Patonga to Staples Lookout

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Time 6 hrs 30 mins
One way 17 km One way
Climb 702 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Ferry Bus Car
no_pets
This great walk explores much of the main ridge ridge running through Brisbane Water National Park. The walk visits a number of great lookouts and has two worthy side trips, one up to the top of Mt Wondabyne and another to the falls in Kariong Brook. The walk requires a bit of planning for transport, but is well worth a car shuffle. Allow time to relax and enjoy the views.
across form Patonga boat ramp View from rock lookout View of Barrenjoey Lighthouse from Warrah Lookout path down towards headland Int of Great North Walk and Patonga Drive path across rock flats Mt Wondabyne Camping area Track to Mt Wondabyne peak Brisbane Waters Nationa Park gate Woy Woy road Staples Lookout Plaque View from Staples Lookout

(0km) Patonga Wharf car park → Eastern end of Patonga Beach

distance 530 m time 10 mins climb 14m descent -13m Easy track
From the car park[1] at Patonga wharf[2], this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive[3], keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval'[4][5][6] for 70m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[7] opposite the toilet block[8]. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the 'Boat Ramp' sign and GNW arrow post[9] down along a side road[10] for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga's boat ramp[11]. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach[12] from the wharf to the boat ramp.)
Continue straight: From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign[13]. This area of the beach is also know as 'Dark Corner'.

(1km) Eastern end of Patonga Beach → Broken Bay View

distance 590 m time 21 mins climb 122m descent 0m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the eastern end of Patonga beach, this walk follows the 'Warrah Trig 1.7km' sign[15] up the steps. The track winds up the side on the hill, turning left and following the ridge line uphill. Soon after passing up some stairs between the rock, the track comes to a lovely view across the water. Here, the track turns left and climbs up more steps before flattening out and passing a few more GNW arrows. Just after passing two GNW arrows next to each other (at the end of a large crack in the rock), the track passes a few large Sydney Red Gums and comes to an unfenced rock platform on the right - Broken Bay view.

Broken Bay View

Broken Bay View
Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.

(1km) Broken Bay View → Warrah Lookout intersection

distance 700 m time 15 mins climb 26m descent -26m Moderate track
Veer left: From the Broken Bay view, this walk follows Great North Walk arrows uphill along the track. The track winds gently through the bush, with the occasional water glimpse to the right. After a short time, the track comes to a clear intersection with the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail with a sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[16].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow downhill along the wide management trail. After about 250m, the trail passes a track on the right (marked with 5 large boulders - this informal track leads to an unfenced view). The walk continues along the management trail for another 100m and comes to an intersection near the Warrah Lookout, and a sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[17].

(2km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Warrah Lookout

distance 70 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -12m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads between the timber posts and follows the 'Warrah Lookout' sign[18] along the sandstone footpath. The path leads through the bush for a short distance, coming to the fenced Warrah Lookout. (Beware of informal side tracks that lead to unfenced sections of cliff.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Warrah Lookout

Warrah Lookout
Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

(2km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Warrah Trig Station

distance 310 m time 7 mins climb 39m descent 0m Easy track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Tony Doyle Track, Warrah Car Park' sign[19] up the sandstone steps and footpath. After winding through and over some rock platforms, the path leads up the hill to two sets of timber staircases. At the top of the second set, the walk comes to the old Warrah Trig station (a green metal post).

Warrah Trig Station

Warrah Trig Station
Warrah 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 once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River[20]. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

(2km) Warrah Trig Station → Warrah car park

distance 30 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent 0m Easy track
Continue straight: From Warrah Trig Station, this walk follows the sandstone steps and footpath down the hill towards the dirt road. The path soon passes a plaque and a sign pointing back along the 'Tony Doyle Track'[21] and comes to the Warrah car park.

(2km) Warrah Car Park → Int Warrah Trig Rd trail and Warrah Trig Station Rd

distance 310 m time 5 mins climb 2m descent -4m Easy track
Continue straight: From Warrah car park, this walk follows the road off the sealed section and along the dirt. The road passes a larger dirt overflow car park, then ignores an old trail (on the right) to soon come to an intersection with a management trail and gate on the left side.

