This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, following Piles creek into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses over Scopas Peak and continues down to Pindar caves, passing the Pindar lookout and Pindar Pool on the way. From the caves the walk backtracks some distance, before winding down to the Wondabyne train station.
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This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
Cross sectional view of the Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar caves bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar caves bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
18km
Time
7 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 5/6
Route: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough unclear track (5/6)
Signs
No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
14km of this walk is very steep and another 2.6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 130m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 1.6km follows a rough unclear track.
Signs
9km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 6km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 1.6km Has no directional signs and the remaining 630m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
14km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.6km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 17km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 970m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 4.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (4.6km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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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'[1]. More info
(0 km)
Girrakool picnic area car park
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Illoura Lookout Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 265 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -33 m
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. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool Loop' sign down along the stone path. The path soon heads down some steps and comes to a fenced and signposted 'Illoura Lookout'.
Illoura Lookout
Alt = 91 m
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[2].
(0.27 km)
Illoura Lookout
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Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.11 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -83 m
Turn left: From Illoura Lookout, the walk follows the left-hand 'Piles Creek' and GNW arrow down the wooden steps (keeping the valley to the right). The track soon passes a 'Caution Low Water Level Crossing Only' sign and crosses Piles Creek using the concrete stepping stones (the creek may be impassable after rain). The track then opens up on an unfenced rock platform, at the top of the waterfall. Veer left: From the top of Piles Creek waterfall, this walk follows the track heading south away from the waterfall (keeping the big valley to the right). The clear track winds through the thick bush crossing a few small tributaries and though four sandstone caves. The caves provide good shelter and a great spot to rest. The track then flattens out and comes to a 3-way intersection and a 'Girrakool' sign. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads south along the wide track in the opposite direction of the 'Girrakool' sign. Soon the track heads down a short wooden staircase to the intersection at the bottom (Piles Creek Lookout visible to the right).
(1.38 km)
Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks
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Monolith Cave Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 83 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the steps and lookout to soon pass a rock wall. A short time later the track leads through the cleft in a rock to reveal a cave on the right.
Monolith Cave
Alt = 72 m
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.
(1.46 km)
Monolith Cave
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Rat Gully Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 221 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -29 m
Continue straight: From the cave, this walk heads south following the track away from the rock to soon come to another large and interesting monolithic rock. Soon after this large rock the track starts to head down the hill to come to an old fenced lookout, looking over Rat Gully.
(1.68 km)
Rat Gully Lookout
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Tributary Crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.01 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 96 m
Descent = -81 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, the track follows the bush track heading downhill. The track soon does a sharp left hand switch back (at the 'Girrakool' sign) and continues down to Rat Gully. The track then crosses the creek and boulder field following the cut steps (and passing the old bridge). On the other side the track heads right, under the fallen tree and then climbs up the hill. After a short meander through the bush the track drops down and crosses another gully (passing a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool') and coming to a 'Great North Walk' signpost and intersection. Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga Ferry' sign[3] up the side of the gully, keeping the intermittent creek[4] to your left. The track leads past a 'Patonga' sign then winds steeply up the hill for about 130m, through a cleft in the rock[5] and past a few rock walls, and then the track mostly flattens out with some filtered distant views[6]. The track continues gently uphill for another 300m, becoming progressively flatter[7] before passing along the side of a long rock wall[8], with a tall sandstone overhang[9]. The track then crosses a small gully and leads past another overhang, where the track begins to lead downhill. The rocky track winds steeply downhill for about 130m to then cross an intermittent creek which flows over the solid sandstone platform[10].
(2.69 km)
Tributary Crossing
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Scopas Peak Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.42 km
Time = 57 mins
Climb = 189 m
Descent = -33 m
Continue straight: From the west side of the creek, this walk climbs uphill following the rocky track[11]. The track climb for about 600m, fairly steeply for a while then becoming progressively less steep[12]. The track passes a couple of rocky outcrops[13] to then come to a large flat rock platform, with distant views[14]. The rocky track then leads off this rock platform and continues up the ridge[15] for just shy of 300m to come to the edge of a much larger rock platform[16] with more views. A series of GNW arrow posts lead across this rock platform, generally leading towards Scopas Peak[17] for about 400m where the arrows lead off the rock platform and back onto a heathy track[18]. Keeping Scopas Peak up to the left, this track leads around the side of the hill for about 150m to pass a view across the valley to Mooney Mooney Bridge[19]. Over the next 800m, the track leads up across a few more rock platforms[20] then climbs fairly steeply up to a view point, just to the west of Scopas Peak[21].
(5.11 km)
Scopas Peak
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South end of Scopas Peak Track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.17 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -80 m
Veer left: From the view point[22], just west of Scopas Peak, this walk heads south steeply down the rocky track[23], initially keeping the distant view to your right. The track leads steeply down past a few rock walls[24] then climbs down over some rocks with cut steps[25], enjoying more views[26] for about 230m, and then the track mostly flattens out to lead gently down across the narrow saddle[27]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m to come to a green painted metal box on a post (on your left), containing a Great North Walk intentions book[28]. Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[29], after leaving your comments, this walk heads south, gently downhill[30] along the clear track. After about 150m, the walk comes to a T-intersection[31] with the Gosford Rifle Range trail - At this intersection is a 'Girrakool' sign[32], pointing back along the track.
