Great North Road and Dubbo Gully

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Time 2 Days
One way 27.3 km One way
Climb 1372 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Bus Car
no_pets
This walk follows a section of the Old Great North Road along the borders of the rugged Yengo and Dharug National Parks, to then visit more historic sites in Dubbo Gully. This is more of a historic journey than you typical bushwalk. There is a campsite at Ten Mile Hollow providing a comfortable place for the night before visiting the Historic Clare's Bridge. Soon after Clare's Bridge this walk leaves the old Great North Road to follow Donny's Track down into Dubbo gully were you get to explore this historic farming area before walking out to Upper Mangrove. This walk is mostly on wide trails and therefore can also be done as a mountain bike ride.
The Old Great North Road Information signs on the Great North Road Views over Wisemans Ferry area The well formed OGNR High retaining wall on the Devines Hill ascent. Drainage culvert outflow on the OGNR Drainage culvert under the OGNR Visitor Book Retaining wall and support on the OGNR Convict Rock graffiti Curved retaining wall Hangmans Rock Walking along the OGNR Near the top of Shephards Gully Rd Signposted in of OGNR and Shephard's Rd Drainage culvert information display Int of Finchs Line and OGNR OGNR north of Finchs Line Patersonia Lily (Patersonia sericea) Grey Spider Flower (Grevillea Buxifolia) Walking along the Old Great North Road Int of OGNR and 3 Mile trail Rocky section of the Old Great north walk east of 3 Mile trail Narrow section of the OGNR east of the clearing Grevillia Walking along a section of the Old Great North Road Snake Flower (Scaevola ramosissima) Section of retaining wall Views from high on the ridge Rocky section of the OGNR Cutting on the old road I have no idea what this is probably a bit of an old car?? Sharp hairpin bend on the Old Great North Road Regrowth of forest along the Old Great North Road OGNR west of the WCT A narrow section of the OGNR Info sign at int of OGNR and WCT The Old Great North Road north of the WCT The old Great North Road Steep valley beside the OGNR The OGNR with sandstone cuttings Road sign on used on OGNR Water tanks at the WAT Welcome sign at the WAT Buddha Dhamma Foundations possibly of the Ten Mile Hollow Inn Sign at the Int of OGNR and Simpsons Track Simpson Track next to Ten Mile Hollow camping area Signs at Ten Mile Hollow Campsite Ten Mile Hollow Clearing Ten Mile Hollow Campsite Toilet and water tank at Ten Mile Hollow Campsite Old bridge near Ten Mile Hollow Overgrown section of the Old Great North Road Clare's Bridge Clare's Bridge Clare's Bridge Curved Wall at Clare's Bridge Grass tree holding on tight sign at the nt of the OGNR and Donnys track Donny's Track sign Top of Donny's Track Posts on Donny's Track Donny's Track Donny's Track Sharp bend on Donny's Track Looking down on clearing at Chaselings Run Donny's View Tall cutting on Donny's Track Gate and National Park boundary Sharp bend near bottom of Donny's Track Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donny's track Park Gully Wet land Fairview Homestead Old Tree Old Road in Chaselings Run valley The old Upper Mangrove Cemetry Upper Mangrove Cemetery headstones Road Beside Cemetery Remnants of earlier produce farming? An old timber bridge on Ten Mile Hollow Rd Dubbo Gully Rd Rocky outcrop at the top of Dubbo Gully Road Dubbo Gully Rd Gate

Old Great North Road

Old Great North Road
The historic Great North Road was built using convict labour between 1826 and 1836 (this section south of Wollombi was completed in 1832). The road formed a link between Sydney and the Hunter Valley, including Newcastle. There are visible remnants of the original work in bridges, retaining walls and other structures along the way. The 'Convict Trail Project' has member groups involved in the conservation of historical remnants along the road. The Convict Trail Project and the NPWS have erected information signs at various points to illustrate the history. The Convict Trail Project has an excellent website for further reading. More info.

(0km) Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR → Hangmans Rock

distance 1.1 km time 31 mins climb 127m descent -49m Moderate track
From the car park and intersection on Wisemans Ferry Rd (about 500m west of the car ferry), the walk passes around a gate, passes an information sign, and follows the 'Old Great North Road' up the hill. This section of the walk winds up the hill, passing numerous cuttings and retaining walls built with convict labour. There are several information signs on the way, making the walk more interesting. The walk then arrives at the signposted "Hangman's Rock".

