Somersby Store to Greta Road

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8 hrs

21.1 km One way

924 m

Hard track

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, winding around the Tuggerah Lake field archery range and following the outside edge of a farming property.

Somersby Store

Somersby Store offers a good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc and cold drinks. Opening hours are 6am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). There is a pay phone and a bus stop however services are limited to two buses a day. Contact details are (02)4372 1269, at 841 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby, NSW 2250. The store owners are happy for you to phone ahead. If you are a large group you can order ahead to save the stress. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock.

(0km) Somersby Store → End of Kilkenny Road

2.6 km

48 mins

54m

-69m Moderate track

From the Somersby Store[1], this walk heads north, gently downhill along the side of 'Wisemans Ferry Rd', past the public toilet[2]. After about 120m, this walk crosses an on-ramp[3] then heads over the bridge[4] crossing Peats Ridge Road, then past another on-ramp[5]. The walk continues along Wisemans Ferry Rd for about 700m to then turn sharp right at the three-way intersection[6], onto 'Dog Trap Rd'[7]. Just over 100m along Dog Trap Rd, this walk turns left into 'Kilkenny Rd'[8]. The walk follows Kilkenny Rd past the rural properties[9] for about 1.2km, where the walk continues along the now dirt road[10]. About 50m after becoming dirt, the road leads across a rock ford[11] that can be extremely slippery when wet. The walk continues up along the dirt road[12] for another 300m to come to the end of the road and a 'Great North Walk' sign[13], beside 'Illawong' (farm).

(3km) End of Kilkenny Road → creek crossing

1.4 km

32 mins

11m

-207m Hard track

Continue straight: From the northern end of Kilkenny Road next to 'Illawong' (farm)[14], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[15] along the management trail, between the two farms[16]. After about 300m, the trail leads to a clearing[17], where this walk turns right to follow the GNW arrow post along track beside the fence line[18] (keeping the paddock on your right) for about 70m. The walk then turns left and follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[19] down the hill. The track leads steeply at first[20] and become progressively less steep as the walk heads down the ridge line, until almost flattening out[21] about 400m after leaving the farm. The track then bends left and winds steeply down the side of the ridge, down a series of rock steps[22] for about 600m, leading into a dense moist rain forest. The track passes some wonderful examples of bird's nest ferns (Asplenium australasicum)[23] before the last little walk down to the rocky intermittent creek[24]. This walk then crosses the creek in the mossy, cool and moist valley[25].

(4km) creek crossing → Palm Grove Campsite intersection

1 km

28 mins

114m

-25m Hard track

Continue straight: From beside the creek[26], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[27] uphill, using the series of rock steps[28]. The track leads uphill, passing some notably large trees[29] over about 120m to then turn right onto a leafy trail[30]. Here the walk crosses an ephemeral creek[31] then continues along the leafy trail in the shaded rainforest[32]. After about 250m, the walk turns left, following the 'Great North Walk' sign[33] gently up along a narrow track for about 60m to pass a large strangler fig tree[34]. Just past the fig, this track begins to climb steeply up a series of rock steps[35] and switch-backs[36] for about 100m to pass along side a rock wall[37] (on your right). Just past the rock wall, this walk ducks under a fallen tree[38] then continues steeply (into the more open forest) up more rock steps[39] and switchback for another 250m, where the track flattens out and comes to the signposted 'Walker Register' tube[40]. After leaving your comments, and having a bit of a read of other people's adventures, this walk turns right and follows the GNW arrow post[41] along the top of the ridge, through a clearing[42]. Here the walk start to lead down along the top of the ridge[43] for about 150m to come to a three-way intersection[44], marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts (just before a campsite[45], ahead).

