List of Bushwalks in Kariong

This short walk follows a footpath to a large rock platform with some well-preserved Aboriginal engravings. Named after Bulgandry man, an ancestral hero and one of the more detailed engravings at the site, this is clearly a special place. The footpath gently winds through the bush before following a timber platform around the engravings. This walk is accessible for people in wheelchairs but it is important to note the path has deteriorated in some places, making it a bit bouncy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bulgandry Engravings

650 m return

20 min to 40 min

Ruins

Environment

This walk explores the eastern branch of the Girrakool Loop track. Starting from the car park, this walk first visits the Aboriginal Engraving site. Before reaching Broula Lookout, there is an optional side trip to a lovely section of Piles Creek. There is a second optional side trip, to Illoura Lookout, offering limited views down to Piles Creek waterfall. The walk concludes along the footpath, which returns to the Girrakool picnic area. The lookouts do not provide the most expansive views, but it is still a lovely walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Eastern Girrakool Loop

810 m circuit

20 min to 40 min

Eastern Girrakool Loop

Environment

This walk explores the western half of the Girrakool Loop track. From the picnic area, this walk heads down the footpath to Illoura Lookout, with views down over Piles Creek (there is an optional side trip to the top of the waterfall). The walk then has another optional trip to Bundilla Lookout, providing a distant but square view of Piles Creek falls. The walk continues around the loop, enjoying the wildflowers which are in bloom late winter and spring. Before looping back to the picnic area, there are two more lookouts with filtered views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Western Girrakool Loop

1.1 km circuit

25 min to 30 min

Western Girrakool Loop

Environment

Starting at the well-established Girrakool picnic area, this walk visits four lookouts and an Aboriginal engravings site. The walk offers a couple of side trips, visiting some nice spots on Piles Creek. The views from each of the lookout are filtered through trees, but still worth the visit. The walk is especially nice in late winter and early spring, when the wildflowers are blooming. A good walk when picnicking at Girrakool. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Girrakool Loop Track

1.4 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Environment

Starting from the Girrakool picnic area, this walk takes you on a round trip through part of the stunning Brisbane Water National Park. The walk explores both sides of Piles Creek, rewarding you with its waterfall and lookouts. Girrakool picnic area also has barbeques and toilets. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Piles Creek Loop

4 km circuit

2 h to 4 h

Environment

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

5.8 km return

2 h 30 min to 5 h

This walk gives the shortest access to Kariong Brook waterfall, one of the nicest falls in the area. Starting from Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd, most of the walking is along the Thommos Loop management trail, except for the last descent into Kariong Brook. The waterfall is a nice and cool place to stop for lunch on a warm day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Wondabyne Station to Kariong Brook Falls

Wondabyne Station to Kariong Brook Falls

8 km return

3 h to 3 h 30 min

This return walk starts from Wondabyne Train Station, winding up into the Brisbane Waters National Park, and follows a section of the Great North Walk to the beautiful Kariong Brook falls. Starting from the isolated train station, the walk explores an area of the park not accessible by road. Since much of this walk is on the ridge tops, there are often great views of the surrounding waterways. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Train

Point Clare to Woy Woy

8.9 km oneway

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Point Clare to Woy Woy

8.9 km

Starting from Point Clare Train Station, this walk takes you to Woy Woy Train Station through Brisbane Water National Park, optionally visiting the Kariong Hieroglyphs (Gosford Glyphs) along the way. Besides Egypt and Sudan, this site has the most Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Although, the authenticity of these is still in question. There have been many stories told and myths debunked through the years, but the debate goes on. Other than that, expect a peaceful hike along water through a lovely forest. Try to identify the birds you hear as you make your way through the park. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Girrakool to Wondabyne Station

Girrakool to Wondabyne Station

9.3 km oneway

3 h 45 min to 4 h

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses some long rock flats and climbs to the top of Scopas Peak, providing views spanning right across the park. The walk then continues down to Wondabyne station, and provides an optional side trip to the Kariong Brook falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Great North Walk: Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead

Great North Walk: Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead

9.9 km oneway

4 h to 2 days

Starting with a steep climb from Wondabyne Train station you will explore a series of large rock platforms with wide views over the Brisbane Water National Park and visit Scopas Peak. After Scopas walk you cross a few pleasant rocky gullies before crossing Piles Creek on the Phil Houghton suspension foot bridge. Here the walk heads towards Mooney Mooney Creek before walking up to the Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead on the Old Pacific Hwy. A side trip to Camp Kariong is also described if you want to take advantage of the well established camping facilities. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop

10.9 km circuit

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

10.9 km

Circuit

This walk starts and finishes at Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd. The walk follows sections of the Great North Walk around Mount Wondabyne and the old Bulls Hill Quarry. There are a few options for short side trips, one leading to the tranquil Kariong Brook falls and the other to the peak of Mount Wondabyne, providing great views over the National Park to Woy Woy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

12 km oneway

5 h to 5 h 30 min

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds down alongside Piles creek, before climbing up through the Brisbane Waters National Park to Scopas peak, and then on to the lovely Kariong brook falls. The walk finishes at the Staples Lookout. This walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk. Depending what time you start, either Scopas Peak or Kariong Brook can make great lunch and rest stops. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Patonga to Staples Lookout

Patonga to Staples Lookout

16.8 km oneway

5 h 50 min to 6 h 30 min

16.8 km

This great walk explores much of the main ridge ridge running through Brisbane Water National Park. The walk visits a number of great lookouts and has two worthy side trips, one up to the top of Mt Wondabyne and another to the falls in Kariong Brook. The walk requires a bit of planning for transport, but is well worth a car shuffle. Allow time to relax and enjoy the views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

5 h 50 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves

Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves

17.8 km oneway

6 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

17.8 km

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, following Piles creek into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses over Scopas Peak and continues down to Pindar caves, passing the Pindar lookout and Pindar Pool on the way. From the caves the walk backtracks some distance, before winding down to the Wondabyne train station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

6 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

Environment

Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

Great North Walk: Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Mt Wondabyne

19.2 km oneway

7 h to 7 h 30 min

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trails to Patonga Creek in the heart of the national park. The walk then leads along a mix of trails and tracks mostly passing Mt Wondabyne, a worthwhile side trip, before crossing a few gullies with cool creeks and cascades. Past Myron Brook you will walk back down the waters edge at the remote and unique Wondabyne Train Station. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

20.3 km oneway

7 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min

20.3 km

This long day-walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and works its way south, alongside Piles creek and through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs over Scopas Peak and passes the Kariong brook falls, before winding to the top of Mt Wondabyne and finishing at the Woy Woy train station, (passing the Woy Woy landfill site). If doing a car shuffle, you can park a car near the landfill and save the road section. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

7 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min

Environment

This overnight walk explores the main ridge of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting at Girrakool picnic area in the north, this track heads over Scopas Peak, with some excellent views over Mooney Mooney creek, and then over Mt Wondabyne, further south. Much of this walk follows the Great North Walk, and it uses a campsite at the base of Mt Wondabyne. There are bus and ferry services from Patonga. Keep in mind that you can do this walk in one day as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Girrakool to Patonga

24.4 km oneway

10 h to 2 days

Environment

Wondabyne Station to Somersby Store

Wondabyne Station to Somersby Store

25.3 km oneway

8 h to 11 h

This walk, following a section of the Great North Walk, starts from the Wondabyne Train Station and winds north, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs all the way up to the top of Scopas Peak, and down to the Phill Haughton bridge, then follows the Mooney Mooney Creek north, winding through the bush to the Somersby general store. In Somersby you can use a public phone, enjoy a hot meal and pick up some basic supplies. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Pindar Caves

Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Pindar Caves

27.8 km oneway

10 h to 2 days

This overnight hike starts from Patonga beach and winds along a section of the Great North Walk, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs up and around the Warra reserve headland, continuing to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves. The overnight stay is at the Mt Wondabyne campsite. There is no water available at the campsite so you will nee to carry sufficient supplies for both days. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

38.6 km oneway

12 h to 2 days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and around to Wondabyne Station. Please check timetables for ferry and trains as they can be infrequent. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting with a steep climb from Wondabyne Train station you will explore a series of large rock platforms with wide views over the Brisbane Water National Park and visit Scopas Peak. When back in the valley you'll walk along the cool Mooney Mooney Creek before reaching Somersby. The rural area is soon left behind when you reach rainforest of the Palm Grove Nature Reserve where you can observe the Strangler Fig Trees, Cabbage Palms and Eucalyptus trees. You'll pass the rural area of Ourimbah Valley to get to the historic Bumble Hill Dray Track and finish the walk at Yarramalong. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Wondabyne to Yarramalong

50.8 km oneway

16 h to 2 days

Wondabyne to Yarramalong

Environment

Rural