Hangmans Rock

Hangmans Rock
Hangmans Rock is beside the historic Old Great North Road, near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. This beautiful sandstone cave/overhang has some steps and a bench seat cut into it and is part of the history of the convict built OGNR. It is uncertain what purpose the spot served, but stories that convicts were hanged through the hole in the roof of the cave appear unlikely to be true, despite giving a name to the atmospheric spot. More info.

(1km) Hangmans Rock → Int of OGNR and Shepherds Gully Rd

distance 720 m time 18 mins climb 69m descent -12m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Hangman's Rock, the walk follows the management trail gently up the hill. The trail bends back and forth as it gently climbs. Another information sign indicates the probable site of a stockade to hold the "more troublesome convicts". A little further along, the walk passes around a gate and reaches the intersection with "Shepherd's Gully Road". There is another information sign at this intersection.

Devines Hill

Devines Hill
Devines Hill is a historically significant area on the Old Great North Road, near present day Wisemans Ferry, NSW. There are substantial remnants visible here, including cuttings, retaining walls and quarry sites. There were 3 main road lines built at different times to climb the hills just north of Wisemans Ferry, starting with Finchs Line to the east, followed by the Devines Hill ascent and then Shepherds Gully, to the west. Information signs in the area provide some interesting historical background and the 'Convict Trail Project' has an excellent website for further reading. More info.

(2km) Int of OGNR and Shepherds Gully Rd → Int of OGNR and Finchs Line

distance 400 m time 9 mins climb 25m descent -4m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Finchs Line 500m' arrow along the management trail, soon passing a culvert information display. The trail continues further up the gentle hill to reach the signposted intersection with the 'Finchs Line'.

(2km) Int of OGNR and Finchs Line → Hair-pin bend

distance 5.5 km time 1 hr 57 mins climb 237m descent -212m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Old Great North Road east, gently uphill in the opposite direction to the 'Devines Hill' sign[1], keeping the valley to the left. The trail soon narrows a bit and meanders along the top of the ridge, bending left to head north east. The trail continues to wind along the top of the ridge until about 180m passed a rock platform (above and to the left of the old road) the trail comes to a three way intersection with the 3 Mile Trail (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the old Great North Road east, initially keeping the valley to the right as the trail narrows significantly. The trail bends around a spur then widens and narrows a few times before crossing a flat rock platform 600m from 3 Mile trail. About 300m past the rock platform the trail bears right (ignoring the faint trail to the left, marked with a square boulder) and winds around the side of the hill for just shy of 400m to come to the other end of the same faint trail (overgrown on the left). Here the rocky trail heads up the hill to come to soon come to a large clearing. On the other side of the clearing the trail narrows again and cross a few particularly narrow saddles to then head down another short and fairly steep rocky section of trail just after a right hand bend. Here the trail narrows again and is fairly flat for about 400m will valley views to the left. The trail then bends right and heads down hill coming to a distinct left hand hair-pin bend part way down the hill.

(8km) Hair-pin bend → Int of WCT and OGNR

distance 4.1 km time 1 hr 31 mins climb 215m descent -168m Hard track
Turn left: From the bend, this walk heads downhill along the Old Great North Road initially keeping the valley to the right. As the trail rounds the gully it starts to climb and heads alongside a wire fence marking a short re-vegetation detour that crosses over the ridge. Now with the valley on the left the trail works its way along the side of the hill as it widens and narrows a few times, as well as passing a couple of short rocky section. About 1km from the end of the detour, the trail comes up to a pair-pin bend (up to the right, with some nice valley views to the left). Here the walk follows the old road around the sharp bend and up the hill. Now with the valley on the right, the narrow trail winds through the tall trees along the ridge and soon after crossing a wide saddle to the other side of the ridge the trail comes to a 'Dharug National Park No Camping or Fires' sign[2]. From this sign the trail continues up along the ridge for about 1km passing a few rocky sections, (and a faint trail to the right) to come to clearly signposted intersection with 'Western Commission trail' on the right. There is also 'Welcome to The Old Great North Road' information sign[3].

(12km) Int of WCT and OGNR → Eastern end of Eight Mile Trail

distance 1.1 km time 21 mins climb 27m descent -35m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Old Great North Rd' arrow east, downhill along the clear trail. The trail meanders for a while, passing some lovely rock formations and some old road guttering. The walk then comes to an intersection with a clear but unsignposted management trail (on the left).

