Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

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Time 8 hrs 30 mins
One way 24 km One way
Climb 949 m
Grade 5 Experienced only
Train Bus Car
no_pets
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 tracks. As the track ends at Woy Woy train station, there are regular trains for the trip home.

* 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.

Wondabyne

Wondabyne
Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.

(0km) Wondabyne Station → Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track

distance 1.5 km time 32 mins climb 172m descent -18m Hard track
From the north-bound platform of Wondabyne Station, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[1] off the southern the end of the platform[2], keeping the train lines (and water) to your left. The track soon leads past a strangler fig[3] and a large boulder[4] then bends right and heads up a timber staircase[5] with a metal landing at the top. The track winds steeply uphill, up a series of timber[6] and rock steps[7] for just over 200m to pass a filtered view of the cranes[8] (right), down at the old Gosford Quarry. Here the walk continues a bit more steeply uphill for another 150m, up a series of rock steps[9], and then, soon after passing up the carved steps in a cleft in a rock[10], the track flattens out[11] and comes to a clearing at the end of a management trail[12], marked with a 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign[13].
Continue straight: From the clearing[14], this walk follows the wide management trail uphill past the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign[15]. The trail leads up quite steeply[16] for about 250m, where the trail bends right then leads gently uphill[17] for about 600m. Here the trail leads up a short but quite steep hill[18], to then bend left and, about 150m later, come to an intersection with the Pindar Cave track (that leads over a rock platform[19], on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post[20] (on your right).

(1km) Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track → Mt Pindar Lookout

distance 3.5 km time 1 hr 12 mins climb 129m descent -129m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track to the west, keeping the large rocky outcrop to the right. The trail soon narrows to become an overgrown track and undulates for some time, through some rocky and dense scrub. Eventually, the track swings around to the north and arrives at the Mt Pindar Lookout, indicated by arrows marked in the surface that lead to the lookout, with views of Mooney Mooney, and Mooney Mooney Creek.

Mt Pindar lookout

Mt Pindar lookout
From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities.

(5km) Mt Pindar Lookout → Pool

distance 480 m time 9 mins climb 2m descent -25m Experienced only
Turn right: From the lookout, the walk follows the bush track north, around the edge of the ridge around a few rocks. The track then descends north-west into the valley below, continuing through areas of thick vegetation, until emerging onto a small clearing next to a pool of water.

Pindar Pool

Pindar Pool
The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.

(5km) Pool → Pindar Cave

distance 320 m time 6 mins climb 12m descent -6m Experienced only
Turn left: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track west, into a small sandy clearing. The track then turns right, below a rocky outcrop on the left, and follows the rocky outcrop for approximately 100m to the large overhang of rock, Pindar Cave.

Pindar Cave

Pindar Cave
Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.

(6km) Pindar Cave → Waterfall

distance 570 m time 12 mins climb 10m descent -57m Very experienced only
Continue straight: From Pindar Cave, this walk heads north-west, parallel to a rocky outcrop. After following the cliff line for a little while, the track bends slightly to the right, and heads north-west, crossing several rocky outcrops, going down towards the creek line. The track then drops down some rockshelves to the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Pindar Waterfall

Pindar Waterfall
Pindar Waterfall, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a rocky outcrop from which a vegetation enclosed stream runs over and through. The waterfall is not a picturesque spot, with the water running through dense vegetation and cracks in the boulders to pools out-of-sight. The waterfall is fed by an ephemeral stream which will does not guarantee it as a source of water. From the rocky outcrop of the waterfall, views over the valley below can be observed.

(6km) Pindar Cave → Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track

distance 4.3 km time 1 hr 27 mins climb 160m descent -143m Experienced only
Turn around: From the cave, the walk follows the bush track east, below a rocky outcrop on the right. The track soon comes to a small sandy clearing and crosses this to reach a pool.
Turn right: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track east, out of the clearing. The track passes through an area of thick vegetation as is slowly climbs up the spur, before the vegetation gives way to a rocky area. The track winds further up the hill and along the ridge edge to the lookout.
Turn left: From the lookout, the walk heads south-east along the rocky surface, to the dense tree line and follows the sandy track. This track soon bends to the north, going up the spur and across the plateau of Mt Pindar. From here the track undulates for some time and then widens to a management trail. The walk follows the management trail for a short distance, passing a large rocky outcrop to come to a 'T' intersection with a wide management trail.

(10km) Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track → Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station tracks

distance 630 m time 11 mins climb 19m descent -5m Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection[21], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[22] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 600m to come to an intersection with the 'Great North Walk' track (on your right), marked with a 'Wondabyne Station' sign[23] pointing back down the hill.

(11km) Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station Trail → Kariong Brook crossing

distance 2 km time 47 mins climb 64m descent -211m Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[24] heading east down along the rocky track[25]. The track soon bends right and heads around a rock outcrop[26] then continues down through the heath and scribbly gums[27] for about 400m to come to a flat rock platform[28]. Here the track continues downhill over several more rock platforms, becoming progressively steeper[29] for just over 1km to head into the cool valley and come to the bank beside Myron Brook[30].
Continue straight: From the western side of Myron Brook, this walk crosses the creek on the sandstone rock platform[31] to follow the track up a few stone steps and up the short steep hill[32]. The track then flattens out as it leads around the side of the hill for about 200m to pass alongside a long rock wall[33] (on your left). Now leading downhill, the track continues for another 100m then heads down a short steep section[34] into the dense moist gully, coming to a faint intersection in front of Kariong Brook Falls[35] (on your left) (just before crossing the creek, which is often underground).

