Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs 30 mins

10.8 km Circuit

337 m

Hard track

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 Wondabyne, providing great views over the National Park to Woy Woy.

Edge of rock platform on Thommos Loop trail

View of Mt Wondabyne from Thommos Loop trail rock outcrop

Great North walk sign at rocky outcrop and Thommos Loop trail

Passing powerlines in the valley north of Mount Wondabyne

looking down the track heading up Mount Wondabyne

Camping area and end of management trail near Mount Wondabyne

Int of Girrakool and Mt Wondabyne tracks

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[1]. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy[2]. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

(0km) Staples Lookout → Int of Thommos Trail and Woy Woy Road

370 m

7 mins

-13m Easy track

From Staples Lookout, this walk heads downhill alongside Woy Woy Rd (keeping the view to the left). Where safe this walk crosses the road and continues down the hill. Just after passing a large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign (facing downhill), the walk comes to the signposted start of "Thommo's Loop Fire Trail" and a locked gate.

(0km) Int of Great North Walk and Woy Woy Road → Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail

1.8 km

37 mins

22m

-83m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads around the National Park gate and continues down the service trail for a short while, before coming to the intersection of the power line service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thommas Loop' sign down the management trail as it bends left. The trail winds down the hill to soon cross a rock platform with good views.
Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk follows the management trail down the hill, keeping the valley views to the right. The trail then generally winds down the hill to come so a signposted three-way intersection with a 'Staples Lookout' sign pointing back up the hill.

(2km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Kariong Brook crossing

690 m

24 mins

21m

-122m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool' sign[4] gently down along the narrower track. The track leads down for about 60m to pass over a rock outcrop[5] and then 80m later, comes to a clearing that has been used as a campsite[6] (on your left). From the clearing, the track continues down the hill for about 150m, stepping down the rocks[7] and along a sandy track[8] to then bend right at metal handrail[9]. Here the rocky track becomes quite steep in places and winds down past some rock walls[10] and among the grass trees[11] for about 300m, where the track bends sharp right at the bottom of some steps in a cleft in the rock[12]. The track continues down for another 100m to follow the steps down through the sandstone overhang[13], 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[14] (on your right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

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.

(2km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track

1.5 km

28 mins

54m

-34m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[15] downhill along the management trail[16]. The trail then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[17]) to then step up onto a particularly large rock platform[18]. After crossing this rock platform, the trail continues for another 120m to come to a Y-intersection[19] (at another rock platform) where a 'Girrakool' sign[20] points back along the track.

(4km) Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east)

830 m

18 mins

15m

-50m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Patonga' sign[21] east, gently downhill along the narrow track. After about 250m, the track leads to a notably large rock platform[22] with a clear view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[23]. Here the track continues gently downhill, crossing more rock platforms[24] for about 300m to head over a section of timber boardwalk[25] and past a few disused power poles[26]. The track then continues over another rock platform for another 200m to cross a small ephemeral creek[27]. From the creek, the track leads up a short distance up under the power lines to come to a T-intersection[28] with a wide trail, where a sign points back to 'Girrakool'[29].

(5km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east) → Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks

1.2 km

25 mins

123m

-15m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the track follows the GNW arrow post along the management trail[30], initially keeping the power lines to your right. The trail soon bends left and leads uphill. As the trail flattens out again, it comes to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' and 'Wondabyne Station' sign[31], pointing back along the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Wondabyne' sign[32] south up the trail. The trail soon begins to narrow[33] and after almost 200m, the track steps up to cross a rock platform[34], following a few GNW arrow posts to find a GNW 'Walker Register' tube[35]. After writing a comment, the walk continues uphill[36] along the track for about 700m, as the track become progressively flatter[37], passing beside the Mt Wondabyne Peak (up to your left). Then about 50m after leaving the trees and entering a section of low heath, this track then comes to a three-way intersection[38] (the Mt Wondabyne peak track, on the left[39]), marked with a GNW arrow post.

(6km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Peak

210 m

5 mins

20m

-1m Hard track

Turn left: 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[40]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[41] (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[42], to come to the first peak[43]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[44] and great panoramic views[45]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

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.

(6km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Campsite

90 m

2 mins

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[46] south over a small rise then gently downhill along the rocky track, leaving Mt Wondabyne peak[47] behind and to your left. After about 90m, the track leads down to a clearing[48] at the end of a management trail, where there is a sign pointing back to 'Mooney Mooney rest area'[49]. This is the Mt Wondabyne campsite[50].