(13km) Eastern end of Eight Mile Trail → Southern end of the Wat Trail

distance 780 m time 16 mins climb 25m descent -41m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR as it head downhill, bending to the right (keeping the valley on the right). Soon, there are some nice views to the left and the trail heads uphill. Near the top of the hill, this walk ignores the '144-147' trail (on the right) and heads across the sandstone cutting. As the trail bends around the gully, there are some cuttings in the rock on the right. Where the trail bends sharply right, there is an intersection with the gated Wat track (on the left).

(14km) Southern end of the Wat Trail → Wat Buddha Dhamma

distance 1.3 km time 25 mins climb 17m descent -84m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR trail downhill, following the '142.3' sign (keeping the valley on the left). The trail levels out as it passes a 'Severe Bends' sign, facing the other way. About 200m past this sign, the walk comes to a 'Drinking Water' tank and the 'Wat Buddha Dhamma' Monastery.

Wat Buddha Dhamma

Wat Buddha Dhamma
The Wat Buddha Dhamma is a Monastery about 600m south of Ten Mile Hollow Campsite, on the Old Great North Road. The Monks provides a water tank and toilet for people passing by. The monks welcome guests and requests that visitors dress modestly (no shorts or revealing clothing), and that visitors are encouraged to share in the life with the monks. More info.

(15km) Wat Buddha Dhamma → Ten Mile Hollow

distance 620 m time 11 mins climb 2m descent -23m Easy track
Continue straight: From the 'Drinking Water' tank, this walk heads north east along the OGNR, initially keeping the monastery to the left. Soon the trail passes a couple of other driveways for the monastery and heads past a small pine plantation (on the left). Before long, the trail leads to a 'Y' intersection with the 'Simpson Track' at the 'Ten Mile Hollow' campground.

Ten Mile Hollow

Ten Mile Hollow
This large, open campsite is found next to the Old Great North Road, at the top of the Simpson Track. The campsite is great for people walking or cycling in the area. There is fairly new hybrid toilet, a few fire circles and plenty of places to pitch some tents. There is a water tank next to the toilet - if this is empty, there is sometimes water in Ten Mile Hollow creek a short distance north along the OGNR (otherwise the Wat Buddha Dhamma, about 600m south along the OGNR, provide a water tank for visitors). Treat water before drinking. The area was formally a stockade (a camp) for the convicts who built the road in c.1830. Later the area was named 'Snodgrass Valley' and plans to build a town were developed, neither the name nor the town proved popular (even at 2 pounds an acre). Solomon Wiseman (of Wisemans Ferry fame) was given 100 acres to build an inn, however it is not clear if the inn was ever built. More info.

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(16km) Ten Mile Hollow → Clares Bridge

distance 1.2 km time 22 mins climb 33m descent -6m Moderate track
Veer left: From Ten Mile Hollow, this walk follows the 'Clares Bridge' sign[5] along the OGNR, as it soon bends to the left. The trail narrows and comes to an old bridge (with a timber base). The walk crosses the bridge (and Ten Mile Hollow Creek) and heads around the gate. The walk follows the overgrown management trail through the bush for a while, coming to a white wooden barricade. Heading around the barricade, the walk comes to a clearing and signpost just before Clare's Bridge[6].

Clares Bridge

Clares Bridge
Clare's Bridge, on the Old Great North Road, is about 1km north of Ten Mile Hollow camping area. This, and a number of other bridges, were built during the construction of the old road. Clare's Bridge is the most visually spectacular of the bridges. The second oldest bridge on mainland Australia (The oldest being Thomas James Bridge), it is built of sandstone blocks and has a wonderful, sweeping retaining wall. The sweeping design gives full view of the craftsmanship to those passing by. Much work has been done by NPWS and Gosford Council to restore the bridge. There is no deck on the bridge, however it is still an impressive structure and a fascinating piece of history. More info.

(17km) Clares Bridge → Int of the OGNR and Donnys track

distance 790 m time 21 mins climb 75m descent -27m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the 'Clare's Bridge' information sign[7], this walk follows the track down to cross the gully, keeping Clare's Bridge to the right. On the other side of the gully, the track rises to meet the management trail again. The walk continues along the OGNR up the hill, away from the old bridge. The track winds around the hill and comes to an intersection with the Wat track (on the left, signposted with '125,126 142-168').
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR up the gentle hill, keeping the valley to the right. Soon, the trail leads to a large clearing and four-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to 'Clare's Bridge'[8].