(2km) Int of Warrah Trig trail and Warrah Trig Station Rd → Int of Great North Walk and Patonga Dr

distance 1.2 km time 22 mins climb 23m descent -14m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road north up a long and gentle hill. The road leads to an intersection with a track on the right marked with a Great North Walk arrow about 30m before Patonga Drive.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker around the drainage ditch[22] to follow the track running parallel to Patonga Drive (keeping the road about 20m to your left). The track leads through the heath and scribbly gum forest[23] for about 100m before passing some distant ocean views[24] (on your right), where the track continues for another 150m to come to the sealed Patonga Drive[25]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[26] across the road to a locked gate and management trail[27], marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[28].

(4km) Int of Great North Walk and Patonga Dr → Rock platform intersection

distance 870 m time 14 mins climb 5m descent -16m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[29] around the locked gate[30] to follow the management trail[31] away from the road. After about 100m, this walk comes to a clear three-way intersection[32] marked with sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[33].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[34] gently up along the wide trail. After about 200m, the trail bends left[35], then leads gently down for another 100m, coming to an intersection[36] where the main trail bends right (and with the narrower Patonga Creek trail ahead), marked with a GNW arrow post[37].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north along the wide sandy management trail. The trail leads among the heath and large scribbly gums[38] for about 270m to come to T-intersection[39] with another wide trail[40], marked with a 'Patonga' sign[41] pointing back up along the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[42] downhill along the management trail. Over the next 200m, the trail gently bends right then comes to an intersection (just before a large open rock platform[43]), marked with a 'Girrakool' sign[44] (pointing right).

(5km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Patonga Dr trail → Int of Hawkesbury track and Sani Depot Trail

distance 1.1 km time 21 mins climb 25m descent -39m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[45] east uphill along the management trail[46]. The trail leads up the hill for about 25m to head over a short rock platform[47] where the trail continues fairly steeply uphill. The trail bends left[48] and then winds gently around the side of the hill[49], enjoying some views[50] along the way. The trail undulates for a while before leading gently down to pass a large clearing[51] (on your left). Just past this clearing, the trail heads down (fairly steeply at first) for about 200m to enter a tall wooded forest and come to a clear three-way intersection, marked with a 'Sani Depot Trail' sign[52] (on your right).

(6km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Sani Depot Trail → Rock Platform

distance 1.3 km time 25 mins climb 21m descent -56m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] downhill along the wide trail. The trail soon leaves the tall Sydney Redgums[54] to lead down for almost 600m. The walk crosses a culverted creek[55] (with sandstone blocks[56]) and then the trail mostly flattens out[57]. Here the trail continues for another 170m leaving the tall forest to walk through the open heath[58], passing near a small cliff (on your right), to come to an intersection with the faint track[59] (on your left, this is just before the main trail bends right and starts to lead downhill again).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail downhill[60], keeping the valley to your left. The trail winds downhill for almost 600m, crossing a couple of culverted creeks[61][62], until, just after a left-hand bend, this walk comes to a noteable rock platform[63] (with an ephemeral creek) and filtered view down the valley (to your left)[64].

(7km) Rock Platform → Woy Woy landfill view

distance 960 m time 25 mins climb 77m descent -39m Hard track
Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk follows the trail north up the side of the hill. The trail leads uphill for about 25m before bending left and leading downhill[65] for about 80m, where the trail winds through a ferny valley[66] with a scattering of cabbage palms[67] (Livistona australis). Here the trail leads quite steeply uphill[68] for about 200m, then more gently downhill for just over 200m more, to come to a Y-intersection[69] with the signposted 'Great North Walk' track[70] (on your left). (The trail ahead soon leads over Patonga Creek[71] to the locked back[72] gate of Woy Woy Landfill).
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[73] downhill along the track. After just shy of 100m, the track crosses Patonga Creek[74] among the moist cabbage palm[75] forest. Soon after crossing this creek, the track begins to head quite steeply uphill[76] for another 100m, passing a faint side track[77] before climbing up some carved steps[78] in the rock beside a sloped rock platform (on your left)[79]. The track continues steeply up for another 40m, where the track bends right (at the GNW arrow post)[80] to head over a mostly flat rock outcrop. The track continues (with occasional glimpses of the Woy Woy landfill[81]) gently uphill for just over 100m to pass another side track[82], then lead up a bit more steeply[83] for just over 100m more (past a rock wall[84], on your left) to come to an unfenced clear view over Woy Woy landfill[85] (where the track bends left[86]).

