Check out the New Wildwalks site -- This site is no longer maintained and is just for archive

Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Rumbalara Reserve arrow Gosford to Lisarow     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Gosford to Lisarow are found in each of the tabs below
Gosford to Lisarow
Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1.3 km NW of Gosford
Length: 11.3 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 11.3 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Katandra Reserve
Climb: 479 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 479 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk There is a train station near the start of this walk
Style: One way
Track: Hard

This walk is a great way to explore the ridge-top bushland between Gosford and Lisarow. Passing through Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves, there are several picnic area, lookouts and other facilities scattered along the way. At times you will forget you are anywhere near houses, and at other points you will be enjoying vistas of the Central Coast. Much of the road walk toward the end is through a rural setting, making an enjoyable walk. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Gosford to Lisarow

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Gosford to Lisarow bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Gosford to Lisarow
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 5 km
Gosford Station
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead
Int of Casuarina track and Rumbalara EEC access track
Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail
Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail
Bottom of Ouraka Pt path
Ouraka Point
Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk
Sculpture of Charles Sturt
Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk
Flannel Flower walk signpost
Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs
Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs
Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave
Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk
Int of Flannel Flower track and Tottenham track
Wannagan Lookout
Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk
Sculpture of Edward John Eyre
Powerline intersection
Top of Bradys Gully Trail
Int west of 130
130 Picnic table
Saddle intersection
Locked gate
Mouat trail picnic table
Locked gate
Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail
Erina Trig
Pond intersection
Top of Clyde Rd trail
Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails
Int of Graves Walk and Maidens Brush management trail
Int of Graves and Mouat Walks
Southern end of Guringai walk
St Johns Lookout car park
Toilet block
St Johns Lookout car park
End of Taylors Rd (south)
Upper end of Link track
End of Taylors Rd lower trail
Start of Taylors Rd lower trail
Starting point for this hiking track: Gosford Station

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Gosford 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91312S 
 Gosford 1:100 000 Map Series 9131 

