This pleasant walk explores the rural valleys and a beautiful section of Jilliby State Conservation Area. Starting at Ourimbah Valley Trackhead you walk into Hidden valley along the dirt road, to then follow a trail beside Ourimbah Creek to Stringy Bark Point. This is a pleasant mossy area with many ferns and near a wide sandy section of Ourimbah Creek. A bit further on you cross Ourimbah Creek then walk up the ridge to the dirt Tooheys Road. After turning off the old Tooheys Rd the Great North Walk leads along a narrow track and across the mossy and delightful Dead Horse Creek. The track then meanders through a heath and scribbly gum forest to Cherry Lane. After about a 1.5km road slog this walk leads you to a GNW trackhead on Great Rd.
(open in app)
There are closures in Jilliby State Conservation Area Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road
Cross sectional view of the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road 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
15km
Time
5 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
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
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
7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 6km is very steep. The remaining (1.5km) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.8km follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 3.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.9km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 3.8km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (3.7km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 13km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.9km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.9km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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(0 km)
Ourimbah Valley Trackhead
to
Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.85 km
Time = 32 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -25 m
From the 'Ourimbah Valley Trackhead'[1] (on Ourimbah Creek Rd), this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign downhill along the dirt road. The road soon leads down and across a flat timber vehicle bridge[2] then the road mostly flattens out, winding among the rural properties for almost 300m to pass a 'Palm Grove Nature Reserve' sign[3] and a few 'Hidden Valley' signs[4]. The walk continues along the road for about 700m then comes to the intersection in front of the Hidden Valley property (on your left, not far before another road bridge).
This walk continues straight, gently downhill along the wide dirt road to almost immediately pass 'Wombats End' (private road)[5] then cross the flat timber road bridge[6]. After about 400m, the road leads under some high tension power lines[7] then after another 150m of winding past the rural properties[8], this walk passes a timber 'Hidden Valley' private property shelter[9] and water tank (on your right). A further 100m along the road past this shelter, the walk veers left (ignoring 'Platypus Creek La') to come to a locked gate with a 'Road Closed' sign[10].
(1.85 km)
Int of Platypus Creek La and Ourimbah Creek Rd
to
Forty Acres Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.98 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = -43 m
Continue straight: From the gate (near the intersection of Ourimbah Creek Road and Platypus Creek La), this walk heads up around the locked gate and follows the Ourimbah Creek Rd trail along the side of the valley for about 800m, where it crosses a culverted creek[11]. From here, the walk continues along the clear trail as it gently undulates alongside Ourimbah Creek (which is down the steep bank on your right) for about 1.2km until coming to a three-way intersection, marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[12], just before the gates of 'Forty Acres' property[13].
(3.83 km)
Forty Acres
to
Stringy Bark Point Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.82 km
Time = 33 mins
Climb = 43 m
Descent = -33 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[14] north-east along the clear trail. This trail gently undulates along the side of Ourimbah Creek[15] (which is down the steep bank on your right) for about 1.6km, then passes a campsite with a metal fireplace[16] (on your right). Here the walk continues along the trail for about 100m to head past a track[17] (on your right, that leads down to the sandy creek) and continues along the main trail for another 150m to come to large clearing and campsite, Stringy Bark Point[18] at the end of the trail (marked with a timber and metal footbridge[19] on the right).
Stringy Bark Point
Alt = 46 m
This campsite is in a small clearing at Stringy Bark Point, just on the southern side of the bridge. This campsite provides room for a small campfire and a few tents. Water is usually available from the creek running by the campsite, please treat before drinking.
(5.64 km)
Stringy Bark Point
to
Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.83 km
Time = 53 mins
Climb = 237 m
Descent = -42 m
Veer right: From Stringy Bark Point campsite[20], this walk heads across the timber and metal footbridge[21] (with a small mossy canyon on your right[22]). Once on the other side of the bridge, the old trail gently undulates west through the bush[23] for about 300m where this walk turns right following a GNW arrow post down a few rock steps[24]. The distinct track leads fairly steeply down to find, then cross, the perennial Ourimbah Creek[25]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain.
