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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Patonga to Pearl Beach are found in each of the tabs below
Patonga to Pearl Beach
Time: 1 hr 45 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.7 km E of Patonga
Length: 4.3 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 4.3 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Brisbane Water National Park
Climb: 189 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 189 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk There is a ferry stop near the start of this walk
Style: One way
Track: Moderate

This walk explores a section of Brisbane Water National Park between the villages of Patonga and Pearl Beach. From Patonga, this walk takes you up a track following the Great North Walk route, and then a wider trail brings you to a short (and very worthwhile) side trip to Warrah Lookout. From here, the walk follows the wide trail down to Pearl Beach for lunch at the cafe or a dip at the beach. Enjoy the wildflowers in spring and also great water views on sunny days. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Patonga to Pearl Beach

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Patonga to Pearl Beach bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Patonga to Pearl Beach
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Patonga Wharf car park
Warrah Reserve boat ramp
Eastern end of Patonga Beach
Broken Bay View
Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track
Warrah Lookout intersection
Warrah Lookout intersection
Pearl Caves
Lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
Pearl Beach Cafe
Starting point for this hiking track: Patonga Wharf car park

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Broken Bay 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91301N 
 Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map 1:40 000 Map Series CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Patonga Ferry Wharf
 
Patonga Ferry Wharf +
 
Patonga Beach
 
Patonga Beach +
 
Patonga Fish and Chips and general store
 
Patonga Fish and Chips and general store +

 
Pavilion at Eve Williams Memorial Oval
 
Pavilion at Eve Williams Memorial Oval +
 
Walking along Patonga Beach
 
Walking along Patonga Beach +
 
carpobrotus glaucescens or 'Pig Face'
 
