This walk explores many highlights in Katandra Reserve. Starting from St Johns Lookout, this walk winds down the hill into the much denser forest of the valley, enjoy many interesting rock formations on the way. Once in the valley, you walk past some fantastic examples of strangler figs before heading around Seymour Pond, enjoying the water birds. After resting at one of the picnic areas, you follow Graves Walk up the ridge, enjoying the open and dryer forest before returning to the car park.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Katandra Circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Katandra Circuit 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
4.8km
Time
2 hrs 15 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
Clearly signposted (1/6)
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
2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (320m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 3.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
This whole walk, 4.8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 2.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 4.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
St Johns Lookout car park
to
Toilet block Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 128 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -3 m
From the car park (signposted as 'Katandra' on Toomeys Rd), this walk heads across the picnic area and past the BBQ shelters, keeping the road up the hill to the left. Soon the walk comes to a sandstone footpath in front of the toilet block.
St Johns Lookout picnic area
Alt = 200 m
St Johns Lookout picnic area[1] is a large open area found at the top of Katandra Reserve on Toomeys Rd. The picnic area provides wheelchair accessible toilets[2], picnic tables[3], free electric BBQ's[4], parking areas[5][6] and information boards[7]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[8] but no drinking water[9].
(0.13 km)
Toilet block
to
St Johns Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 41 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the footpath past the information sign to the fenced and signposted 'St Johns Lookout' (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
St Johns Lookout
Alt = 182 m
This fenced lookout is found at the top of Katandra Reserve, near the toilets. The lookout was upgraded by Gosford Council in September 2009[10] and now provides a safer platform and easier access. From the lookout, there are extensive views south-east over Matcham, Erina Heights and Terrigal, out to the ocean. The Guringai Walk passes below the lookout - please take extra care to not drop anything from the platform.
(0.13 km)
Toilet block
to
Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 167 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the toilet block, this walk heads through the clearing away from the lookout and BBQs. The walk follows the 'Toomey Walk' sign past a couple of picnic tables then turns right at the next 'Toomey Walk' sign. Just after passing through the gap in the fence, the walk comes to an intersection with a number of timber posts (on the right).
(0.3 km)
Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track
to
Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 395 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -96 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper orange arrow past the timber posts and along the track. The track soon bends sharply left, heading down some stairs and coming to a three-way intersection, and a 'Lookout' sign pointing back up. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Toomey Walk' sign down the steps and left around the tree and through a cleft in the rock. The track zigzags down the hill and, about 100m past a rock platform with views, the track leads through some timber posts to come to a 'T' intersection with the Katandra Horse Track.
(0.69 km)
Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track
to
Strangler Fig platform Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.17 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 45 m
Descent = -124 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows neither arrow but heads gently downhill along the wide horse trail, passing the post with the peach-coloured strip. The trail winds through the bush for a short time before coming to a clearing and signposted intersection with the 'Ridgeway Road' trail. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the left-hand arrow on the 'Toomey Walk' sign, over a small rise and along a narrow track. The track then heads down a short set of stairs and past a large rock. After a switchback, the track heads down another set of stairs then continues more gently down the hill. After a few more zigzags, the bush becomes more dense and thick vines become prevalent. Once on the valley floor, the walk crosses a couple of small creeks on small timber bridges and soon heads down some stairs, coming to the timber platform and a large Strangler Fig tree.
Strangler Fig platform
Alt = 50 m
The Strangler Fig platform on Toomey Walk has been built to help walkers better appreciate this amazing feat of survival. The tree is formally know as Ficus obliqua and is listed on the Significant tree Register[11]. More commonly know as a 'Small-leaved Fig' [12], this tree has an amazing root structure that grasps onto a large mossy boulder before heading underground. The platform is in a lovely shaded spot on the valley floor and the bench seat makes an inviting offer to sit whilst you soak up the surroundings. More info
(1.86 km)
Strangler Fig platform
to
Strangler Fig Tube Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 421 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -35 m
Turn left: From the Strangler Fig Tree platform, this walk heads down a step and follows the flat track through the palm-filled valley. The track cross a few small creeks on small timber bridges to come to post '3' (a large Turpentine Tree[13]). From there, the track continues gently downhill. Soon after heading down a long set of timber stairs, the track crosses a small bridge then turns right, coming to the top of more stairs and a number '4' post (a Strangler Fig tube).
Strangler Fig Tube
Alt = 23 m
This Strangler Fig Tube is found beside Toomey Walk, just north of Seymour Pond. The scientific name of the tree is Ficus obliqua and it is listed on the Significant Tree Register[14]. This Small-leaved Fig has grown around a large fallen log. The log has long-since rotted away, leaving a knotted tubular structure. Strangler Figs often grow from seeds dropped by birds[15]. The seeds may fall on logs or rocks and the roots will make their way to the ground (to provided water, nutrients and a firm anchor), whilst the rest of the tree grows upwards for light. More info
(2.28 km)
Strangler Fig Tube
to
Int of Waterman and Toomey walks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 57 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From post '3', this walk heads down the timber stairs and turns left. The walk follows the track and soon moves back onto a boardwalk, coming to a three-way intersection beside a large pond, with a sign pointing back along 'Toomey Walk'.