(18km) Int of the OGNR and Donny's track → Donny's View

distance 3.9 km time 1 hr 27 mins climb 136m descent -217m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Donny's Track' sign[9] along the only trail that heads steeply downhill. The trail soon bends right and starts to flatten out, then after a left-bend, the trail straightens out for about 700m. Soon after passing an overgrown trail (on the right), the main trail bends left and crosses a wide gully and often-dry creek. The trail then bends right and starts to wind up the hill, passing a few cuttings. About 300m after passing under the power lines, the trail comes to an intersection with the signposted '138 137' track (on the left) and a view to the power lines. Here, the main trail bends right and continues uphill more gently. Soon, the trail crosses a saddle and starts to head down the other side of the ridge. The trail then heads down through a sharp left then right bends, then comes to another right-hand bend and an unfenced rock platform with views into the valley, Donny's view.

Donny's View

Donny's View
Donny's View is an informally named vantage point partway up Donny's Track. The unfenced rock slabs provide a view over Chaselings Run valley and swamp, down to the old Ten Mile Hollow Road. Found on the bendy section of the management trail, this view provides a good excuse to stop and take a break. To the north is a view of the high tension power lines that span this section of the park

(21km) Donny's View → Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donny's track

distance 1.5 km time 43 mins climb 53m descent -170m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Donny's view, this walk follows the old road down the hill, keeping the filtered views of 'Chaselings Run' to the left. The trail passes the base of some high-cut cliffs (on the right) and some rusty guard rails and soon comes to a locked gate. The walk passes around the locked gate and the 'Dharug National Park' sign[10], then follows a rusty guard rail to a right-hand bend. The trail then winds down the hill and, soon after passing between two old fence posts, the trail bends sharply left and passes to two more old gate posts. The trail then gently winds down the hill and comes to an intersection with the old Ten Mile Hollow Road and a sign pointing back up 'Donny's Track'[11].

(23km) Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donnys track → Fairview Homestead

distance 930 m time 18 mins climb 29m descent -24m Moderate track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill. The walk soon passes around a gate and continues a little further, passing around a swampy area to the left and immediately arriving at an intersection near a gate. The trail behind the gate leads to an old abandoned house and shed, which could provide some shelter.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk passes around the gate and follows the management trail steeply up the hill. The trail soon arrives at an old, abandoned house. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Fairview

Fairview
Fairview (550 Ten Mile Hollow Rd, Mangrove Creek) is a property with a homestead, built in 1922 by Alfred Andrews. The homestead and adjoining slab hut are now fenced to protect them, however the large corrugated iron shed on the south side is still open. The homestead was once a popular rest area for people traveling the North Road, via the Simpson track. The home was privately owned until 1973 when Gosford City Council acquired the land to protect the catchment area. The home was rented until 2002, when the tenants moved due to the threat of bushfires. The building is now in poor condition and the 'Friends of Fairview' are exploring ways to save the building and restore the history of the valley. Save Fairview More info.

(23km) Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donnys track → Upper Mangrove cemetery

distance 740 m time 15 mins climb 21m descent -27m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill. After a short distance, the walk passes a large grassy clearing to the right and a swampy area to the left. The trail meanders along the valley for some time before arriving at a historic cemetery, on the right.

Upper Mangrove Cemetery

Upper Mangrove Cemetery
The Upper Mangrove Cemetery is on the western bank of Mangrove Creek, near the junction with Newmans Creek. The cemetery was part of St Thomas' Church of England, however the church building was destroyed in the 2002 bushfires. Exploring the cemetery gives a glimpse into the history of the valley. You will find the stone remembering Alfred and Amanda Andrews who built 'Fairview' in 1922 and read of the loss of Leslie Starkey's parents in 1913. On the other side of the road, up the hill, is the remains of of the old St Thomas' Church building[13]. More info.

(24km) Upper Mangrove cemetery → Int of Dubbo Gully Rd and Upper Mangrove Creek Rd

distance 1.1 km time 22 mins climb 33m descent -36m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the cemetery, the walk follows the management trail (Ten Mile Hollow Rd) up the hill, leaving the cemetery on the right, and soon passes under some high voltage power lines. The walk then meanders along the road for some time, passing some old orange trees on the right and an old '134' sign on the left. Some distance later, the walk crosses an old timber bridge and arrives at the signposted intersection with the 'Upper Mangrove Creek Rd' (with a shorter bridge to the left).

