Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl)

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.5 km One way

220 m

Hard track

This walk explores the main highlights of Kincumber Mountain Regional Reserve. Starting on the Glasson's trail, the walk explores a variety of forests along the way to Honeman's Rock and picnic area. After a rest, you visit a large cave on Kanning Walk and continue to the views at Colin Watters Lookout. You then follow a track down the ridge, passing some interesting rocky outcrops before arriving at the end of Sandringham Close, Terrigal.

Up the stairs beside the water reservoir

Glasson's trail just south of the lower road crossing

Track heading down the ridge to the road

Glasson's Track just south of the overflow car park

Steps between main picnic area and the overflow car park

Native Parsnip flower (Platysace lanceolata)

Looking along tunnel at the back of the cave

Sign at the intersection of of Kanning and Yanina walks

looking along Kanning walk to Yanina walk

Int of Nyari and Colin Watters lookout trails

Track to Colin Watters Lookout near the tower

Track between Colin Watters Lookout and the tower

The boulders can be quite interesting on there own

Steps at the lower end of Sandringham track

Looking up steps at the end of Sandringham Cl

(0km) Glasson's Car Park → Glasson's crossing

970 m

25 mins

84m

-38m Moderate track

From the car park (about 230m from the end of Kincumber St past the 'Kincumber Mountain Regional Reserve' sign[1]), this walk heads to the back of the car park, through the gap in the fence and turns right. The walk follows the track, keeping the water tank up the hill to the right. The walk leads up some timber steps through the rocks and, soon after passing the water tank, the track comes to a 'T' intersection with a management trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail away from the water tank and gently down the hill, keeping the valley to the left. The trail meanders through the bush for about 300m, rounding a wide sweeping right-hand bend - during this bend, the walk comes to a rocky outcrop with a view into the valley (on the left). From here, the walk continues around the bend and up the hill. As the walk enters a more lush section of forest, the trail becomes narrower for a while. The trail then begins to climb again as it widens back out, before coming to a locked gate and road. The walk crosses the road, coming to a small clearing on the other side.

(1km) Glasson's crossing → Bottom of Overflow car park

490 m

12 mins

46m

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk heads up the ramp behind the clearing, keeping the road to the left. The track leads up the timber steps, between the timber posts and turns right, heading up more steps. The rocky track flattens out somewhat and heads along the top of the ridge, among the grass trees and angophora forest, where the track then leads down the hill to the road. At the road, the walk turns right to follow the road for about 10m, then turns left and follows the track back into the bush (now with the road to the right). This track gently meanders for almost 100m before coming to the bottom of a car park, a picnic shelter and a 'Glasson's Trail - Island View Entrance 1300 metres' sign[2] pointing back down the track.

Glasson's Trail Picnic Area

At the lower end of the overflow car park, near the top of Glasson's Trail, is a single picnic table and shelter[3]. There are no other facilities here. A short distance from the main picnic area, this is an alternative spot for those wanting a picnic table amongst more native trees.

(1km) Bottom of Overflow car park → Mudbrick building car park

240 m

7 mins

28m

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the picnic shelter, this walk heads uphill across the car park to another 'Glasson's Trail'[4] sign, at the base of the stone steps.
Veer left: From the top of the car park, this walk follows the 'Glassons Trail - Honemans Rock picnic area' sign[5] up the stone steps. The track follows the footpath for a short time before coming to a large clearing and another 'Glassons Trail' sign[6] pointing back down to the car park. From here, the walk heads across the grassy area, bending to the right around the rock to come to the end of Honeman's rock (on the left) and a gate (on the right) (just in view of the mud brick building).
Continue straight: From Honeman's rock, this walk heads up the hill over the grassy clearing to the front of the mud brick building and the car park on the right.

Mud Brick Building

The mud brick building is a landmark in the main picnic area at Kincumber Mountain, and is a popular spot to gather. Also known as 'Kincumber Mountain Information Centre', 'The Kiosk', 'Kincumber Kiosk' and 'Kincumber Mountain Kiosk', the building was constructed in 1986 with funding from Community Employment Programme. The building is generally locked but can be booked through the local Lions Club for special events. The building has a rain water tank, small kitchen and one main large room. The verandah also provides good shelter.

Honeman's Rock picnic area

Honeman's Rock picnic area is a large picnic area at the top end of Island View Drive. This picnic area has a couple of large grassy areas[9], composting toilets[10], free electric BBQs[11], picnic tables[12], shelters, garbage bins[13], drinking water[14] and information signs[15]. The picnic area is home to a mud brick building[16] (available for hire) and Honeman's Rock[17], from which the area derives its name. There is a fair amount of parking available next the picnic area, and some extra spaces a few hundred meters down the road.

