Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

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Time 5 hrs 30 mins
One way 15 km One way
Climb 730 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
This pleasant walk explores the rural valleys and a beautiful section of Jilliby State Conservation Area. Starting at Ourimbah Valley Trackhead you walk into Hidden valley along the dirt road, to then follow a trail beside Ourimbah Creek to Stringy Bark Point. This is a pleasant mossy area with many ferns and near a wide sandy section of Ourimbah Creek. A bit further on you cross Ourimbah Creek then walk up the ridge to the dirt Tooheys Road. After turning off the old Tooheys Rd the Great North Walk leads along a narrow track and across the mossy and delightful Dead Horse Creek. The track then meanders through a heath and scribbly gum forest to Cherry Lane. After about a 1.5km road slog this walk leads you to a GNW trackhead on Great Rd.
Ourimbah Valley Trackhead sign on the north side of Palm Grove NR Ourimbah Valley Trackhead sign on Ourimbah Creek Rd Bridge on Ourimbah Creek Road Near Palm Grove NR Walking along Ourimbah Creek Road beside Hidden Valley Hidden valley ranch Crossing the Creek near at Wombats End Enjoying the open farm land along Ourimbah Creek Road beside Hidden Valley A horse at Hidden Valley Horses at Hidden Valley Hidden Valley Y-intersection and gate near Platapus Creek Ln Walking along the Ourimbah Creek Road Trail Intersection at Forty Acers Ourimbah Creek Cabage Palms on trail beside Ourimbah Creek Tall trees near Stringy Bark Point Ourimbah Creek beside the trail Formal Campsite near Sringy Bark Point Forest at Stringy Bark Point Campsite near bridge at Stringy Bark Point Bridge over small creek at Stringy Bark Point Fern tree and steep gully near Stringy Bark Point campsite Walking along the old trail west of Stringy Bark Point Stone steps near the old trail west of Stringy Bark Point Crossing Ourimbah Creek west of Stringy Bark Point Ourimbah Creek Dense forest north of Ourimbah Creek Mossy rocks and tall forest north of or Ourimbah Creek Livistona australis The wide track in the tall forest Walking up the side of the hill Intersection with Tooheys Rd Walking along Tooheys Road Tooheys Road winding through the tall eucalypt forest Archers Campsite Intersection of the GNW and Tooheys Rd Walking along the GNW west of Tooheys Rd Pleasant forest west of Tooheys Rd Thick forest just east of Dead Horse Creek Dead Horse Creek Dead Horse Creek Fungus growing near Dead Horse Creek Walking along the Dead Horse Creek valley Life at the macro level near Dead Horse Creek The GNW on the western side of Dead Horse Creek West of Dead Horse Creek High tension powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek Walking through the scribbly gum forest east of Cherry Lane on the Great North Walk Fringe Lilly on the GNW east of Cherry Ln Enjoying the wildlife on the GNW east of Cherry Lane Great North walk in open heath east of Cherry Lane Myrtle Rust infestation on the GNW Walking behind some farm land just east of Cherry Ln Passing an open paddock Small bridge over creek just east of Cherry Ln Walking along Cherry Ln Farm land along Cherry Ln Intersection of Cherry Ln and Greta Rd GNW beside Greta Rd GNW trackhead at the top of the hill on Greta Rd

(0km) Ourimbah Valley Trackhead → Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd

distance 1.8 km time 32 mins climb 30m descent -25m Easy track
From the 'Ourimbah Valley Trackhead'[1] (on Ourimbah Creek Rd), this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign downhill along the dirt road. The road soon leads down and across a flat timber vehicle bridge[2] then the road mostly flattens out, winding among the rural properties for almost 300m to pass a 'Palm Grove Nature Reserve' sign[3] and a few 'Hidden Valley' signs[4]. The walk continues along the road for about 700m then comes to the intersection in front of the Hidden Valley property (on your left, not far before another road bridge). This walk continues straight, gently downhill along the wide dirt road to almost immediately pass 'Wombats End' (private road)[5] then cross the flat timber road bridge[6]. After about 400m, the road leads under some high tension power lines[7] then after another 150m of winding past the rural properties[8], this walk passes a timber 'Hidden Valley' private property shelter[9] and water tank (on your right). A further 100m along the road past this shelter, the walk veers left (ignoring 'Platypus Creek La') to come to a locked gate with a 'Road Closed' sign[10].

