Abbotts Falls Walking Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

7.3 km Circuit

329 m

Hard track

This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend into a moist rainforest environment near Abbotts Falls. This is great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

Fireplace in the pines camping ground in the Watagans

Track and track marker in pines camping ground in the Watagans

Track near pines camping area in the Watagans

Waterfall near Pines camping ground in the Watagans

Dammed pool on the Pines walking track in the Watagans

Track to the Pines picnic area in the Watagans

Metal shelter at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans

Toilet block at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans

Inside the toilet at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans

Patersonia sericea flower in the Watagans

Track and creek on the way to Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Narrow track towards the Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Old broken timber bridge on the track towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Patersonia Lily Flowers and tree stump in the Watagans

Timber post near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Old yellow sign near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Steep track towards Abbotts Falls and Dora Creek in the Watagans

Track towards Dora Creek in the Watagans

Rocky track towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Forest near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Attractive epiphyte vines near Abbotts Falls

Dora Creek above Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Dora Creek looking towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Track leaving Dora Creek near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Logs over the track near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans

Intersection with German Point Rd in the Watagans

Insect on German Point Rd in the Watagans

Hibbertia Flower on German Point Rd in the Watagans

Puddle on German Point Rd in the Watagans

German Point Rd near Watagan Forest Rd in the Watagans

Track marker near German Point Rd in the Watagans

Small timber track marker in the Watagans

Looking at German Point Rd in the Watagans

Track intersection near Casuarina campsite in the Watagans

Track to Casuasina campsite in the Watagans

Toilet block at Cauuarina campsite in the Watagans

Sign to Turpentines camping area in the Watagans

Road to Turpentines campsite in the Watagans

Sitting area at the Turpentines campsite in the Watagans

Fireplace at the Turpentine campsite in the Watagans

Looking down into the creek by Turpentine campsite in the Watagans

Track down to the creek near Turpentine campsite in the Watagans

Track with exposed roots near Turpentine campsite

Timber footbridge over creek near Turpentine campsite in the Watagans

Track and bridge over creek near Pines campsite in the Watagans

Picnic area at the Pines campsite in the Watagans

The Pines Camping Area

The Pines Camping Area is large and popular, and positioned under large pine trees which provide excellent shade. These trees are remnants from trial plantings of different pine species, established in the 1920s and 1930s. The campsite has pit toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). There is access to the creek for cooling off in the summer. More info.

(0km) Pines Camping Area → Int of Pines & Abbotts Falls Track

120 m

2 mins

-9m Moderate track

From the Pines Camping area[1], this walk follows the track[2] gently downhill (passing a 'Walking Track' sign[3] on your left. Then this walk follows the track for about 30m to find a rotten timber footbridge[4]. This walk crosses the footbridge and after about 10m, comes to a T-intersection with a track.

(0km) Int of Pines and Abbotts Falls walking trails → Dammed Pool

120 m

2 mins

-8m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[5], this walk follows the track gently downhill[6], keeping the creek on your left. This walk follows the track (ignoring a creek ford[7] to the left) for about 25m, to find stone cut steps. This walk follows the track down the stone steps for about 20m to find a small waterfall[8] (on your left). The track continues gently downhill through moist forest[9] for about 80m, until coming to timber railings[10] and a dammed pool[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Dammed Pool on the Pines Walking track

The dammed pool by Dora Creek (on the Pine walking track) is surrounded by lovely moist eucalypt forest and has an attractive dammed pool. Then is also evidence of axe-sharpening rubbing grooves on damp rock shelves from historical aboriginal use. The dammed pool is on the Pines loop walk, which can be begun from either the Pines campsite or the Pines picnic area. More info.

(0km) Int of Pines and Abbotts Falls Track → Pines Picnic Area Toilet Block on Palmers Rd

470 m

10 mins

31m

-1m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[12], this walk follows the track gently uphill (keeping the creek to your right). This walk follows the track for about 140m (ignoring a timber stepped track[13] down to the creek). This walk continues to follow the track gently uphill away from the creek through large pine trees[14] for about 130m, to find the Pines Picnic Area[15] (large open area with metal shelter on the right[16]). This walk then passes through the picnic area for about 200m to the toilet block[17] on Palmers Rd.