Honeman's Rock

Honeman's Rock (aka Honeyman's Rock) is a large rock outcrop in front of the mud brick building, in the Honeman's Rock Picnic area. The exposed section of rock is 60m long and about 30m wide, with the western side having a significant unfenced drop. The rock is named after Cecil Lyle Honeman who became a lease holder on the mountain in 1962. The rock has a large depression that once filled with water, and a drain has been dug to keep the pool empty and clear of rubbish.

(2km) Mudbrick building car park → Kanning Walk gate

90 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Turn left: From the car park, this walk heads up the road, initially keeping the mud brick building to the left. Soon the road leads to an intersection (next to an information board and fence on the left).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'One Way' road sign[19] away from the picnic area and along the road. Almost immediately, there is a locked gate and the 'Kanning Walk' sign[20] (on the left).

(2km) Kanning Walk gate → Cave

370 m

7 mins

11m

-18m Easy track

Turn left: From the road, this walk follows the 'Kanning Walk cave 300 metres' sign[21] around the locked gate and along the old sandy management trail. After about 120m the walk turns right, following another 'Kanning Walk' sign[22], and passes between two large, exposed tree root systems. Soon after this, the track is concrete for a short distance and passes along the base of a long rock wall. The walk goes down some steel stairs and across a timber bridge, coming to a sandstone overhang cave. This cave is quite large and has a 'cave 100m' sign[23], pointing further along the track. Follow this sign for about 150m, passing over a steel platform, up a small rise and down some steel stairs. From the base of these stairs, the walk continues for about 25m along the flat track to find the unsignposted entrance to the cave. The entrance is between two large boulders on the left[24].

Kanning Walk Cave

The main cave on Kanning Walk is surprising large for a sandstone environment. The cave has two main sections. There is a large cabin about 7m wide and 9m deep. A small tunnel extends about 10m further to a small chamber at the back. The entrance to the cave is behind two large boulders, providing extra shelter. It is believed that A. A. Glasson lived in the cave in the early 1930's, which was not uncommon during the depression. The cave has proved to be a great place to rest on hot days.

(2km) Cave → Int of Kanning and Yanina walks

220 m

5 mins

13m

-7m Easy track

Continue straight: From the entrance to the cave, this walk follows the track around the base of the rock wall, keeping the rock to the left. Soon the track passes (and follows) an 'Alternate Return' sign[26] then leads up some timber steps. The track soon flattens out and heads through a timber barrier, coming to a 'T' intersection with a wide management trail, and a few 'Kanning Walk' signs[27].

(2km) Int of Kanning and Yanina walks → Int of Nyari and Colin Watters lookout trails

750 m

13 mins

12m

-4m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east, following the 'Yanina Walk' sign[28] along the wide trail. The trail winds through the fern, palm and tall-wooded forest, passing a few small clearings on the side. The trail then comes to a clear, signposted 'Y' intersection with signs for 'Colin Watters Lookout' (leading right) and 'Nyari Lookout' (leading left)[29].

(3km) Int of Nyari and Colin Watters lookout trails → Tower clearing

150 m

3 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Colin Watters Lookout' sign[30] gently uphill. After about 80m, the trail opens up into a large clearing, which the walk continues through (passing a shortcut track on the right). The walk comes to an intersection near the far end of the clearing (just before the picnic table), marked with another 'Colin Watters Lookout' sign[31] (on the right).

Tower Clearing

This clearing is found between Nyari and Colin Watters Lookouts. The clearing is next to a large communication repeater tower[32]. There is some natural shade and a solitary picnic table[33] on the northern side.

(3km) Tower clearing → Colin Watters Lookout

150 m

3 mins

-12m Easy track

Turn right: From the clearing, this walk follows the 'Colin Watters Lookout' sign[34] along the narrower management trail, keeping the tower through the trees on the left. The trail bends left, soon coming to another intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads east, directly away from the tower along the management trail, towards the sheltered information board. Soon after passing the information sign (and the shortcut track on the right), this walk continues down the trail to the fenced and signposted 'Colin Watters Lookout'[35].

Colin Watters Lookout

A plaque[36] explains that this lookout was named in 1992 in honour of the Colin D Watters, who was Senior Parks Supervisor with Gosford Council. The fenced[37] lookout provides great view south-east, down Picketts Valley to Avoca Lake and Beach[38]. The lookout is also home to an information board[39], bench seat[40], picnic table and garbage bin[41]. This lookout offers one of the best views in the park and makes a great spot to stop and rest.