(25km) Int of Dubbo Gully Rd and Upper Mangrove Creek Rd → Dubbo Gully Rd car park

distance 2.5 km time 1 hr 2 mins climb 277m descent -104m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill (now Dubbo Gully Rd). The trail winds up the hill for a long while through some beautiful scenery, including some great rock formations and overhangs. The walk then passes around a gate and continues a little further up the hill to reach a small car park on the left (on Dubbo Gully Rd, a short distance off Waratah Rd, about 4km west of Mangrove Mountain).

Maps for the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully 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.

Mangrove1:25 000 Map Series91313N MANGROVENSW-91313N
Lower Portland1:25 000 Map Series90312S LOWER PORTLANDNSW-90312S
St Albans1:25 000 Map Series90312N ST ALBANSNSW-90312N
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131
St Albans1:100 000 Map Series9031 ST ALBANS9031

Cross sectional view of the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Great North Road and Dubbo Gully

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully

Altitude analysis for Great North Road and Dubbo Gully

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.

Length27.3 km
Time2 Days
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

15km of this walk has short steep hills and another 8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (3.9km) is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 18km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

12km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 10km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (6km) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

15km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 10km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (2.3km) requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 27km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 16km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 12km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully walk.

Hangmans Rock

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Hangmans Rock

A relatively short walk with some really nice scenery and some of the historic highlights of the Old Great North Road. This walk climbs part of the well formed Devines Hill ascent. The remnants of the convict built road are impressive and there are good information signs along the trail. The visible

Total climbing: 176m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Devines Hill

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

Devines Hill

A great walk with some really nice scenery and plenty of history. This walk follows the well formed Devines Hill ascent portion of the Old Great North Road. The convict built road is impressive and there are good information signs along the trail. The visible remnants of the Old Great North Road inc

Total climbing: 257m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Shepherds Gully and Devines Hill

4 km One way, 2 hrs

Shepherds Gully and Devines Hill

A great one-way walk which offers some beautiful scenery in the moist and shaded parts of Shepherds Gully, some bigger views on Devines Hill and plenty of Old Great North Road history. There are plenty of information signs along the way giving some good background on the convict build roads, making

Total climbing: 257m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Shepherds Gully

4.3 km Return, 2 hrs

Shepherds Gully

The long, gentle climb along Shepherd's Gully has some beautiful scenery and some historic remnants of the Old Great North Road. While the remnants of the road construction are not as impressive as those on the main Devines Hill ascent, they are still interesting. The optional side trip to Hangmans

Total climbing: 244m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Dubbo Gully to Upper Mangrove Cemetery

7.2 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

Dubbo Gully to Upper Mangrove Cemetery

An interesting walk with some great scenery, going to the small and interesting, historic cemetery at Upper Mangrove. Evidence of Aboriginal activity in the area stretches back at least 5000 years. Early European settlement in the area was concerned with timber, and produce farming, before the area

Total climbing: 450m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit

9.9 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit

A great walk with a mixture of historic remnants of the Old Great North Rd, and some beautiful views over the Hawkesbury river and other valleys. Most of this walk follows parts of the convict built road, and a number of information signs along the way give a good insight into the construction and h

Total climbing: 547m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Dubbo Gully and Ten Mile Hollow Circuit (via Clares Bridge)

24.3 km Circuit, 2 Days

Dubbo Gully and Ten Mile Hollow Circuit (via Clares Bridge)

This two day (or ten hour) walk follows several historic roads, now closed to traffic. Starting with a walk down to Dubbo Gully and past an old cemetery, you will then explore some old farms before coming to Simpsons Track. Here, head up the hill to come to the Ten Mile Hollow Campsite. The next

Total climbing: 1117m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Western Commission Track to Dubbo Gully

28.3 km One way, 2 Days

Western Commission Track to Dubbo Gully

This two day walk follows a series of historic roads along clear and wide management trails. This walk explores the great views from Western Commission Track, the sandstone handicraft on the Old Great North Road and the farming history of Ten Mile Hollow, and also offers a side trip to Clare's Bridg

Total climbing: 1249m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully walk.

