Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Pindar Caves

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.5504173,151.2745435)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry Special (There is no regular ferry service between Patonga and Brooklyn any more. You can easily grab a water taxi (about $80+). If you are part of a large group they can also organise a larger boat carrying 35 passengers (about $16 pp). Phone 0410 554 777 to book. Enjoy the boat ride.)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Central Coast Highway, A49 then drive for 2.5 km Turn right onto Woy Woy Road and drive for another 480 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Woy Woy Road and drive for another 9.6 km Turn right onto Railway Street and drive for another 580 m Turn right onto Hillview Street and drive for another 950 m Turn left onto Veron Road and drive for another 390 m Turn right onto Carpenter Street and drive for another 420 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Carpenter Street and drive for another 550 m Turn right onto Bapaume Avenue and drive for another 175 m Turn left and drive for another 190 m Turn right onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 165 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 220 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Rabaul Avenue and drive for another 325 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Perth Street and drive for another 275 m Turn right onto Hobart Avenue and drive for another 1.1 km At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Mount Ettalong Road and drive for another 6.9 km
Finish	(-33.4921757,151.2568953)
Mode (end)	Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car park at Patonga wharf, this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive, keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval' for 70m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign opposite the toilet block. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the 'Boat Ramp' sign and GNW arrow post down along a side road for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga's boat ramp. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach from the wharf to the boat ramp.)
From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign. This area of the beach is also know as 'Dark Corner'.
From the eastern end of Patonga beach, this walk follows the 'Warrah Trig 1.7km' sign up the steps. The track winds up the side on the hill, turning left and following the ridge line uphill. Soon after passing up some stairs between the rock, the track comes to a lovely view across the water. Here, the track turns left and climbs up more steps before flattening out and passing a few more GNW arrows. Just after passing two GNW arrows next to each other (at the end of a large crack in the rock), the track passes a few large Sydney Red Gums and comes to an unfenced rock platform on the right - Broken Bay view.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Patonga Drive. There is an artwork (about 80 m back from the start). Patonga Village (about 5 m back from the start). Patonga Village Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111. After another 5 m to find the car park. After another 15 m pass the sign (15 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the park (10 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the shelter (15 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your right). Continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive. After another 10 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
	After another 10 m turn sharp right.
	After another 190 m continue straight. After another 80 m continue straight. After another 135 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
	After another 430 m veer left. After another 55 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right). After another 45 m continue straight. After another 260 m find the "Broken Bay View" (30 m on your right). Broken Bay View Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.
	After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 350 m (at the intersection of Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail & Tony Doyle Track) turn left, to head along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath). After another 30 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 300 m find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your left). Warrah Trig Station Warrah 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 once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring. After another 55 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
	After another 90 m continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
	After another 1.1 km veer right.
	After another 235 m turn left.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Patonga Drive & Warrah Patch Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 20 m pass the "Waratah" (on your left). After another 6 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 100 m veer right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of PMG Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 270 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn left, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 200 m turn right, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Sani Depot Trail & Van Dahls Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail. After another 730 m continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Dillons Trail) veer left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track). After another 2 km come to the viewpoint (5 m on your right).
	After another 260 m (at the intersection of Dillons Firetrail & Dillons Trail) continue straight, to head along Dillons Trail.
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Dillons Trail) turn right, to head along Tunnel Trail (a vehicle track). After another 150 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Rocky Ponds Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 470 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail) turn left, to head along Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail. After another 760 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite". Mt Wondabyne Campsite This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 85 m continue straight.
	After another 940 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
	After another 215 m turn left. After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
	After another 1.5 km veer left. After another 25 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 610 m continue straight. After another 20 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your left). Kariong Brook Falls This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.
	After another 15 m continue straight.
	After another 1.9 km turn left, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your left).
	After another 610 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) turn right, to head along Pindar Walking Track.
	After another 2.2 km continue straight. After another 10 m come to the "Mooney Mooney Creek Lookout" (9 m on your right). After another 1.3 km find the "Mt Pindar lookout" (25 m on your left). Mt Pindar lookout From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities. After another 480 m find the "Pindar Pool" (15 m on your left). Pindar Pool The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Waterfall. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 250 m turn around. After another 20 m find the "Pindar Cave" (30 m on your right). Pindar Cave Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.
	After another 2 km continue straight.
	After another 2.2 km (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) turn right, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
	After another 960 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long)
	After another 130 m come to the end. About 75 m past the end is "Wondabyne". Wondabyne Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.

An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 70 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end. "Warrah Lookout". Warrah Lookout Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views. "Warrah Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 70 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end.

"Warrah Lookout".

Warrah Lookout

Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

"Warrah Lookout".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left). Mt Wondabyne Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.
	After another 20 m come to the end. "Mount Wondabyne". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left).

Mt Wondabyne

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

After another 20 m come to the end.

"Mount Wondabyne".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Waterfall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 50 m find the "Pindar Cave" (15 m on your left). Pindar Cave Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.
	After another 345 m turn left.
	After another 50 m come to the end. About 75 m past the end is "Pindar Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 440 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Patonga to Wondabyne Station via Pindar Caves

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	27.8 km
Time	10 h to 2 days

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 11 km from the start.

Shelter: There is one 95 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	95 m	[shelter]
Toilet	125 m	[toilet]
Campsite	11 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Warrah Lookout
Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

Warrah Trig Station
Warrah 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 once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

Mt Wondabyne Campsite
This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Mt Pindar lookout
From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities.

Pindar Pool
The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.

Pindar Cave
Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.

Pindar Waterfall
Pindar Waterfall, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a rocky outcrop from which a vegetation enclosed stream runs over and through. The waterfall is not a picturesque spot, with the water running through dense vegetation and cracks in the boulders to pools out-of-sight. The waterfall is fed by an ephemeral stream which will does not guarantee it as a source of water. From the rocky outcrop of the waterfall, views over the valley below can be observed.

Wondabyne
Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.

Get more information
Wildwalks
Videos

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Woy Woy Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Friday 11 October
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe, most likely later tonight. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Light winds.
  
  Saturday 12 October
  
  13°C → 19°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and early afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Winds south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 19.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:20am to 4:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Sunday 13 October
  
  12°C → 21°C
  Cloud clearing.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to northeasterly in the morning then becoming light in the late evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Monday 14 October
  
  11°C → 24°C
  Showers increasing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 15mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 24.
  
  Tuesday 15 October
  
  13°C → 21°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 9mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 17 and 21.
  
  Wednesday 16 October
  
  11°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Thursday 17 October
  
  12°C → 24°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Friday 18 October
  
  14°C → 25°C
  Showers increasing.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Showers increasing.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Brisbane Water National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 14th October 2024 to 18th October 2024. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program will take place in Popran, Brisbane Water and Watagans National Parks.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NPWS National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Landlords, please notify tenants or visitors to your property of the proposed operation.
  Please contact the NPWS Central Coast Area Office on (02) 4320 4200 for more information or check the NPWS web page alerts.
  
  Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure
  The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.
  Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles
  Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to a recent increase in illegal activities throughout the area.
  The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.
  The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts