view, this walk follows the track north past the two TV antennas (keeping the water views to the left). The track heads into the bush and passes a few more great views over the Hawkesbury River and, about 800m after flat rock, the track leaves the Tumblecow2[10] cliff top to round Big Ben[11] (a 185m hill). The track then winds through the bush for some time, passing a view to Patonga Creek (on the right) and climbing down some rocks and following the track until it opens up on a large rock platform. The track crosses the first creek (Tank Creek) to come to an intersection with a track on the right, at the top of the rock platform.

Rocky Ponds

Rocky Ponds is a series of cascades, waterholes and falls at the lower end of Tank Creek, near the junction with Gordon Creek. Tank Creek flows over a wide, solid rock bed, the rock having a reddish colour. There a several small overhangs and ponds carved into the rock. This area is a fantastic spot to rest, cool down and enjoy the water and view. From the lower end of the creek, there are fantastic view over the Hawkesbury River.

(9km) Tank Creek Crossing → Tank Creek last fall

360 m

7 mins

-27m Hard track

Veer left: From the rock platform on Tank Creek (just upstream from the junction with Gordon Creek), this walk heads downstream across the rocks (keeping the main creek to the left). After crossing the smaller Gordon Creek, the walk leaves the rock and follows the dirt track downstream (keeping Tanks Creek on the left). About 100m after Gordon Creek, there is a short track, on the left (which leads to Tanks Creek, with views down onto Jeannie's Pool). The walk continues along the main track, past a sandstone boulder (and ignoring a track on the left) then down some stone steps to come to the Jeannie's Pool intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west, away from the main rock wall, and follows the track through the grass trees (keeping the valley to the left). The track passes another short track (on the left, leading a rock pool) and a short distance later the track comes next to the creek edge and a large sandstone platform. This is the top of the last waterfall on Tank Creek, with great views up the Hawkesbury River (it is unfenced - care is needed). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Jeannie's Pool

Jeannie's Pool[12] is the centrepiece of a series of cascades and pools known as Rocky Ponds, at the lower end of Tank Creek. The pool is half-surrounded by a cliff, with the creek flowing over this cliff to fill the pool below. The northern side of the pool has an overhang nurturing a mossy environment. This is a nice and cool spot to rest and enjoy the creek.

Tank Creek last fall

Tank Creek's last fall is the last significant, unnamed waterfall on Tank Creek before the water flows into Tank Cove on the Hawkesbury River. This vantage point is at the top of the (unfenced) cliff, with a series of waterholes upstream. There are fantastic views up the Hawkesbury River, past Dangar Island into Porto Bay. The rock forms a wide smooth creek bed, making this a special place to stop and enjoy. There is a lovely series of cascades just upstream, known as Allison's cascade[13].

(9km) Tank Creek Crossing → Int of Highway Ridge Track and Tanks Campsite track

100 m

2 mins

0m Hard track

Veer right: From the Tank Creek crossing, this walk heads up the main creek (Tank Creek) for a few meters (keeping the creek on the right). The walk soon finds and follows the clear track through the heath, heading north. The track soon steps into a small gully, coming to a tree with exposed roots on the other side.
Turn right: From the gully, this walk head upstream through this gully for a few meters. The walk then turns left up the eroded track, coming to a small clearing and a wider sandy track. The walk follows this sandy track up the hill for about 50m before coming to a three-way intersection (with a track leading to the campsite on the left).

(9km) Int of Highway Ridge Track and Tanks Campsite track → Tank Creek Campsite

50 m

1 mins

0m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads west following the smaller track, which soon leads to a clearing with some old gum trees. This is the Tank Creek Campsite. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Tank Creek Campsite

Tank Creek Campsite is just north-east of the junction of Tank Creek and Gordon Gully. The fairly large camping area has no facilities, but there is an established fire circle and natural shade. There are a number of small, more secluded, camping areas radiating out from the main central area. Several tracks lead to the two nearby creeks (treat water before drinking). There is a fair bit of rubbish left behind from other campers, please carry your own out, plus a little extra.

(9km) Int of Highway Ridge Track and Tanks Campsite track → Int of Rocky Ponds and the GNW

4.3 km

1 hr 19 mins climb

154m

-68m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy track north-east, gently uphill through the heath (keeping the valley to the right). After about 250m, the trail widens into an (old) management trail and crosses a small creek (with a large boulder on the left). The trail continues to wind up the hill and is eroded in places. At the top of the rise, the trail heads down through the gully, coming to a three-way intersection with a much wider management trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear management trail, keeping the hill and rocks to the left. After about 750m, the trail heads up a short, steep hill. From here, the trail winds more gently uphill and crosses a long sandstone platform. After the sandstone platform, the trail continues uphill for about 1.3km, flattening out for the last half before coming to a 'T' intersection and a sign pointing back to 'Rocky Ponds Trail'.

(13km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Mt Wondabyne Peak

1.5 km

32 mins

90m

-9m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker and the 'Girrakool' sign[14] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m, to come to a small crest[15] and a clear three-way intersection with the signposted 'Mt Wondabyne' trail[16] (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker as well as the 'Mt Wondabyne'[17] and 'Girrakool'[18] signs uphill along the management trail. The trail winds up the hill for about 300m find a view of Mount Wondabyne[19] - there are also nice views behind (and to the right) across Woy Woy and the Brisbane Water[20]. The trail continues uphill for another 400m to end at a large clearing[21] (turning circle) at the base of a rock wall. This is the Mt Wondabyne Campsite[22] - there is also a sign pointing back down to 'Patonga'[23].
Turn right: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Mooney Mooney rest area' sign[24] north gently uphill along the rocky track[25]. After about 90m, this track comes to a three-way intersection[26] (with the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the right[27]), marked with a GNW arrow post.
Turn right: 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[28]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[29] (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[30], to come to the first peak[31]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[32] and great panoramic views[33]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

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.

