Matcham to Gosford

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Time 3 hrs 45 mins
One way 8.5 km One way
Climb 381 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Train Bus Car
no_pets
This walk starts at the bottom of Katandra Reserve and heads up the hill, exploring the ridge on the way to Gosford Station. You will visit a wide variety of plant communities and some lovely vistas over the surrounding towns and water. Along some of the secluded sections, you may forget that you are so close to houses. You will also find a few picnic areas and lookouts along the way, providing great places to rest.
Katandra Reserve entrance at Katandra Rd Katandra Rd Picnic area drive way Toilets at Katandra Rd Picnic area Katandra Rd Picnic area Katandra Rd Picnic Area info sign signs at the Katandra Rd Picnic area Lower end of Graves Walk Shaded section on Graves Walk Steps on Graves Walk Track marker on Graves Walk walking along Graves Walk Top of Graves Walk St Johns Lookout picnic area St Johns Lookout Mouat Walk Ferns and tall trees on the Mouat Walk Steep cliff beside Mouat Walk Intersection of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails Toomeys Rd Trail near dirt and rock stock pile Private gate on Toomeys Rd Trail North of Erina Trig Erina Trig locked gate beside walk Banksia Old Picnic Table and bench Track near the Mouat trail picnic table trail crossing a long saddle Dipodium punctatum (Hyacinth orchid) View across Brisbane Water Steps through cleft in the rock Near the powerline intersection Winding up through the rocks Grass trees in bloom Edward John Eyre sculpture Mouat Track Steps around the boulders Wannagan lookout Uprooted old tree Old grasstree Flannel Flower track Nice rock outcrops Meander through the rocks Very scenic walking Along the Flannel Flower walk Looking up at Dolly Ave Views over Gosford to the water Views over Gosford Charles Sturt Charles Sturt immortalised View from the Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk Grass trees and dry forest on ridge Views over Gosford area Views from Ouraka Point Views from Ouraka Point Steps below Ouraka Point Ouraka Pt path Walking information board and signpost Casuarina link trail stairs Rumbalara EEC access track Enviro Center Rumbalara EEC Rumbalara EEC looking down to Donnison St

(0km) Katandra Rd Gate → Katandra Rd picnic area

distance 70 m time 2 mins climb 5m descent 0m Easy track
From the gate (at the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave), this walk follows the sealed driveway up the hill, soon coming to the car park and information board.

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

Katandra Rd Picnic Area
The Katandra Road Picnic Area is found at the end of a short driveway (signposted at the intersection of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave, Holgate). The picnic area is in front of the ranger's residence and is open from 7am to 6pm daily. The picnic area provides some toilets, garbage bins, two picnic tables, parking and an information sign.

(0km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Behind the Rangers Residence

distance 450 m time 13 mins climb 54m descent -8m Moderate track
Turn left: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Graves Walk' and 'Lookout 1500m' signs gently downhill, initially keeping the ranger's cottage to the right. The track then heads up a long series of steps, passing a steep trail on the left (that leads to Murina Close). The walk continues up the steps to a large five-way intersection above a 'No Entry Rangers Residence' sign[1] and locked gate.

(1km) Behind the Rangers Residence → Int of Graves and Mouat Walks

distance 790 m time 22 mins climb 93m descent -3m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs up the hill to the rocky outcrop, heading directly away from the locked gate. The track heads through the rocks then along the top of the ridge, passing the number '6' post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). The track continues gently uphill until coming to an intersection with a short link track (leading to the parallel horse track).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track gently uphill, keeping the horse track on the left. The track soon bends right and heads between the timber posts, then zigzags up the hill. The track passes between more posts to a signposted intersection with the 'Mouat Walk' and a sign pointing back along 'Graves Walk'.

