This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend into a moist rainforest environment near Abbotts Falls. This is great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Abbotts Falls Walking Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Abbotts Falls Walking Track 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
7km
Time
3 hrs
.
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
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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
4.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.5km has short steep hills. The remaining (400m) is very steep.
Quality of track
4.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1km) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 2.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (30m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
4.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (30m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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The Pines Camping Area is large and popular, and positioned under large pine trees which provide excellent shade. These trees are remnants from trial plantings of different pine species, established in the 1920s and 1930s. The campsite has pit toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). There is access to the creek for cooling off in the summer. More info
(0 km)
Pines Camping Area
to
Int of Pines & Abbotts Falls Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 122 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -9 m
From the Pines Camping area[1], this walk follows the track[2] gently downhill (passing a 'Walking Track' sign[3] on your left. Then this walk follows the track for about 30m to find a rotten timber footbridge[4]. This walk crosses the footbridge and after about 10m, comes to a T-intersection with a track.
(0.12 km)
Int of Pines and Abbotts Falls walking trails
to
Dammed Pool Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 115 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -8 m
Turn left: From the intersection[5], this walk follows the track gently downhill[6], keeping the creek on your left. This walk follows the track (ignoring a creek ford[7] to the left) for about 25m, to find stone cut steps. This walk follows the track down the stone steps for about 20m to find a small waterfall[8] (on your left). The track continues gently downhill through moist forest[9] for about 80m, until coming to timber railings[10] and a dammed pool[11]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Dammed Pool on the Pines Walking track
Alt = 390 m
The dammed pool by Dora Creek (on the Pine walking track) is surrounded by lovely moist eucalypt forest and has an attractive dammed pool. Then is also evidence of axe-sharpening rubbing grooves on damp rock shelves from historical aboriginal use. The dammed pool is on the Pines loop walk, which can be begun from either the Pines campsite or the Pines picnic area. More info
(0.12 km)
Int of Pines and Abbotts Falls Track
to
Pines Picnic Area Toilet Block on Palmers Rd Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 470 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection[12], this walk follows the track gently uphill (keeping the creek to your right). This walk follows the track for about 140m (ignoring a timber stepped track[13] down to the creek). This walk continues to follow the track gently uphill away from the creek through large pine trees[14] for about 130m, to find the Pines Picnic Area[15] (large open area with metal shelter on the right[16]). This walk then passes through the picnic area for about 200m to the toilet block[17] on Palmers Rd.
(0.59 km)
Pines Picnic AreaToilet Block on Palmers Rd
to
Int of Palmers Rd & Abbotts Falls Track Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 371 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -9 m
Veer left: From the toilet block[18], this walk follows a level management trail (Palmers Rd), keeping the picnic area on your left and the bush on your right. This walk follows the trail for about 400m, until coming to a large open area[19] and 'Abbots Falls Walking Trail' sign[20].
Pines picnic area
Alt = 424 m
This large picnic area is often used by groups participating in Forests NSW’s school and community programs. The area provides plenty of tree cover, as well as a number of picnic benches and tables. There is a large shelter built and reserved for the Forests NSW’s programs, but is available for use at any other time. The area is surrounded by native plants and animals.
(0.96 km)
Int of Palmers Road and Abbotts Falls walking trail
to
Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Howes Rd Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 191 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn left: From the 'Abbotts Falls Walking Trail' sign[21] on Palmers Rd, this walk follows the track gently downhill, passing the sign (on your right). About 70m along the track, this walk finds another 'Abbotts Falls Walking Trail' sign[22]. This walk continues to follow the track (passing the second sign to your right) moderately steeply downhill, crossing a small creek[23] after about 45m. Then this walk continues to follow the moderately steep trail uphill for about 60m, until coming to a four-way intersection[24], with a narrow management trail[25](Howes Rd).
(1.15 km)
Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Howes Road
to
Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Abbotts Road Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 682 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -48 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[26], this walk follows the level track east, passing the track marker[27] (on your left). Then this walk continues to follow the track through re-growth bush[28] for about 600m, before descending moderately steeply[29] to cross a dilapidated timber bridge[30] over a dry creek. The track continues moderately steeply uphill[31] for about 60m, until coming to a T-intersection[32], with a management trail[33] (Abbotts Rd).
(1.84 km)
Int of Abbotts Falls walking trail and Abbotts Road
to
End of Abbotts Road Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 182 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left: From the intersection[34], this walk follows the management trail (Abbotts Rd) north and moderately steeply uphill[35], while keeping the red track marker on your left. This walk continues to follow the trail for about 90m (to find a highpoint on the trail). The trail continues moderately steeply downhill[36] for about 100m, until coming to the end of the management trail[37] (Abbotts Rd) and a track marker[38] (on the right).
(2.02 km)
End of Abbotts Road
to
Abbotts Falls Track (near Dora Creek) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 401 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -113 m
Turn right: From the end of Abbotts Rd[39], this walk follow the track steeply downhill[40] (passing a track marker[41] on the left). The walk continues to follow the track through switch backs and thick forest[42] (with views on the left[43]) for about 400m, until coming to a red metal track marker[44] (with Dora Creek[45] 20m beyond the marker).
(2.42 km)
Abbotts Falls Track (near Dora Creek)
to
Dora Creek Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 337 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -32 m
Veer left: From the red metal track marker[46] (with Dora Creek 20m beyond)[47], this walk follows the track south[48] (initially over rocks), keeping the creek on the left. Then the walk continues along the track, moderately steeply downhill[49] for about 80m, and across a mossy creek[50]. The track then continues moderately steeply uphill[51] for about 25m, to find a level section of track. The walk continues moderately steeply downhill along the track, through attractive rainforest[52] for about 200m, to find Dora Creek[53]. This walk then crosses Dora Creek and follows it downstream[54] for about 40m, until coming to a track[55] and timber track marker(on the left)[56]. (Abbotts Falls can be heard downstream from here).