Finchs Line viewpoint

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs 15 mins

Finchs Line viewpoint

This pleasant walk follows part of the historic Finchs Line road, the original route for the Great North Road up the hills just north of Wisemans Ferry. The walk starts in moist, fern covered scenery and climbs to drier forest and some stunning views over the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry area

Total climbing: 373m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

11km Circuit

8.2 km Circuit, 4 hrs 15 mins

11km Circuit

This excellent circuit walk offers a lot of beautiful scenery and views. Although shorter than the name suggests, it is a reasonably tough walk, with some steep rocky sections. The sections in the gullies and valleys are mostly very moist with lots of ferns, while the higher sections are through dri

Total climbing: 634m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Grass Tree circuit

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Grass Tree circuit

This beautiful circuit walk goes through a range of dry and wet forest along the valley, and offers some great views. There are plenty of grasstrees along the way to add to the scenery and the creek crossings are very picturesque. The optional side trip adds some beautiful rock overhangs to the scen

Total climbing: 109m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

248 Track

8.3 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

248 Track

A nice walk through Popran National Park with good views along the way. The optional side trip to Mt Olive adds some great views and scenery. If you have a car with good ground clearance, you could drive to Ironbark picnic area and start the walk from there.

Total climbing: 255m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Emerald Pool circuit from Ironbark Rd

10.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 15 mins

Emerald Pool circuit from Ironbark Rd

A great circuit walk in Popran National Park, to the beautiful Emerald Pool. This walk passes through a variety of vegetation and offers some great views along the way. Emerald Pool is a really beautiful spot and it is well worth spending some time exploring around the creek. The optional side trips

Total climbing: 344m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Ironbark Rd to Glenworth Valley

10.1 km Return, 4 hrs 15 mins

Ironbark Rd to Glenworth Valley

This walk, mostly in Popran National Park, passes through a great variety of scenery and beautiful views. The early part of the walk, along a ridgetop, is through relatively dry forest with some great views, while the steep but beautiful descent to Glenworth Valley is through moist, fern filled fore

Total climbing: 492m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Mt Olive

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

Mt Olive

A very nice walk to a viewpoint on top of Mt Olive, in Popran National Park. The walk passes through nice forest, and offers good views over Popran National Park from the top of Mt Olive. If you have a car with good ground clearance, you could drive to the picnic area, making the walk shorter.

Total climbing: 151m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Somersby Falls

426 m Return, 20 mins

Somersby Falls

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Somersby Store to Ourimbah Valley Trackhead

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Somersby Store to Ourimbah Valley Trackhead

Starting with a walk through the streets of urban Somerbsy, you soon leave the farms and head into Palm Grove Nature Reserve. First you will follow the signposted track down the open dry ridge to the dense rainforest. In this valley you can explores the moist rainforest with towering Eucalypts, Str

Total climbing: 194m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Somersby Store to Greta Road

21.1 km One way, 8 hrs

Somersby Store to Greta Road

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Somersby General Store and winds north, through the Jilliby State Conservation Area, and finishes at the corner of Greta Road and Cherry Lane. At just under 20km, this full day walk explores the Palm Grove, Hidden Valley and Ourimba Creek tracks,

Total climbing: 924m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Somersby to the Basin Campsite

47.4 km One way, 3 Days

Somersby to the Basin Campsite

This three day walk starts at the Somersby General Store and follows the Great North Walk, heading north, into the the Jilliby State Conservation Area where the first nights campsite is at Stringy Bark Point. The walk continues north, out of the Conservation Area, to Yarramalong for the second night

Total climbing: 2032m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Dharug National Park

Named after the traditional custodians (the Darug People), this park has much history and some great sandstone formations. The wildflowers in spring add a wonderful touch of colour to the bushland. The Old Great North Road including its quarries, bridges and other features improves access and provides a great deal of interest for visitors. Close to Sydney and Gosford, it feels like stepping back in time when visiting this park.

Yengo National Park

Yengo National park is a large and seemingly remote park. The park stretches from Wisemans Ferry to near Singleton. The park is bound by Putty Rd (and Wollemi NP) on the west. The park has been subject to logging in the past, particularly around Mount Yengo. Much of the park is difficult to access, increasing the sense of wilderness. Yengo NP is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area and is home to sections of the Old Great North Road.

Mcpherson State Forest

Mcpherson State Forest is a forest found west of Wyong on the NSW central Coast. The forest surrounds Mangrove Creek, just south of the Dam and boarders with Yengo National Park.

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