This long day-walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and works its way south, alongside Piles creek and through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs over Scopas Peak and passes the Kariong brook falls, before winding to the top of Mt Wondabyne and finishing at the Woy Woy train station, (passing the Woy Woy landfill site). If doing a car shuffle, you can park a car near the landfill and save the road section.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne 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
21km
Time
8 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 6km is very steep. Whilst another 6km has short steep hills and the remaining 160m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 6km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 3.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.5km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 11km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 19km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 16km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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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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Piles Creek Waterfall Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 71 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -10 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.
(0.34 km)
Piles Creek Waterfall
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Int of Girrakool and Piles Ck lookout tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.04 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -73 m
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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Piles Ck Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 17 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -8 m
Turn right: With the stairs to the right, this walk follows the short track to the fenced lookout. There are a few steps that then lead down the the lookout platform. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Piles Creek Lookout
Alt = 46 m
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.
(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 Trail
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Myron Brook crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.56 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -178 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[41] heading east down along the rocky track[42]. The track soon bends right and heads around a rock outcrop[43] then continues down through the heath and scribbly gums[44] for about 400m to come to a flat rock platform[45]. Here the track continues downhill over several more rock platforms, becoming progressively steeper[46] for just over 1km to head into the cool valley and come to the bank beside Myron Brook[47].
(8.96 km)
Myron Brook crossing
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Kariong Brook crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 404 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -33 m
Continue straight: From the western side of Myron Brook, this walk crosses the creek on the sandstone rock platform[48] to follow the track up a few stone steps and up the short steep hill[49]. The track then flattens out as it leads around the side of the hill for about 200m to pass alongside a long rock wall[50] (on your left). Now leading downhill, the track continues for another 100m then heads down a short steep section[51] into the dense moist gully, coming to a faint intersection in front of Kariong Brook Falls[52] (on your left) (just before crossing the creek, which is often underground).
Kariong Brook Falls
Alt = 27 m
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.
(9.36 km)
Kariong Brook crossing
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Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 688 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 122 m
Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From Kariong Brook[53], the walk crosses the creek and heads up the hill towards the cave[54] (keeping the waterfall[55] to the left). The track leads under the overhang[56] and then winds up the rocky path for about 400m, past a few rock walls[57] and among the grass trees[58]. The walk then heads up some more stone steps, bending left on the steps with a metal handrail[59]. The rocky track continues up for another 130m over a few more rocks[60] to come to a flat clearing[61] (on your right, that has been used as a campsite). From the clearing, the track continues uphill, passing another rocky outcrop[62] after about 60m, then after about 80m more, the track leads to a T-intersection[63] with a management trail (and a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool'[64]).
(10.05 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail
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Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.49 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -34 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[65] downhill along the management trail[66]. The trail then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[67]) to then step up onto a particularly large rock platform[68]. After crossing this rock platform, the trail continues for another 120m to come to a Y-intersection[69] (at another rock platform) where a 'Girrakool' sign[70] points back along the track.
(11.54 km)
Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail
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Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 1.05 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -54 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[71] east, gently downhill along the narrow track. After about 250m, the track leads to a notably large rock platform[72] with a clear view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[73]. Here the track continues gently downhill, crossing more rock platforms[74] for about 300m to head over a section of timber boardwalk[75] and past a few disused power poles[76]. The track then continues over another rock platform for another 200m to cross a small ephemeral creek[77]. From the creek, the track leads up a short distance up under the power lines to come to a T-intersection[78] with a wide trail, where a sign points back to 'Girrakool'[79]. Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the GNW arrow post along the management trail[80], initially keeping the power lines to your right. The trail soon bends left and leads uphill. As the trail flattens out again, it comes to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' and 'Wondabyne Station' sign[81], pointing back along the trail.
(12.58 km)
Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail
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Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 946 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 109 m
Descent = -11 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[82] south up the trail. The trail soon begins to narrow[83] and after almost 200m, the track steps up to cross a rock platform[84], following a few GNW arrow posts to find a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[85]. After writing a comment, the walk continues uphill[86] along the track for about 700m, as the track become progressively flatter[87], passing beside the Mt Wondabyne Peak (up to your left). Then about 50m after leaving the trees and entering a section of low heath, this track then comes to a three-way intersection[88] (the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the left[89]), marked with a GNW arrow post.
