This walk explores the western half of the Girrakool Loop track. From the picnic area, this walk heads down the footpath to Illoura Lookout, with views down over Piles Creek (there is an optional side trip to the top of the waterfall). The walk then has another optional trip to Bundilla Lookout, providing a distant but square view of Piles Creek falls. The walk continues around the loop, enjoying the wildflowers which are in bloom late winter and spring. Before looping back to the picnic area, there are two more lookouts with filtered views.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Western Girrakool Loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Western Girrakool 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
1.1km
Time
30 mins
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
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
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*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 1.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 20m has short steep hills.
Quality of track
Around 780m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 300m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 640m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 440m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 1.1km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 1.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 1.1km 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'.
(0.27 km)
Illoura Lookout
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Piles Creek Waterfall Optional sidetrip: 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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Piles Creek Waterfall
Alt = 83 m
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.
(0.27 km)
Illoura Lookout
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Int of Girrakool Loop and Piles Creek tracks Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 33 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From Illoura Lookout, this walk follows the 'Girrakool Loop' sign keeping the green fence to the left. The track leads up some steps to soon come to a 'Y' intersection and a sign pointing back to 'Girrakool Car Park'.
(0.3 km)
Int of Girrakool Loop and Piles Creek tracks
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Bundilla Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 122 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -11 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Piles Creek Loop' sign down the rocky steps (keeping the valley to the right). The track soon crosses Leask Creek on a narrow concrete footbridge. The track continues to wind gently through the bush, soon coming to an intersection with a track which heads down to Bundilla Lookout (on the left). Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill to the fenced and signposted Bundilla Lookout (which is visible). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Bundilla Lookout
Alt = 86 m
Bundilla Lookout provides a good (but filtered) view from the southern side of the Leask and Piles Creeks junction. From the fenced lookout, you can see the top part of Piles Creek waterfall and much of the surrounding bushland. Bundilla is an Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of waters'[2].
(0.3 km)
Int of Girrakool Loop and Piles Creek tracks
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Andamira intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 418 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool Loop' sign (in the opposite direction to the 'Girrakool Car Park' sign), up the rocky track to soon pass the old 'lookout' sign. The track soon cross a small timber footbridge and continues to wind through the bush for a little while before crossing another footbridge with a handrail. A short time later, the walk crosses a longer timber bridge, then leads up the hill to an intersection with Andamira Lookout (unsignposted), a short distance to the left.
(0.72 km)
Andamira intersection
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Andamira Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 10 m
Time =
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk crosses the small bridge and climbs the stairs to the fenced Andamira Lookout platform. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Andamira Lookout
Alt = 118 m
The fenced Andamira Lookout is on a platform, overlooking Leaskes Creek waterfall on the Girrakool Loop walk. The waterfall is in a sandstone and ferny amphitheatre with a sandy base. Prior to reaching the waterfall, this creek has just passed under the F3 freeway, which can be heard a short distance away. Trees have grown up over the years and the view of the water if filtered through the leaves.
(0.72 km)
Andamira intersection
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Boondi Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 18 m
Time =
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the track and timber steps (away from Andamira Lookout and the freeway noise). At the top of the steps, the track comes to the fenced and signposted 'Boondi Lookout'.
Boondi Lookout
Alt = 119 m
Boondi Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Girrakool Loop track, in Brisbane Water National Park. The view is mostly of the trees in the valley, with some glimpses of Leaskes Creek to the right. 'Boondi' is a word used by the Darkinjung people meaning 'Club-headed weapon'[3].
(0.73 km)
Boondi Lookout
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Girrakool Picnic Area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 345 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn left: From 'Boondi Lookout', this walk heads up the stairs, following the main track. The track soon flattens and gently winds through the bush, across a rock platform and across a small wooden bridge. Soon after leaving the power lines, the track comes to a fence and the top of Girrakool Picnic area. The walk heads through the picnic area, tending left to the par park and large information sign.
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 
Track: Moderate
500 meters
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)