(2km) Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd → Forty Acres

distance 2 km time 36 mins climb 39m descent -43m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the gate (near the intersection of Ourimbah Creek Road and Platypus Creek La), this walk heads up around the locked gate and follows the Ourimbah Creek Rd trail along the side of the valley for about 800m, where it crosses a culverted creek[11]. From here, the walk continues along the clear trail as it gently undulates alongside Ourimbah Creek (which is down the steep bank on your right) for about 1.2km until coming to a three-way intersection, marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[12], just before the gates of 'Forty Acres' property[13].

(4km) Forty Acres → Stringy Bark Point

distance 1.8 km time 33 mins climb 43m descent -33m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[14] north-east along the clear trail. This trail gently undulates along the side of Ourimbah Creek[15] (which is down the steep bank on your right) for about 1.6km, then passes a campsite with a metal fireplace[16] (on your right). Here the walk continues along the trail for about 100m to head past a track[17] (on your right, that leads down to the sandy creek) and continues along the main trail for another 150m to come to large clearing and campsite, Stringy Bark Point[18] at the end of the trail (marked with a timber and metal footbridge[19] on the right).

Stringy Bark Point

Stringy Bark Point
This campsite is in a small clearing at Stringy Bark Point, just on the southern side of the bridge. This campsite provides room for a small campfire and a few tents. Water is usually available from the creek running by the campsite, please treat before drinking.

(6km) Stringy Bark Point → Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south

distance 1.8 km time 53 mins climb 237m descent -42m Hard track
Veer right: From Stringy Bark Point campsite[20], this walk heads across the timber and metal footbridge[21] (with a small mossy canyon on your right[22]). Once on the other side of the bridge, the old trail gently undulates west through the bush[23] for about 300m where this walk turns right following a GNW arrow post down a few rock steps[24]. The distinct track leads fairly steeply down to find, then cross, the perennial Ourimbah Creek[25]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side, the track leads up the bank then gently up through the dense, leafy forest for about 50m, following a series of GNW arrow posts. The track then starts to lead steeply uphill for about 100m and leaves the dense forest, climbing up onto the more open ridge. Here the track mostly flattens out, leading over a rocky area[26] to then come to a large ant hill[27]. The track now leads uphill for about 250m to pass some cabbage palms (Livistona australis)[28]. The track starts to climb steeply again for about 150m, up some stone steps[29] (and past a rock with a view[30]) to where the track mostly flattens out again for about 60m, coming to a three-way intersection that is marked with a GNW arrow post[31]. Here the walk veers left and follows this old trail steeply uphill[32] for about 130m, before turning left at another GNW arrow post[33]. This track soon bends sharp right and leads up some stone steps[34] then comes to an intersection[35] (with the same old trail). Here the walk leads gently uphill for about 30m, over the a rise (ignoring the faint track on your right), after which the track leads gently down through the tall forest[36] for about 300m and comes to an T-intersection with the dirt Tooheys Rd[37], marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[38].

(7km) Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south → Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road north

distance 2.3 km time 52 mins climb 139m descent -67m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Camping Area' sign[39] north, down along the wide dirt road. The road soon crosses a saddle and starts to lead uphill, then meanders (quite steeply in places) along the ridge and through a variety of forests for about 2.2km, before passing a 'Caution Archery In Progress At Any Time - Keep to the Main Track' sign[40]. Just over 100m past this sign, the road leads up to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[41], and the signposted GNW track (on your left)

(10km) Int of Old GNW track and Tooheys Rd → Archers Campsite

distance 160 m time 3 mins climb 1m descent -3m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[42] uphill along the wide dirt road. After about 30m, the road bends right[43] (ignoring the trail on the left) and leads gently up for about 150m to pass below the campsite, then come to the signposted intersection with the 'Camping Area'[44] (on your left) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Archers Campsite

Archers Campsite
This informally named campsite is found in Jilliby State Conservation Area, and is used regularly by members of the Tuggerah Lake Field Archers club. This is a basic campsite with a water tank[45][46] and shed used for hanging shower water bags[47][48]. The large open camping area has a few existing fire scars[49] and a few flat grassy areas. (There are other facilities 150m further north along the dirt trail at the club house.)