(1km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → St Johns Lookout

distance 320 m time 6 mins climb 9m descent -17m Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the arrows but heads away from the face of the sign gently uphill, keeping the valley to the right. The track soon opens up into a large clearing, passing the 'Mount Mouat walk' and 'Graves Walk' signs[2] and continuing for about 20m to an intersection with the signposted 'Guringai walk'[3].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign.
Continue straight: From the car park (signposted as 'Katandra' on Toomeys Rd), this walk heads across the picnic area and past the BBQ shelters, keeping the road up the hill to the left. Soon the walk comes to a sandstone footpath in front of the toilet block.
Turn right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the footpath past the information sign to the fenced and signposted 'St Johns Lookout' At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

St Johns Lookout

St Johns Lookout
This fenced lookout is found at the top of Katandra Reserve, near the toilets. The lookout was upgraded by Gosford Council in September 2009 and now provides a safer platform and easier access. From the lookout, there are extensive views south-east over Matcham, Erina Heights and Terrigal, out to the ocean. The Guringai Walk passes below the lookout - please take extra care to not drop anything from the platform.

St Johns Lookout picnic area

St Johns Lookout picnic area
St Johns Lookout picnic area is a large open area found at the top of Katandra Reserve on Toomeys Rd. The picnic area provides wheelchair accessible toilets[6], picnic tables[7], free electric BBQ's[8], parking areas[9] [10] and information boards[11]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[12] but no drinking water[13].

(1km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails

distance 1.1 km time 23 mins climb 36m descent -75m Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mouat Walk' and 'To Rumbalara Reserve' signs along the track, keeping the valley to the left. The track soon comes to a four-way intersection, with a 'Graves Track' sign and a gate visible (up the hill to the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track from behind the 'Graves Walk' sign, initially keeping the gate up the hill to the right. The track winds through the bush, crossing a small rock platform (and ignoring the side tracks), then heads down a series of timber steps. The trail winds past a few large rocks then winds up the hill to come into view of (and run parallel to) the Toomeys management trail. The track then passes over another rocky outcrop (beware of the cliff drop on the left), then down some steps to come to the wide Toomeys Management trail and an arrow pointing back up the steps.

(2km) Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails → Top of Clyde Rd trail

distance 570 m time 11 mins climb 16m descent -12m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail, keeping the valley down on the right. The trail soon bends left then, approximately 200m later, passes a stockpile of dirt and rocks (on the right). About 250m later, the trail passes a locked gate of a private residence and, just after the gate, comes to an intersection at the top of the Clyde Rd Trail.

(3km) Top of Clyde Rd trail → Erina Trig

distance 160 m time 3 mins climb 8m descent 0m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper trail south, keeping next to the fence on the right. The trail soon bends right, leaving the power lines and coming to an intersection with a track (on the left), near the corner of the fence and above a small pond (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow up the steps away from the fence. The track gently winds up the hill to the Erina Trig station, surround by trees.

Erina Trig

Erina Trig
Erina Trig station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker which was once clear of trees and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude which allows surveyors to use triangulation to determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been superseded and abandoned. More info.

(3km) Erina Trig → Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail

distance 120 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -11m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the trig point, this walk follows the track south-west down the hill, soon coming to an intersection with Toomeys Rd management trail.

(3km) Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail → Mouat trail picnic table

distance 480 m time 10 mins climb 6m descent -41m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west, down along the management trail, and soon follows a fence, on the right. The trail winds down the hill (steeply in one spot), generally next to the fence, until coming to a locked gate (on the right).
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk follows the narrower track, keeping the fence to the right. The track soon turns right (at the corner fencepost) and continues alongside the fence, passing a bench seat and unfenced view on the left. The track continues to follow the fence and soon passes another locked gate (and passes close to the management trail). Following the fence, the track soon comes to a picnic table and an unfenced view across the valley.

Mouat trail picnic table

Mouat trail picnic table
Mouat trail picnic table is found about halfway along the Mouat trail. There is an old picnic table and bench seat at the top of an unfenced cliff with filtered views over Springfield East Gosford and the Brisbane Water. A nice spot for a snack and rest.

(4km) Mouat trail picnic table → Locked gate

distance 90 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -7m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk follows the track, keeping the fence to the right. The track keeps next to the fence until bending left around a rocky outcrop then down some stairs, coming to a management trail just below a locked gate.

(4km) Locked gate → Saddle intersection

distance 180 m time 3 mins climb 3m descent -8m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail downhill, away from the gate. The trail soon flattens out and crosses a long saddle, coming to a 'Y' intersection with a walking track (on the left), marked with a timber post.