(13.53 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks
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Mt Wondabyne Peak Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 208 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Mt Wondabyne peak track north-east as it heads uphill directly towards Mt Wondabyne. The track is leads gently at first then starts to climb up a series of rock ledges[90]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[91] (large enough for 2 or 3 people to lie in). The track then continues to climb for another 90m, up the rocky track then for through a grove of small trees[92], to come to the first peak[93]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[94] and great panoramic views[95]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Mt Wondabyne
Alt = 230 m
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.
(13.53 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks
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Mt Wondabyne Campsite Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 87 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[96] south over a small rise then gently downhill along the rocky track, leaving Mt Wondabyne peak[97] behind and to your left. After about 90m, the track leads down to a clearing[98] at the end of a management trail, where there is a sign pointing back to 'Mooney Mooney rest area'[99]. This is the Mt Wondabyne campsite[100].
Mt Wondabyne Campsite
Alt = 212 m
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).
(13.62 km)
Mt Wondabyne Campsite
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Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 757 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -49 m
Turn left: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Patonga'[101] sign down the wide management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 300m, enjoying some views back to Mount Wondabyne[102] as well as to Woy Woy and Brisbane Water[103]. From here, the trail continues downhill through the heath for another 400m to come to a T-intersection with another management trail (Tunnel Track), where there is a 'Mt Wondabyne'[104] and 'Girrakool'[105] sign pointing back up the hill.
(14.37 km)
Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail
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Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 465 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[106] west, gently down along the wide management trail, keeping the main wide valley to your left. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m to come to a clear three-way intersection[107] with the signposted with the 'Rocky Ponds Trail'[108] (on your right). There is a sign here, pointing back up the trail to 'Girrakool'.
(14.84 km)
Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track
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Int of Hawkesbury Track and Dillons Trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 186 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Patonga' sign[109] south, downhill along the wide trail. After just over 100m, the trail passes through a metal gate[110] and fence then continues for another 50m to come to an intersection with a narrow track[111] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post and 'Tunnel Trail'[112] (on your right). Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post directly away from the face of the 'Tunnel Trail' sign[113][114] along the narrow track. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted 'Dillons Trail'[115].
(15.02 km)
Int of Great North Walk service trail and Patonga track
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Woy Woy Landfill Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -112 m
Turn left: With the Patonga-bound bush track on the right, this walk follows the management trail east, down the long, gentle hill. The trail gradually steepens as it winds down to the Woy Woy Landfill site. The walk then follows the landfill fence past a building and steps through a gap in the fence. The walk then heads along the gravel driveway to the landfill road.
(16.78 km)
Woy Woy Landfill
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Woy Woy Landfill site front gates Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.01 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -84 m
Veer left: From the Woy Woy landfill site, this walk down the road, winding to the bottom where it flattens out at the Woy Woy Landfill front gates (these gates are locked at night but there is a gap for walkers to get through just up to the right of the gates).
(17.79 km)
Woy Woy Landfill site front gates
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Woy Woy train station Walk: Easy - road
Length = 2.92 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From the landfill gates, this walk follows Nagari Road past the large self-storage facility on the right, and along to the intersection of Shoalhaven Drive. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Railway Street through the residential area, past the shopping centre to the Woy Woy train station.
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.
At the end of the Walk ie the Woy Woy Landfill Gates where you indicate you need to get there before they close and lock the gates .....say at 4pm on the weekends....well, that's no longer an issue as there is now a passage way on the far right hand side on the exit side which allows walkers to walk/snake their way thru. Not obvious...but its there. Sorry, I didn't take a photo but will be going back late Nov so will try again then to take a photo. Didn't see any sign pointing out the exit point...I only found it by accident ...maybe the sign which is mentioned in your track notes was on the entrance side of the the gates
admin - gates
Super Administrator | 2012-11-02 06:12:51
Hi Paul
Thanks for the note. I have been sent a photo by another walker, and have updated the notes now.
Thanks
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
not too much longer now :)