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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Monkey Face Circuit are found in each of the tabs below
Monkey Face Circuit
Time: 45 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
7.5 km N of Cooranbong
Length: 1.3 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 1.3 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Watagans National Park
Climb: 74 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 74 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: Circuit
Track: Moderate

This short and scenic walk offers two lookouts and a forest walk. Gap Creek viewpoint gives views of dense forest, while the Monkey Face viewpoint gives views of forested farmland in the Gap Creek valley. The short forest walk between these two viewpoints is amongst large rocks and offers views of its own. The cliffs between the viewpoints are used by rock climbers and abseiling parties, so do not dislodge rocks from the top of the cliffs. This is a recommended and scenic walk. (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 Monkey Face Circuit

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Monkey Face Circuit bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Monkey Face Circuit
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 500 meters
Gaps Creek Viewpoint
Int of Monkey Face Rd & Viewpoint Track
Monkey Face Viewpoint
Int of Monkey Face Rd & Viewpoint Track
Int of Monkey Face Rd & Gap Creek Viewpoint Trail
Starting point for this hiking track: Gaps Creek Viewpoint

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 Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans +
 
Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans +
 
Gap Creek Viewpoint on a cloudy day off Monkey Face Road in the Watagans
 
Gap Creek Viewpoint on a cloudy day off Monkey Face Road in the Watagans +

 
Rock cliffs at Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans
 
Rock cliffs at Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face road in the Watagans +
 
Distant view from Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face Road in the Watagans
 
Distant view from Gap Creek Viewpoint off Monkey Face Road in the Watagans +
 
Track in forest near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Track in forest near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Track and rock near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Track and rock near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Track and rock near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Track and rock near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Track and track marker near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Track and track marker near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Attractive tree near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Attractive tree near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Rocks and forest near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Rocks and forest near Gap Creek Viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Forest track near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Forest track near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Track amongst forest near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Track amongst forest near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Wide track near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Wide track near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Wide track near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Wide track near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Intersection near Monkey Face Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Intersection near Monkey Face Viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Sign to Gap Creek Lookout near Monkey Face Viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Sign to Gap Creek Lookout near Monkey Face Viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Sign showing Monkey Face Picnic Area near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Sign showing Monkey Face Picnic Area near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Management trail near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Management trail near Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Afternoon view from Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Afternoon view from Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
View from Monkey Face Lookout in the Watagans
 
View from Monkey Face Lookout in the Watagans +

 
Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Undulating Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Undulating Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Intersection on Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Intersection on Monkey Face road near Gap Creek viewpoint in the Watagans +

 
Sign showing Gap Creek Lookout and Monkey Face Lookout on Monkey Face road in the Watagans
 
Sign showing Gap Creek Lookout and Monkey Face Lookout on Monkey Face road in the Watagans +
 
Intersection to Gap Creek viewpoint and Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans
 
Intersection to Gap Creek viewpoint and Monkey Face viewpoint in the Watagans +
 
Looking at intersection on Monkey Face road with Gap Creek viewpoint behind in the Watagans
 
Looking at intersection on Monkey Face road with Gap Creek viewpoint behind in the Watagans +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Monkey Face Circuit bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Monkey Face Circuit bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Monkey Face Circuit bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Monkey Face Circuit 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 1.3km
Time 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 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 790m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 520m has short steep hills.

Quality of track
Around 790m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 520m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 790m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 520m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 790m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 520m requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 1.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 790m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 520m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Drive to Gaps Creek Viewpoint
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|

Gaps Creek Viewpoint Alt = 329 m
The Gap Creek viewpoint, just off Monkey Face Road, is within the Watagans National Park. This lookout offers good views of the densely forested hill country[1] of the Martinsville Valley. A short walk from the end of the car park allows more attractive views through gumtrees at an unfenced section of the lookout[2].

(0 km) Gaps Creek Viewpoint to Int of Monkey Face Rd AND Viewpoint Track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 521 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 30 m Descent = -33 m
From Gaps Creek Viewpoint[3], this walk follows the track gently downhill[4], while keeping the cliff on your right. The track continues through rocky scrubby forest (always keeping the cliff on your right) for about 500m, until coming to a three-way intersection with Monkey Face Rd.

(0.52 km) Int of Monkey Face Rd & Viewpoint Track to Monkey Face Viewpoint
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 83 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -19 m
Veer right: From the intersection[5], this walk follows the management trail south and gently uphill, keeping the 'Gap Creek Lookout 600m sign[6] on your right. The trail is followed for about 90m, until coming to the end of Monkey Face Rd[7] and Monkey Lookout[8].

Monkey Face Viewpoint Alt = 307 m
Monkey Face viewpoint, at the end of Monkey Face Road[9] is within the Watagans National Park. This lookout offers good views of the densely forested hill country of the Martinsville Valley[10]. Monkey Face lookout is named after an old lead bullock from the timber-getting days[11]. More info

(0.6 km) Monkey Face Viewpoint to Int of Monkey Face Rd & Viewpoint Track
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 83 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 19 m Descent = 0 m
Turn around: From the end of Monkey Face Rd[12], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[13] and directly away from the lookout[14]. The trail continues for about 90m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a track and 'Gap Creek Lookout 600m' sign[15] on the left.

(0.69 km) Int of Monkey Face Rd & Viewpoint Track to Int of Monkey Face Rd & Gap Creek Viewpoint Trail
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 503 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 23 m Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[16], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[17] and directly away from 'Monkey Face Picnic Area' sign[18]. The trail heads for about 300m, then continues gently uphill[19] for about 300m more, until coming to a three-way intersection with the 'Gap Creek Lookout/Monkey Face Lookout' sign[20] (on your left).

(1.19 km) Int of Monkey Face Rd & Gap Creek Viewpoint Trail to Gap Creek Viewpoint
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 120 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -11 m
Turn sharp left: From the intersection[21], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, passing the 'Gap Creek Lookout/Monkey Face Lookout' sign[22] (on your left). The trail then continues for about 110m, until coming to Gap Creek Viewpoint[23] with metal posts[24].

Drive from Gap Creek Viewpoint
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 11.7 km
Camping Country 401 Pacific Hwy, Belmont North (02) 4945 1555 21.8 km
Central Coast Canvas 33 Holloway Drv, Jilliby (02) 4353 9885 24.8 km
Carneys Sport & Leisure 137 Vincent St , Cessnock (02) 4991 2208 21.2 km
Wyong Warehouse & Camping World 59 Howarth St , Wyong (02) 4352 1501 29.9 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Monkey Face Circuit.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Monkey Face Circuit
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

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