(4km) Saddle intersection → 130 Picnic table

distance 130 m time 4 mins climb 15m descent -1m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track west up the hill, keeping the wider trail below to the right. The track winds up the hill through a rock outcrop to find a picnic table next to an unfenced view across East Gosford.

130 Picnic table

130 Picnic table
The 130 Picnic table (informally named based on the height of the hill) provides a spot to stop and rest. There are views from the top of this unfenced cliff across Brisbane Water and East Gosford. The single table has some limited natural shade from the surrounding trees.

(4km) 130 Picnic table → Int west of 130

distance 200 m time 4 mins climb 0m descent -21m Hard track
Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk heads west, initially keeping the view to the left. The track heads along the top of the hill and turns left, following the arrow on the post down the hill and stairs through the cleft in the rock. The track continues down the hill, ignoring side tracks (on the right) to come to an intersection with a management trail in a fairly large clearing.

(4km) Int west of 130 → Powerline intersection

distance 360 m time 8 mins climb 12m descent -22m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail west, gently downhill, away from the rocky outcrop. The trail leads across a saddle and soon comes to an unsignposted 'Y' intersection with Bradys Gully trail (heading downhill on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail south-west up the hill, initially keeping Bradys Gully trail below to the right. The walk soon takes the left fork (ignoring another trail on the right) to another saddle, with power lines running through the middle.

(5km) Powerline intersection → Sculpture of Edward John Eyre

distance 440 m time 10 mins climb 38m descent -1m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow on the post, away from the power line, heading uphill to the south. The walk soon veers left (ignoring the wider trail on the right) and winds up the timber steps, through the rocky outcrop and follows a wire fence for a short time. The track follows the top of the ridge (with some filtered district views) until coming to a bronze sculpture of Edward John Eyre.

Edward John Eyre

Edward John Eyre
The Sculpture of Edward John Eyre is found near the southern end of the Mouat Trail in Rumbalara Reserve. Commissioned by Sara Lee Kitchens and the State Bicentennial Commission, this 1.25 scale figurative work was sculptured by Carl Merten[15]. A circular inscription at the base declares this to be 'Edward John Eyre 1815-1901'[16]. Eyre is one of Australia's more famous explorers. A father of 5, he was awarded the founder's gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society in 1847. In 1841, Eyre was appointed as resident magistrate and protector of Aborigines. He summed up his work like this - "Moorundie was a District densely populated by Natives and in which prior to 1841 no settler had ventured to locate, and where (before I was stationed there) frightful scenes of bloodshed, rapine and hostility between the Natives and Parties coming overland with Stock had been of very frequent occurrence, but where, from the time of my arrival, and up to the date of my leaving not a single case of serious injury or aggression ever took place on the part of the Natives against the Europeans, whilst the district became rapidly and extensively occupied by Settlers and by Stock". Eyre also served as lieutenant-governor for New Zealand, lieutenant-governor for St Vincent (West Indies), governor for Leeward Islands, governor for Antigua and governor-in-chief for Jamaica. More info.

(5km) Sculpture of Edward John Eyre → Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk

distance 150 m time 2 mins climb 2m descent -1m Hard track
Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, leaving the sculpture behind on the left. The trail meanders for a short distance to an intersection with a bush track, on the right (with a gate visible straight ahead).

(5km) Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk → Wannagan Lookout

distance 290 m time 6 mins climb 10m descent -7m Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the hill, leaving the nearby gate (beside the road) to the left. The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some distance, keeping the valley to the right, going up and down occasional steps before reaching the fenced Wannagan Lookout[19], with great views to the north.

Wannagan Lookout

Wannagan Lookout
The fenced Wannagan Lookout[20], on the Red Gum Walk, has great views over North Gosford. The fenced lookout sits at the top of a small cliff. Out of sight, beneath the lookout, is some great cliff and overhang scenery.

(6km) Wannagan Lookout → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk

distance 420 m time 12 mins climb 51m descent -35m Hard track
Turn left : From the lookout, this walk follows the track along the side of the hill, leaving the lookout behind to the right. The walk meanders through some good scenery for a short distance before reaching an intersection with a faint track, going down the hill to the right.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the level track, keeping the valley to the right. The track immediately passes a grasstree, to the right, and bends to the left. The track meanders for a while, with occasional steps, before winding steeply up the hill using numerous timber and stone steps. The track bends to the right at the top of a rock outcrop and continues a short distance to an intersection with a management trail.