(3km) Colin Watters Lookout → Sandringham Track clearing

290 m

9 mins

12m

-30m Hard track

Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the narrower track, initially keeping the view and fence on the right. The track soon bends left and passes and informal track (on the right), coming to a clear intersection with a wider trail near the large tower.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north-east away from the tower (keeping it behind and to the left), moving towards the rocky outcrop. The track passes the rocks and continues along the flat section to a larger rocky outcrop. Here, the walk keeps the rocks to the left, following the track between the gums and grass trees, with filtered views to the right. Keeping near the top of the ridge, the track continues down past the rock to a small clearing and intersection with a management trail.

(4km) Sandringham Track clearing → Sandringham intersection

690 m

18 mins

-70m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow track downhill along the top of the ridge, initially keeping the management trail down to the left. After about 120m, this walk takes the right-hand fork at a 'Y' intersection and, another 150m later, turns right again in front of the large, dead tree. The track leads down a few steps and across a flat saddle for a short time. The track then turns left and heads down a long series of timber steps, coming to a wide management trail at a five-way intersection.

(4km) Sandringham intersection → End of Sandringham Cl

140 m

4 mins

-33m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrower track downhill between the timber barriers, towards the houses. The track leads down a series of timber steps and then down a concrete path (and steps) between two houses, coming to the end of Sandringham Cl.

Maps for the Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl) 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 Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl)

Altitude analysis for Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl)

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	4.5 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

2.7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 860m is very steep. Whilst another 780m has short steep hills and the remaining 140m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (270m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

3.4km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 940m has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (170m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

3.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 940m requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (170m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 4.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl) walk.

Kanning Cave Walk

922 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk follows a clear track to a large sandstone cave on the Kanning Walk. From the Honeman's Picnic Area, follow Kanning Walk through the bush and along the side of a long rock wall. There are several caves along the way, the main one being quiet large and tucked behind some large boulder

Total climbing: 34m

Easy track

Ridge Trail loop

962 m Circuit, 30 mins

The Ridge Trail loop is a short walk starting from Honeman's Picnic Area and follows the signposted Ridge Trail until finding Split Rock management trail. Here, you turn sharply right to head back to the picnic area along this wider trail. There are limited views along this walk, but it still makes

Total climbing: 48m

Moderate track

Kanning Walk

1.3 km Circuit, 30 mins

This lovely walk is a great way to explore the bushland at the top of Kincumber Mountain. From near the main picnic area, you follow a clear track before walking along the base of a long rock wall. There are a few sandstone caves, the main one mentioned in the notes is quite large, and a nice cool

Total climbing: 38m

Easy track

Glasson's Trail

1.7 km One way, 1 Hr

Glasson's Trail starts near the main entrance to Kincumber Mountain Reserve and follows a series of management trails and tracks up to the main picnic area. The walk offers a great way to explore the diverse vegetation and visiting some interesting rock formations. The walk is signposted and cross

Total climbing: 158m

Moderate track

Sandringham Track

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk starts from Terrigal suburbia and leads up through the dry bush to the wonderful views at Colin Watters Lookout. On the way, you pass some large boulders scattered with red gums and grass trees. At the top, you will be greeted with good views over Avoca, and a picnic table encouraging you

Total climbing: 149m

Hard track

Sandringham Circuit

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from Sandringham Close, this walk follows the Sandringham Track up the hill to the views from Colin Watters Lookout. After enjoying the views, you walk past the tower to the other side of the hill to the much less spectacular Nyari Lookout. From here, you follow a wide management trail dow

Total climbing: 201m

Hard track

Yanina Walk

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Yanina Walk is a gentle walk, exploring one of the ridges at the top of Kincumber Mountain. The walk follows a wide management trail from the main Honemans Picnic area, leading to the good views of Colin Watters Lookout. The notes describe a side trip to Nyari Lookout, but the views are very limite

Total climbing: 55m

Easy track

Other Nearby walks

Red Gum Walk

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

At the time of writing, some or all of the southern leg of the Red Gum Track was closed. The walk described here returns along the road instead. Despite these changes, this is still a worthwhile walk with some nice scenery along the way. Wannagan Lookout has some great views over North Gosford and s

Total climbing: 81m

Hard track

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

An excellent walk, crossing the Rumbalara Reserve and covering plenty of the scenic highlights of the reserve. This walk goes through beautiful pockets of rainforest as well as the drier ridgetop forest, showcasing the great variety of scenery in Rumbalara. There is some steep walking along the way,

Total climbing: 228m

Hard track