This walk is a great way to explore the many highlights of Katandra Reserve. Starting at the lower picnic area, you circumnavigate Seymour Pond via the Waterman Walk, then discover some wonderful Strangler Fig trees in the rainforest. As the walk climbs, the forest dries out a little, which opens up more views. Taking the Guringai walk along the base of the cliff will then bring you up to St Johns picnic area and lookout. After enjoying the views from the top, take Graves walk down along the ridge and back to your starting point.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Katandra Reserve Explorer bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Katandra Reserve Explorer 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
5km
Time
2 hrs 45 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
3.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (110m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (140m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 3.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.8km 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).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
(0 km)
Katandra Rd Gate
to
Katandra Rd picnic area Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 70 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = 0 m
From the gate (at the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave), this walk follows the sealed driveway up the hill, soon coming to the car park and information board.
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.
(0.07 km)
Katandra Rd picnic area
to
Seymour Pond Picnic area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 445 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -43 m
Turn right: From the picnic area, this walk follows the 'Seymour Pond' and 'Waterman Walk' signs north-east along the clear track. The track soon heads down a series of steps and, shortly after turning right (at a locked gate), this walk comes to a three-way intersection marked with two blue/white arrows on a post. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow down the hill, keeping the fence and house to the right. The track heads down the hill then steps down into a palm-filled valley. Here, the walk climbs some steps and passes the 'Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve' plaque[1], then bends right and around a sharp left-hand bend and past the number '5' post (and old Wombat Hole). The track continues around the gully to cross a few small bridges and come to a picnic area and a 'Seymour Pond' sign.
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.
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[2]. The small creek was dammed in the early 1900's to provide water for a farm on the south side (growing vegetables)[3]. The pond is home to water birds, large lizards and other wildlife. The council does not allow swimming in the pond[4], 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.
(0.52 km)
Seymour Pond Picnic area
to
Waterman View Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 109 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the picnic tables, this walk heads past the 'Seymour Pond' sign (following the right-hand 'Waterman walk' arrow) and follows the track, keeping the pond close by on the right. The track soon leads to a viewing platform with long bench seats - Waterman view.
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.
(0.62 km)
Waterman View
to
Int of Waterman and Toomey walks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 554 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn left: From the pond viewing point, this walk follows the timber track, keeping filtered views of the water to the right. The timber soon stops and the dirt track continues down some stairs, over a few small bridges, and soon crosses a bigger bridge just after a bench seat. From here, the track turns right, down the other side of the gully, where it crosses a few more small bridges before coming to a three-way intersection. The intersection is on timber boardwalk, just after a bridge where a sign points back along 'Waterman Walk'.
(1.18 km)
Int of Waterman and Toomey walks
to
Strangler Fig Tube Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 57 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Toomey Walk' sign along the boardwalk, away from the pond. Soon the walk follows the track along the gully then follows the timber steps as they bend right and head up to the number '4' post, next to the 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[5]. 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[6]. 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
(1.24 km)
Strangler Fig Tube
to
Strangler Fig platform Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 421 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the Number '4' post, this walk heads to the top of the stairs and turns left around the Strangler Fig. The track soon crosses a small creek on a bridge then heads up a long flight of timber stairs. After gently winding through the forest, the track comes to post '3' (a large Turpentine Tree[7]). The track then continues, crossing a few more creeks on small timber bridges and heading along the valley floor to a large timber platform and an even larger 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[8]. More commonly know as a 'Small-leaved Fig' [9], 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
(1.66 km)
Strangler Fig platform
to
End of Ridgeway Rd trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.04 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 121 m
Descent = -29 m
Turn right: From the Strangler Fig Tree platform, this walk heads up the stairs and bends right to follow the track, which gently winds through the valley. After crossing a few creeks (on small timber bridges), this walk leaves the dense forest as is starts to climb the hill. The track zigzags a couple of times then climbs more gently for a while. The track then becomes steeper again and climbs a couple of longer sets of stairs before coming to a large clearing with a 'Toomey walk' arrow pointing back, marking the end of the 'Ridgeway Road' trail.
(2.7 km)
End of Ridgeway Rd trail
to
Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 126 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -16 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the right-hand arrow on the 'Toomey Walk' sign north-west along the clear track. The track soon comes to a three-way intersection marked with some arrows and timber posts (on the left).