(1km) Pines Picnic AreaToilet Block on Palmers Rd → Int of Palmers Rd & Abbotts Falls Track

370 m

6 mins

-9m Easy track

Veer left: From the toilet block[18], this walk follows a level management trail (Palmers Rd), keeping the picnic area on your left and the bush on your right. This walk follows the trail for about 400m, until coming to a large open area[19] and 'Abbots Falls Walking Trail' sign[20].

Pines picnic area

This large picnic area is often used by groups participating in Forests NSW’s school and community programs. The area provides plenty of tree cover, as well as a number of picnic benches and tables. There is a large shelter built and reserved for the Forests NSW’s programs, but is available for use at any other time. The area is surrounded by native plants and animals.

(1km) Int of Palmers Road and Abbotts Falls walking trail → Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Howes Rd

190 m

4 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn left: From the 'Abbotts Falls Walking Trail' sign[21] on Palmers Rd, this walk follows the track gently downhill, passing the sign (on your right). About 70m along the track, this walk finds another 'Abbotts Falls Walking Trail' sign[22]. This walk continues to follow the track (passing the second sign to your right) moderately steeply downhill, crossing a small creek[23] after about 45m. Then this walk continues to follow the moderately steep trail uphill for about 60m, until coming to a four-way intersection[24], with a narrow management trail[25](Howes Rd).

(1km) Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Howes Road → Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Abbotts Road

680 m

13 mins

-48m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[26], this walk follows the level track east, passing the track marker[27] (on your left). Then this walk continues to follow the track through re-growth bush[28] for about 600m, before descending moderately steeply[29] to cross a dilapidated timber bridge[30] over a dry creek. The track continues moderately steeply uphill[31] for about 60m, until coming to a T-intersection[32], with a management trail[33] (Abbotts Rd).

(2km) Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Abbotts Road → End of Abbotts Road

180 m

4 mins

13m

-5m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[34], this walk follows the management trail (Abbotts Rd) north and moderately steeply uphill[35], while keeping the red track marker on your left. This walk continues to follow the trail for about 90m (to find a highpoint on the trail). The trail continues moderately steeply downhill[36] for about 100m, until coming to the end of the management trail[37] (Abbotts Rd) and a track marker[38] (on the right).

(2km) End of Abbotts Road → Abbotts Falls Track (near Dora Creek)

400 m

13 mins

-113m Hard track

Turn right: From the end of Abbotts Rd[39], this walk follow the track steeply downhill[40] (passing a track marker[41] on the left). The walk continues to follow the track through switch backs and thick forest[42] (with views on the left[43]) for about 400m, until coming to a red metal track marker[44] (with Dora Creek[45] 20m beyond the marker).

(2km) Abbotts Falls Track (near Dora Creek) → Dora Creek

340 m

8 mins

15m

-32m Moderate track

Veer left: From the red metal track marker[46] (with Dora Creek 20m beyond)[47], this walk follows the track south[48] (initially over rocks), keeping the creek on the left. Then the walk continues along the track, moderately steeply downhill[49] for about 80m, and across a mossy creek[50]. The track then continues moderately steeply uphill[51] for about 25m, to find a level section of track. The walk continues moderately steeply downhill along the track, through attractive rainforest[52] for about 200m, to find Dora Creek[53]. This walk then crosses Dora Creek and follows it downstream[54] for about 40m, until coming to a track[55] and timber track marker(on the left)[56]. (Abbotts Falls can be heard downstream from here).

Abbotts Falls

Abbotts Falls in the Olney State Forest are located in a secluded valley on Dora Creek. Thick rainforest lines Dora Creek and these falls are a great place to visit on a hot, dry day in summer. The falls can be found along the Abbotts Falls walking track. Please note that the falls are unfenced and care should be taken.

(3km) Dora Creek → Abbotts Falls

30 m

0m Hard track

Continue straight: From Dora Creek[57] and the timber track marker[58], this walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[59], while keeping the creek on your right. This walk follows the track for about 60m, until coming to a small clearing[60], with an unfenced cliff and Abbotts Falls[61] partly visible on the right.