Photo Gallery

 
Rumbalara EEC
 
Rumbalara EEC +
 
looking down to Donnison St
 
looking down to Donnison St +
 
Trackhead at the Rumbalara EEC
 
Trackhead at the Rumbalara EEC +

 
Walking trail signpost
 
Walking trail signpost +
 
Rumbalara EEC access track
 
Rumbalara EEC access track +
 
Casuarina link trail stairs
 
Casuarina link trail stairs +

 
Signpost on the Casuarina track
 
Signpost on the Casuarina track +
 
Sandstone steps
 
Sandstone steps +
 
Ouraka Pt path
 
Ouraka Pt path +

 
below Ouraka Pt
 
below Ouraka Pt +
 
Steps below Ouraka Point
 
Steps below Ouraka Point +
 
Views from Ouraka Point
 
Views from Ouraka Point +

 
Sit and enjoy the views
 
Sit and enjoy the views +
 
Grass trees and dry forest on ridge
 
Grass trees and dry forest on ridge +
 
Dry forest on the ridgetop
 
Dry forest on the ridgetop +

 
View from the Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk
 
View from the Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk +
 
Charles Sturt immortalised
 
Charles Sturt immortalised +
 
View from near the Flannel Flower walk signpost
 
View from near the Flannel Flower walk signpost +

 
Flannel Flower track sign
 
Flannel Flower track sign +
 
Bushfire scars
 
Bushfire scars +
 
Steps on the Flannel Flower Track
 
Steps on the Flannel Flower Track +

 
Grasstree by the track
 
Grasstree by the track +
 
Yaruga Picnic Area toilets
 
Yaruga Picnic Area toilets +
 
Yaruga Picnic Area
 
Yaruga Picnic Area +

 
sign to Yaruga Lookout
 
sign to Yaruga Lookout +
 
Free electric BBQs
 
Free electric BBQs +
 
Big views over the Gosford area
 
Big views over the Gosford area +

 
Yaruga picnic area lookout
 
Yaruga picnic area lookout +
 
Flannel Flower track
 
Flannel Flower track +
 
Flannel Flower track
 
Flannel Flower track +

 
Beneath Wannagan lookout
 
Beneath Wannagan lookout +
 
Wannagan lookout
 
Wannagan lookout +
 
Wannagan lookout
 
Wannagan lookout +

 
Red Gum walk
 
Red Gum walk +
 
Mouat Track
 
Mouat Track +
 
Dianella Flower in early summer
 
Dianella Flower in early summer +

 
Steps on the Mouat Walk
 
Steps on the Mouat Walk +
 
Near the powerline intersection
 
Near the powerline intersection +
 
Looking north up the track to 130 Picnic table
 
Looking north up the track to 130 Picnic table +

 
Steps through cleft in the rock
 
Steps through cleft in the rock +
 
View across Brisbane Water
 
View across Brisbane Water +
 
130 Picnic table
 
130 Picnic table +

 
Dipodium punctatum (Hyacinth orchid)
 
Dipodium punctatum (Hyacinth orchid) +
 
Walking along the ridge
 
Walking along the ridge +
 
trail crossing a long saddle
 
trail crossing a long saddle +

 
Track winding around the rock
 
Track winding around the rock +
 
Old Picnic Table and bench
 
Old Picnic Table and bench +
 
Banksia
 
Banksia +

 
Grass trees and rocks dominate the ridge
 
Grass trees and rocks dominate the ridge +
 
track south of Erina Trig
 
track south of Erina Trig +
 
Erina Trig
 
Erina Trig +

 
North of Erina Trig
 
North of Erina Trig +
 
Private gate on Toomeys Rd Trail
 
Private gate on Toomeys Rd Trail +
 
Toomeys Rd trail
 
Toomeys Rd trail +

 
Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails
 
Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails +
 
Steep cliff beside Mouat Walk
 
Steep cliff beside Mouat Walk +
 
ferns on the Mouat Walk
 
ferns on the Mouat Walk +

 
Mouat Walk
 
Mouat Walk +
 
Mouat Walk
 
Mouat Walk +
 
Mouat walking track
 
Mouat walking track +

 
Signs at southern end of picnic area
 
Signs at southern end of picnic area +
 
St Johns Picnic Area
 
St Johns Picnic Area +
 
St Johns Lookout picnic area
 
St Johns Lookout picnic area +

 
St Johns Lookout
 
St Johns Lookout +
 
Taylors Rd
 
Taylors Rd +
 
Taylors Rd
 
Taylors Rd +

 
End of Taylors Rd (south)
 
End of Taylors Rd (south) +
 
Narrow Link track
 
Narrow Link track +
 
End of Taylors Rd lower trail
 
End of Taylors Rd lower trail +

 
Taylors Rd lower trail
 
Taylors Rd lower trail +
 
Start of Taylors Rd lower trail
 
Start of Taylors Rd lower trail +
 
Taylors Rd (north)
 
Taylors Rd (north) +

 
Intersection of Taylors Rd and Timber Dr
 
Intersection of Taylors Rd and Timber Dr +
 
Chamberlain Rd
 
Chamberlain Rd +
 
Lisarow Station
 
Lisarow Station +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Gosford to Lisarow bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Gosford to Lisarow bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gosford to Lisarow bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Gosford to Lisarow 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 11km
Time 4 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6)
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
8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.2km has short steep hills. The remaining (80m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
4.2km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (3.3km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
6km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 4.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.1km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.9km requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Catch the train to Gosford Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Gosford Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus to Gosford Station
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Gosford Station
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Gosford Station to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 1.01 km Time = 19 mins
Climb = 38 m Descent = -6 m
From the train station, this walk heads out the main eastern exit and crosses the Pacific Hwy using the glass-covered footbridge. On the other side of the bridge, the walk heads down the stairs and turns left to walk along the footpath (next to the Highway, with the train station now on the right). The walk then crosses Erina St and, soon after, turns left into William St Mall. At the other end of the mall, the walk heads diagonally through Kibble Park and crosses Henry Parry Dr at the lights. Here, the walk heads uphill along Donnison St, passing Albany St. When Donnison St bends right, this walk continues straight up the hill a short distance into to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park.
Turn right: From the car park, this walk follows the 'Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre' arrow along the paved foopath to the trackhead at the back of the buildings, signposted 'Walking Trail'.