(13km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Int of Great North Walk and Tunnel Track

160 m

3 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[34] south, downhill along the wide trail. After just over 100m, the trail passes through a metal gate[35] and fence then continues for another 50m to come to an intersection with a narrow track[36] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post and 'Tunnel Trail'[37] (on your right).

(13km) Int of GNW and Tunnel Trail → Woy Woy Landfill site front gates

2.8 km

57 mins

62m

-197m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post directly away from the face of the 'Tunnel Trail' sign[38][39] along the narrow track. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted 'Dillons Trail'[40].
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.
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).

(16km) 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 Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds 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
Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

Altitude analysis for Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

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	16.1 km
		Time	6 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 740m is very steep.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path and a 3.9km section follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining 740m follows a rough unclear track.

Signs

10km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 8km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 740m Has no directional signs and the remaining 190m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

16km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 2.6km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (840m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

10km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.6km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (4.3km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds walk.

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 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

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

Little Wobby to Rocky Ponds

18.1 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts from Brooklyn with a ferry trip to Little Wobby and explores some fantastic panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Tank Creek. The alternate route, for more experienced walkers, cuts a fair bit of walking and gets you to the views quicker. The views along the ridge are

Total climbing: 923m

Hard track

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

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

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 Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds walk.

McKell Park Loop

931 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a great walk to take the kids on, with a fenced playground, a swimming area and pelicans. For mum and dad, there is parking, a Federation interpretive display, picnic and toilet facilities and views over the Hawkesbury River from Flat Rock Point above. This short walk complements a fresh sea

Total climbing: 24m

Moderate track

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

This short track is excellent walk for those with young children. The track passes the fantastic McKell Park playground facilities, which stand next to the Federation Interpretive Display. For the warmer months, enclosed beach pool is right next to the track. The views of the Hawkesbury River are qu

Total climbing: 29m

Very easy

Patonga to Pearl Beach

4.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk explores a section of Brisbane Water National Park between the villages of Patonga and Pearl Beach. From Patonga, this walk takes you up a track following the Great North Walk route, and then a wider trail brings you to a short (and very worthwhile) side trip to Warrah Lookout. From here

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate track

Patonga to Warrah Trig Station

4.3 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk explores part of the ridge heading out of Patonga. The walk visits two great lookouts, with great views of Lion Island, West Head and Palm beach. Warrah trig is not that interesting, but it is a high point in the area with more views. Make a day of it by catching the ferry from Palm bea

Total climbing: 240m

Moderate track

Warrah Trig to Patonga

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk starts at the top of the ridge and leads through a field of wildflowers (in spring and early summer), past some panoramic water views and down to Patonga Village for fish and chips. Starting on the Tony Doyle Track, this walk passes the old Warrah Trig and then visits Warrah Lookout, a gr

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

Warrah Trig to Pearl Beach

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

Starting on the Tony Doyle track, this walk passes the old Warrah Trig before enjoying the views from Warrah lookout. The walk follows the wide trail down the hill to Pearl Beach. There are many great wildflowers in spring and if you are quiet, you may spot a Lyrebird or two. If you are feeling en

Total climbing: 27m

Moderate track

Warrah Trig to Lookout

756 m Return, 20 mins

This walk takes you from the old Warrah Trig Station down the ridge, along a well formed rock path to Warrah Lookout. From the lookout there are fantastic views spanning from the distant Barrenjoey headland, across the Hawkesbury river to Brisk Bay and Patonga. There are no facilities provided at t

Total climbing: 51m

Easy track

Pearl Beach to Warrah Lookout

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk follows a wide trail then a track to the fantastic views from Warrah Lookout. From Pearl Beach, this walk follows the roads to the lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. Continuing up this trail, the walk passes some sandstone caves and further on, enjoys the fenced Warrah Lookou

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate track

Mt Ettalong Lookout

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

This lovely short walk takes you from the large water tank, along an old trail and track to two fantastic fenced lookout platforms. There are a few unfenced views along this shaded walk. A picnic table among the Sydney Red Gums, just before the two main lookouts, makes a wonderful spot for a snack

Total climbing: 34m

Easy track

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This track creates a loop between Flint and Steel Beach and Bay by traversing the headland between them. The walk explores Flint and Steel Beach and the McGaw ruins, while providing scenic views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island.

Total climbing: 227m

Very experienced only

Flint and Steel track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandston

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a nice walk to White Horse Beach on Flint and Steel Bay. The return-style walk passes McGaw's ruins and and the old water catchment. From White Horse Beach, there are scenic views across the Hawkesbury River. The ruins are a nice addition to the walk - although overgrown, they add a touch o

Total climbing: 159m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds walk starts at the Brooklyn Ferry Terminal (gps: -33.546533, 151.22724)

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

The Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds ends at the Woy Woy train station (gps: -33.485814, 151.32361)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

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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.

Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre

The main part of the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre is a complex of well maintained buildings and facilities. The site includes accommodation, food hall, swimming pool, large chess set, tennis courts, basket ball courts, flying fox, beach and many walking tracks. The site is available to school groups, community groups and families. Located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River the centre boasts views past West Head and Lion Island out the open ocean. The land owned by the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre extends over much of the ridge to the north.

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