(3km) Abbotts Falls → Abbotts Falls service trail

610 m

19 mins

76m

-47m Hard track

Turn left: From Abbotts Falls[62], this walk follows a track moderately steeply uphill[63] (away from Dora Creek), keeping the valley on your right. This walk follows the overgrown track[64] through attractive rainforest for about 500m (passing over fallen trees[65] on the way), until coming to Abbotts Falls management trail[66].

(3km) Abbotts Falls service trail → Int of Abbotts Falls service trail and German Point Road

290 m

11 mins

69m

-1m Moderate track

Turn left: From the end Abbotts Falls management trail[67], this walk follows the trail northward and up the moderately steep trail[68]. This trail is followed for about 300m (with views on the right[69]), until coming to a T-intersection[70] with a management trail (German Point Rd).

(4km) Int of Abbotts Falls service trail and German Point Road → Int of German Point Road and Watagan Forest Road

2.7 km

51 mins

91m

-29m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[71], this walk follows the management trail gently uphill, keeping the 'German Point Rd/Return To Pines' sign[72] on your right. This walk continues to follow the trail (with occasional level sections[73]) through regrowth forest[74] for about 2.6km (ignoring side trails[75]), until coming to Watagan Forest Rd[76] and a walking track marker[77] (on the left).

(6km) Int of German Point Road and Watagan Forest Road → Int of Abbotts Falls & Casuarina Tracks

100 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection[78], this walk follows the level track[79] south, passing the red metal track marker[80] (which is about 5m from Watagan Forest Rd) on your right. This walk follows the track through regrowth bush[81] for about 90m, until coming to a three-way intersection[82], with a track and red metal track marker[83] (on the right).

(6km) Int of Abbotts Falls & Casuarina Tracks → Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Turpentine Rd

270 m

5 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[84], this walk follows the track gently uphill[85] and keeping the red metal track marker on your right. About 180m along the track, the walk comes to Casuarina campsite[86]. The walk continues through Casuarina campsite (about 80m), passing a toilet block[87] (on the right), and comes to a three-way intersection[88] with Turpentine Rd and 'Turpentines Camping Area' sign[89] (on the left).

Casuarina Campsite

The Casuarina Campsite is a small and secluded site, set amongst forest oaks and a variety of eucalypts[90]. The Casuarina Camping Area can accommodate caravans and trailers as well as individual campsites. There are fireplaces[91], toilets[92], picnic tables[93] and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable).

Old Mill picnic area

The Old Mill picnic area is set alongside Watagan Forest Road and is a great place for family sport, with a wide and flat grassed area surrounded by forest. Please note that this site is for day use only, with no camping allowed. The site has picnic tables and fireplaces.

(7km) Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Turpentine Rd → Turpentine Campsite

420 m

7 mins

-23m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, [94] this walk follows the management trail (Turpentine Rd) gently downhill, while keeping the 'Turpentines Camping Area' sign[95] to your right, and red metal track marker[96] to your left. This walk follows the trail through regrowth forest and campsites[97] (on the left) for about 400m, until coming to Turpentine campsite[98] and a 'Toilet 150m' sign[99].

Turpentine Campsite

Turpentine camping area provides many sheltered sites amongst turpentine trees[100]. It is an ideal spot for smaller groups or families[101]. The campsite is spread out along the end of Turpentine Road, providing picnic benches, tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). Toilet facilities are located in the nearby Pines Camping or Casuarina Camping Areas. There is good access to a creek[102] for cooling off in the summer.

(7km) Turpentine Campsite → Int of Abbotts Falls trail and Pines camping area

210 m

4 mins

-8m Moderate track

Veer right: From Turpentine campsite[103] and the 'Toilet 150m' sign[104], this walk follows the toilet sign[105] south, gently downhill towards the creek. This walk crosses the campsite and after about 130m, descends moderately steeply[106] into a creek and footbridge[107]. Then this walk crosses the creek via the footbridge[108] and follows the track moderately steeply uphill[109] for about 60m, to find the Pines campsites[110]. This walk crosses the campsite, tending left and keeping the toilet[111] to the right, until coming to the 'Walking Trail' sign and track.

