This walk starts and finishes at Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd. The walk follows sections of the Great North Walk around Mount Wondabyne and the old Bulls Hill Quarry. There are a few options for short side trips, one leading to the tranquil Kariong Brook falls and the other to the peak of Mount Wondabyne, providing great views over the National Park to Woy Woy.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop 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
11km
Time
4 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
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
Around 6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 4.8km has short steep hills.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 950m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 920m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 360m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows[1]. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy[2]. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27[3].
(0 km)
Staples Lookout
to
Int of Thommos Trail and Woy Woy Road Walk: Easy - road
Length = 372 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -13 m
From Staples Lookout, this walk heads downhill alongside Woy Woy Rd (keeping the view to the left). Where safe this walk crosses the road and continues down the hill. Just after passing a large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign (facing downhill), the walk comes to the signposted start of "Thommo's Loop Fire Trail" and a locked gate.
(0.37 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Woy Woy Road
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Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.83 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -83 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads around the National Park gate and continues down the service trail for a short while, before coming to the intersection of the power line service trail. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thommas Loop' sign down the management trail as it bends left. The trail winds down the hill to soon cross a rock platform with good views. Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk follows the management trail down the hill, keeping the valley views to the right. The trail then generally winds down the hill to come so a signposted three-way intersection with a 'Staples Lookout' sign pointing back up the hill.
(2.2 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail
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Kariong Brook crossing Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 688 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -122 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[4] gently down along the narrower track. The track leads down for about 60m to pass over a rock outcrop[5] and then 80m later, comes to a clearing that has been used as a campsite[6] (on your left). From the clearing, the track continues down the hill for about 150m, stepping down the rocks[7] and along a sandy track[8] to then bend right at metal handrail[9]. Here the rocky track becomes quite steep in places and winds down past some rock walls[10] and among the grass trees[11] for about 300m, where the track bends sharp right at the bottom of some steps in a cleft in the rock[12]. The track continues down for another 100m to follow the steps down through the sandstone overhang[13], here the track bends left then right to wind down and cross the creek (that is often underground) and come to an intersection with a faint track in front of Kariong Brook Falls[14] (on your right). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
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.
(2.2 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail
to
Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.49 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -34 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[15] downhill along the management trail[16]. The trail then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[17]) to then step up onto a particularly large rock platform[18]. After crossing this rock platform, the trail continues for another 120m to come to a Y-intersection[19] (at another rock platform) where a 'Girrakool' sign[20] points back along the track.
(3.69 km)
Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail
to
Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 830 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -50 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[21] east, gently downhill along the narrow track. After about 250m, the track leads to a notably large rock platform[22] with a clear view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[23]. Here the track continues gently downhill, crossing more rock platforms[24] for about 300m to head over a section of timber boardwalk[25] and past a few disused power poles[26]. The track then continues over another rock platform for another 200m to cross a small ephemeral creek[27]. From the creek, the track leads up a short distance up under the power lines to come to a T-intersection[28] with a wide trail, where a sign points back to 'Girrakool'[29].
(4.52 km)
Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east)
to
Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks Track: Hard - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 1.16 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 123 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the GNW arrow post along the management trail[30], 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[31], pointing back along the trail. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[32] south up the trail. The trail soon begins to narrow[33] and after almost 200m, the track steps up to cross a rock platform[34], following a few GNW arrow posts to find a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[35]. After writing a comment, the walk continues uphill[36] along the track for about 700m, as the track become progressively flatter[37], 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[38] (the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the left[39]), marked with a GNW arrow post.
(5.68 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks
to
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[40]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[41] (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[42], to come to the first peak[43]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[44] and great panoramic views[45]. (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.
(5.68 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks
to
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[46] south over a small rise then gently downhill along the rocky track, leaving Mt Wondabyne peak[47] behind and to your left. After about 90m, the track leads down to a clearing[48] at the end of a management trail, where there is a sign pointing back to 'Mooney Mooney rest area'[49]. This is the Mt Wondabyne campsite[50].
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).
(5.76 km)
Mt Wondabyne Campsite
to
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'[51] sign down the wide management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 300m, enjoying some views back to Mount Wondabyne[52] as well as to Woy Woy and Brisbane Water[53]. 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'[54] and 'Girrakool'[55] sign pointing back up the hill.