(8km) Woy Woy landfill view → Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track

distance 2 km time 42 mins climb 83m descent -75m Hard track
Veer left: From the view point over Woy Woy Landfill[87], this walk heads west following the rocky track uphill, directly away from the view. The sandy track[88] soon leads up a few rock steps[89] and after about 130m, climbs up a few carved steps[90] onto a fairly large rock platform[91], marked with a GNW arrow post[92]. The track now undulates, following a series of GNW arrow posts (generally up) along a rocky ridge line[93], passing over many rock platforms[94] for almost 1km (enjoying the distant views[95][96] over Woy Woy Bay and the Brisbane Water, to your right) to come to the highpoint on this section of track[97]. From here, the track continues mostly flat for the next 500m, then begins to head downhill for about 300m to come to a clear intersection[98] with the signposted 'Dillons Trail'[99]. There is a sign pointing back up the track towards 'Patonga'[100].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post west[101] (in the opposite direction to the 'Patonga' sign[102]. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted 'Tunnel Trail'[103].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[104] gently uphill along the 'Tunnel Trail'. After about 50m, the trail passes through a metal gate[105] and fence then continues for just over 100m to come to the signposted intersection with the 'Rocky Ponds Trail'[106], where a 'Patonga' sign[107] points back down along the trail.

(10km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Mt Wondabyne Campsite

distance 1.2 km time 25 mins climb 64m descent -8m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker and the 'Girrakool' sign[108] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m, to come to a small crest[109] and a clear three-way intersection with the signposted 'Mt Wondabyne' trail[110] (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker as well as the 'Mt Wondabyne'[111] and 'Girrakool'[112] signs uphill along the management trail. The trail winds up the hill for about 300m find a view of Mount Wondabyne[113] - there are also nice views behind (and to the right) across Woy Woy and the Brisbane Water[114]. The trail continues uphill for another 400m to end at a large clearing[115] (turning circle) at the base of a rock wall. This is the Mt Wondabyne Campsite[116] - there is also a sign pointing back down to 'Patonga'[117].

Mt Wondabyne Campsite

Mt Wondabyne Campsite
This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

(11km) Mt Wondabyne Campsite → Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks

distance 90 m time 2 mins climb 6m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn right: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Mooney Mooney rest area' sign[118] north gently uphill along the rocky track[119]. After about 90m, this track comes to a three-way intersection[120] (with the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the right[121]), marked with a GNW arrow post.

(11km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Peak

distance 210 m time 5 mins climb 20m descent -1m Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Mt Wondabyne peak track north-east as it heads uphill directly towards Mt Wondabyne. The track is leads gently at first then starts to climb up a series of rock ledges[122]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[123] (large enough for 2 or 3 people to lie in). The track then continues to climb for another 90m, up the rocky track then for through a grove of small trees[124], to come to the first peak[125]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[126] and great panoramic views[127]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Mt Wondabyne

Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

(11km) Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail

distance 950 m time 21 mins climb 11m descent -109m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north, gently down along the rocky track[128], keeping the Mt Wondabyne Peak up to your right. After about 50m, the track enters a forest of trees[129] and begins to head more distinctly downhill, passing a few large boulders[130] for about 700m, then coming to a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[131] on a post. After writing a comment, the walk continues down the track over a rock platform[132], and just past the rock platform[133] the sandy track leads downhill for about 200m as it widens significantly[134] and comes to a T-intersection[135] with another wide trail. There is a 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[136] here, pointing back up the hill.

(12km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail → Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail

distance 1 km time 22 mins climb 54m descent -29m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Wondabyne Station' sign[137] down a gentle hill as the trail bends right. The trail leads downhill and bends again to run parallel with the some power lines[138]. Then about 35 meters past the second power pole, this walk comes to an intersection with a track[139] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[140], heading under the power lines and down along the track to soon cross a small ephemeral creek[141]. From the creek, this walk follows a rock platform[142] for about 200m to then head over a section of timber boardwalk[143] and past a few disused power poles[144]. The track soon begins to climb and crosses a number or rock platforms[145] for about 300m to come to a notably large rock platform[146] with a wide view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[147]. Here the track continues up for another 250m to an intersection[148] with a wide trail (at another rock platform), where a 'Patonga' sign[149] points back down along the track.