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre Alt = 39 m
This centre is 'a New South Wales Department of Education and Training facility that provides environmental education and field work opportunities to students, teachers and the community of the Central Coast' [1]. The centre is at the end of Donnison St, Gosford and is a good access point to some of the walking tracks in the adjoining Rumbalara Reserve. More info

(1.01 km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead to Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 135 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 18 m Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the trackhead at the back of the Rumbalara EEC, this walk follows the 'Walking Trail' arrow up the steps and along the track. The track crosses a small wooden bridge and bends to the right, then climbs a little to an intersection with a management trail.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently up the hill, leaving the bush track steps behind to the right. The trail goes gently up the hill for a short distance to an intersection at the bottom of a metal staircase, signposted 'Casuarina Track'.

(1.14 km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail to Ouraka Point
Track: Moderate - footpath,servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 250 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 47 m Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Picnic Areas' arrow up the staircase. The walk then continues a short distance up the sandstone path and steps to an intersection with a management trail, marked by a track information board and a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to the 'Field Studies Centre'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Picnic Areas' arrow along the management trail, going gently up the hill. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with steps and a metal staircase to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk goes up the sandstone steps, then the metal staircase. The walk then crosses the end of the management trail and continues up the long flight of sandstone steps. After a short distance, the walk passes some large boulders (to the left) and soon arrives at the signposted 'Ouraka Point', with beautiful views over Gosford and the surrounding areas and waterways.

Ouraka Point Alt = 104 m
This picturesque spot with fantastic views over Gosford and the surrounding areas, including Brisbane Waters, is located within the Rumbalara Reserve, along the Casuarina Walk. It is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the views for a while during a walk in the reserve.

(1.39 km) Ouraka Point to Sculpture of Charles Sturt
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 252 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 15 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From Ouraka Point, this walk follows the management trail going gently up the hill, leaving the seats and Ouraka Point behind to the left. After a while, the walk passes an informal, unfenced lookout area with obscured but nice views over Gosford, to the left. The walk continues a little further to an intersection, with a 'Casuarina Track' signpost pointing back to 'Ouraka Point'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Picnic Areas' arrow along the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at a sculpture of Charles Sturt, to the right.

Casuarina Alt = 116 m
Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas have 'delicate, slender ultimate branches and leaves that are no more than scales, making the tree look more like a wispy conifer'[2]. There are 17 species of Casuarina 'native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean'[3]. More info

(1.64 km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt to Flannel Flower walk signpost
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 170 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 7 m Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left, and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the right. The walk continues along the trail to an intersection with a paved track, signposted 'Casuarina Track'.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill leaving the paved 'Casuarina Track' behind on the left. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with a bush track, signposted 'Flannel Flower Track'.

(1.81 km) Flannel Flower walk signpost to Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 720 m Time = 17 mins
Climb = 57 m Descent = -30 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Yaruga Picnic Area' arrow along the bush track, going gently down the hill. The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some time, passing occasional sandstone steps before continuing past an intersection with a bush track (on the left, uphill), and another soon after (on the right, downhill). The walk continues for some distance, climbing gently with numerous steps, before arriving beside the toilet block at Yaruga Picnic Area. The walk turns right and follows the paved path past the information board, then goes across the picnic area, following the 'Lookout' arrow to the electric BBQs.

Yaruga Picnic Area Alt = 153 m
This picnic area is right beside Dolly Ave, within the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The facilities include free electric BBQs, picnic tables, toilets and garbage bins. There are information boards with details of the walking tracks and other features of the reserve. There are a couple of lookout points at the edge of the picnic area with great views out across Gosford and the surrounding areas.

(2.53 km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs to Yaruga Lookout
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 18 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -9 m
Turn right: From the BBQs, this walk goes a very short distance across the picnic area, away from the road, passing the 'Yaruga Lookout' sign, to the left, and the 'Orchid Track' and 'Red Gum Track' signs, to the right, reaching a fenced lookout with a seat and great views out across the valley. At the time of writing, both the Orchid Track and the Red Gum Track were closed at this point.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)

(2.53 km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs to Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave
Track: Moderate - road
Length = 58 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the BBQs, this walk goes across the picnic area towards the road and down the steps. The walk veers to the right, following the road gently down the hill for a short distance to an intersection with a bush track, beside a low boulder, on the left (some distance before the nearby water reservoir).

