Gap Creek Falls Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

1.5 km Return

162 m

Moderate track

This walk leads to one of the best waterfalls in the Hunter area and is highly recommended. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. Spend some time looking around the base of the falls, particularly behind the falls on the narrow unfenced ledge. This walk is particularly good on a hot day, where the cooling spray off the waterfall is appreciated.

Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagans

Track head at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Timber steps leaving the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Track and forest near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Track near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Steps near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Dense forest by track near the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Large old tree trunk at intersection of Gap Creek Falls and Forest Walk in the Watagans

Sign to Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Intersection from Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans

Intersection to the Gap Creek Falls and the Forest Walk in the Watagans

Forest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Dense forest on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Timber seat on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Rocky stepped track on the way to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Forested track near the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Track near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans

Rock underneath the arch at Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Large rocks at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Section of Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Rocks and water at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans

Gap Creek picnic area

The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables.

(0km) Gap Creek picnic area → Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track

370 m

9 mins

29m

-6m Moderate track

From Gap Creek picnic area[1], this walk follows the track gently uphill (up steps[2] initially), passing the 'Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign (on your left). The track is followed through moist rainforest for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection[3], with a large dead tree[4] and a 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[5].

(0km) Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track → End of Forest Walk

490 m

13 mins

31m

-45m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection[6], this walk follows the level track, while passing the 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[7] on your left. The track leads through moist rainforest about 100m, then passes through a large cut tree trunk[8]. The track continues gently downhill[9] for about 500m, until coming to a creek with large boulders[10] in it (with a timber seat[11] to the left). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Gap Creek Rainforest rest area

The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders[12], pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies[13] to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair[14] to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.

(0km) Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track → Gap Creek Falls

380 m

12 mins

-120m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the track gently downhill and passing the 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[16] on your right. The track continues through attractive rainforest[17] for about 40m, where it becomes moderately steep downhill[18]. The track continues (often with stone and timber steps[19]) for about 400m, until coming to the dramatic Gap Creek Falls[20].

Gap Creek waterfall

The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock[21] surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge[22] to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.

Maps for the Gap Creek Falls Walk 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 Gap Creek Falls Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gap Creek Falls Walk

Altitude analysis for Gap Creek Falls Walk

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	1.5 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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 380m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 370m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 750m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 380m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 370m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 380m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 370m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 750m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 750m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Gap Creek Falls Walk walk.

Gap Creek Rainforest Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk takes you deep into moist rainforest and is well worthwhile. The walk is mostly flat and travels through a varied and healthy rainforest, with strangler fig vines, large older trees and lots of wildlife. If you are lucky, you could find the protected yabbies in the creek at the end of the

Total climbing: 111m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Gap Creek Falls Walk walk.

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

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

Boarding House Dam Circuit

718 m Circuit, 30 mins

This a cool walk on a on a hot day. Take your time exploring the rock formations along the creek, before finding the moss wall. Walk alongside the moss wall to its end, and then follow a track through moist rainforest back to the dam. A pleasant relaxed walk starting and finishing from the Boardi

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Moss Wall Walk

516 m Return, 15 mins

A gentle walk past the Boarding House dam and through moist rainforest to a long straight moss covered wall. Spend some time exploring the creek and pools beside the moss wall before retracing your steps back to the Boarding House dam picnic area and car park. A cool sheltered spot to relax, parti

Total climbing: 22m

Moderate track

Heaton Lookout to Heaton Gap

4.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk start from grand views at Heaton Lookout in Heaton state forest and leads to the picnic area and motel at Heaton Gap. The first section of this walk follows the dirt road to a communication tower before passing another lookout and expansive valley views. Here you

Total climbing: 153m

Hard track

Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap

12.5 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk starts from the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite and follows the Great North Walk through the Watagan State Forest. The walk then heads out to Heaton lookout and down the long descent into Heaton Gap, passing several more fantastic lookouts and picnic areas on the way. The walk finishes at He

Total climbing: 729m

Hard track

Watagan Headquarters to Heaton Lookout

8.1 km One way, 4 hrs

This scenic walk includes dramatic lookouts and time spent in moist cool forest. The walk initially travels on dirt road past Hunter and MacLean’s Lookout, before descending into the Wallis Creek catchment. Here the walk traverses underneath many cliffs before crossing Wallis Creek and arriving at

Total climbing: 571m

Hard track

Hunter Lookout and Great North Walk loop

5.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This loop track starts from the Hunter Lookout picnic area and follows the Great North Walk around the edge of the ridge via the Macleans Lookout, Rocky Creek gully and the cliffs around the eastern edge of the ridge. This walk provides great views across the valley and much of the Hunter to the no

Total climbing: 336m

Hard track

Hunter Lookout to Glen road loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This loop walk starts from the Hunter Lookout picnic area. The walk provides great views across the valley and winds around the edge of the ridge line, passing Macleans lookout, also with great views. The walk continues along a short section of the Great North Walk, through an open forest to the en

Total climbing: 138m

Hard track

Heaton Gap to Teralba station

14.8 km One way, 6 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Heaton Gap near the Watagan Forest Motel, and winds east, towards Newcastle. The walk passes through the Awaba State Forest and past the Sugarloaf range, down into Wakefield and on to Teralba, a pleasant town on the edge of Lake Macquarie. Accommodati

Total climbing: 460m

Hard 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

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