Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

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6 hrs 30 mins

17 km One way

547 m

Hard track

This walk follows the Great North Walk from Greta road to the Cedar Brush track head, via the Bumble Hill Dray track and the Yarramalong General Store. While most of this walk is on the road, it does provide a good, mostly level bushwalk and a great stroll along a quiet country road, through a pleasant rural community. The Yarramalong general store is a great place to stop for lunch. Yarramalong is worth exploring, and the historic church is worth a look.

Intersection of Brush Creek Rd and Ravensdale Rd

(0km) Int of Greta Road and Cherry Lane → Int of Greta Road and power line service trail

430 m

9 mins

29m

0m Easy track

From the intersection[1], this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[2] gently uphill along the grassy verge (under the power lines) keeping Greta Road just to your left[3]. After 120m this walk crosses a driveway[4] and continues along side the road for almost 250m to near the top of the hill, just before the high tension power lines. Here the walk turns left to cross the road to find a 'Great North Walk' signposted[5] intersection beside a locked gate and style[6].

(0km) Int of Greta Road and power line service trail → Bumble Hill Dray track

670 m

15 mins

-89m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[7] over the fence using the stile[8]. Here the walk follows a wide trail around the large tower[9], then follows the narrower track straight down the hill[10]. The track crosses a small gully then leads up to follow a trail[11] around the next tall tower. Here a GNW arrow post[12] leads left, away from the trail and steeply downhill[13] across another valley. The track then leads up to, and follows, another trail up to the other side of a third tower, to find an intersection marked with another GNW track[14] on the other side of the tower.

(1km) Bumble Hill Dray track tower → Int of Great North Walk and Bumble Hill Road

4.6 km

2 hrs

270m

-463m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection at the base of the tower[15], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[16] steeply downhill for a short distance, then turns right and follow another GNW arrow post[17] into the bush. About 50m after leaving the clearing, this walk crosses a small timber bridge[18] and continues generally downhill for about 200m before the track bends right (away from the view of the power lines[19]). About 300m further down this track, this walk crosses a small intermittent creek[20]. Then over the next 500m, the track descends into the moist forest[21] to the base of a large cliff face[22] (up to your right), then crosses a section of timber boardwalk[23]. Over the next 100m, the track crosses another handful of sections of boardwalk[24] before the track leads along the side of the hill for a further 500m, out of the moist forest[25], passing some large boulders[26] and leading down to an intersection with a wider trail[27]. Here the walk veers right, following the GNW arrow post along the trail[28] and through the casuarina forest[29] for about 500m, then crosses a gully with a small intermittent creek[30]. The old trail leads generally down through the tall forest for another 1.3km then passes under a set of power lines[31]. Here the walk continues along the side of the valley, following an old trail through the tall eucalypt forest[32] for about 500m to pass through a usually closed gate[33] (staying left at the Y-intersection, just before the gate[34]). The trail now narrows to a track[35] that leads along side the road (which is up to your right[36]), following a fence for about 180m before turning right and heading steeply up[37] to the safety barrier beside the road. Turning left, this walk now steps over a small stile[38] and follows behind the barrier (with the road on your right) for a short distance before veering left and down the steep rocky track[39] towards the house. The track follows the fence (near the house)[40] below the embankment for about 180m before leading back up to the road[41]. Here the walk follows the road a short distance to come to the end of the safety barrier[42], beside Bumble Hill Road.

(6km) Int of Great North Walk and Bumble Hill Road → Yarramalong Track Head

310 m

6 mins

-30m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows GNW arrow post[43] gently downhill along the sealed Bumble Hill Rd. The road soon leads past the '60' speed limit sign[44], then the road bends left and leads down for another 120m to a T-intersection[45] with Yarramalong Rd, marked with a large 'Yarramalong Trackhead' sign[46] (with Yarramalong Store just to your right).

Yarramalong Store

Yarramalong Store is good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc as well as cold drinks. The store is open 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. There is a pay phone outside and a tap to refill water, and the store has its own fuel pump. Phone on (02)4356 1222. The address is 1625 Yarramalong Rd, Yarramalong NSW 2259. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock. It is a small store so choice is limited.

