Check out the New Wildwalks site -- This site is no longer maintained and is just for archive

Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Gap Creek Falls Walk     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Gap Creek Falls Walk are found in each of the tabs below
Gap Creek Falls Walk
Time: 1 Hr Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
 		7.8 km N of Cooranbong
Length: 1.5 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 1.5 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start) 		Watagans National Park
Climb: 162 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 162 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
Style: Return
Track: Moderate

This walk leads to one of the best waterfalls in the Hunter area and is highly recommended. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. Spend some time looking around the base of the falls, particularly behind the falls on the narrow unfenced ledge. This walk is particularly good on a hot day, where the cooling spray off the waterfall is appreciated. (open in app)


There are closures in Watagans National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Gap Creek Falls Walk

Map of Walk

Location
                Sponsor of Gap Creek Falls Walk bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Gap Creek Falls Walk
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 500 meters
Gap Creek picnic area
Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track
Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track
Starting point for this hiking track: Gap Creek picnic area

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
 Morisset 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91311N 
 Gosford 1:100 000 Map Series 9131 

Photo Gallery
 
 Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagans +
 
 Track head at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Track head at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +
 
 Timber steps leaving the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Timber steps leaving the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +

 
 Track and forest near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Track and forest near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +
 
 Track near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Track near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +
 
 Steps near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Steps near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +

 
 Dense forest by track near the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Dense forest by track near the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +
 
 Large old tree trunk at intersection of Gap Creek Falls and Forest Walk in the Watagans
 
Large old tree trunk at intersection of Gap Creek Falls and Forest Walk in the Watagans +
 
 Sign to Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Sign to Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +

 
 Intersection from Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans
 
Intersection from Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans +
 
 Intersection to the Gap Creek Falls and the Forest Walk in the Watagans
 
Intersection to the Gap Creek Falls and the Forest Walk in the Watagans +
 
 Forest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Forest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +

 
 Dense forest on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Dense forest on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Timber seat on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Timber seat on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +

 
 Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Rocky stepped track on the way to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Rocky stepped track on the way to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Forested track near the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Forested track near the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +

 
 Track near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Track near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans +
 
 Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans +

 
 Rock underneath the arch at Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Rock underneath the arch at Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Large rocks at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Large rocks at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans +

 
 Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans +
 
 Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +

 
 Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Section of Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Section of Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +
 
 Rocks and water at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
 
Rocks and water at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Gap Creek Falls Walk bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Gap Creek Falls Walk bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gap Creek Falls Walk bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Gap Creek Falls 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 1.5km
Time 1 Hr
.


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 Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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
Around 380m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 370m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
This whole walk, 750m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 380m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 370m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 380m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 370m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 750m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 750m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to Gap Creek picnic area
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|

Gap Creek picnic area Alt = 224 m
The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables.

(0 km) Gap Creek picnic area to Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack		 Length = 372 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 29 m Descent = -6 m
From Gap Creek picnic area[1], this walk follows the track gently uphill (up steps[2] initially), passing the 'Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign (on your left). The track is followed through moist rainforest for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection[3], with a large dead tree[4] and a 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[5].

(0.37 km) Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track to End of Forest Walk
Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack		 Length = 491 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 31 m Descent = -45 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[6], this walk follows the level track, while passing the 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[7] on your left. The track leads through moist rainforest about 100m, then passes through a large cut tree trunk[8]. The track continues gently downhill[9] for about 500m, until coming to a creek with large boulders[10] in it (with a timber seat[11] to the left).
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

Gap Creek Rainforest rest area Alt = 231 m
The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders[12], pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies[13] to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair[14] to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.

(0.37 km) Int of Gap Creek Falls & Forest Walk Track to Gap Creek Falls
Track: Moderate - bushtrack		 Length = 379 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 7 m Descent = -120 m
Turn left: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the track gently downhill and passing the 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign[16] on your right. The track continues through attractive rainforest[17] for about 40m, where it becomes moderately steep downhill[18]. The track continues (often with stone and timber steps[19]) for about 400m, until coming to the dramatic Gap Creek Falls[20].

Gap Creek waterfall Alt = 135 m
The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock[21] surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge[22] to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.

Drive from Gap Creek picnic area
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

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Bangalow camping ground
Gap Creek camping ground


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Lake Macquarie Kayaks & Camping Unit 1 61 Alliance Ave, Morisset (02) 4973 2028 12 km
Camping Country 401 Pacific Hwy, Belmont North (02) 4945 1555 21.8 km
Central Coast Canvas 33 Holloway Drv, Jilliby (02) 4353 9885 25.1 km
Carneys Sport & Leisure 137 Vincent St , Cessnock (02) 4991 2208 20.9 km
Camping World Cnr Hillsborough & Macquarie Rds, Warners Bay (02) 4956 6183 21.4 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Gap Creek Falls Walk.
Channel Call sign
(more info)		 Site Distance and dir from Gap Creek Falls Walk
Click to re-center search
6 NEW06 Gencom Site 1 Sugarloaf Range via NEWCASTLE 11 km (to the NE)
2 VMB4 Auzcom Communications Site 1 Sugarloaf Range Via NEWCASTLE 13 km (to the NE)
1 CHT01 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN 25 km (to the ENE)
5 CHN05 Our Town Repeater Group 244 Pacific Highway CHARLESTOWN
Emergency use only		 25 km (to the ENE)
3 VMB2 Tower Street BATEAU BAY 41 km (to the S)

Weather and Park info

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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary wx61242
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Watagans National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

Region: Hunter & Mid North Coast
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Watagans National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Closed areas: Click Creek fire trail and Slippery Rock Road
Click Creek fire trail is closed due to extensive storm damage. The trail will remain closed until maintenance works can be completed. Slippery Rock Road is closed due to eroded surfaces making conditions unsafe. The road will reopen, subject to conditions, once maintenance work is completed. Penalties apply for non-compliance For more information, please contact the NPWS Lakes area office on (02) 4972 9000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Safety alerts: Access to park during inclement weather
Roads in Watagans National Park are unsealed, and accessible by 2WD in dry conditions only. 4WD's should be used at all other times. Gates and roads may be temporarily closed to prevent damage when wet. Please contact the NPWS Lake Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000 for more information.


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


-server web1.wildwalks.com- Page was generated in 0.040144 seconds Copyright | Privacy | About us | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sponsorship | Newsletter