(13km) Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track → Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail

distance 1.5 km time 28 mins climb 34m descent -54m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[150] across the rock platform, keeping the valley to your left. The walk enjoys views of Mt Wondabyne[151] (on the left) for about 130m to come to a particularly large rock platform[152]. Here the trail leads down[153] off this rock platform then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[154]) to lead up to an intersection[155] (with a track on the left) where there is a sign pointing back to 'Patonga'[156].

(15km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Kariong Brook crossing

distance 690 m time 24 mins climb 21m descent -122m Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[157] gently down along the narrower track. The track leads down for about 60m to pass over a rock outcrop[158] and then 80m later, comes to a clearing that has been used as a campsite[159] (on your left). From the clearing, the track continues down the hill for about 150m, stepping down the rocks[160] and along a sandy track[161] to then bend right at metal handrail[162]. Here the rocky track becomes quite steep in places and winds down past some rock walls[163] and among the grass trees[164] for about 300m, where the track bends sharp right at the bottom of some steps in a cleft in the rock[165]. The track continues down for another 100m to follow the steps down through the sandstone overhang[166], here the track bends left then right to wind down and cross the creek (that is often underground) and come to an intersection with a faint track in front of Kariong Brook Falls[167] (on your right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Kariong Brook Falls

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

(15km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Int of Great North Walk and Woy Woy Road

distance 1.8 km time 37 mins climb 83m descent -22m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east following the 'Staples Lookout' sign along the management trail. The walk steadily climbs uphill until to comes to a long rock platform with good views of the valley (to the left)
Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk heads north east along the management trail, keeping the main valley views to the left. The trail winds up the hill to come to a four-way intersection with the power line management trail and a 'Thommas Loop' (sign pointing back down the hill).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the service trail, past the National Park gate to the intersection of Woy Woy Road.

(17km) Int of Thommos Trail and Woy Woy Road → Staples Lookout

distance 370 m time 7 mins climb 13m descent 0m Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, heads along Woy Woy Road passing the large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign. The walk crosses the road (where safe) and crosses a grassy area to come to the car park and signposted Staples Lookout.

Staples Lookout

Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows[168]. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy[169]. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Maps for the Patonga to Staples Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford1:25 000 Map Series91312S GOSFORDNSW-91312S
Broken Bay1:25 000 Map Series91301N BROKEN BAYNSW-91301N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map1:40 000 Map SeriesCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist MapCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Gosford1:100 000 Map Series9131 GOSFORD9131
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Patonga to Staples Lookout bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Patonga to Staples Lookout

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Patonga to Staples Lookout

Altitude analysis for Patonga to Staples Lookout

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length17 km
Time6 hrs 30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 7km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.3km is flat with no steps and the remaining 440m is very steep.

Quality of track

13km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (1.2km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 17km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

11km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (440m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Patonga to Staples Lookout walk.

Warrah Trig to Lookout

756 m Return, 20 mins

Warrah Trig to Lookout

This walk takes you from the old Warrah Trig Station down the ridge, along a well formed rock path to Warrah Lookout. From the lookout there are fantastic views spanning from the distant Barrenjoey headland, across the Hawkesbury river to Brisk Bay and Patonga. There are no facilities provided at t

Total climbing: 51m

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Warrah Trig to Patonga

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

Warrah Trig to Patonga

This walk starts at the top of the ridge and leads through a field of wildflowers (in spring and early summer), past some panoramic water views and down to Patonga Village for fish and chips. Starting on the Tony Doyle Track, this walk passes the old Warrah Trig and then visits Warrah Lookout, a gr

Total climbing: 39m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Moderate track

Warrah Trig to Pearl Beach

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

Warrah Trig to Pearl Beach

Starting on the Tony Doyle track, this walk passes the old Warrah Trig before enjoying the views from Warrah lookout. The walk follows the wide trail down the hill to Pearl Beach. There are many great wildflowers in spring and if you are quiet, you may spot a Lyrebird or two. If you are feeling en

Total climbing: 27m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Patonga to Warrah Trig Station

4.3 km Return, 2 hrs

Patonga to Warrah Trig Station

This walk explores part of the ridge heading out of Patonga. The walk visits two great lookouts, with great views of Lion Island, West Head and Palm beach. Warrah trig is not that interesting, but it is a high point in the area with more views. Make a day of it by catching the ferry from Palm bea

Total climbing: 240m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Moderate track

Patonga to Pearl Beach

4.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Patonga to Pearl Beach

This walk explores a section of Brisbane Water National Park between the villages of Patonga and Pearl Beach. From Patonga, this walk takes you up a track following the Great North Walk route, and then a wider trail brings you to a short (and very worthwhile) side trip to Warrah Lookout. From here