(2.59 km) Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave to Wannagan Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 479 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 35 m Descent = -56 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track around the low boulder, to the right, keeping the nearby water reservoir to the right. The walk goes gently downhill for a short distance to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps, leaving the nearby water reservoir to the right. The track soon bends to the left at a rock outcrop, and winds down the hill for a while with plenty of steps. The walk levels out and meanders for a while, with occasional steps, to an intersection with a faint track, going down the hill to the left (just before the main track bends to the right and goes uphill a little).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track as it goes gently up the hill, immediately bending to the right. The walk meanders through some good scenery for a short distance before reaching the fenced Wannagan Lookout[4], with great views to the north.

Wannagan Lookout Alt = 133 m
The fenced Wannagan Lookout[5], on the Red Gum Walk, has great views over North Gosford. The fenced lookout sits at the top of a small cliff. Out of sight, beneath the lookout, is some great cliff and overhang scenery.

(3.07 km) Wannagan Lookout to Sculpture of Edward John Eyre
Track: Hard - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 430 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -12 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track a very short distance up the hill, away from the lookout, then turns left (ignoring the track to the right which goes a short distance up the hill to the road). The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some distance, keeping the valley to the left, going up and down occasional steps before reaching an intersection with a management trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail away from the nearby gate (beside the road). The trail almost immediately bends to the right then meanders for a short distance to the sculpture of Edward John Eyre, on the right.

Edward John Eyre Alt = 131 m
The Sculpture of Edward John Eyre is found near the southern end of the Mouat Trail in Rumbalara Reserve. Commissioned by Sara Lee Kitchens and the State Bicentennial Commission, this 1.25 scale[6] figurative work was sculptured by Carl Merten[7]. A circular inscription at the base declares this to be 'Edward John Eyre 1815-1901'[8]. Eyre is one of Australia's more famous explorers. A father of 5, he was awarded the founder's gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society in 1847[9]. In 1841, Eyre was appointed as resident magistrate and protector of Aborigines. He summed up his work like this -
"Moorundie was a District densely populated by Natives and in which prior to 1841 no settler had ventured to locate, and where (before I was stationed there) frightful scenes of bloodshed, rapine and hostility between the Natives and Parties coming overland with Stock had been of very frequent occurrence, but where, from the time of my arrival, and up to the date of my leaving not a single case of serious injury or aggression ever took place on the part of the Natives against the Europeans, whilst the district became rapidly and extensively occupied by Settlers and by Stock"[10].
Eyre also served as lieutenant-governor for New Zealand, lieutenant-governor for St Vincent (West Indies), governor for Leeward Islands, governor for Antigua and governor-in-chief for Jamaica. More info

(3.5 km) Sculpture of Edward John Eyre to Int west of 130
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 791 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 23 m Descent = -50 m
Continue straight: With the statue on the right, this walk follows the track north-east, keeping the valley on the left. The track winds to the top of the ridge and follows it past some filtered district views. The track soon follows a fence then heads down some stairs, winding through a rocky outcrop down to a wide trail. Here, the walk turns right and follows the trail a short distance to an intersection under the power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail north along the management trail, as indicated by the lower arrow on the post. The walk ignores the trails on the left and soon comes to an intersection at another trail (Bradys Gully trail, running steeply down to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads east up the hill along the management trail, initially keeping Brady's Gully trail behind and to the left. The trail winds up the hill and soon comes to a clearing and a 'Y' intersection with a faint track (on the right), just below a rocky outcrop.

(4.29 km) Int west of 130 to 130 Picnic table
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 197 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the faint track east up the hill, soon keeping the rocky outcrop to the left. The walk ignores a few side tracks (on the left) and then follows some steps up through a cleft in the rock. The track then turns right, following an arrow on a post across the top of the hill and coming to a picnic table and an unfenced view across East Gosford.

130 Picnic table Alt = 125 m
The 130 Picnic table (informally named based on the height of the hill) provides a spot to stop and rest. There are views from the top of this unfenced cliff across Brisbane Water and East Gosford. The single table has some limited natural shade from the surrounding trees.

(4.49 km) 130 Picnic table to Mouat trail picnic table
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 403 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 16 m Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk heads east, initially keeping the view to the right. The track leads through the rocky outcrop and down the hill to an intersection with a management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail east across the saddle then up the hill, soon coming to an intersection just before a locked gate.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track up the steps towards the rocky outcrop, keeping the gate to the left. The track climbs up the rocky outcrop then follows the fence for a short time, to a picnic table and an unfenced view across the valley (on the right).

