Stephenson Rd to Crackneck Lookout

A great short walk through some beautiful coastal forest, with some brilliant coastal views along the way. Crackneck Lookout, at the end of the walk, is a great spot for a picnic lunch, enjoying the views and atmosphere of this part of Wyrrabalong National Park. If you are doing this as a return walk, the alternative exit to Stephenson Rd, through some beautiful forest scenery, is a nice way to finish. 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.

The end of Stephenson Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Water tanks near Stephenson Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Track junction. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Sandy tack through the heath. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Grasstrees and flannel flowers. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Sandy track. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Thick heath vegetation. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Through the forest. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Contorted branches. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Endless coastline. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Views from Crackneck. | Photo by admin, 2009.

Crackneck lookout. | 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.

Getting There

Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.3977904,151.4793293)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Central Coast Highway, A49 then drive for 7.8 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Dane Drive, A49 and drive for another 6.5 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 3.6 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 710 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 1.6 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Enterence Road, A49 and drive for another 100 m Continue onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 870 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 2 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Coleridge Road and drive for another 390 m Turn right onto Shakespeare Avenue and drive for another 440 m Turn sharp right onto Kipling Drive and drive for another 130 m Turn left onto Stephenson Road and drive for another 360 m
Finish	(-33.3940339,151.4829664)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes

Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the end of Stephenson Rd, Bateau Bay, this walk passes around the gate and follows the management trail up the hill. The trail passes a house and then several large water tanks, to the left, before narrowing and going a short distance further to an intersection with a sandy track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 145 m turn sharp left, to head along Coast Track. After another 480 m to find the car park.
	At the intersection of Coast Track & Hilltop Street turn right, to head along Coast Track. Then pass the park (on your left).
	After another 45 m come to the end. Then pass the sign (on your right). A seat. About 10 m past the end is "Crackneck Lookout". Crackneck Lookout Crackneck Lookout This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout. + - This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout. About 10 m past the end is a picnic table. About 30 m past the end is a picnic table.

Terrain

Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Stephenson Rd to Crackneck Lookout

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	670 m
Time	15 min to 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Seat: There is one 680 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	680 m	[seat]

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Alerts and Closures