(6km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

distance 560 m time 12 mins climb 21m descent -29m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, away from the nearby reservoir tank. After a short distance, the walk passes another management trail (to the left) and continues further, to an intersection with a track on the left (just before the management trail bends a little to the right and goes very steeply down the hill).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track, leaving the steep downhill section of the management trail to the right. The track follows under or near some power lines for a short distance, then climbs gently around the side of the hill for a while to an intersection with the road, with a 'Flannel Flower Track' signpost pointing back to 'Loop to Yaruga Picnic Area'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Yaruga Picnic Area' arrow across the road. The walk crosses the small car park, passing between some metal posts to a track junction with signposts for the 'Ironbark Loop', the 'Casuarina Track' and the 'Flannel Flower Track'.

Rumbalara Reserve

Rumbalara Reserve
Rumbalara Reserve lies just to the east of the Gosford CBD and is part of Gosford's Coastal Open Space System (COSS). There is an extensive set of well marked walking tracks within the reserve. Yaruga Picnic Area has free electric BBQs while both Yaruga and Nurrunga picnic areas have toilets, picnic tables, nearby lookouts and proximity to walking tracks. The picnic areas are accessed via Dolly Ave, Springfield, with the gate being locked at 8pm each evening[21]. The Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, at the end of Donnison St, Gosford, is one of several good access points to the walking tracks in the lower section of the reserve. More info.

(6km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

distance 320 m time 7 mins climb 3m descent -24m Moderate track
Turn left: From the junction, this walk follows the 'Ouraka Point' arrow (Casuarina Track), along the bush track, going gently down the hill. The track descends gently for a while, taking the right branch at a fork and going down the paved steps to an intersection with a management trail, with a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to the 'Nurrunga Picnic Area'.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, keeping the views of Gosford to the right. After a while, the walk reaches a sculpture of Charles Sturt, to the left.

(7km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

distance 30 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -2m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the right and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the left. After a short distance, the walk reaches an intersection, with a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to the 'Picnic Areas'.

Casuarina

Casuarina
Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas have 'delicate, slender ultimate branches and leaves that are no more than scales, making the tree look more like a wispy conifer'. There are 17 species of Casuarina 'native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean'. More info.

(7km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Ouraka Point

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent -13m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Ouraka Point' arrow along the management trail, going gently up the hill. After a short distance, the walk passes an informal, unfenced lookout area with obscured but nice views over Gosford, to the right. The walk continues a little further, passing a boulder in the middle of the trail, and arriving at the signposted 'Ouraka Point', with beautiful views over Gosford and the surrounding areas and waterways.

Ouraka Point

Ouraka Point
This picturesque spot with fantastic views over Gosford and the surrounding areas, including Brisbane Waters, is located within the Rumbalara Reserve, along the Casuarina Walk. It is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the views for a while during a walk in the reserve.

(7km) Ouraka Point → Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail

distance 200 m time 5 mins climb 0m descent -39m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Ouraka Point, this walk goes down the paved steps, keeping the views over Gosford to the right. The walk passes some large boulders (to the right) and continues down the steps before crossing over the end of a management trail and going down a metal staircase, then some sandstone steps, to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, leaving the steps behind on the right. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection marked by an information board, and a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to the 'Picnic Areas'.

(7km) Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail → Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail

distance 60 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -8m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Field Studies Centre' arrow down the steps. After a short distance, the walk goes down a metal staircase, arriving at an intersection with a management trail, and a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to the 'Picnic Areas'.

(7km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead

distance 140 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent -18m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, leaving the metal staircase behind on the right. The trail goes gently down the hill for a short distance to an unmarked intersection with a bush track (going down some wooden steps to the left).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps and immediately bends to the right. After descending a little, the track bends to the left and crosses a small bridge, then goes down some more steps to the trackhead at the back of the Rumbalara EEC buildings, with a 'Walking Trail' arrow pointing back the way you came.