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).

(6km) Mt Wondabyne Campsite → Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail

760 m

16 mins

-49m Moderate track

Turn left: From the clearing (campsite), this walk follows the 'Patonga'[51] sign down the wide management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 300m, enjoying some views back to Mount Wondabyne[52] as well as to Woy Woy and Brisbane Water[53]. From here, the trail continues downhill through the heath for another 400m to come to a T-intersection with another management trail (Tunnel Track), where there is a 'Mt Wondabyne'[54] and 'Girrakool'[55] sign pointing back up the hill.

(7km) Int of Girrakool and Mt Wondabyne tracks → Int of Tunnel and Mullet Creek Tracks

1.1 km

22 mins

14m

-55m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail down the hill as it bends to the left (initially keeping Mt Wondabyne to the left). The trail winds down the hill, passing a filtered view of the Woy Woy landfill site and some nice sandstone formations. The trail then leads into a valley and crosses an often dry creek using a concrete ford. Soon after this, the trail comes to a four-way intersection, with some power lines and a sign pointing back to 'Tunnel Track'.

(8km) Int of Tunnel and Mullet Creek Tracks → Brisbane Waters NP gate

720 m

13 mins

18m

-10m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east along the management trail up the hill, away from the power lines (not following any of the signs). The trail soon comes to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Thommos Loop' trail (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the red-gravelly trail north, gently downhill (soon bending right). The trail passes an old rusty trailer (on the left) and soon comes to a 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign and heads around a locked gate.

(8km) Brisbane Waters NP gate → Int of Tunnel track and Powerline maintenance trail

1 km

18 mins

17m

-18m Easy track

Continue straight: From the gate, this walk heads away from the gate and national park along the management trail. The trail soon comes to the old Bulls Hill Quarry (on the left) and continues around the edge, passing the pondage area (there are many tracks in the are, this walk follows the main Tunnel Track). The trail bends left, rounding the quarry to cross the sandstone rock platform and climb the gravelly trail leaving the quarry behind. About 170m after passing under the power lines, the trail comes to an intersection with a power line maintenance trail (on the right, signposted '830').

Bulls Hill Quarry

The Bulls Hill Quarry, which was once a sandstone quarry on the western side of Woy Woy Rd. In 2002 Gosford Council proposed converting the quarry into a 'composting and recycling facility'. These plans where rejected due to concerns of the environmental impact. In 2005 the then-Department of Land and Water Conservation worked on the sediment dams to improve water flow quality from the site.

(9km) Int of Tunnel track and Powerline maintenance trail → Int of Tunnel track and Woy Woy Rd

130 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the gate (and road), just visible up the gentle hill along the management trail. On the other side of the gate, the walk comes to small clearing beside Woy Woy Rd (a short distance uphill from the speed camera).

(9km) Int of Tunnel track and Woy Woy Rd → Staples Lookout

1.4 km

27 mins

70m

-1m Easy track

Turn left : From the small clearing, this walk follows alongside Woy Woy Rd away from the speed camera, passing the large 'Overtaking lane 400m Ahead' sign up the hill. Soon the road leads to a 'Roy Lamb the Sand Man' sign[58].
Continue straight: From the 'Roy Lamb the Sand Man' sign, this walk follows beside Woy Woy Rd, heading up the hill (passing a house on the left). The road sweeps left and (about 10m past the yellow 'Left Lane Ends' sign) the walk comes to an intersection with a power line access trail (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill beside Woy Woy Rd (away from the water view), soon coming to an intersection with the signposted start of the 'Thommo's Loop Fire Trail'[59] and gate (on the left) - just before the brown 'Scenic Lookout' sign[60].
Continue straight: 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.

Maps for the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop 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.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

Altitude analysis for Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop

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.

		Length	10.8 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 4.8km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 950m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 920m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 360m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.7km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km 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 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop walk.