(6.52 km)
Int of Girrakool and Mt Wondabyne tracks
to
Int of Tunnel and Mullet Creek Tracks Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.06 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -55 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail down the hill as it bends to the left (initially keeping Mt Wondabyne to the left). The trail winds down the hill, passing a filtered view of the Woy Woy landfill site and some nice sandstone formations. The trail then leads into a valley and crosses an often dry creek using a concrete ford. Soon after this, the trail comes to a four-way intersection, with some power lines and a sign pointing back to 'Tunnel Track'.
(7.59 km)
Int of Tunnel and Mullet Creek Tracks
to
Brisbane Waters NP gate Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 719 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east along the management trail up the hill, away from the power lines (not following any of the signs). The trail soon comes to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Thommos Loop' trail (on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the red-gravelly trail north, gently downhill (soon bending right). The trail passes an old rusty trailer (on the left) and soon comes to a 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign and heads around a locked gate.
(8.3 km)
Brisbane Waters NP gate
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Int of Tunnel track and Powerline maintenance trail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.01 km
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk heads away from the gate and national park along the management trail. The trail soon comes to the old Bulls Hill Quarry (on the left) and continues around the edge, passing the pondage area (there are many tracks in the are, this walk follows the main Tunnel Track). The trail bends left, rounding the quarry to cross the sandstone rock platform and climb the gravelly trail leaving the quarry behind. About 170m after passing under the power lines, the trail comes to an intersection with a power line maintenance trail (on the right, signposted '830').
Bulls Hill Quarry
Alt = 126 m
The Bulls Hill Quarry, which was once a sandstone quarry on the western side of Woy Woy Rd. In 2002 Gosford Council proposed converting the quarry into a 'composting and recycling facility'[56]. These plans where rejected due to concerns of the environmental impact[57]. In 2005 the then-Department of Land and Water Conservation worked on the sediment dams to improve water flow quality from the site.
(9.31 km)
Int of Tunnel track and Powerline maintenance trail
to
Int of Tunnel track and Woy Woy Rd Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 128 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the gate (and road), just visible up the gentle hill along the management trail. On the other side of the gate, the walk comes to small clearing beside Woy Woy Rd (a short distance uphill from the speed camera).
(9.44 km)
Int of Tunnel track and Woy Woy Rd
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Staples Lookout Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.36 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 70 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left : From the small clearing, this walk follows alongside Woy Woy Rd away from the speed camera, passing the large 'Overtaking lane 400m Ahead' sign up the hill. Soon the road leads to a 'Roy Lamb the Sand Man' sign[58]. Continue straight: From the 'Roy Lamb the Sand Man' sign, this walk follows beside Woy Woy Rd, heading up the hill (passing a house on the left). The road sweeps left and (about 10m past the yellow 'Left Lane Ends' sign) the walk comes to an intersection with a power line access trail (on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill beside Woy Woy Rd (away from the water view), soon coming to an intersection with the signposted start of the 'Thommo's Loop Fire Trail'[59] and gate (on the left) - just before the brown 'Scenic Lookout' sign[60]. Continue straight: From the intersection, heads along Woy Woy Road passing the large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign. The walk crosses the road (where safe) and crosses a grassy area to come to the car park and signposted Staples Lookout.
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.
Found the first part of this walk to the brook and Mt Wondabyne very good, varied and interesting. For us to much walking on fire trails and found these parts very boring. However we did power along these stretches and finished the walk in 3.5hrs including down to the brook/return and breaks. The last part of the walk up busy Woy Woy Road was not much fun at all. The view from the Mt top was wonderful even on an overcast grey day.
Warwick Farley
IP:122.106.194.xxx | 2011-05-14 00:41:43
Most enjoyable walk. Highlight were the two diversions - Kariong Brook and waterfall and the views from the top of Mt Wondabyne.
A note of caution however. The walk along Woy Woy Rd back to Staple Lookout is quite perilous. Narrow verge to walk on with cars cutting the corners across the verge. Heavy traffic when we were walking back. There is a lay-by at the NPWS gate where the walk ends. Ideal would be to have two cars, one there and one at the lookout.
Nikolay - walk variant
IP:58.106.81.xxx | 2011-09-17 15:11:45
I would recommend return by the same way as you get to Mt. I turned back after point 7.5km, but you could do it on point 8km after visiting quarry (which is 500m father then last intersection leading to my way). In other case you would have quite long way along woy-woy road.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)