Kariong Brook Falls

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.

(13km) Kariong Brook crossing → Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail

distance 690 m time 24 mins climb 122m descent -21m Hard track
Continue straight: From Kariong Brook[36], the walk crosses the creek and heads up the hill towards the cave[37] (keeping the waterfall[38] to the left). The track leads under the overhang[39] and then winds up the rocky path for about 400m, past a few rock walls[40] and among the grass trees[41]. The walk then heads up some more stone steps, bending left on the steps with a metal handrail[42]. The rocky track continues up for another 130m over a few more rocks[43] to come to a flat clearing[44] (on your right, that has been used as a campsite). From the clearing, the track continues uphill, passing another rocky outcrop[45] after about 60m, then after about 80m more, the track leads to a T-intersection[46] with a management trail (and a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool'[47]).

(13km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track

distance 1.5 km time 28 mins climb 54m descent -34m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[48] downhill along the management trail[49]. The trail then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[50]) to then step up onto a particularly large rock platform[51]. After crossing this rock platform, the trail continues for another 120m to come to a Y-intersection[52] (at another rock platform) where a 'Girrakool' sign[53] points back along the track.

(15km) Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east)

distance 830 m time 18 mins climb 15m descent -50m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[54] east, gently downhill along the narrow track. After about 250m, the track leads to a notably large rock platform[55] with a clear view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[56]. Here the track continues gently downhill, crossing more rock platforms[57] for about 300m to head over a section of timber boardwalk[58] and past a few disused power poles[59]. The track then continues over another rock platform for another 200m to cross a small ephemeral creek[60]. From the creek, the track leads up a short distance up under the power lines to come to a T-intersection[61] with a wide trail, where a sign points back to 'Girrakool'[62].

(16km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east) → Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks

distance 1.2 km time 25 mins climb 123m descent -15m Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the GNW arrow post along the management trail[63], 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[64], pointing back along the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[65] south up the trail. The trail soon begins to narrow[66] and after almost 200m, the track steps up to cross a rock platform[67], following a few GNW arrow posts to find a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[68]. After writing a comment, the walk continues uphill[69] along the track for about 700m, as the track become progressively flatter[70], 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[71] (the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the left[72]), marked with a GNW arrow post.

(17km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Peak

distance 210 m time 5 mins climb 20m descent -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[73]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[74] (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[75], to come to the first peak[76]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[77] and great panoramic views[78]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Mt Wondabyne

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.

(17km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Campsite

distance 90 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -6m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[79] south over a small rise then gently downhill along the rocky track, leaving Mt Wondabyne peak[80] behind and to your left. After about 90m, the track leads down to a clearing[81] at the end of a management trail, where there is a sign pointing back to 'Mooney Mooney rest area'[82]. This is the Mt Wondabyne campsite[83].

Mt Wondabyne Campsite

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).

(17km) Mt Wondabyne Campsite → Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail

distance 760 m time 16 mins climb 0m descent -49m Moderate track
Turn left: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Patonga'[84] sign down the wide management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 300m, enjoying some views back to Mount Wondabyne[85] as well as to Woy Woy and Brisbane Water[86]. 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'[87] and 'Girrakool'[88] sign pointing back up the hill.

(18km) Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail → Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track

distance 470 m time 9 mins climb 8m descent -15m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[89] 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[90] with the signposted with the 'Rocky Ponds Trail'[91] (on your right). There is a sign here, pointing back up the trail to 'Girrakool'.

(18km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Woy Woy Landfill

distance 1.9 km time 37 mins climb 25m descent -120m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[92] south, downhill along the wide trail. After just over 100m, the trail passes through a metal gate[93] and fence then continues for another 50m to come to an intersection with a narrow track[94] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post and 'Tunnel Trail'[95] (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[96][97] along the narrow track. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted 'Dillons Trail'[98].
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.

(20km) Woy Woy Landfill → Woy Woy Landfill site front gates

distance 1 km time 23 mins climb 38m descent -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).

(21km) Woy Woy Landfill site front gates → Woy Woy train station

distance 2.9 km time 45 mins climb 6m descent -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 Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves 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.

Gunderman1:25 000 Map Series91313S GUNDERMANNSW-91313S
Gosford1:25 000 Map Series91312S GOSFORDNSW-91312S
Broken Bay1:25 000 Map Series91301N BROKEN BAYNSW-91301N
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

Altitude analysis for Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

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.

Length24 km
Time8 hrs 30 mins
.




Grade 5/6



Experienced only
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough unclear track (5/6)
SignsNo directional signs (5/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

12km of this walk is very steep and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 6km has short steep hills and the remaining 25m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

11km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path and a 1.6km section follows a rough unclear track. The remaining 1.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

8km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 8km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 6km is clearly signposted and the remaining 1.6km Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

12km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 10km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.6km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 23km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 690m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

13km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (2.6km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves walk starts at the Wondabyne Station (gps: -33.492083, 151.25696)

The Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves ends at the Woy Woy train station (gps: -33.485814, 151.32361)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Brisbane Water National Park

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

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