Grass Tree Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

862 m One way

4 m

Experienced only

The Grass Tree Track links Wybung Head Rd with Frazer Beach via a ridge-top track. At the time of writing, this track was very overgrown (hence the high grade) and the trackhead difficult to find. Once on course, much of the track is clearer and quiet eroded in places. It is an interesting walk to see some diverse vegetation,noticing how it changes with altitude. At the bottom of the hill, the track emerges onto Frazer Beach before heading to the picnic area at the end of Frazer Rd.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Over grown upper end of Grass Tree Track

Looking down to Frazer beach from the Grass Tree Track

At the lower end of the Grass Tree Track

View of ocean at the from the bush on Grass Tree track

(0km) Upper end of Grass Tree Track → Bongon Lagoon

740 m

16 mins

-89m Experienced only

From the intersection (60m east of the turning area at the top of Geebung Trail[1]), this walk follows the faint Grass Tree track north over a small rise and through the dense vegetation[2]. Soon the vegetation become shorter and the distant ocean views return[3]. The track is flat for a while, then starts to head down the ridge. In places, the track is quiet eroded[4] and a few parallel tracks have formed (please try to follows the main track). As the track approaches the beach, it enters a forest of taller trees[5] and then leads to the sandy Frazer Beach, just at the bottom end of Bongon Lagoon (on the left)[6].

Frazer Beach

Frazer Beach is a 650m-wide sandy beach, facing south-east. The beach is a popular swimming area with a patrol service provided during Christmas, Easter and April School Holidays. The back of the beach is home to Bongon Lagoon[8]. Up the hill near the road is a large car park[9], several picnic tables[10], an amenities block[11] (with shower[12] and toilets[13]), an emergency phone[14] and Frazer camping ground. There is limited natural shade, but the beach is a interesting place to explore and relax.

(1km) Bongon Lagoon → Frazer Beach Picnic Area

130 m

2 mins

0m Unknow grade

Veer left: From the beach, this walk heads inland across the sand, keeping Bongon Lagoon to the left. The walk soon tends right up to the lower car park, then continues uphill along the grass to the turning loop of Frazer Beach Road (on the left) and the picnic tables and shelter on the right[16].

Frazer Beach Picnic Area

Frazer Beach Picnic Area is found at the end of Frazer Beach Rd. There is a great view[17] over the the beach and out to sea. There are a couple of sheltered tables[18] and more unsheltered tables, as well as direct access to the beach down the stairs. An amenities block[19] is just above the upper car park, as well as an emergency telephone[20].

Maps for the Grass Tree Track 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.

Catherine Hill Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	92314S CATHERINE HILL BAY	NSW-92314S
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Grass Tree Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Grass Tree Track

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	862 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited 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 740m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 130m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 740m of this walk follows a rough unclear track, whilst the remaining 130m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 740m of this walk Has no directional signs, whilst the remaining 130m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 740m of this walk requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 130m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 740m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 740m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 130m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Grass Tree Track walk.

Munmorah Coast Track

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from Campbell Dr, this walk follows the Geebung and Grass Tree tracks to Frazer Beach, with an optional sidetrip to Wybung Head. Geebung Track leads you through the low heath and past a few sweeping ocean views, and great wildflower displays in spring and summer. The side trip to Wybung He

Total climbing: 96m

Experienced only

Campbell Drive to Snapper Point

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk follows the Coast Track to Frazer Beach, along the Geebung and (overgrown) Grass Tree Tracks. From the northern end of Frazer Beach, the walk heads across the exposed rockshelf to Snapper Point Beach, then on to Snapper Point (consider tide and sea conditions before setting out). From Sna

Total climbing: 135m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Grass Tree Track walk.

