Girrakool to Patonga

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.4319388,151.2765593)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Woy Woy Road Turn on to Woy Woy Road then drive for 500 m Turn left onto Central Coast Highway, A49 and drive for another 1.4 km Turn right onto Wisemans Ferry Road, B83 and drive for another 810 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Old Pacific Highway, B83 and drive for another 1.6 km Turn left onto Quarry Road and drive for another 75 m Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 660 m
Finish	(-33.5504179,151.2744485)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle 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.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the lower side of the car park, this walk follows the 'To The Great North Walk' sign down the path to the lower picnic area. The walk passes the toilet block (on the left) and comes to another picnic area. The path passes through this picnic area to turn right following the 'Piles Creek Loop Track' sign down the steps. The footpath then leads to an intersection with the Broula Lookout track (on the left) and a 'car park' sign pointing back up the hill.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the car park at the start. Girrakool Picnic Area (about 45 m back from the start). Girrakool Picnic Area Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'. There is a sign (about 7 m back from the start). After another 25 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 165 m continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) turn left, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 40 m find the "Illoura Lookout" (on your right). Illoura Lookout Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.
	After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 20 m find the "Piles Creek Waterfall" (on your right). Piles Creek Waterfall The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.
	After another 910 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 150 m find the "Monolith Cave" (on your left). Monolith Cave Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.
	After another 390 m turn left. After another 1.3 km come to the viewpoint. After another 305 m come to the viewpoint. After another 1.4 km pass the "Scopas Peak" (25 m on your left).
	After another 1.1 km veer right, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 1.1 km come to the viewpoint.
	After another 55 m turn left. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 1.9 km pass the "Kariong Brook Falls" (15 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 6 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your right). 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 640 m veer right, 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 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 right, to head along Tunnel Trail. After another 470 m (at the intersection of Rocky Ponds Trail & Tunnel Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 150 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Dillons Trail) turn left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track).
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Dillons Trail & Dillons Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Dillons Trail. After another 325 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your left).
	After another 1.9 km (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Dillons Trail) veer right, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail (a vehicle track).
	After another 185 m continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Sani Depot Trail) continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.1 km turn left, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 200 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 270 m (at the intersection of PMG Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn left, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 280 m veer left, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail. After another 220 m head through/around the gate.
	At the intersection of Patonga Drive & Warrah Patch Firetrail continue straight (a walking track). After another 20 m pass the "Waratah" (on your right).
	After another 245 m veer left, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
	After another 940 m (at the intersection of Warrah Escape Trail & Warrah Trig Road) continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road. After another 145 m continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road. After another 200 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 55 m find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your right). 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 220 m (at the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail) turn right, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 25 m pass the sign (on your left).
	After another 325 m continue straight. After another 860 m find the "Broken Bay View" (30 m on your left). 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.
	Veer right. After another 430 m head down the steps (about 15 m long)
	After another 135 m continue straight. After another 35 m continue straight. After another 20 m find the "Warrah Reserve boat ramp" (15 m on your right). Warrah Reserve boat ramp Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.
	After another 20 m continue straight.
	After another 190 m turn sharp left, to head along Patonga Drive. After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive. After another 55 m pass the park (8 m on your left). After another 8 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right).
	After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive. Then pass the car park (on your left). About 15 m past the end is a picnic table. About 20 m past the end is a shelter. About 10 m past the end is a sign.
	The end. "Patonga Village". 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. About 70 m past the end is a artwork.
	Start. After 55 m come to the "Broula Lookout". Then find the "Broula Lookout" (on your right). Broula Lookout Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.
	After another 35 m turn around.
	After another 85 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 175 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout". Piles Creek Lookout Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.
	Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end. "Piles Creek Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout".

Piles Creek Lookout

Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end.

"Piles Creek Lookout".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 195 m come to "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.
	The end. A viewpoint. About 20 m past the end is "Mount Wondabyne". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 195 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 195 m come to "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.

The end.

A viewpoint.

About 20 m past the end is "Mount Wondabyne".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 195 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail Start heading along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath).
	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

At the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail Start heading along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath).

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.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool to Patonga

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	24.4 km
Time	10 h to 2 days

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 (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 13.4 km from the start.

Shelter: There is one 24.5 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 8.1 km apart with the largest gap of 24.3 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	50 m	[toilet]
Campsite	13.4 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite
Toilet	24.3 km	[toilet]
Shelter	24.5 km	[shelter]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Girrakool Picnic Area
Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'.

Broula Lookout
Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.

Illoura Lookout
Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.

Piles Creek Lookout
Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

Monolith Cave
Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  19°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. The chance of fog this morning. Very high chance of showers, becoming less likely in the late afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures between 15 and 19.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:40am to 1:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  7°C → 16°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Snow possible above 1000 metres. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 11 and 16.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  5°C → 16°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost about the Upper Hunter. Medium chance of showers along the coastal fringe, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southwesterly during the day then tending west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 5 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 16.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  5°C → 16°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost about the Upper Hunter. Medium chance of showers near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southwesterly during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 5 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 16.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  6°C → 16°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  6°C → 16°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Brisbane Water National Park 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