Maps for the Abbotts Falls Walking 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.

Morisset	1:25 000 Map Series	91311N MORISSET	NSW-91311N
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Abbotts Falls Walking Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Abbotts Falls Walking Track

Altitude analysis for Abbotts Falls Walking 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	7.3 km
		Time	3 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	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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

4.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.5km has short steep hills. The remaining (400m) is very steep.

Quality of track

4.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1km) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 2.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (30m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

4.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (30m) 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 Abbotts Falls Walking Track walk.

Pines Circuit Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short walk takes you into the moist forest around Dora Creek and is recommended. The walk visits a small waterfall and dammed pool then travels through forest, visiting the large open Pines picnic area before returning to the starting point. The section of this walk near Dora Creek is particu

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Abbotts Falls Walking Track walk.

Muirs Rainforest Circuit Walk

1.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk spends time ambling through beautiful rainforest and is an excellent choice on a hot day. This walk descends into rainforest on a narrow track, with the track becoming indistinct midway through the walk. A recommended walk through attractive forest.

Total climbing: 160m

Hard track

Muirs Rainforest Walk

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a good walk on a hot day. This walk leaves Muirs Lookout and descends through healthy blackbutt and blue gum forest to find a moist rainforest of ferns and mosses. A quiet sit and picnic within the rainforest would be lovely. This walk returns the same way you have come.

Total climbing: 130m

Moderate track

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley East Track Head

17.8 km One way, 7 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Watagan Creek Road and heads north, up the side of the valley then along the dirt roads to the Congewai communications tower. From the tower, you follow a bush track and wind down into the valley, through some farmland and along to the Congewai west

Total climbing: 720m

Hard track

Watagan Creek Road to Flat Rock

4.1 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk starts on Watagan Creek Road and soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving soon afterwards at the un

Total climbing: 384m

Hard track

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)

12.6 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Watagan Creek Road and winds north across the valley and up into the Watagan State Forest, following the ridge lines around the Flatrock Lookout and down into the Congewai Valley before finishing at the track head at Congewai Valley Road. There ar

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Congewai East Track Head to Watagan Forest Motel via Forestry HQ Campsite

29.7 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Congewai Valley east track head and heads north up into the Watagan National Park, climbing up to the ridgeline and following the management trails and bush tracks heading east all the way to the Forestry HQ campsite. On day two, the walk continue

Total climbing: 1702m

Hard track

Congewai Track Head (East) to Watagan Headquarters

17.2 km One way, 7 hrs

This full day walk starts from the Congewai valley trackhead (east) and follows the Great North Walk up into the Watagan National Park. Winding east along Georges road for the most part, this walk also passes many great lookouts and gives the option of a side trip down to the 125r lookout, which pro

Total climbing: 973m

Hard track

Monkey Face Cliff Walk

406 m Return, 30 mins

This short but steep walk to the base of an attractive cliff is worthwhile. The walk travels through open forest with gum trees and Xanthorhoea trees to eventually follow timber steps steeply to the base of the Monkey Face cliff. This cliff is used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so be awa

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Flat Rock to Congewai Valley East Track Head

13.8 km One way, 5 hrs

Starting from the grand views of Flat Rock Lookout high on the range, you will walk down into the Congewai Valley below. On the first section of this walk, you will explore a little used dirt road to the Congewai Communication Tower. From here you follow a series of tracks that wind down, steeply i

Total climbing: 336m

Hard track

Monkey Face Circuit

1.3 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short and scenic walk offers two lookouts and a forest walk. Gap Creek viewpoint gives views of dense forest, while the Monkey Face viewpoint gives views of forested farmland in the Gap Creek valley. The short forest walk between these two viewpoints is amongst large rocks and offers views of

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Georges Road Rest Area to 125r Lookout

4.4 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from a nice rest area on Georges Road and follows the road along the ridge, passing several great lookout points across the valley, to the quiet little 125r lookout, which provides a nice open clearing that just screams lunch time. Please note that Watagan and Georges Roads a

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Basin Campsite to Watagan Creek Road

13 km One way, 6 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Basin campsite in the Olney State Forest and winds north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Wa

Total climbing: 784m

Hard track