Mouat trail picnic table Alt = 122 m
Mouat trail picnic table is found about halfway along the Mouat trail. There is an old picnic table and bench seat at the top of an unfenced cliff with filtered views over Springfield East Gosford and the Brisbane Water. A nice spot for a snack and rest.

(4.89 km) Mouat trail picnic table to Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 478 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 41 m Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk follows the track, keeping the fence to the left. The track soon passes close to a management trail (on the other side of the fence) and then passes a locked gate. Soon after the gate, the track passes a bench seat (and an unfenced view on the right), where the track bends left and follows the fence to another locked gate and a management trail.
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk follows the wide trail uphill, keeping the fence to the left. The trail follows the fence, steeply at one point, up the hill to a 'Y' intersection with the trig track (on the right), marked with two timber posts.

(5.37 km) Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail to Erina Trig
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 119 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 11 m Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track sign north-east up the narrower track and steps. The track soon comes to the top of the hill and the Erina Trig station.

Erina Trig Alt = 170 m
Erina Trig station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker which was once clear of trees and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude which allows surveyors to use triangulation to determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been superseded and abandoned. More info

(5.49 km) Erina Trig to Pond intersection
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 87 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the trig station, this walk heads north-east down the hill, soon winding down some stairs to a management trail next to a fence and pond.

(5.58 km) Pond intersection to Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 641 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -19 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk keeps the fence to the left and heads towards the power lines. The trail bends left, following a fence for a short distance to a three-way intersection with the Clyde Rd management trail (just before the locked private property gate).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail past the locked gate and fence for the private residence (on the left). After about 250m, the trail passes a stockpile of rocks and dirt (on the left). About 230m past the stockpile, the trail comes to an intersection with the Mouat Trail marked with an arrow post (on the right).

(6.22 km) Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails to St Johns Lookout car park
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.2 km Time = 26 mins
Climb = 81 m Descent = -38 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow up the steps along the walking (and horse) track. The track soon passes over a rocky outcrop (beware of the cliff drop on the right). The walk then soon bends right, leaving the view to Toomeys management trail behind. The track then passes some large boulders before winding through the bush and heading up some steps, passing some informal tracks at the rock platform, and coming to a four-way intersection with a 'Graves Walk' sign (and a locked gate up the trail to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Graves Walk' sign, passing the post with a lilac strip (keeping the road up the hill to the left). The track winds through the bush to a three-way intersection, with a sign pointing back 'To Rumbalara Reserve'.
Continue straight: 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[11] and continuing for about 20m to an intersection with the signposted 'Guringai walk'[12].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign.

St Johns Lookout picnic area Alt = 200 m
St Johns Lookout picnic area[13] is a large open area found at the top of Katandra Reserve on Toomeys Rd. The picnic area provides wheelchair accessible toilets[14], picnic tables[15], free electric BBQ's[16], parking areas[17] [18] and information boards[19]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[20] but no drinking water[21].

(7.42 km) St Johns Lookout car park to St Johns Lookout
Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 169 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -15 m
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 turn sharp 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[22] 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.

(7.42 km) St Johns Lookout car park to End of Taylors Rd (south)
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.44 km Time = 27 mins
Climb = 11 m Descent = -77 m
Veer left: From the car park, this walk heads up to Toomeys Rd and turns right, following the road. The walk follows the main road as it become Taylors Road and bends left. About 400m after passing Tapley Rd (the very steep road on the right), the road leads to a dirt clearing and locked gate at the end of Taylors Rd (south).

(8.86 km) End of Taylors Rd (south) to Start of Taylors Rd lower trail
Track: Hard - servicetrail,bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 600 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 24 m Descent = -45 m
Continue straight: From the end of (the southern section of) Taylors Road, this walk heads west around the locked gate and up the dirt management trail. A few metres after the end of the fence (on the right), the walk comes to an intersection with a link track.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the link track down the hill, initially keeping the fence, then the valley, on the right. The track passes another track (on the right) and soon steps down onto a wide management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the management trail (away from the private properly fence), keeping the valley to the right. The trail winds along the side of the hill until heading around a locked gate and coming to an intersection near 7070 Taylors Rd (north).