Total climbing: 189m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Moderate track

Pearl Beach to Warrah Lookout

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Pearl Beach to Warrah Lookout

This walk follows a wide trail then a track to the fantastic views from Warrah Lookout. From Pearl Beach, this walk follows the roads to the lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. Continuing up this trail, the walk passes some sandstone caves and further on, enjoys the fenced Warrah Lookou

Total climbing: 189m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

5.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

This walk gives the shortest access to Kariong Brook waterfall, one of the nicest falls in the area. Starting from Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd, most of the walking is along the Thommos Loop management trail, except for the last descent into Kariong Brook. The waterfall is a nice and cool place

Total climbing: 261m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

10.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

This walk starts and finishes at Staples Lookout, on Woy Woy Rd. The walk follows sections of the Great North Walk around Mount Wondabyne and the old Bulls Hill Quarry. There are a few options for short side trips, one leading to the tranquil Kariong Brook falls and the other to the peak of Mount

Total climbing: 337m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

12.3 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds down alongside Piles creek, before climbing up through the Brisbane Waters National Park to Scopas peak, and then on to the lovely Kariong brook falls. The walk finishes at the Staples Lookout. This walk mostly follows a section of the Grea

Total climbing: 697m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Wondabyne to Woy Woy

15.4 km One way, 6 hrs

Wondabyne to Woy Woy

This walk starts at a small isolated train station, and takes in some great scenery on the way to Woy Woy station. The walk gets most of the climbing out of the way quickly. Once up on the main ridge there are great views along the Hawkesbury River and Mooney Mooney creek. Highlights of the walk i

Total climbing: 646m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Patonga to Woy Woy

15.5 km One way, 5 hrs 45 mins

Patonga to Woy Woy

This walk explores a variety of environments from the shore line and coastal cliffs near Patonga, to the dry, rocky and open ridge line. The last part of the walk skirts around the edge of Woy Woy tip, but most of the walk offers great views of the water systems around the park. You can catch the

Total climbing: 497m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Ferry

Hard track

Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

This is a great walk, crossing the middle of Brisbane Water National Park and visiting several highlights including Rocky Ponds. Starting with a ferry trip from Brooklyn, this walk follows a series of faint tracks, clear tracks and management trails. There is an alternate route described in the not

Total climbing: 588m

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Experienced only

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Mt Wondabyne

19.5 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Mt Wondabyne

This walk explores some grand views, pleasant cascades, varied bushland and remote areas of Brisbane Waters National Park. From Patonga you will walk up the ridge and take a short side trip to enjoy the wonderful views from Warrah Lookout, before following a series of dirt roads and management trail

Total climbing: 861m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Ferry

Hard track

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

20.7 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

This long day-walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and works its way south, alongside Piles creek and through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs over Scopas Peak and passes the Kariong brook falls, before winding to the top of Mt Wondabyne and finishing at the Woy Woy train st

Total climbing: 870m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

24 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

This full day walk is for the fit and keen bushwalker, exploring some of the Brisbane Waters National Park's great destinations like the Pindar caves, the Kariong Brook falls and Mt Wondabyne. The walk offers a few optional side trips to key locations including Pindar falls and the Mt Wondabyne Peak

Total climbing: 949m

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Experienced only

Girrakool to Patonga

24.8 km One way, 10 hrs

Girrakool to Patonga

This walk explores the main ridge of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting at Girrakool picnic area in the north, this track heads over Scopas Peak, with some excellent views over Mooney Mooney creek, and then over Mt Wondabyne, further south. As the track approaches the southern edge of Brisbane

Total climbing: 1083m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Hard track

Girrakool to Patonga Overnight

24.8 km One way, 2 Days

Girrakool to Patonga Overnight

This overnight walk explores the main ridge of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting at Girrakool picnic area in the north, this track heads over Scopas Peak, with some excellent views over Mooney Mooney creek, and then over Mt Wondabyne, further south. Much of this walk follows the Great North Wal

Total climbing: 1083m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Hard track

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight

This overnight hike starts from Patonga beach and winds along a section of the Great North Walk, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs up and around the Warra reserve headland, continuing to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves. The overnight stay is at the Mt Wondabyne campsite. The

Total climbing: 1164m

Grade 5
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Ferry

Experienced only

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and

Total climbing: 1523m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Patonga to Somersby

41.5 km One way, 3 Days

Patonga to Somersby

This three day walk follows the Great North Walk from Patonga, through Brisbane Waters National Park, to the Somersby General Store. The two campsites can be found near the summit of Mt Wondabyne, and along the banks of the Mooney Mooney Creek. Water is available from Kariong Brook and often from tr

Total climbing: 1811m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Patonga to Staples Lookout walk.