(10km) Int of GNW and Tooheys Road north → Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek

distance 1.9 km time 48 mins climb 106m descent -174m Hard track
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Yarramalong' sign[50] along the narrow track (away from the dirt road) following a small ridge[51]. After about 50m this walk turns right, following a GNW arrow post[52] off the side of the ridge. The track now leads down along the side of the hill through the wooded forest[53] mostly fairly gently downhill for 500m to cross a small (usually dry) gully[54]. The track continues a little steeper down the hill among the gymea Lilie and eucalypt forest[55] for just over 150m to pass a notable termite mound[56]. About 150m past this mound the track starts to zig zag and head more steeply downhill for yet another 150m to come to the cool and mossy Dead Horse Creek[57]. Here the walk crosses Dead Horse Creek[58] (this creek may become impassable after prolonged or heavy rain), then follows the GNW arrow post [59] up the side of the hill. The track initially zig zags steeply then more gently up as it generally contours north along the side of the hill for about 250m to cross a small gully and often dry side creek[60]. The track continues along the side of the main valley through the cool and dense wooded forest for just over 250m (where there are a few sections of faint track). Here the track starts to veer left and climb the side, of the valley quiet steeply at times for around 400m, where the forest becomes dryer and more open until the track leads to the side of a large high tension power-line tower[61].

(12km) Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek → Int of GNW and Cherry Lane

distance 1.5 km time 30 mins climb 53m descent -26m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the high tension powerline tower[62], this walk heads uphill along the widening track[63], initially keeping the tower on your left. After 200m this walk turns left at an intersection[64] marked with a "private Property" sign[65], following a GNW arrow post[66]. This walk continues along the track through the scribbly gum forest[67] for about 70m to then continue straight ahead at four-way intersection[68] (with a wider trail)[69]. From here this walk continues through the wooded forest for another 400m to where the view open up as the track passes through a 150m section of heath[70] (ignoring a few fainter side tracks). Now the track leads back through a lightly wooded forest for another 250m to come to a clear intersection with a wider management trail, at the corner of a fence[71]. From here, this walk continue straight, following the track along the side of the fence (keeping the fence to your right[72]) for 400m where the track leads under a set of high tension power lines[73], beside some farm land[74]. Continuing along the fence line the track soon leads across a section of timber duckboard[75] then after another 100m crosses a small flat timber bridge (over a small sandy creek)[76]. Just another 80m later the track leads up to a locked gate[77] and to a T-intersection with Cherry Lane, marked with a few GNW arrows[78].

(13km) Int of Great North Walk and Cherry Lane → Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane

distance 1.4 km time 27 mins climb 54m descent -15m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[79], this walk follows the GNW arrow post gently uphill[80] along Cherry Lane, a gravel road. After 800m this walk continues straight ahead passing an intersection at the top of the hill[81]. From here the road leads downhill for about 400m to pass a notable dam close to the road[82] (on your right). Now the walk leads gently up along the gravel road for another 250m to a T-intersection with the sealed 'Greta Rd'[83] marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[84] (on your right).

(15km) Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane → Int of Greta Road and power line service trail

distance 430 m time 9 mins climb 29m descent 0m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection[85], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[86] gently uphill along the grassy verge (under the power lines) keeping Greta Road just to your left[87]. After 120m this walk crosses a driveway[88] and continues along side the road for almost 250m to near the top of the hill, just before the high tension power lines. Here the walk turns left to cross the road to find a 'Great North Walk' signposted[89] intersection beside a locked gate and style[90].

Maps for the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road 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.

Kulnura1:25 000 Map Series91314S KULNURANSW-91314S
Mangrove1:25 000 Map Series91313N MANGROVENSW-91313N
Wyong1:25 000 Map Series91312N WYONGNSW-91312N
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131

Cross sectional view of the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

Altitude analysis for Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

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.

Length15 km
Time5 hrs 30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherForecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
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

7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 6km is very steep. The remaining (1.5km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.8km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 3.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.9km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 3.8km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (3.7km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 13km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.9km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.9km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road walk.