carpobrotus glaucescens or 'Pig Face' +

 
Beach near Boat ramp
 
Beach near Boat ramp +
 
Boat Ramp
 
Boat Ramp +
 
Patonga gate looking towards Dark Corner
 
Patonga gate looking towards Dark Corner +

 
Looking across the water from Dark Corner
 
Looking across the water from Dark Corner +
 
Bottom of Patonga Track
 
Bottom of Patonga Track +
 
Great North Walk sign at bottom of Patonga Track
 
Great North Walk sign at bottom of Patonga Track +

 
Walking along Patonga track
 
Walking along Patonga track +
 
Patonga Track
 
Patonga Track +
 
A large angophora east of Patonga
 
A large angophora east of Patonga +

 
Steps through cleft in rock
 
Steps through cleft in rock +
 
View from beside track
 
View from beside track +
 
Track along ridge
 
Track along ridge +

 
Flat section of Patonga Track
 
Flat section of Patonga Track +
 
Rock platform at Broken Bay View
 
Rock platform at Broken Bay View +
 
Broken Bay View
 
Broken Bay View +

 
Looking to West Head from Broken Bay View
 
Looking to West Head from Broken Bay View +
 
Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) in Spring
 
Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) in Spring +
 
Dampiera Stricta Flowers in Spring
 
Dampiera Stricta Flowers in Spring +

 
Top of Patonga Track
 
Top of Patonga Track +
 
walking along Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
 
walking along Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail +
 
Track of the side of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
 
Track of the side of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail +

 
along the trail
 
along the trail +
 
Warrah lookout intersection
 
Warrah lookout intersection +
 
Warrah Lookout
 
Warrah Lookout +

 
Warrah lookout
 
Warrah lookout +
 
View from Warrah Lookout
 
View from Warrah Lookout +
 
Warrah Lookout
 
Warrah Lookout +

 
Walking east of Warrah lookout intersection
 
Walking east of Warrah lookout intersection +
 
Wide clear trail
 
Wide clear trail +
 
View to across Pearl Beach to Mt Ettalong
 
View to across Pearl Beach to Mt Ettalong +

 
Steep gully on side of trail
 
Steep gully on side of trail +
 
Interesting rock work
 
Interesting rock work +
 
Sandstone slabs
 
Sandstone slabs +

 
Inside Cave
 
Inside Cave +
 
View of Pearl Caves from trail
 
View of Pearl Caves from trail +
 
Looking out from Pearl Cave
 
Looking out from Pearl Cave +

 
Along lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
 
Along lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail +
 
drier forest at lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
 
drier forest at lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail +
 
Palm near Crystal Ave
 
Palm near Crystal Ave +

 
Crystal Ave from Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
 
Crystal Ave from Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail +
 
Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail sign
 
Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail sign +
 
Crystal Ave
 
Crystal Ave +

 
walking along Crystal Ave
 
walking along Crystal Ave +
 
Intersection of Diamond Rd and Crystal Ave
 
Intersection of Diamond Rd and Crystal Ave +
 
Crossing Green Point Creek
 
Crossing Green Point Creek +

 
Pearl Beach Shops
 
Pearl Beach Shops +
 
Pearl Beach Cafe
 
Pearl Beach Cafe +
 
Play equipment at Pearl Beach
 
Play equipment at Pearl Beach +

 
Looking south along Pearl Beach
 
Looking south along Pearl Beach +
 
Looking North along Pearl Beach
 
Looking North along Pearl Beach +
 
Picnic table at Pearl Beach
 
Picnic table at Pearl Beach +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Patonga to Pearl Beach bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Patonga to Pearl Beach bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Patonga to Pearl Beach bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Patonga to Pearl Beach 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 4.3km
Time 1 hr 45 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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
2.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (530m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
This whole walk, 4.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 2.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 4.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 920m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Catch the ferry to Patonga Beach
Public transport (ferry) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.

Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|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.
Catch the bus to Patonga Wharf car park
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Patonga Wharf car park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Patonga Village Alt = 2 m
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[1], where you will find a large pavilion[2], drinking water[3] and public toilets[4].
A fish and chips shop (and general store)[5] is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee[6] and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food)[7].
Patonga Beach Hotel[8] is available for a cold drink at the bar[9] or a meal on the deck[10], or even overnight accommodation[11] (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.

(0 km) Patonga Wharf car park to Warrah Reserve boat ramp
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 361 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -12 m
From the car park[12] at Patonga wharf[13], this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive[14], keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval'[15][16][17] for 70m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[18] opposite the toilet block[19]. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the 'Boat Ramp' sign and GNW arrow post[20] down along a side road[21] for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga's boat ramp[22]. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach[23] from the wharf to the boat ramp.)

Warrah Reserve boat ramp Alt = 2 m
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.

(0.36 km) Warrah Reserve boat ramp to Eastern end of Patonga Beach
Walk: Easy - beach
Length = 166 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign[24]. This area of the beach is also know as 'Dark Corner'[25].

(0.53 km) Eastern end of Patonga Beach to Broken Bay View
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 593 m Time = 21 mins
Climb = 122 m Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the eastern end of Patonga beach, this walk follows the 'Warrah Trig 1.7km' sign[26] up the steps. The track winds up the side on the hill, turning left and following the ridge line uphill. Soon after passing up some stairs between the rock, the track comes to a lovely view across the water. Here, the track turns left and climbs up more steps before flattening out and passing a few more GNW arrows. Just after passing two GNW arrows next to each other (at the end of a large crack in the rock), the track passes a few large Sydney Red Gums and comes to an unfenced rock platform on the right - Broken Bay view.

Broken Bay View Alt = 124 m
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.

(1.12 km) Broken Bay View to Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 328 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 14 m Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the Broken Bay view, this walk follows Great North Walk arrows uphill along the track. The track winds gently through the bush, with the occasional water glimpse to the right. After a short time, the track comes to a clear intersection with the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail with a sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[27].

(1.45 km) Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track to Warrah Lookout intersection
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 369 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -26 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow downhill along the wide management trail. After about 250m, the trail passes a track on the right (marked with 5 large boulders - this informal track leads to an unfenced view). The walk continues along the management trail for another 100m and comes to an intersection near the Warrah Lookout, and a sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[28].

(1.82 km) Warrah Lookout intersection to Warrah Lookout
Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 70 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads between the timber posts and follows the 'Warrah Lookout' sign[29] along the sandstone footpath. The path leads through the bush for a short distance, coming to the fenced Warrah Lookout. (Beware of informal side tracks that lead to unfenced sections of cliff.)
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

Warrah Lookout Alt = 114 m
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.

(1.82 km) Warrah Lookout intersection to Pearl Caves
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.16 km Time = 23 mins
Climb = 14 m Descent = -89 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pearl Beach' sign[30] downhill along the management trail. The trail leads down the hill and bends right soon after some filtered water views over Pearl Beach. The trail then start to bend around the side of a steep gully and, about 70m after passing between two large rocks, the trail rounds a left-hand bend, just below a long cliff face with several sandstone caves.

