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.
Wondabyne Station. | Photo by admintree grabbing rock or rock grabbing tree?. | Photo by adminpath up out of Wondabyne. | Photo by adminsteps leading up into the Brisbane Waters National Park. | Photo by adminlooking out to Mullet creek. | Photo by adminWater glimpses. | Photo by adminInt of GNW and Wondabyne trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.following the Great North Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.Path up from Myron Brook. | Photo by admin, 2008.Kariong Brook. | Photo by admin, 2008.Kariong Brook Water fall. | Photo by admin, 2008.
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.
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 2.8 km
Turn right onto Kariong Scout Camp Trail and drive for another 680 m
Turn left onto Rifle Range Firetrail and drive for another 380 m
Turn left onto Rifle Range Firetrail and drive for another 6.2 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the north-bound platform of Wondabyne Station, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign off the southern the end of the platform, keeping the train lines (and water) to your left. The track soon leads past a strangler fig and a large boulder then bends right and heads up a timber staircase with a metal landing at the top. The track winds steeply uphill, up a series of timber and rock steps for just over 200m to pass a filtered view of the cranes (right), down at the old Gosford Quarry. Here the walk continues a bit more steeply uphill for another 150m, up a series of rock steps, and then, soon after passing up the carved steps in a cleft in a rock, the track flattens out and comes to a clearing at the end of a management trail, marked with a 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the Wondabyne at the start.
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.
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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.
After another 145 m head up the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 315 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 960 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 630 m turn right.
After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 1.9 km turn left.
After another 20 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (25 m on your right).
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 here and retrace the main route for 4 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Wondabyne Station to Kariong Brook Falls
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
8 km
Time
3 h to 3 h 30 min
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
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)
Bushwalk
3 h to 3 h 30 min
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Find the Wondabyne at the start.
After another 145 m head up the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 20 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (25 m on your right).