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Forest Road

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Forest Road

This pleasant walk explores the rural valleys and a beautiful section of Jilliby State Conservation Area. Starting at Ourimbah Valley Trackhead you walk into Hidden valley along the dirt road, to then follow a trail beside Ourimbah Creek to Stringy Bark Point. This is a pleasant mossy area with many

Total climbing: 528m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

17 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

This walk follows the Great North Walk from Greta road to the Cedar Brush track head, via the Bumble Hill Dray track and the Yarramalong General Store. While most of this walk is on the road, it does provide a good, mostly level bushwalk and a great stroll along a quiet country road, through a pleas

Total climbing: 547m

Grade 4
  • Car

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 Yarramalong via Stringy Bark Point

26.7 km One way, 2 Days

Somersby to Yarramalong via Stringy Bark Point

This section of the Great North Walk starts form the Somersby General Store and follows the Great North Walk north into the Jilliby State Conservation Area to Stringy Bark Point campsite. On day two, the walk continues north through the forest and around the back of some farmland to Cherry Lane, and

Total climbing: 1201m

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road walk.

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

Strickland Falls

1.7 km Return, 45 mins

Strickland Falls

This walk from the Banksia picnic area, to the Strickland Falls, includes a fantastic variety of forest scenery. The falls themselves are often just a trickle, although the scenery in the area makes the walk well worthwhile. The cliff lines and boulders around the falls are interesting and there are

Total climbing: 87m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Strickland Falls and Cabbage Tree loop

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Strickland Falls and Cabbage Tree loop

This excellent loop walk combines the Strickland Falls and Cabbage Tree loop walks. The walk starts in the dry eucalypt forest around the Banksia Picnic Area and soon descends into lush green rainforest remnants, filled with ferns and cabbage tree palms. The walk includes some great scenery along th

Total climbing: 221m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Cabbage Tree Trail

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Cabbage Tree Trail

A beautiful walk from the Banksia picnic area. This walk starts in the dry eucalypt forest, typical of the hilltops in the area, and descends to areas of lush forest, filled with cabbage tree palms and ferns. Some interesting boulder outcrops and the great variety of vegetation just add to the scene

Total climbing: 115m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Stoney Creek Trail

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

Stoney Creek Trail

An excellent walk, spending much of its time in the shaded, rainforest-filled valleys of the Strickland State Forest. From the dry eucalypt forest around the Banksia picnic area, the walk soon descends into moist forest, filled with ferns and cabbage tree palms. You could make this a return walk by

Total climbing: 58m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Strickland Falls Loop Trail

1.8 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Strickland Falls Loop Trail

A loop walk with plenty of excellent scenery. The walk starts in the dry eucalypt forest around the Banksia Picnic Area and soon descends into lush green rainforest remnants, filled with ferns and cabbage tree palms. The walk includes some great scenery along the base of the cliff line and around th

Total climbing: 133m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Strickland Tour

8.1 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Strickland Tour

A grand tour of the Strickland State Forest. This great walk covers most of the established walking tracks in Strickland and enjoys much of the excellent scenery available in the area. Plenty of time is spent in the lush green, rainforest-filled valleys, and there is some really nice boulder and cli

Total climbing: 402m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Arboretum Loop Trail

2.3 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Arboretum Loop Trail

A very nice walk through a mixture of native (regrowth) forest and one of Australia's oldest arboretums. The arboretum has both native and exotic trees, with the plantings dating from 1887-1924. This walk takes you along some of the rainforest-clad creeks of Strickland State Forest, before crossing

Total climbing: 45m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Bellbird Trail

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Bellbird Trail

A great walk, passing through plenty of the Strickland rainforest, and among the tall tress of the arboretum. You are likely to have the sound of Bellbirds adding to the atmosphere along parts of this walk. There are a number of picturesque creek crossings along the way, one with a small suspension

Total climbing: 89m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Forest Road to Yarramalong

8.1 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Forest Road to Yarramalong

This section of the Great North Walk explores the rural area of Kulnura as you walk along the roads before heading along the historic Bumble Hill Dray track. This track leads you along the edge of ridge mostly through an open dry eucalypt forests and occasionally through moist ferny gullies as well

Total climbing: 336m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road walk starts at the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead (gps: -33.317427, 151.30012)

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

The Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road ends at the Int of Greta Road and power line service trail (gps: -33.240274, 151.24802)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Jilliby State Conservation Area

Ourimbah State Forest

Ourimbah State Forest is a small parcel of land west of Wyong on the NSW central Coast. The forest in on the southern boarder of Jilliby State forest and is home to a small section of the Great North Walk

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