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre
This centre is 'a New South Wales Department of Education and Training facility that provides environmental education and field work opportunities to students, teachers and the community of the Central Coast' . The centre is at the end of Donnison St, Gosford and is a good access point to some of the walking tracks in the adjoining Rumbalara Reserve. More info.

(7km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead → Gosford Station

distance 1 km time 19 mins climb 6m descent -38m Easy track
Turn right: From the trackhead, this walk goes across the timber deck and down the paved footpath to the nearby car park.
Turn left: From the car park, this walk heads downhill along the driveway and along Donnison St footpath (keeping the road on the left). The walk crosses Albany St, then Henry Parry Dr, then heads diagonally through Kibble Park. On the other side of Kibble Park, the walk heads through William St Mall, then turns right to follow the footpath along the Pacific Hwy. Soon after crossing Erina St, this walk heads up the stairs under the glass-covered footbridge, then crosses the bridge and road to Gosford Train Station.

Maps for the Matcham to Gosford 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.

Gosford1:25 000 Map Series91312S GOSFORDNSW-91312S
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131

Cross sectional view of the Matcham to Gosford bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Matcham to Gosford

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Matcham to Gosford

Altitude analysis for Matcham to Gosford

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.

Length8.5 km
Time3 hrs 45 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientShort steep hills (3/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
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

Around 5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 3.3km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

4.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (110m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

4.7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 2.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.3km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Matcham to Gosford walk.

St Johns Lookout

166 m Return, 10 mins

St Johns Lookout

This is a very short walk across the picnic area to the lookout - you can see the end of the walk from the start. The council has installed a sandstone footpath that arcs around the picnic area and leads to St Johns Lookout. The path also leads to picnic tables and accessible toilets. You will als

Total climbing: 13m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Tottenham Place to Wannagan Lookout

900 m Return, 30 mins

Tottenham Place to Wannagan Lookout

A steep walk from North Gosford to the top of the Rumbalara Reserve. There is some great scenery along the way, and the views from the Wannagan Lookout, back over North Gosford and the surrounding area, are great. An optional sidetrip to the bronze sculpture of Edward John Eyre adds some historic in

Total climbing: 80m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Guringai Walk

1.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

Guringai Walk

This is a surprisingly spectacular walk, following the base of the cliff below St Johns Lookout. From the car park, you will follow a gentle track through the bush before heading down some stairs to the cliff face. Handrails and timber walkways have been installed to make this walk more accessible.

Total climbing: 80m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Red Gum Walk

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

Red Gum Walk

At the time of writing, some or all of the southern leg of the Red Gum Track was closed. The walk described here returns along the road instead. Despite these changes, this is still a worthwhile walk with some nice scenery along the way. Wannagan Lookout has some great views over North Gosford and s

Total climbing: 81m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Graves Walk

1.5 km One way, 45 mins

Graves Walk

On this walk, you follow the signposted Graves Walk between the two main picnic area in Katandra Reserve. Starting near St Johns Lookout, this walk follows Graves Walking track down the ridge. You will see some valley views, open drier forest, some faint Aboriginal markings and plenty of interesti

Total climbing: 13m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Flannel Flower Track

1.6 km Circuit, 45 mins

Flannel Flower Track

A great walk with some spectacular views and nice forest scenery in the Rumbalara Reserve, near Gosford. The tracks are well formed and signposted, and there are plenty of facilities in the reserve, including free electric BBQs. This walk is very accessible from Gosford and a great way to enjoy some

Total climbing: 88m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

2.1 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

A great circuit walk, covering two of the popular walking tracks and some of the great sights in the upper section of the Rumbalara Reserve. You will enjoy some really nice forest walking and fantastic views across various parts of Gosford and the surrounding areas. Note that the entrance gate on Do

Total climbing: 107m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Ouraka Point loop

2.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Ouraka Point loop

A beautiful walk, taking in some of the scenic highlights of the lower section of the Rumbalara Reserve. The walk covers a great variety of vegetation, from quite dry eucalypt forest through to rainforest. The tracks are well formed, with a lot of steps in the steeper sections, making the walking a

