Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

10.9 km
circuit

↑ 305 m
↓ -305 m

Hard track
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. 
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View from Staples Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Staples Lookout Plaque. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Plaque at Staples Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
GNW entrance from Woy Woy rd. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Thommos Loop track sign. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Edge of rock platform on Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sign pointing to Girrakool. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Boronia Fraseri. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Kariong Brook Water fall. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View of Mt Wondabyne from Thommos Loop trail rock outcrop. | Photo by admin, 2009.
patterns in rock on Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Great North walk sign at rocky outcrop and Thommos Loop trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track passing over more rocks platform. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Passing powerlines in the valley north of Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sign to Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Mullet Creek trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Walkers Register system. | Photo by admin, 2008.
track below Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
looking down the track heading up Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Small scramble up Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Cave at Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Camping area and end of management trail near Mount Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking up trail to Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Int of Girrakool and Mt Wondabyne tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Concrete ford on Tunnel track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Four way intersection on Tunnel Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Tunnel track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Gate on Tunnel track near Bulls Quarry. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bulls Hill Quarry. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Tunnel track near Woy Woy Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Gate on Tunnel Trail at Woy Woy Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking beside Woy Woy Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beside Woy Woy Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.4717235,151.2883173)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From Staples Lookout, this walk heads downhill alongside Woy Woy Rd (keeping the view to the left). Where safe this walk crosses the road and continues down the hill. Just after passing a large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign (facing downhill), the walk comes to the signposted start of "Thommo's Loop Fire Trail" and a locked gate.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a picnic table (about 20 m back from the start).
There is a park (about 7 m back from the start).
Staples Lookout (about 5 m back from the start).
Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout

Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.
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Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Find the car park at the start.
After another 30 m turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road.
After another 250 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
After another 105 m turn right.
After another 55 m head through/around the gate.
After another 155 m (at the intersection of ML9 Loop Firetrail & Thommos Loop) continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing. 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 1.6 km veer left, to head along Thommos Loop.
After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
After another 1.5 km continue straight.
After another 810 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
After another 215 m turn left.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 940 m continue straight.
After another 145 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite".
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).
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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).

After another 700 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail) turn left, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mullet Creek Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 420 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Thommos Loop) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 520 m continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 390 m cross the ford.
Then cross the ford.
After another 360 m continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 145 m (at the intersection of Woy Woy Road & Tunnel Trail) turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road (a road).
After another 350 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
After another 630 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
After another 250 m turn right.
After another 30 m to find the car park.
After another 8 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 70 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
After another 570 m come to the end.
"Kariong Brook Falls".
Kariong Brook Falls
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.
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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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 640 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
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.
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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.
A viewpoint.
"Mount Wondabyne".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 10.9 km
Time 3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There is one 5.9 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Campsite
5.9 kmMt Wondabyne Campsite
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