(9.46 km) Start of Taylors Rd lower trail to Lisarow Station
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.81 km Time = 33 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -94 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the dirt Taylors Rd (north), initially keeping the power lines to the left. After about 650m, the road becomes sealed and, shortly afterwards, passes 'Beray Close'. About 240m after passing Courtney Pl, this walk turns left at the 'T' intersection and follows Taylors Rd past the school (where the road becomes Chamberlain Rd), coming to a 'T' intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Here, the walk crosses the highway, turns right and follows the footpath up the ramp to Lisarow Station.

Catch the train to Lisarow Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Lisarow Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus from Lisarow Station
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Lisarow Station
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
Map Car Shuffle
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Mannings Sports 172 Mann St , Gosford (02) 4325 1617 0.2 km
BCF Australia Pty Ltd 354 Manns Rd , Gosford West (02) 4322 5833 1.3 km
Camping World Shop 18, 482 Pacific Hwy, Wyoming (02) 4324 6515 1.8 km
Boots Great Outdoors 201 The Entrance Rd , Erina (02) 4367 0396 4.2 km
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQs Homemakers Supa Centre Cnr Wyong Rd & Bryant Drv , Tuggerah (02) 4353 4335 14.5 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Gosford to Lisarow.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Gosford to Lisarow
Click to re-center search
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 5 km (to the WSW)
3 VMB2 Tower Street BATEAU BAY 12 km (to the ENE)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 28 km (to the SW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
41 km (to the SSW)
6 NEW06 Gencom Site 1 Sugarloaf Range via NEWCASTLE 55 km (to the NNE)

Weather and Park info

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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      30°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|26°Possible shower.
Fri18°|31°Partly cloudy.
Sat17°|25°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Rumbalara Reserve The Rumbalara Reserve is a protected area of bushland just to the east of Gosford City. The area is part of the Hornsby Sandstone Plateau and is home to some diverse flora and fauna. There are some good picnic areas and great walking in the reserve. Rumbalara is an aborginal word meaning 'rainbow', the name suits this place well, with its great range of colour in the rock and plants.
Region:
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.


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.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
mercer - great 1st experience with wild IP:121.217.152.xxx | 2010-04-27 12:14:59
i completed this walk today 27/4/10. it took nearly 3hrs and was well worth the effort. i followed the notes from the pdf which i had stored on my phone. the map wasnt much use due to my screen size but i was still able to make it without having to check my topo map i brought with me or my compass. i'd recommend giving the last section of this walk a miss.. st johns lookout to lisarow station as its just a long road walk. i'd turn around at st johns lookout and make my way back to gosford next time. but it was great 1st experience using wildwalks and i cant wait to take on my next walk
Sam - Excellent walk IP:60.240.185.xxx | 2013-05-11 03:49:02
I finally got around to doing this walk today, after having several light walks through the Rumbalara reserve recently. Its a fantastic walk, especially up to St Johns lookout. I agree with the first commenter, theres not much after there, and if I wasnt pressed for time I would have gone back the way I came.
Overall though, great trip, glad I brought the track notes though as there was quite a few paths not shown on the map!
Adrian - Nice walk but notes need updat IP:60.240.37.xxx | 2013-12-01 05:34:26
This is a great walk, with views all round the bays and waterways near the start.

Maybe it's me, but I found the notes hard to follow - I just completely gave up on them, I think maybe they are out of date as many of the markers (e.g. picnic tables) do not seem to be there any more.

Following the signs to Katandra worked well though, and I think I followed the intended route (perhaps accidentally?).

I added a detour round Katandra Reserve which was well worth it - if you have the energy left for an extra 1.5 hours.

Just a thought: is it worth making the notes editable by anyone (say if they log in?) - that way the notes could be kept constantly up to date. Not sure if that would work for you, site administrator.
alanm - Nice walk close to home IP:125.254.79.xxx | 2014-05-03 12:20:40
Great views around the Central Coast. It linked up with the other walks I've done in Rumbalara and Katandra.

Video of the walk http://youtu.be/ZnvNIhtXc7M
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


-server web1.wildwalks.com- Page was generated in 0.399978 seconds Copyright | Privacy | About us | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sponsorship | Newsletter