Pearl Caves Alt = 51 m
Pearl Caves is an informal name for a couple of caves found on the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. The two large overhangs are found near the base of a cliff. The caves look north and have outward-sloping floors. One cave has a few small columns and stalagmite/stalactite decorations growing at the back. To protect the caves (and yourself), the caves are best viewed from a distance.

(2.97 km) Pearl Caves to Lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 458 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 9 m Descent = -50 m
Continue straight: From the caves, this walk heads downhill along the management trail, keeping the steep valley to the left. There is a distinct change in vegetation as the trail winds down the hill. About 100m after seeing the house, the trail leads around a locked gate and a 'Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail' sign[31] onto Crystal St (about 60m up from the end of the sealed section of road).

(3.43 km) Lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail to Pearl Beach Cafe
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 727 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -10 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads east along the dirt Crystal Ave, keeping the downhill slope (valley) on the left. After about 40m, the road becomes sealed and the walk continues past the houses, turning left onto Diamond Rd. The walk then crosses Green Point Creek on a bridge (with a detailed risk warning sign[32]) and after a further 120m, the walk turns right to follow Tourmaline Ave. Soon, the walk comes to some shops, turning left onto Pearl Parade, coming to the front of the cafe[33].

Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe Alt = 3 m
The Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe (ph 02 4343 1222) is found at 1 Pearl Pde, Pearl Beach, and is open 7 days. The cafe provides breakfast, lunch and dinners for about $20 a meal. The general store[34] provides cheaper take-away meals and general supplies (including ice-creams). Across the road is Pearl Beach and some children's play equipment[35]. Alternatively for a more refined dining experience, 'Pearls on the Beach' is found on the other side of the road, open Thursday to Sundays for lunch and dinner (ph 02 4342 4400)[36]. More info

(4.16 km) Pearl Beach Cafe to Pearl Beach (Amethyst Ave access)
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 118 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the cafe, this walk follows Pearl Pde, keeping the water to the right. The footpath leads past a bus stop[37], crossing the road and heading past the play equipment[38]. The walk comes to a toilet block[39] and wide entrance to Pearl Beach, almost opposite Amethyst Ave.

Pearl Beach Alt = 3 m
Pearl Beach is a 1.2km long crescent-shaped, yellow sand beach. The beach has rocky points at either end - the southern end is home to an ocean pool and the northern end has the old Pearl Beach Road carved through the rock (no longer in use for cars). The beach has many access points and is popular for sunbathers, picnickers, and swimmers, although there is no surf life saver presence. The south-east facing beach is lined with houses in the northern section, and shade-providing trees in the south.

Catch the bus from Pearl Beach (Amethyst Ave access)
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Pearl Beach (Amethyst Ave access)
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Catch a ferry to Patonga Beach
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. Get Timetable
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
Map Car Shuffle
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Paddlecraft 3B / 1714 Pittwater Road, Bayview 02 9997 8015 12.3 km
Mannings Sports 172 Mann St , Gosford (02) 4325 1617 15.3 km
BCF Australia Pty Ltd 354 Manns Rd , Gosford West (02) 4322 5833 16 km
Outdoor Shack 1131 Pittwater Rd , Collaroy (02) 9981 6933 20.3 km
Kellys Camping & Outdoors 826 Pittwater Rd , Dee Why (02) 9972 0061 22.9 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Patonga to Pearl Beach.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Patonga to Pearl Beach
Click to re-center search
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 13 km (to the N)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 14 km (to the WSW)
3 VMB2 Tower Street BATEAU BAY 26 km (to the NE)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
26 km (to the SW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 43 km (to the SW)

Weather and Park info

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 8 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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      29°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|25°Possible shower.
Fri18°|30°Partly cloudy.
Sat16°|24°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Brisbane Water National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Tinribs - a lovely walk IP:121.216.249.xxx | 2012-03-11 04:13:57
First trip to this area. How lovely is Pearl Beach! An easy walk and a well used track...including those athletes who used it as a workout(running up the fire track from the Pearl Beach end). Would have loved to have found this site before we went on the walk...would have been nice to have had lunch at the cafe. Well worth doing.
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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