Abbotts Falls
Alt = 267 m
Abbotts Falls in the Olney State Forest are located in a secluded valley on Dora Creek. Thick rainforest lines Dora Creek and these falls are a great place to visit on a hot, dry day in summer. The falls can be found along the Abbotts Falls walking track. Please note that the falls are unfenced and care should be taken.
(2.76 km)
Dora Creek
to
Abbotts Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 30 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From Dora Creek[57] and the timber track marker[58], this walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[59], while keeping the creek on your right. This walk follows the track for about 60m, until coming to a small clearing[60], with an unfenced cliff and Abbotts Falls[61] partly visible on the right.
(2.79 km)
Abbotts Falls
to
Abbotts Falls service trail Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 608 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 76 m
Descent = -47 m
Turn left: From Abbotts Falls[62], this walk follows a track moderately steeply uphill[63] (away from Dora Creek), keeping the valley on your right. This walk follows the overgrown track[64] through attractive rainforest for about 500m (passing over fallen trees[65] on the way), until coming to Abbotts Falls management trail[66].
(3.39 km)
Abbotts Falls service trail
to
Int of Abbotts Falls service trail and German Point Road Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 288 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 69 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the end Abbotts Falls management trail[67], this walk follows the trail northward and up the moderately steep trail[68]. This trail is followed for about 300m (with views on the right[69]), until coming to a T-intersection[70] with a management trail (German Point Rd).
(3.68 km)
Int of Abbotts Falls service trail and German Point Road
to
Int of German Point Road and Watagan Forest Road Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 2.67 km
Time = 51 mins
Climb = 91 m
Descent = -29 m
Turn left: From the intersection[71], this walk follows the management trail gently uphill, keeping the 'German Point Rd/Return To Pines' sign[72] on your right. This walk continues to follow the trail (with occasional level sections[73]) through regrowth forest[74] for about 2.6km (ignoring side trails[75]), until coming to Watagan Forest Rd[76] and a walking track marker[77] (on the left).
(6.35 km)
Int of German Point Road and Watagan Forest Road
to
Int of Abbotts Falls & Casuarina Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 96 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the intersection[78], this walk follows the level track[79] south, passing the red metal track marker[80] (which is about 5m from Watagan Forest Rd) on your right. This walk follows the track through regrowth bush[81] for about 90m, until coming to a three-way intersection[82], with a track and red metal track marker[83] (on the right).
(6.44 km)
Int of Abbotts Falls & Casuarina Tracks
to
Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Turpentine Rd Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 269 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection[84], this walk follows the track gently uphill[85] and keeping the red metal track marker on your right. About 180m along the track, the walk comes to Casuarina campsite[86]. The walk continues through Casuarina campsite (about 80m), passing a toilet block[87] (on the right), and comes to a three-way intersection[88] with Turpentine Rd and 'Turpentines Camping Area' sign[89] (on the left).
Casuarina Campsite
Alt = 429 m
The Casuarina Campsite is a small and secluded site, set amongst forest oaks and a variety of eucalypts[90]. The Casuarina Camping Area can accommodate caravans and trailers as well as individual campsites. There are fireplaces[91], toilets[92], picnic tables[93] and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable).
Old Mill picnic area
Alt = 431 m
The Old Mill picnic area is set alongside Watagan Forest Road and is a great place for family sport, with a wide and flat grassed area surrounded by forest. Please note that this site is for day use only, with no camping allowed. The site has picnic tables and fireplaces.
(6.71 km)
Int of Abbotts Falls Track & Turpentine Rd
to
Turpentine Campsite Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 419 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -23 m
Turn left: From the intersection, [94] this walk follows the management trail (Turpentine Rd) gently downhill, while keeping the 'Turpentines Camping Area' sign[95] to your right, and red metal track marker[96] to your left. This walk follows the trail through regrowth forest and campsites[97] (on the left) for about 400m, until coming to Turpentine campsite[98] and a 'Toilet 150m' sign[99].
Turpentine Campsite
Alt = 408 m
Turpentine camping area provides many sheltered sites amongst turpentine trees[100]. It is an ideal spot for smaller groups or families[101]. The campsite is spread out along the end of Turpentine Road, providing picnic benches, tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). Toilet facilities are located in the nearby Pines Camping or Casuarina Camping Areas. There is good access to a creek[102] for cooling off in the summer.
(7.13 km)
Turpentine Campsite
to
Int of Abbotts Falls trail and Pines camping area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 206 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -8 m
Veer right: From Turpentine campsite[103] and the 'Toilet 150m' sign[104], this walk follows the toilet sign[105] south, gently downhill towards the creek. This walk crosses the campsite and after about 130m, descends moderately steeply[106] into a creek and footbridge[107]. Then this walk crosses the creek via the footbridge[108] and follows the track moderately steeply uphill[109] for about 60m, to find the Pines campsites[110]. This walk crosses the campsite, tending left and keeping the toilet[111] to the right, until coming to the 'Walking Trail' sign[112] and track[113].
Drive from Int of Abbotts Falls trail and Pines camping area
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Hunter 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.
Olney State Forest Only State Forest is a section of mostly native bushland just South of Watagan State forest and National parks Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
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.
Watagan State Forest Watagan State Forest is a large section of mostly native bushland west of Lake Macquarie. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Really enjoyable walk, completed 01/2014 but found the track through the middle section heavily overgrown and in several places there is little to no sign of the track at all.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)