Yarramalong Manor

Yarramalong Manor offers accommodation and a restaurant in the picturesque Yarramalong Valley. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast & lunch (10am weekdays and 9am weekends) daily, and dinner Friday and Saturday. Yarramalong Manor has 6 guest rooms, each with ensuite, TV, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Tariffs for bed and breakfast start at $95 - single, $75/person - twin share. ph:(02) 4356 1066. More info.

(6km) Yarramalong Track Head → Int of Brush Creek and Ravensdale Roads

3.3 km

57 mins

48m

-53m Easy track

Turn left: From the 'Yarramalong Trackhead' (at the intersection of Yarramalong and Bumble Hill Roads)[47][48], this walk follows the 'Cedar Brush Creek' sign along Yarramalong Road[49], away from Yarramalong Store. This walk continues through Yarramalong for about 400m, to cross a bridge[50] over the Wyong River[51]. Then this walk continues straight ahead past farm properties[52][53], undulating gently, for just shy of 3km, until coming to a three-way intersection[54][55], with 'Brush Creek Road' and a GNW 'Cedar Brush' sign on the left.

(9km) Int of Brush Creek and Ravensdale Roads → Cedar Brush Track Head

7.7 km

2 hrs 21 mins climb

193m

-145m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection[56][57], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker and Brush Creek Road gently downhill, while keeping Ravensdale Road on your right. This walk continues gently uphill, passing numerous farm properties[58] for about 300m, then crossing a timber bridge[59]. Then this walk continues on gravel road (with occasional sealed sections) amongst more farm properties[60][61] for about 6.7km, crossing over a timber bridge[62] to find a four-way intersection[63] with 'Kingtree Ln' and 'Misty Valley Ln'. This walk continues straight ahead for another 600m, until coming to an intersection[64] with the 'Cedar Brush Trackhead' sign[65] and track on the right.

Maps for the Greta road to Cedar Brush track head 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.

Kulnura	1:25 000 Map Series	91314S KULNURA	NSW-91314S
Dooralong	1:25 000 Map Series	91311S DOORALONG	NSW-91311S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Greta road to Cedar Brush track head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

Altitude analysis for Greta road to Cedar Brush track head

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	17 km
		Time	6 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

12km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 4.6km has short steep hills. The remaining (670m) is very steep.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (3.3km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 12km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 5km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 12km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 4.6km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 12km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Greta road to Cedar Brush track head walk.

Bumble Hill Dray track (Greta Rd to Forest Road to Yarramalong)

5.6 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This section of the Great North Walk explores a section of the historic Bumble Hill Dray track. You will walk along the edge of ridge mostly through an open dry eucalypt forests and occasionally through moist ferny gullies as well as alongside the base of a tall rock wall. Bumble Hill Dray track was

Total climbing: 277m

Hard track

Forest Road to Yarramalong

8.1 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk explores the rural area of Kulnura as you walk along the roads before heading along the historic Bumble Hill Dray track. This track leads you along the edge of ridge mostly through an open dry eucalypt forests and occasionally through moist ferny gullies as well

Total climbing: 336m

Hard track

Yarramalong to Cedar Brush

11 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Starting at the quaint Yarramalong township, this walk follows a couple of rural roads to the Cedar Brush Trackhead. This is the longest road stretch on the Great North Walk. Some people see this is a road slog and either grab a lift or power walk it, others see it as an opportunity to stroll throu

Total climbing: 241m

Easy track

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Greta Road

15 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This pleasant walk explores the rural valleys and a beautiful section of Jilliby State Conservation Area. Starting at Ourimbah Valley Trackhead you walk into Hidden valley along the dirt road, to then follow a trail beside Ourimbah Creek to Stringy Bark Point. This is a pleasant mossy area with many

Total climbing: 730m

Hard track

Somersby Store to Greta Road

21.1 km One way, 8 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Somersby General Store and winds north, through the Jilliby State Conservation Area, and finishes at the corner of Greta Road and Cherry Lane. At just under 20km, this full day walk explores the Palm Grove, Hidden Valley and Ourimba Creek tracks,

Total climbing: 924m

Hard track

Somersby to Yarramalong via Stringy Bark Point

26.7 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts form the Somersby General Store and follows the Great North Walk north into the Jilliby State Conservation Area to Stringy Bark Point campsite. On day two, the walk continues north through the forest and around the back of some farmland to Cherry Lane, and