On the other side, the track leads up the bank then gently up through the dense, leafy forest for about 50m, following a series of GNW arrow posts. The track then starts to lead steeply uphill for about 100m and leaves the dense forest, climbing up onto the more open ridge. Here the track mostly flattens out, leading over a rocky area[26] to then come to a large ant hill[27]. The track now leads uphill for about 250m to pass some cabbage palms (Livistona australis)[28]. The track starts to climb steeply again for about 150m, up some stone steps[29] (and past a rock with a view[30]) to where the track mostly flattens out again for about 60m, coming to a three-way intersection that is marked with a GNW arrow post[31]. Here the walk veers left and follows this old trail steeply uphill[32] for about 130m, before turning left at another GNW arrow post[33]. This track soon bends sharp right and leads up some stone steps[34] then comes to an intersection[35] (with the same old trail). Here the walk leads gently uphill for about 30m, over the a rise (ignoring the faint track on your right), after which the track leads gently down through the tall forest[36] for about 300m and comes to an T-intersection with the dirt Tooheys Rd[37], marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[38].
(7.47 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road south
to
Int of Great North Walk and Tooheys Road north Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 2.3 km
Time = 52 mins
Climb = 139 m
Descent = -67 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Camping Area' sign[39] north, down along the wide dirt road. The road soon crosses a saddle and starts to lead uphill, then meanders (quite steeply in places) along the ridge and through a variety of forests for about 2.2km, before passing a 'Caution Archery In Progress At Any Time - Keep to the Main Track' sign[40]. Just over 100m past this sign, the road leads up to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[41], and the signposted GNW track (on your left)
(9.78 km)
Int of Old GNW track and Tooheys Rd
to
Archers Campsite Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 157 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[42] uphill along the wide dirt road. After about 30m, the road bends right[43] (ignoring the trail on the left) and leads gently up for about 150m to pass below the campsite, then come to the signposted intersection with the 'Camping Area'[44] (on your left) (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Archers Campsite
Alt = 311 m
This informally named campsite is found in Jilliby State Conservation Area, and is used regularly by members of the Tuggerah Lake Field Archers club. This is a basic campsite with a water tank[45][46] and shed used for hanging shower water bags[47][48]. The large open camping area has a few existing fire scars[49] and a few flat grassy areas. (There are other facilities 150m further north along the dirt trail at the club house.)
(9.78 km)
Int of GNW and Tooheys Road north
to
Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.9 km
Time = 48 mins
Climb = 106 m
Descent = -174 m
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Yarramalong' sign[50] along the narrow track (away from the dirt road) following a small ridge[51]. After about 50m this walk turns right, following a GNW arrow post[52] off the side of the ridge. The track now leads down along the side of the hill through the wooded forest[53] mostly fairly gently downhill for 500m to cross a small (usually dry) gully[54]. The track continues a little steeper down the hill among the gymea Lilie and eucalypt forest[55] for just over 150m to pass a notable termite mound[56]. About 150m past this mound the track starts to zig zag and head more steeply downhill for yet another 150m to come to the cool and mossy Dead Horse Creek[57].
Here the walk crosses Dead Horse Creek[58] (this creek may become impassable after prolonged or heavy rain), then follows the GNW arrow post [59] up the side of the hill. The track initially zig zags steeply
then more gently up as it generally contours north along the side of the hill for about 250m to cross a small gully and often dry side creek[60]. The track continues along the side of the main valley through the cool and dense wooded forest for just over 250m (where there are a few sections of faint track). Here the track starts to veer left and climb the side, of the valley quiet steeply at times for around 400m, where the forest becomes dryer and more open until the track leads to the side of a large high tension power-line tower[61].