(6.27 km)
Int of GNW and Gosford Rifle Range trail
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Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.12 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = -27 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[33] downhill along the management trail[34] (directly away from the 'No Entry Past This Point' sign[35]). The trail undulates moderately steeply in a few places) along the ridge line for about 900m, to then walk over a large rock platform[36]. From the top of this platform, there are some distant views over Mooney Mooney Creek[37]. On the large rock platform, this walk tends left to follow the scrape marks on the rock and soon find the wide trail again[38]. The trail leads downhill for about 50m, coming to a signposted intersection with a track on your left[39] and a 'Girrakool' sign[40] pointing back up the trail.
(7.4 km)
Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station tracks
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Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 629 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wondabyne Station' sign[41] downhill along the management trail[42]. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 600m to come to an intersection with the Pindar Cave track (leading over a rock platform[43], on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post[44] (on your left).
(8.02 km)
Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track
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Mt Pindar Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.5 km
Time = 1 hr 12 mins
Climb = 129 m
Descent = -129 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track to the west, keeping the large rocky outcrop to the right. The trail soon narrows to become an overgrown track and undulates for some time, through some rocky and dense scrub. Eventually, the track swings around to the north and arrives at the Mt Pindar Lookout, indicated by arrows marked in the surface that lead to the lookout, with views of Mooney Mooney, and Mooney Mooney Creek.
Mt Pindar lookout
Alt = 159 m
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.
(11.52 km)
Mt Pindar Lookout
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Pool Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 483 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -25 m
Turn right: From the lookout, the walk follows the bush track north, around the edge of the ridge around a few rocks. The track then descends north-west into the valley below, continuing through areas of thick vegetation, until emerging onto a small clearing next to a pool of water.
Pindar Pool
Alt = 139 m
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.
(12 km)
Pool
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Pindar Cave Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 315 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn left: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track west, into a small sandy clearing. The track then turns right, below a rocky outcrop on the left, and follows the rocky outcrop for approximately 100m to the large overhang of rock, Pindar Cave.
Pindar Cave
Alt = 146 m
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.
(12.32 km)
Pindar Cave
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Waterfall Optional sidetrip: Route: Unmanaged - bushtrack
Length = 567 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -57 m
Continue straight: From Pindar Cave, this walk heads north-west, parallel to a rocky outcrop. After following the cliff line for a little while, the track bends slightly to the right, and heads north-west, crossing several rocky outcrops, going down towards the creek line. The track then drops down some rockshelves to the waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Pindar Waterfall
Alt = 96 m
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.
(12.32 km)
Pindar Cave
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Mt Pindar Lookout Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 798 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn around: From the cave, the walk follows the bush track east, below a rocky outcrop on the right. The track soon comes to a small sandy clearing and crosses this to reach a pool. Turn right: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track east, out of the clearing. The track passes through an area of thick vegetation as is slowly climbs up the spur, before the vegetation gives way to a rocky area. The track winds further up the hill and along the ridge edge to the lookout.
(13.12 km)
Mt Pindar Lookout
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Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.5 km
Time = 1 hr 12 mins
Climb = 129 m
Descent = -129 m
Turn left: From the lookout, the walk heads south-east along the rocky surface, to the dense tree line and follows the sandy track. This track soon bends to the north, going up the spur and across the plateau of Mt Pindar. From here the track undulates for some time and then widens to a management trail. The walk follows the management trail for a short distance, passing a large rocky outcrop to come to a 'T' intersection with a wide management trail.
(16.61 km)
Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track
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Clearing above Wondabyne Station Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.03 km
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -72 m
Turn right: From the intersection[45], this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently down along the wide management trail. The trail soon bends right and leads quite steeply down[46] before mostly flattening out again[47]. From here, the trail leads gently downhill for about 600m until the trail bends left and leads quite steeply down[48] for just shy of 250m to come to a clearing at the end of this management trail[49], marked with a 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign[50].
(17.65 km)
Clearing above Wondabyne Station
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Wondabyne Station Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 441 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -100 m
Continue straight: From the clearing[51], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[52] south, down along the track to head down some carved steps through a cleft in a rock[53]. The track winds steeply down the series of rock steps[54] for about 150m to pass a filtered view (left) of the cranes[55], down at the old Gosford Quarry. The track continues to wind down, a little less steeply, for just over 200m to then climb down a timber staircase[56] (which starts with a metal landing at the top). From the bottom, the walk continues down towards the train line, soon bending left to pass a large boulder[57] and strangler fig tree[58] and come to the north-bound platform of Wondabyne Train Station[59].
Wondabyne
Alt = 12 m
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.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Brisbane Water National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Brisbane Waters National Park is situated south west of Gosford perched on the Hawkesbury River. The park is characterised by sandstone features, Aboriginal engravings, flowery heaths, bird life and spectacular water views. Brisbane Waters NP has many bushwalks through the are with the Great North Walk passing through the middle of the park. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
5 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
Check out the facilities at 
not too much longer now :)