Wybung Head whale viewing area

142 m Return, 5 mins

This short walk starts at the end of Wybung Head Rd, leading along the top of the ridge to a fairly large clearing with sweeping ocean views. A large sign provides some information on Marine Mammals. This is a good spot to watch migrations - northern migration from June to July and southern migrati

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Wybung Head

804 m Return, 20 mins

Wybung Head is found at the end of Wybung Head Rd. This walk leads from the car park along a wide trail to the grand views up and down the coast from the end of the headland. A narrow track finishes the walk to the tip of Wybung Head, where there are 270-degree views of the ocean, up and down the c

Total climbing: 49m

Moderate track

Palm Tree Circuit Track

609 m Circuit, 20 mins

This circuit walk explores the valley of palm trees and the dry woodland on the ridge. Starting from the back of the Palms Picnic Area, this walk follows an arrow through a palm forest then across a small creek and up a hill. At the top of the hill is an information sign, where the walk turns left

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Campbell Dr to Birdie Beach View (Geebung Track)

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk follows the Geebung Track to the sweeping views of Birdie Beach. From Campbell Dr, you will follow a management trail down to a creek where the Geebung Track narrows and winds through the heath to the top of the hill, where there is a view to Birdie Beach. The views south along Birdie Bea

Total climbing: 65m

Moderate track

Geebung Track

2.4 km One way, 1 Hr

The Geebung Track links Campbell Dr and Wybung Head Rd via a track through the heath. Forming part of a coastal walk, you will find occasional ocean views in addition to a great view of Birdie Beach about halfway. The Geebung Track is a great place to enjoy the wildflower display in spring and ear

Total climbing: 92m

Moderate track

Snapper Point

280 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk takes you from the great view of Snapper Point Sea Cave (at the end of Snapper Point Rd) along a management trail to Snapper Point. The area is very rocky and provides grand ocean views. The memorial on Snapper Point gives a good reminder to take care. There are views out over the

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

Snapper Point Beach

630 m Return, 15 mins

Snapper Point Beach is an informal name for the small beach between Frazer Beach and Snapper Point. This walk starts from the great views of the sea cave and leads out to Snapper Point. Here, the walk turns right and follows the shore to the lifebuoy, then across the rocks to the secluded beach. T

Total climbing: 24m

Experienced only

Freemans camping area to Birdie Beach

1.2 km Return, 25 mins

A short walk to access the beach from Freemans camping area. This easy walk takes campers along a wide path to Birdie Beach car park, then to Birdie Beach. The campsite is far enough back from the beach to be protected from the sea breeze, so this walk saves the longer trip via the road. Further n

Total climbing: 12m

Easy track

Timber Beach

768 m Return, 20 mins

Timber Beach is a secluded beach in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The walk starts from a short side road off Snapper Point Rd, at Timber Beach Lookout. From here, the walk follows an eroded track down the ridge, then bends left to cross a clearing and come to the back of Timber Beach. The bea

Total climbing: 67m

Hard track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Birdie Beach

444 m Return, 10 mins

Starting at Tea Tree Picnic Area, this short walk follows a beach access track to Birdie Beach. Along the way, the walk visits Bird Island Lookout, providing a great view of Bird Island, and up and down Birdie Beach. The walk continues down the timber path and steps, across the sand to the edge of

Total climbing: 18m

Easy track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Bird Island Lookout

136 m Return, 3 mins

This short walk leads from the Tea Tree car park and Picnic Area to the Bird Island Lookout. The view from the fenced platform looks up and down Birdie Beach, and out to sea to Bird Island. The walk starts from the car park and heads across the compacted dirt and gravel track, before leading up a t

Total climbing: 3m

Very easy

Caves Beach Caves Walk

904 m Return, 30 mins

Caves Beach caves are just fabulous for exploring. This walk allows you to meander along the beach, looking and exploring in the many different sized and shaped caves. There are also good tidal pools to look in, making this a great walk for families. This walk requires low tide and calm sea condi

Total climbing: 22m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Grass Tree Track walk starts at the Upper end of Grass Tree Track (gps: -33.193935, 151.61836)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Grass Tree Track ends at the Frazer Beach Picnic Area (gps: -33.187821, 151.62196)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Munmorah State Conservation Area

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a coastal park south of Catherine Hill Bay at the northern end of the NSW Central Coast. The park is blessed with some wonderful beaches popular with swimmers and surfers. You can stay overnight in either of the two well established campsites, both a short walk from the beach. The park puts on a wonderful wildflower in spring and summer each year. The park entrance gates are locked overnight and are open 5:30am to 9:00p.m during daylight savings period, 6:00am to 6:00pm outside of daylight savings time.

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