This walk is a great way to explore the diverse forests of Katandra Reserve. Starting with the views from St Johns Lookout, this walk heads through the open forest, past many mossy rocks, then heads into the valley and rainforest. On the valley floor, the walk gently meanders past some great examples of Strangler Figs on the way to Seymour Pond. From the pond, you walk through another palm-filled valley and then open forest, before arriving at the Katandra Rd Picnic Area.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Toomeys Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Toomeys Walk 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
2.9km
Time
1 hr 30 mins
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
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
1.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.3km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (200m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 2.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 2.9km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 1.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 2.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 1.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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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
Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 68 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -18 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.
(0.36 km)
Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks
to
Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 327 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -78 m
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
End of Ridgeway Rd trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 126 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -3 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.
(0.82 km)
End of Ridgeway Rd trail
to
Strangler Fig platform Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.04 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -121 m
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 Walk: Easy - bushtrack
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.
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.
(2.4 km)
Seymour Pond Picnic area
to
Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 304 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer left: 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).
(2.71 km)
Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track
to
Katandra Rd picnic area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 141 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
(2.85 km)
Katandra Rd picnic area
to
Katandra Rd Gate Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 70 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left: 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.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
There is free parking available.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
not too much longer now :)