Total climbing: 141m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

An extended version of the Rumbalara Reserve Rainforest Walk. After walking through some beautiful pockets of rainforest, this walk continues to the upper section of the reserve, enjoying some great views across Gosford and the surrounding areas. The sheer variety in the vegetation from the start of

Total climbing: 196m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Toomeys Walk

2.9 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Toomeys Walk

This walk is a great way to explore the diverse forests of Katandra Reserve. Starting with the views from St Johns Lookout, this walk heads through the open forest, past many mossy rocks, then heads into the valley and rainforest. On the valley floor, the walk gently meanders past some great examp

Total climbing: 135m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

An excellent walk, crossing the Rumbalara Reserve and covering plenty of the scenic highlights of the reserve. This walk goes through beautiful pockets of rainforest as well as the drier ridgetop forest, showcasing the great variety of scenery in Rumbalara. There is some steep walking along the way,

Total climbing: 228m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Rainforest Walk

3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Rainforest Walk

A great walk through some beautiful pockets of rainforest in the Rumbalara Reserve. Parts of the track are quite steep, although the well-formed track with plenty of steps makes the walking easier. As well as the beautiful rainforest scenery, this walk includes some glimpses into an old quarry at Ca

Total climbing: 192m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Upper Rumbalara circuit

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Upper Rumbalara circuit

A great circuit walk, covering most of the walking tracks and sights in the upper section of the Rumbalara Reserve. There is some really nice forest walking and plenty of spots along the way offer fantastic views across various parts of Gosford and the surrounding areas. Note that the entrance gate

Total climbing: 176m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

4.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

This walk follows a series of tracks and management trails along the top of the ridge between Katandra and Rumbalara Reserves. You will at times think you are a million miles from anywhere and other times enjoy views across the suburbs of the Central Coast and out to sea. In spring and early summe

Total climbing: 139m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Katandra Circuit

4.8 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

Katandra Circuit

This walk explores many highlights in Katandra Reserve. Starting from St Johns Lookout, this walk winds down the hill into the much denser forest of the valley, enjoy many interesting rock formations on the way. Once in the valley, you walk past some fantastic examples of strangler figs before hea

Total climbing: 308m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Katandra Reserve Explorer

5.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

Katandra Reserve Explorer

This walk is a great way to explore the many highlights of Katandra Reserve. Starting at the lower picnic area, you circumnavigate Seymour Pond via the Waterman Walk, then discover some wonderful Strangler Fig trees in the rainforest. As the walk climbs, the forest dries out a little, which opens u

Total climbing: 350m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Rumbalara Explorer

6.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

Rumbalara Explorer

Pretty well the grand tour of the Rumbalara Reserve, this walk takes in much of the great scenery the reserve has to offer. The walk covers both the lower and upper sections of the reserve and passes through the great variety of forest on show. The walk also passes three of the four bronze sculpture

Total climbing: 326m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Gosford to Lisarow

11.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Gosford to Lisarow

This walk is a great way to explore the ridge-top bushland between Gosford and Lisarow. Passing through Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves, there are several picnic area, lookouts and other facilities scattered along the way. At times you will forget you are anywhere near houses, and at other points

Total climbing: 479m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Matcham to Gosford walk.

Strangler Fig Walk

2 km Return, 1 Hr

Strangler Fig Walk

Starting from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area, you will head past Seymour Pond and along Toomey Walk to the Strangler Fig platform. You will see two magnificent examples of Strangler Fig trees - one growing on a large rock and the other forming a knotted tubular structure. A lovely walk through the den

Total climbing: 96m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Seymour Pond

890 m Return, 30 mins

Seymour Pond

This short walk takes you from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area to Seymour Pond. The pond was made to support a farm that was once in the area, and now the pond support many water birds. There is a simple picnic area and plenty of shady spots at the pond, making a nice place to sit and enjoy the birds.