Total climbing: 1201m

Hard track

Yarramalong to Watagan Creek via Basin Campsite

33.7 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Yarramalong general store and follows the roads to the Cedar Brush track head. From here the walk heads north through the Olney State Forest to the Basin Campsite. On day two, the walk continues north, through the State Forest, to Mt Warrawolong,

Total climbing: 1615m

Hard track

Somersby to the Basin Campsite

47.4 km One way, 3 Days

This three day walk starts at the Somersby General Store and follows the Great North Walk, heading north, into the the Jilliby State Conservation Area where the first nights campsite is at Stringy Bark Point. The walk continues north, out of the Conservation Area, to Yarramalong for the second night

Total climbing: 2032m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Greta road to Cedar Brush track head walk.

Cedar Brush to Basin Campsite

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk makes a good walk to a comfortable campsite, with the section along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook being particularly recommended. From the Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist

Total climbing: 590m

Hard track

Cedar Brush track head to the Basin Campsite

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Cedar Brush track head and winds up into the Olney State Forest, following bushtracks and service trails down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk heads south along the Lyre Bird trail to the Basin Campsite. The Basin Campsite provi

Total climbing: 590m

Hard track

Dubbo Gully and Ten Mile Hollow Circuit (via Clares Bridge)

24.3 km Circuit, 2 Days

This two day (or ten hour) walk follows several historic roads, now closed to traffic. Starting with a walk down to Dubbo Gully and past an old cemetery, you will then explore some old farms before coming to Simpsons Track. Here, head up the hill to come to the Ten Mile Hollow Campsite. The next

Total climbing: 1117m

Hard track

Dubbo Gully to Upper Mangrove Cemetery

7.2 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

An interesting walk with some great scenery, going to the small and interesting, historic cemetery at Upper Mangrove. Evidence of Aboriginal activity in the area stretches back at least 5000 years. Early European settlement in the area was concerned with timber, and produce farming, before the area

Total climbing: 450m

Moderate track

Ourimbah Valley Trackhead to Forest Road

11.2 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Hard track

Basin Campsite to Watagan Creek Road

13 km One way, 6 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Basin campsite in the Olney State Forest and winds north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Wa

Total climbing: 784m

Hard track

Basin campsite to Watagan Valley

13 km One way, 6 hrs

This varied walk travels north through the Watagans. Leaving the Basin campsite behind, the walk traverses the Wollombi Brook via the Lyrebird trail. The Wollombi Brook Pool is a great spot to stop (and take a swim) on a hot day. From the pool, the walk climbs into the Warrawolong Flora Reserve us

Total climbing: 784m

Hard track

The Basin Campsite to Heaton Gap

60.5 km One way, 4 Days

This four day walk starts at the Basin Campsite, in the Olney State Forest, and follows the Great North Walk, heading north. The walk passes through to the Watagan State Forest and into the Congewai Valley, continuing east into the Watagan National Park and all the way through to Heaton Gap. The thr

Total climbing: 3206m

Hard track

Somersby Store to Ourimbah Valley Trackhead

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Starting with a walk through the streets of urban Somerbsy, you soon leave the farms and head into Palm Grove Nature Reserve. First you will follow the signposted track down the open dry ridge to the dense rainforest. In this valley you can explores the moist rainforest with towering Eucalypts, Str

Total climbing: 194m

Hard track

248 Track

8.3 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

A nice walk through Popran National Park with good views along the way. The optional side trip to Mt Olive adds some great views and scenery. If you have a car with good ground clearance, you could drive to Ironbark picnic area and start the walk from there.

Total climbing: 255m

Moderate track

Emerald Pool circuit from Ironbark Rd

10.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 15 mins

A great circuit walk in Popran National Park, to the beautiful Emerald Pool. This walk passes through a variety of vegetation and offers some great views along the way. Emerald Pool is a really beautiful spot and it is well worth spending some time exploring around the creek. The optional side trips

Total climbing: 344m

Hard track

Ironbark Rd to Glenworth Valley

10.1 km Return, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk, mostly in Popran National Park, passes through a great variety of scenery and beautiful views. The early part of the walk, along a ridgetop, is through relatively dry forest with some great views, while the steep but beautiful descent to Glenworth Valley is through moist, fern filled fore

Total climbing: 492m

Hard track