(11.68 km)
Powerline tower west of Dead Horse Creek
to
Int of GNW and Cherry Lane Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.55 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -26 m
Continue straight: From the high tension powerline tower[62], this walk heads uphill along the widening track[63], initially keeping the tower on your left. After 200m this walk turns left at an intersection[64] marked with a "private Property" sign[65], following a GNW arrow post[66]. This walk continues along the track through the scribbly gum forest[67] for about 70m to then continue straight ahead at four-way intersection[68] (with a wider trail)[69]. From here this walk continues through the wooded forest for another 400m to where the view open up as the track passes through a 150m section of heath[70] (ignoring a few fainter side tracks). Now the track leads back through a lightly wooded forest for another 250m to come to a clear intersection with a wider management trail, at the corner of a fence[71].
From here, this walk continue straight, following the track along the side of the fence (keeping the fence to your right[72]) for 400m where the track leads under a set of high tension power lines[73], beside some farm land[74]. Continuing along the fence line the track soon leads across a section of timber duckboard[75] then after another 100m crosses a small flat timber bridge (over a small sandy creek)[76]. Just another 80m later the track leads
up to a locked gate[77] and to a T-intersection with Cherry Lane, marked with a few GNW arrows[78].
(13.23 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Cherry Lane
to
Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.39 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection[79], this walk follows the GNW arrow post gently uphill[80] along Cherry Lane, a gravel road. After 800m this walk continues straight ahead passing an intersection at the top of the hill[81]. From here the road leads downhill for about 400m to pass a notable dam close to the road[82] (on your right). Now the walk leads gently up along the gravel road for another 250m to a T-intersection with the sealed 'Greta Rd'[83]
marked with a 'The Great North Walk' signpost[84] (on your right).
(14.61 km)
Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane
to
Int of Greta Road and power line service trail Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 430 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection[85], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[86] gently uphill along the grassy verge (under the power lines) keeping Greta Road just to your left[87]. After 120m this walk crosses a driveway[88] and continues along side the road for almost 250m to near the top of the hill, just before the high tension power lines. Here the walk turns left to cross the road to find a 'Great North Walk' signposted[89] intersection beside a locked gate and style[90].
Drive from Int of Greta Road and power line service trail
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.
Region: Park fees Current Park Closure information for Jilliby State Conservation Area Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Safety alerts: Road access within Jilliby SCA Roads in Jilliby State Conservation Area are unsealed, and accessible by 2WD in dry conditions only. 4WD's should be used at all other times. Gates may be temporarily closed on some roads, for roadworks, to prevent damage when wet.
Closed areas: Lemon Tree Forest Road Lemon Tree Forest Road, between Prickly Ridge Road and Yambo Forest Road, in Jilliby SCA is closed to vehicles until further notice, due to severe erosion. This closure will remain in place indefinitely. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Lakes area office on (02) 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Ourimbah State Forest Ourimbah State Forest is a small parcel of land west of Wyong on the NSW central Coast. The forest in on the southern boarder of Jilliby State forest and is home to a small section of the Great North Walk Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
We walked the Somersby to Yarramalong section about a month ago after it had rained for a few days. We knew what we were getting into, though I must admit the leeches were something else. If you are planning to walk this section in anything other than drought conditions make sure you check yourself for leeches and take a small salt shaker.
Also, Ourimbah Creek is as they say in the track notes - definitely impassable after significant rain. We turned back as the creek was so swollen it was about 10m across and flowing dangerously fast. I reckon it was up to 2m deep as well. Not something to mess with.
alanm - Nice day walk
IP:125.254.72.xxx | 2013-08-26 12:29:09
Mid August and a temperature of 25C, made it a great day for this walk. Really enjoyed Ourimbah and Dead Horse Creeks.
Jason, I always spray my socks with RID before I start and I don't have any problems (famous last words) - although you are right - I always carry a small container of salt!
Video of my walk at http://youtu.be/293MuVLGgew
Robert - Great day walk
IP:141.243.33.xxx | 2014-07-21 04:28:25
Done mid-july. Great walk with some beautiful rural landscapes as well as the nature reserve. Climbs not strenuous.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)