McKell Park Loop

931 m Circuit, 30 mins

McKell Park Loop

This is a great walk to take the kids on, with a fenced playground, a swimming area and pelicans. For mum and dad, there is parking, a Federation interpretive display, picnic and toilet facilities and views over the Hawkesbury River from Flat Rock Point above. This short walk complements a fresh sea

Total climbing: 24m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Moderate track

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

This short track is excellent walk for those with young children. The track passes the fantastic McKell Park playground facilities, which stand next to the Federation Interpretive Display. For the warmer months, enclosed beach pool is right next to the track. The views of the Hawkesbury River are qu

Total climbing: 29m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Very easy

Little Wobby to Rocky Ponds

18.1 km Return, 8 hrs

Little Wobby to Rocky Ponds

This great walk starts from Brooklyn with a ferry trip to Little Wobby and explores some fantastic panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Tank Creek. The alternate route, for more experienced walkers, cuts a fair bit of walking and gets you to the views quicker. The views along the ridge are

Total climbing: 923m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Ettalong Lookout

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

Mt Ettalong Lookout

This lovely short walk takes you from the large water tank, along an old trail and track to two fantastic fenced lookout platforms. There are a few unfenced views along this shaded walk. A picnic table among the Sydney Red Gums, just before the two main lookouts, makes a wonderful spot for a snack

Total climbing: 34m

Grade 2
  • Car

Easy track

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

This track creates a loop between Flint and Steel Beach and Bay by traversing the headland between them. The walk explores Flint and Steel Beach and the McGaw ruins, while providing scenic views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island.

Total climbing: 227m

Grade 6
  • Car

Very experienced only

Flint and Steel track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

Flint and Steel track

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandston

Total climbing: 209m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

This is a nice walk to White Horse Beach on Flint and Steel Bay. The return-style walk passes McGaw's ruins and and the old water catchment. From White Horse Beach, there are scenic views across the Hawkesbury River. The ruins are a nice addition to the walk - although overgrown, they add a touch o

Total climbing: 159m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.1 km Circuit, 45 mins

Aboriginal Heritage Track

The Aboriginal Heritage Track takes in one of the most popular rock art sites in Ku-ring-gai National Park, and an amazing Aboriginal engraving site. The walk leads out from Resolute Picnic Area to pass by the caves and then continues down the management trail to the engravings. The walk then retur

Total climbing: 27m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Resolute Track

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Resolute Track

The Resolute Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and Resolute Beach. The return-style walk starts from Resolute picnic area and heads down to Resolute Beach, passing a Red Hands Cave and an Aboriginal engraving site. The Resolute Track uses manage

Total climbing: 201m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Headland track (Resolute track)

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Headland track (Resolute track)

This walk is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and up to three of Ku-ring-gai Chase's beaches. The circuit walk visits Red Hands Cave and some historic engravings, in addition to enjoying expansive views over Pittwater, with Barrenjoey Headland as a feature. The walk includes Resolute an

Total climbing: 243m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

West Head Lookout Track

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

West Head Lookout Track

From Resolute Picnic Area, this walk heads out to West Head Lookout, with magnificent views across the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island. The track is a direct route which passes through classic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland. This walk offers a great way to avoid competing for parking at W

Total climbing: 96m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Red Hands Cave

403 m Circuit, 30 mins

Red Hands Cave

This is a short walk down to Red Hands Cave from the Resolute Picnic Area. The walk loops from the picnic area through the heath and down to the overhang of the cave. The Aboriginal rock art is quite faded but is estimated to be over 2000 years old. This makes for an interesting historic walk, great

Total climbing: 9m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

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Park Information

Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Waters National Park is situated south west of Gosford perched on the Hawkesbury River. The park is characterised by sandstone features, Aboriginal engravings, flowery heaths, bird life and spectacular water views. Brisbane Waters NP has many bushwalks through the are with the Great North Walk passing through the middle of the park.

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