(2.82 km)
Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track
to
Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 327 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = -27 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow through the timber posts and along the narrower track. After about 100m, the track passes some interesting rock formations then starts to zigzag up the hill. The track then leads through a cleft in a rock and up a few steps to a three-way intersection, with a 'Toomey Walk' sign pointing back down the steps.
(3.15 km)
Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks
to
Post 8 Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 362 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -30 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Guringai Walk' sign south, down the hill and stairs, keeping the valley on the left. The track soon follows the base of the cliff and passes a short section of track with broken glass (this is directly below St Johns Lookout). From here, the track keeps the cliff face on the right as it dips down then up some stairs, coming close to the cliff. The track continues along the base of the cliff, passing a long section of handrail, after which the walk comes to a post '8' next to a large Blackbutt tree[10].
Blackbutt
Alt = 171 m
This Blackbutt tree is found at the base of the cliff next to post 8 on Guringai walk. The Eucalyptus pilularis is the scientific name for this tree that can grow as high as 70m. The tree has a brown fibrous bark on the lower half then a smooth grey bark at the top. The trees name 'pilularis' is Latin for small pill, referring to the tree's fruit[11]
(3.51 km)
Post 8
to
Southern end of Guringai walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 424 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From post '8', this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The track leads along the base of the cliff for a little while until crossing a small bridge. The track then zigzags up the hill, passing some angophoras and grass trees before coming out of the bush to a large clearing and a sign pointing back down along 'Guringai Walk'.
(3.94 km)
Southern end of Guringai walk
to
St Johns Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 250 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -17 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign. Continue straight: 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. 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 continue straight to continue along this walk.)
St Johns Lookout picnic area
Alt = 200 m
St Johns Lookout picnic area[12] is a large open area found at the top of Katandra Reserve on Toomeys Rd. The picnic area provides wheelchair accessible toilets[13], picnic tables[14], free electric BBQ's[15], parking areas[16][17] and information boards[18]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[19] but no drinking water[20].
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[21] 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.
(3.94 km)
Southern end of Guringai walk
to
Int of Graves and Mouat Walks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 70 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the 'Mount Mouat Walk' and 'Graves Walk' signs[22]. At these signs, the walk heads left, out of the clearing and down the track for a short distance to the signposted intersection with 'Graves Walk' and 'Mouat Walk'[23].
(4.01 km)
Int of Graves and Mouat Walks
to
Behind the Rangers Residence Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 792 m
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -93 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Graves Walk' sign between the timbers posts and down along the track. The track winds down the hill then passes between a few more timber posts, past an arrow marker and a few more meters to another arrow marker and intersection with a short link track (to the horse trail). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track and arrow gently downhill, keeping the horse track through the bush to the right. The track head down along the ridge and passes the number '6' post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). Soon the ridge narrows to a rocky outcrop, where the track heads down the stairs to a large five-way intersection and a locked gate, behind the ranger's residence.
(4.8 km)
Behind the Rangers Residence
to
Katandra Rd Gate Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 519 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -59 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows an arrow past the post with the purple strip down a few steps, initially keeping the locked gate to the left. After heading down more steps, the track passes a steep trail on the right (that leads to Murina Close). This walk continues gently down the hill, then down a series of steps, then the track starts to flatten out again and round a gully. The track then leads to a picnic area and car park in front of the ranger's house. Turn right: From the picnic area, this walk heads through the car park and follows the driveway down the hill, soon coming to a gate just above the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave.
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.
Great, enjoyable walk but I would not recommend it after alot of rain as the path was very slippery turning into a river in places and whole trees across the track uprooted by the soil erosion. Abundance of birdlife and very peaceful.
Alan Monroe - Pleasant Afternoon
IP:125.254.75.xxx | 2010-11-25 23:02:37
Enjoyable, especially given the size of the reserve and the housing surrounding it.
The only down point was the junk thrown down from the lookout on to the nice walk below the cliff.
Did this walk after a few rainy days (suffering from cabin fever!) so plenty of leeches around.
Have done this walk a few times, it is great with lots of variation in vegetation. Most recently doing the walk on the 4th Dec, the section that goes under the lookout along the cliff wall is closed due to danger of falling rocks. The sign did not say how long it would be closed for.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)