Warrah Trig to Patonga

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.2 km One way

39 m

Moderate track

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 great site. After a short walk along a wide trail, you then follow the Patonga Track down the hill, passing some large angophoras and more water views before heading down to the beach at Patonga.

Plaque at the start of the Tony Doyle Track

Moss on the side of the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail

Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) in Spring

Grevillea Buxifolia (Grey Spider Flower)

Looking across dark corner to Patonga from track

Great North Walk sign at bottom of Patonga Track

Looking across the water from Dark Corner

Patonga Fish and Chips and general store

(0km) Warrah car park → Warrah Trig Station

30 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

From Warrah car park, this walk follows the 'Tony Doyle Track' sign[1] up the steps and sandstone footpath. The path winds a short distance up to a rock platform with the old Warrah Trig station, and offering filtered distant views.

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 With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded.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[2]. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

(0km) Warrah Trig Station → Warrah Lookout intersection

310 m

7 mins

-39m Easy track

Continue straight: From the trig station, this walk heads toward the water view, down the timber staircase. At the bottom of the timber stairs, the walk follows the sandstone footpath (and another set of timber stairs) and stone steps, winding down the hill. The footpath passes over and between a few rock platforms on the way. The path leads to a signposted intersection with the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and a sign pointing back up to 'Warrah Car Park'[3].

(0km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Warrah Lookout

70 m

2 mins

-12m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads between the timber posts and follows the 'Warrah Lookout' sign[4] 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 Turn left.

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.

(0km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track

370 m

9 mins

26m

-12m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Patonga' sign[5] uphill along the management trail. After 100m, the trail passes a track on the left (marked with 5 large boulders - this informal track leads to an unfenced view). This walk continues along the management trail and, after a short steeper uphill section, the trail comes to an intersection with the signposted 'Patogna' track[6] on the left.

(1km) Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track → Broken Bay View

330 m

6 mins

-14m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow and 'Patonga' sign[7] along the narrow track. The track winds gently through the bush, with the occasional water glimpse to the left. After a short time, the track leads to a few large Sydney Red Gums and a large unfenced rock platform on the left (just before a few Great North Walk arrow markers) - this is the 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 → Eastern end of Patonga Beach

590 m

21 mins

-122m Moderate track

Veer right: From Broken Bay view, this walk follows the GNW arrows down the hill along the track. After a little while, the track heads down between some rock and comes to an unfenced rock platform with great views across the water. Here, the track turns right then soon heads down some steps between more rocks, after which the track flattens out for a while. Near the end of the ridge, the track turns right and heads down to the beach. The track comes out at the eastern end of Patonga Beach, at a GNW signpost[8] and next to some beach cottages. This area is also know as 'Dark Corner'.

(2km) Eastern end of Patonga Beach → Warrah Reserve boat ramp

170 m

3 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the eastern end of the beach, this walk follows the power lines across the sand, keeping the water to the left. The walk soon heads around the gate, across the car park and comes to the Warrah Reserve boat ramp.

Warrah Reserve boat ramp

Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.

(2km) Warrah Reserve boat ramp → Patonga Wharf car park

360 m

7 mins

12m

-12m Easy track

Continue straight: From the boat ramp, this walk follows the road[10], keeping the water to the left for 220m to then turn left, following a GNW arrow post[11], down along Patonga Drive. The walk then soon leads past a 'The Great North Walk' sign[12] opposite the toilet block[13] and continues down past 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval'[14][15][16] for 70m to a car park at Patonga Wharf[17], opposite some shops[18]. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach[19] from the Boat ramp to the wharf.)

Patonga Village

Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval[20], where you will find a large pavilion[21], drinking water[22] and public toilets[23]. A fish and chips shop (and general store)[24] is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee[25] and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food)[26]. Patonga Beach Hotel[27] is available for a cold drink at the bar[28] or a meal on the deck[29], or even overnight accommodation[30] (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.

Maps for the Warrah Trig to Patonga 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.

Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Warrah Trig to Patonga bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Warrah Trig to Patonga

Altitude analysis for Warrah Trig to Patonga

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	2.2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		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

1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 590m has short steep hills. The remaining (560m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 330m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 920m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Warrah Trig to Patonga walk.

Warrah Trig to Lookout

756 m Return, 20 mins

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

Easy track

Warrah Trig to Pearl Beach

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

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

Moderate track

Patonga to Warrah Trig Station

4.3 km Return, 2 hrs

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

Moderate track

Patonga to Pearl Beach

4.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Moderate track

Pearl Beach to Warrah Lookout

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

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

Moderate track

Patonga to Woy Woy

15.5 km One way, 5 hrs 45 mins

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

Hard track

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 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 Warrah Trig to Patonga walk.

Mt Ettalong Lookout

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

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

Easy track

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Very experienced only

Flint and Steel track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Bay (to White Horse Beach)

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

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

Hard track

McKell Park Loop

931 m Circuit, 30 mins

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

Moderate track

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

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

Very easy

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

Little Wobby to Rocky Ponds

18.1 km Return, 8 hrs

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

Hard track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.1 km Circuit, 45 mins

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

Moderate track

Resolute Track

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Hard track

Headland track (Resolute track)

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Hard track

West Head Lookout Track

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

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

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Warrah Trig to Patonga walk starts at the Warrah car park (gps: -33.549953, 151.28802)

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

The Warrah Trig to Patonga ends at the Patonga Wharf car park (gps: -33.550430, 151.27456)

Ferry. There is no regular ferry service between Patonga and Brooklyn any more. You can easily grab a water taxi (about $80+). If you are part of a large group they can also organise a larger boat carrying 35 passengers (about $16 pp). Phone 0410 554 777 to book. Enjoy the boat ride. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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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