(2.34 km)
Int of Waterman and Toomey walks
to
Seymour Pond Picnic area Alternate Route:
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
( Show detail)
Length = 69 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the arrows and heads away from the face of the signs, across the bridge, keeping the pond on the right. The track then heads past the picnic tables and comes to an intersection and 'Seymour Pond' sign. Veer left to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 3km 'Seymour Pond Picnic area'.
(2.34 km)
Int of Waterman and Toomey walks
to
Waterman View Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 554 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Waterman Walk' sign past the blue striped post and across the bridge, keeping the pond to the left. The track winds through the bush, crossing a few smaller bridges with glimpse to the pond. After crossing a bigger bridge and gully, the track comes to a bench seat. Here, the track turns left and heads along the side of the gully, crossing a few more small bridges and then heading up some stairs. Soon, the track comes to a viewing platform (on the left) with some long bench seats and a good view across Seymour Pond.
Waterman View
Alt = 19 m
Waterman view (informally named) is a viewing point at the western end of Seymour Pond. The platform has a couple of long bench seats. A timber platform on the water's edge means that visitors can get right up near the water. Signs here remind visitors that swimming is not allowed. This is a great spot to enjoy the birds and other life around the pond.
(2.89 km)
Waterman View
to
Seymour Pond Picnic area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 109 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the pond viewing point, this walk follows the dirt track, keeping the pond on the left. The track skirts around the pond and soon comes to a 'Seymour Pond' sign and a couple of picnic tables.
Seymour Pond
Alt = 18 m
Seymour Pond is medium-sized water body in Katandra Reserve. The pond is fed by a spring coming from the cliffs at the top of the reserve[16]. The small creek was dammed in the early 1900's to provide water for a farm on the south side (growing vegetables)[17]. The pond is home to water birds, large lizards and other wildlife. The council does not allow swimming in the pond[18], helping to maintain the ecosystem that now relies on this pond. There are a few spots beside the pond where you can enjoy the cool climate and the visiting birds.
Seymour Pond Picnic Area
Alt = 18 m
The Seymour Pond Picnic Area is found on the dam wall at the eastern end of Seymour Pond in Katandra Reserve. The picnic area provides a couple of picnic tables and a garbage bin. The picnic area is set in a lovely naturally shaded area in view of the Seymour Pond and beside Watermans and Toomeys walks.
(3 km)
Seymour Pond Picnic area
to
Katandra Rd picnic area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 445 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 43 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer right: From the picnic area, this walk heads away from the pond, following the left-hand 'Waterman walk' arrow (next to the locked gate) into the bush and across a couple of small bridges. The track passes post '5' (an old wombat hole) then sharply bends right, soon passing the 'Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve' plaque[19], where this walk then heads down some stairs. After walking through the palm filled valley for a short distance, the walk heads up the steps and, soon after passing the house and fence (on the left), comes to a three-way intersection marked with a post (with blue and white arrows). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow up the steps and turns left in front of the locked gate. The walk follows these steps up the hill, then soon flattens out as the track comes to a picnic area and car park.
Katandra Rd Picnic Area
Alt = 60 m
The Katandra Road Picnic Area is found at the end of a short driveway (signposted at the intersection of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave, Holgate). The picnic area is in front of the ranger's residence and is open from 7am to 6pm daily. The picnic area provides some toilets, garbage bins, two picnic tables, parking and an information sign.
(3.44 km)
Katandra Rd picnic area
to
Behind the Rangers Residence Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 449 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Graves Walk' and 'Lookout 1500m' signs gently downhill, initially keeping the ranger's cottage to the right. The track then heads up a long series of steps, passing a steep trail on the left (that leads to Murina Close). The walk continues up the steps to a large five-way intersection above a 'No Entry Rangers Residence' sign[20] and locked gate.
(3.89 km)
Behind the Rangers Residence
to
Int of Graves and Mouat Walks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 792 m
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 93 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs up the hill to the rocky outcrop, heading directly away from the locked gate. The track heads through the rocks then along the top of the ridge, passing the number '6' post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). The track continues gently uphill until coming to an intersection with a short link track (leading to the parallel horse track). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track gently uphill, keeping the horse track on the left. The track soon bends right and heads between the timber posts, then zigzags up the hill. The track passes between more posts to a signposted intersection with the 'Mouat Walk' and a sign pointing back along 'Graves Walk'.
(4.68 km)
Int of Graves and Mouat Walks
to
St Johns Lookout car park Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 151 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the arrows but heads away from the face of the sign gently uphill, keeping the valley to the right. The track soon opens up into a large clearing, passing the 'Mount Mouat walk' and 'Graves Walk' signs[21] and continuing for about 20m to an intersection with the signposted 'Guringai walk'[22]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and 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.
Katandra Reserve The Katandra Reserve is a protected area of bushland east of Gosford City and north of Erina. The area is part of the Hornsby Sandstone Plateau and is home to some diverse flora and fauna. There are two main picnic areas and a few great walking and horse riding tracks in the reserve as well as the St Johns Lookout. Katandra is an aborginal word meaning 'Song of Birds', the name suits this place well, with the diverse forest been home to many birds happy to share their songs with walkers. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)