Total climbing: 45m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Watermans Walk

1.6 km Circuit, 45 mins

Watermans Walk

This lovely walk start from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area and circumnavigates Seymour Pond. On this walk, you will head through a few palm-filled valleys, discover a Strangler Fig Tube (on a side trip) and are likely to see a few water birds. Take some snacks and enjoy one of the resting areas - sit q

Total climbing: 67m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Ironbark Loop

643 m Circuit, 30 mins

Ironbark Loop

A short, interesting walk in the Rumbalara Reserve, near Gosford. This short circuit walk takes in some nice scenery and a couple of the interesting bronze sculptures found in the reserve. Some short deviations from the walk take you to viewpoints with great views over Gosford and the surrounding ar

Total climbing: 29m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Sandringham Circuit

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Sandringham Circuit

Starting from Sandringham Close, this walk follows the Sandringham Track up the hill to the views from Colin Watters Lookout. After enjoying the views, you walk past the tower to the other side of the hill to the much less spectacular Nyari Lookout. From here, you follow a wide management trail dow

Total climbing: 201m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Sandringham Track

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Sandringham Track

This walk starts from Terrigal suburbia and leads up through the dry bush to the wonderful views at Colin Watters Lookout. On the way, you pass some large boulders scattered with red gums and grass trees. At the top, you will be greeted with good views over Avoca, and a picnic table encouraging you

Total climbing: 149m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Forresters Beach to Crackneck Beach

5.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

Forresters Beach to Crackneck Beach

A great walk along the boulder strewn shoreline to the unnamed beach below Crackneck Lookout. Much of this walk is very exposed to the ocean and should not be attempted at high tide or during rough seas. Plenty of rock hopping over the boulders makes the walking harder but also makes the scenery mor

Total climbing: 254m

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus

Experienced only

Warri Warri Track (via Warriwarri Lookout)

1.5 km One way, 45 mins

Warri Warri Track (via Warriwarri Lookout)

Starting on Bembooka Rd in Erina, this walk heads up the narrow Warri Warri track to Honeman's picnic area. You will visit the overgrown Warriwarri Lookout about halfway along this walk, but do not expect grand views! From the lookout, the walk follows wider trails along the much flatter ridge top t

Total climbing: 147m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

White St firetrail

991 m One way, 30 mins

White St firetrail

A surprisingly nice fire trail walk. A lot of the forest scenery along this walk is really beautiful. Much of it is very moist forest, filled with ferns. You also get a glimpse of an old quarry at Cappers Gully, adding a little historic interest to the walk.

Total climbing: 65m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

White St Rainforest loop

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

White St Rainforest loop

A very nice loop walk in the lower part of the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The walk includes a section of road but spends most time in very nice forest scenery, including pockets of the beautiful rainforest in the reserve. This walk has substantially fewer steps than some of the other walks in the r

Total climbing: 76m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Kanning Cave Walk

922 m Return, 20 mins

Kanning Cave Walk

This short walk follows a clear track to a large sandstone cave on the Kanning Walk. From the Honeman's Picnic Area, follow Kanning Walk through the bush and along the side of a long rock wall. There are several caves along the way, the main one being quiet large and tucked behind some large boulder

Total climbing: 34m

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Kanning Walk

1.3 km Circuit, 30 mins

Kanning Walk

This lovely walk is a great way to explore the bushland at the top of Kincumber Mountain. From near the main picnic area, you follow a clear track before walking along the base of a long rock wall. There are a few sandstone caves, the main one mentioned in the notes is quite large, and a nice cool

Total climbing: 38m

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Matcham to Gosford walk starts at the Katandra Rd Gate (gps: -33.415032, 151.39650)

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

The Matcham to Gosford ends at the Gosford Station (gps: -33.423480, 151.34176)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

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Park Information

Katandra Reserve

The Katandra Reserve is a protected area of bushland east of Gosford City and north of Erina. The area is part of the Hornsby Sandstone Plateau and is home to some diverse flora and fauna. There are two main picnic areas and a few great walking and horse riding tracks in the reserve as well as the St Johns Lookout. Katandra is an aborginal word meaning 'Song of Birds', the name suits this place well, with the diverse forest been home to many birds happy to share their songs with walkers.

Rumbalara Reserve

The Rumbalara Reserve is a protected area of bushland just to the east of Gosford City. The area is part of the Hornsby Sandstone Plateau and is home to some diverse flora and fauna. There are some good picnic areas and great walking in the reserve. Rumbalara is an aborginal word meaning 'rainbow', the name suits this place well, with its great range of colour in the rock and plants.

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