Staples Lookout to Kariong Brook

5.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

12.3 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Wondabyne to Woy Woy

15.4 km One way, 6 hrs

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

Hard track

Little Wobby to Woy Woy via Rocky Ponds

16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

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

Experienced only

Patonga to Staples Lookout

17 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

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 transpo

Total climbing: 702m

Hard track

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Mt Wondabyne

19.5 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Girrakool to Woy Woy station via Mt Wondabyne

20.7 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Wondabyne to Woy Woy station via Pindar Caves

24 km One way, 8 hrs 30 mins

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

Experienced only

Girrakool to Patonga

24.8 km One way, 10 hrs

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

Hard track

Girrakool to Patonga Overnight

24.8 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

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

Experienced only

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Patonga to Somersby

41.5 km One way, 3 Days

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

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop walk.

Bulgandry Engravings

800 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk follows a footpath to a large rock platform with some well-preserved Aboriginal engravings. Named after Bulgandry man, an ancestral hero and one of the more detailed engravings at the site, this is clearly a special place. The footpath gently winds through the bush before following

Total climbing: 19m

Very easy

Pindar Cave

11.5 km Return, 6 hrs

This great walk goes to some amazing places. Pindar Lookout, Pool and Cave are the greatest features of the walk, with each feature deserving of its own unique track. The walk takes off from the tiny Wondabyne Station to climb onto the plateau and continues along the ridge line to Mt Pindar. The wal

Total climbing: 493m

Experienced only

Wondabyne station to Kariong Brook falls

8.1 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from Wondabyne train station, winding up into the Brisbane Waters National Park, and follows a section of the Great North Walk to the beautiful Kariong Brook falls. Starting from the isolated train station, the walk explores an area of the park not accessible by road. Since

Total climbing: 489m

Hard track

Wondabyne station to Somersby Store

26.2 km One way, 10 hrs

This walk, following a section of the Great North Walk, starts from the Wondabyne train station and winds north, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs all the way up to the top of Scopas Peak, and down to the Phill Haughton bridge, then follows the Mooney Mooney Creek north, windin

Total climbing: 1164m

Hard track

Wondabyne station to Somersby Store overnight

26.2 km One way, 2 Days

This walk, following a section of the Great North Walk, starts from the Wondabyne train station and winds north, into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk climbs to the top of Scopas Peak, and down to the Phill Haughton bridge. The walk heads through the bush to the Somersby general store, wh

Total climbing: 1164m

Hard track

Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead

10.1 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

Starting with a steep climb from Wondabyne Train station you will explore a series of large rock platforms with wide views over the Brisbane Water National Park and visit Scopas Peak. After Scopas walk you cross a few pleasant rocky gullies before crossing Piles Creek on the Phil Houghton suspension

Total climbing: 484m

Hard track

Girrakool to Wondabyne station

9.5 km One way, 4 hrs

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, through the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses some long rock flats and climbs to the top of Scopas Peak, providing views spanning right across the park. The walk then continues down to Wondabyne station, and provides an

Total climbing: 438m

Hard track

Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar caves

18.1 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the Girrakool picnic area and winds south, following Piles creek into the Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk crosses over Scopas Peak and continues down to Pindar caves, passing the Pindar lookout and Pindar Pool on the way. From the caves the walk backtracks some distance

Total climbing: 741m

Experienced only

Piles Creek Loop

4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Starting from the Girrakool picnic area, this walk takes you on a round trip through part of the stunning Brisbane Water National Park. The walk explores both sides of Piles Creek, rewarding you with its waterfall and lookouts. Girrakool picnic area also has barbeques and toilets.

Total climbing: 306m

Moderate track

Somersby & Mooney Mooney Creek Loop

20 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

<b>**Closed**</b> The link track west of Somerby Falls is closed, an alternate route is been sought. This loop walk takes you through the Brisbane Waters National Park, starting from the Girrakool picnic area and exploring Piles Creek down to the Mooney Mooney Creek Junction. The walk meanders back

Total climbing: 744m

Moderate track

Western Girrakool Loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

This walk explores the western half of the Girrakool Loop track. From the picnic area, this walk heads down the footpath to Illoura Lookout, with views down over Piles Creek (there is an optional side trip to the top of the waterfall). The walk then has another optional trip to Bundilla Lookout, p

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Eastern Girrakool Loop

803 m Circuit, 20 mins

This walk explores the eastern branch of the Girrakool Loop track. Starting from the car park, this walk first visits the Aboriginal Engraving site. Before reaching Broula Lookout, there is an optional side trip to a lovely section of Piles Creek. There is a second optional side trip, to Illoura

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne loop walk starts and ends at the Staples Lookout (gps: -33.471741, 151.28830)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

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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