(5km) Palm Grove Campsite intersection → Ourimbah Valley Trackhead

990 m

24 mins

15m

-143m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west, gently down off the side of the ridge[46] (initially keeping the campsite track down to your right). The track leads down along the side of the ridge[47] for about 150m before leading much more steeply down a series of rock steps[48] for about 200m. The track mostly flatten out just before passing a tall fig growing over a large boulder[49] (on your right). Here the track winds more gently downhill for about 150m to pass a couple cabbage palms (Livistona australis)[50], then continues to wind fairly steeply down for another 400m where the track mostly flattens out again[51]. Near the end of this 400m, the track leads through a short weedy section before heading down a short embankment[52] to a T-intersection with the dirt Ourimbah Creek Rd[53], marked with a large 'Ourimbah Valley Trackhead' sign[54].

(6km) Ourimbah Valley Trackhead → Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd

1.8 km

32 mins

30m

-25m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the 'Ourimbah Valley Trackhead'[55] (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[56] then the road mostly flattens out, winding among the rural properties for almost 300m to pass a 'Palm Grove Nature Reserve' sign[57] and a few 'Hidden Valley' signs[58]. 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)[59] then cross the flat timber road bridge[60]. After about 400m, the road leads under some high tension power lines[61] then after another 150m of winding past the rural properties[62], this walk passes a timber 'Hidden Valley' private property shelter[63] 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[64].

(8km) Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd → Forty Acres

2 km

36 mins

39m

-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[65]. 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[66], just before the gates of 'Forty Acres' property[67].

(10km) Forty Acres → Stringy Bark Point

1.8 km

33 mins

43m

-33m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[68] north-east along the clear trail. This trail gently undulates along the side of Ourimbah Creek[69] (which is down the steep bank on your right) for about 1.6km, then passes a campsite with a metal fireplace[70] (on your right). Here the walk continues along the trail for about 100m to head past a track[71] (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[72] at the end of the trail (marked with a timber and metal footbridge[73] on the right).

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.

(12km) Stringy Bark Point → Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south

1.8 km

53 mins

237m

-42m Hard track

Veer right: From Stringy Bark Point campsite[74], this walk heads across the timber and metal footbridge[75] (with a small mossy canyon on your right[76]). Once on the other side of the bridge, the old trail gently undulates west through the bush[77] for about 300m where this walk turns right following a GNW arrow post down a few rock steps[78]. The distinct track leads fairly steeply down to find, then cross, the perennial Ourimbah Creek[79]. 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[80] to then come to a large ant hill[81]. The track now leads uphill for about 250m to pass some cabbage palms (Livistona australis)[82]. The track starts to climb steeply again for about 150m, up some stone steps[83] (and past a rock with a view[84]) 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[85]. Here the walk veers left and follows this old trail steeply uphill[86] for about 130m, before turning left at another GNW arrow post[87]. This track soon bends sharp right and leads up some stone steps[88] then comes to an intersection[89] (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[90] for about 300m and comes to an T-intersection with the dirt Tooheys Rd[91], marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[92].

(14km) Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south → Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road north

2.3 km

52 mins

139m

-67m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Camping Area' sign[93] 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[94]. Just over 100m past this sign, the road leads up to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[95], and the signposted GNW track (on your left)

(16km) Int of Old GNW track and Tooheys Rd → Archers Campsite

160 m

3 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[96] uphill along the wide dirt road. After about 30m, the road bends right[97] (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'[98] (on your left) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

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[99][100] and shed used for hanging shower water bags[101][102]. The large open camping area has a few existing fire scars[103] and a few flat grassy areas. (There are other facilities 150m further north along the dirt trail at the club house.)

(16km) Int of GNW and Tooheys Road north → Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek

1.9 km

48 mins

106m

-174m Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Yarramalong' sign[104] along the narrow track (away from the dirt road) following a small ridge[105]. After about 50m this walk turns right, following a GNW arrow post[106] off the side of the ridge. The track now leads down along the side of the hill through the wooded forest[107] mostly fairly gently downhill for 500m to cross a small (usually dry) gully[108]. The track continues a little steeper down the hill among the gymea Lilie and eucalypt forest[109] for just over 150m to pass a notable termite mound[110]. 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[111]. Here the walk crosses Dead Horse Creek[112] (this creek may become impassable after prolonged or heavy rain), then follows the GNW arrow post [113] 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[114]. 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[115].

(18km) Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek → Int of GNW and Cherry Lane

1.5 km

30 mins

53m

-26m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the high tension powerline tower[116], this walk heads uphill along the widening track[117], initially keeping the tower on your left. After 200m this walk turns left at an intersection[118] marked with a "private Property" sign[119], following a GNW arrow post[120]. This walk continues along the track through the scribbly gum forest[121] for about 70m to then continue straight ahead at four-way intersection[122] (with a wider trail)[123]. 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[124] (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[125]. From here, this walk continue straight, following the track along the side of the fence (keeping the fence to your right[126]) for 400m where the track leads under a set of high tension power lines[127], beside some farm land[128]. Continuing along the fence line the track soon leads across a section of timber duckboard[129] then after another 100m crosses a small flat timber bridge (over a small sandy creek)[130]. Just another 80m later the track leads up to a locked gate[131] and to a T-intersection with Cherry Lane, marked with a few GNW arrows[132].

(19km) Int of Great North Walk and Cherry Lane → Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane

1.4 km

27 mins

54m

-15m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[133], this walk follows the GNW arrow post gently uphill[134] along Cherry Lane, a gravel road. After 800m this walk continues straight ahead passing an intersection at the top of the hill[135]. From here the road leads downhill for about 400m to pass a notable dam close to the road[136] (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'[137] marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[138] (on your right).

(21km) Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane → Int of Greta Road and power line service trail

430 m

9 mins

29m

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[139], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[140] gently uphill along the grassy verge (under the power lines) keeping Greta Road just to your left[141]. After 120m this walk crosses a driveway[142] 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[143] intersection beside a locked gate and style[144].

Maps for the Somersby Store 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.

Kulnura	1:25 000 Map Series	91314S KULNURA	NSW-91314S
Mangrove	1:25 000 Map Series	91313N MANGROVE	NSW-91313N
Wyong	1:25 000 Map Series	91312N WYONG	NSW-91312N
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Somersby Store to Greta Road bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Somersby Store to Greta Road

Altitude analysis for Somersby Store 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.

		Length	21.1 km
		Time	8 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		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

10km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 9km 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 4.4km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 4.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 4.3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 6km is clearly signposted. The remaining (4.3km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 6km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (4.8km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

17km 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 storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (1.9km) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

12km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (3.3km) 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 Somersby Store to Greta Road walk.

Somersby Store to Ourimbah Valley Trackhead

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Forest Road

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

15 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Hard track

Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

17 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Somersby to Yarramalong via Stringy Bark Point

26.7 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Somersby to the Basin Campsite

47.4 km One way, 3 Days

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

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Somersby Store to Greta Road walk.

Strickland Falls

1.7 km Return, 45 mins

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

Moderate track

Strickland Falls and Cabbage Tree loop

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Moderate track

Cabbage Tree Trail

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Stoney Creek Trail

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Strickland Falls Loop Trail

1.8 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Strickland Tour

8.1 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

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

Moderate track

Arboretum Loop Trail

2.3 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Bellbird Trail

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

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

Moderate track

Somersby Falls

426 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts from the Somersby Falls picnic area and follows the series of waterfalls along Floods Creek. The picnic area provides barbeques, picnic tables, toilets and ample parking. This walk could make part of a great family day out in the area. The main falls drop onto a large rock pl

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

248 Track

8.3 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

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

Moderate track

Emerald Pool circuit from Ironbark Rd

10.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 15 mins

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

Hard track

Ironbark Rd to Glenworth Valley

10.1 km Return, 4 hrs 15 mins

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

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Somersby Store to Greta Road walk starts at the Somersby Store (gps: -33.358078, 151.29029)

Bus. A bus service runs along Wisemans Ferry Rd passing Somersby store. The service runs between Gosford and Spencer only a few times a day. Please check timetable for more info or Phone Busway on (02) 4368 2277. The bus only picks passengers up from Somersby to head to Gosford on the morning runs. (get details)

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

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

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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