Campbell Drive to Snapper Point

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.2 km One way

135 m

Experienced only

This walk follows the Coast Track to Frazer Beach, along the Geebung and (overgrown) Grass Tree Tracks. From the northern end of Frazer Beach, the walk heads across the exposed rockshelf to Snapper Point Beach, then on to Snapper Point (consider tide and sea conditions before setting out). From Snapper Point, there are more great ocean views and a lookout which views a large sea cave. If you have extra time, the side trip to Wybung Head is worth the effort. A very diverse walk exploring many of the highlights in the park.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Coast track sign near Int of Geebung Track and Campbell Dr

A section of the Geebung track more overgrown then most

Walking through the low heath on the Geebung Track

Thysanotus tuberosus (Common Fringe Lily)

Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) on Geebung Track

Tall heath on the wide northern section of Geebung Track

Ocean glimpse through the taller heath on Geebung Track

Ocean vew from the northern end of Geebung Track

Ocean Views from near Wybung Head Rd on the Geebung Track

Clearing near Wybung Head Rd on the Geebung Track

gate at nt of Geebung Track and Wybung Head Dr

Over grown upper end of Grass Tree Track

At the lower end of the Grass Tree Track

View of ocean at the from the bush on Grass Tree track

Track from Frazer camp area to norther end of Frazer Beach

Crossing the rocks at the northern end of Frazer Beach

Looking south west from Snapper Point beach

Life Bouy on the western side of Snapper Point

Looking out to the ocean from Snapper Point Lookout

(0km) Int of Geebung Track and Campbell Dr → Birdie Beach View

1.7 km

29 mins

60m

-5m Moderate track

From Campbell Dr (800m east of the intersection with Blue Wren Dr)[1], this walk heads south around the locked gate[2], though a clearing then follows the 'Coast Track' sign[3] along the management trail. After about 350m, the management trail ends, and the walk crosses a small creek using a timber boardwalk[4]. The walk heads up a series of timber steps (where the track is now lined with timber) and across a small clearing[5], then back through tall dense heath for about 200m. Here, the track is no longer lined with timber edging[6], but is still clear as it soon bends left and heads up the wide ridge through the low heath, with great district views behind[7]. The track continues up the hill as Birdie Beach comes into view[8] (on the right) and, just after a significant left-hand bend, the track comes to the top of the hill with a great view down Birdie Beach (now behind)[9].

Birdie Beach View

Birdie Beach View is an informal lookout found on a sweeping bend[10] along the Geebung Track, north of Birdie Beach. The view south over Red Ochre Beach and along Birdie Beach is fantastic. Norah Head can be seen in the distance, past Bird Island. Since the re-vegetation of the track to Birdie Beach Lookout[11] this is the best point from which to enjoy the view. A great spot to enjoy the coast.

(2km) Birdie Beach View → Int of Geebung Track and Wybung Head Rd

690 m

12 mins

32m

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Birdie Beach View, this walk heads north directly away from Birdie Beach[12], following the wide track into the taller heath[13]. The track leads past a view down to an un-named bay[14] (on the right) and continues through the tall heath for a while. Not long before Wybung Head Rd, the track comes to a 'Y' intersection[15], this walk follows the right branch (however the left branch also goes to the same point), skirting around to a clearing[16]. The walk then heads around the locked gate[17] and comes to a turning area and car park on Wybung Head Rd[18] (120m south-west of Wybung Trig).

(2km) Int of Geebung Track and Wybung Head Rd → Upper end of Grass Tree Track

50 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Veer right: From the car park and turning circle, this walk heads north-east (towards the ocean) along the road[19]. After 60m, just before the right-hand bend, this walk comes to an intersection with the faint 'Grass Tree Track' on the left[20], just as the heath becomes taller.

(2km) Upper end of Grass Tree Track → Tip of Wybung Head

790 m

15 mins

-74m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, towards the ocean along Wybung Head Rd. Soon after passing a sweeping right-hand bend, the walk come to a car park and the end of Wybung Head Rd, signposted 'Wybung Head'[21].
Continue straight: From the locked gate at the car park[22] (at the end of Wybung Head Rd), this walk heads downhill along the management trail. The trail soon passes a track (on the left, that leads to the whale watching area), and continues downhill along the wide trail to find the grand ocean views[23]. The trail then bends left and passes along the top of an unfenced cliff[24]. As the trail flattens out, it passes a grassy clearing and ends on the narrow saddle[25], with views up and down the coast.
Continue straight: From the narrow saddle, this walk follows the narrower track towards the ocean along middle of the headland[26]. The track leads up a small rise and through some heath, to then suddenly open up at the top of an unfenced cliff and view across the ocean[27]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Wybung Head

Wybung Head is distinct headland found at the end of Wybung Head Rd, and provides great views up[28] and down[29] the coast. Wybung is a local Aboriginal word meaning 'Dangerous Sea'. The narrow headland has sheer unfenced cliffs all around, and sweeping views of the ocean. There is no shade, or protection from the wind. A great spot to enjoy the pounding sea.

(2km) Upper end of Grass Tree Track → Bongon Lagoon

740 m

16 mins

-89m Experienced only

Veer left: From the intersection (60m east of the turning area at the top of Geebung Trail[31]), this walk follows the faint Grass Tree track north over a small rise and through the dense vegetation[32]. Soon the vegetation become shorter and the distant ocean views return[33]. The track is flat for a while, then starts to head down the ridge. In places, the track is quiet eroded[34] and a few parallel tracks have formed (please try to follows the main track). As the track approaches the beach, it enters a forest of taller trees[35] and then leads to the sandy Frazer Beach, just at the bottom end of Bongon Lagoon (on the left)[36].

Frazer Beach

Frazer Beach is a 650m-wide sandy beach, facing south-east. The beach is a popular swimming area with a patrol service provided during Christmas, Easter and April School Holidays. The back of the beach is home to Bongon Lagoon[38]. Up the hill near the road is a large car park[39], several picnic tables[40], an amenities block[41] (with shower[42] and toilets[43]), an emergency phone[44] and Frazer camping ground. There is limited natural shade, but the beach is a interesting place to explore and relax.

(3km) Bongon Lagoon → Frazer Beach Picnic Area

130 m

2 mins

0m Unknow grade

Veer left: From the beach, this walk heads inland across the sand, keeping Bongon Lagoon to the left. The walk soon tends right up to the lower car park, then continues uphill along the grass to the turning loop of Frazer Beach Road (on the left) and the picnic tables and shelter on the right[46].

(3km) Frazer Beach Picnic Area → Frazer Beach Camping Ground

180 m

4 mins

-1m Unknow grade

Veer left: From the picnic area, this walk heads uphill across the grass, past to the upper car park, keeping the beach to the right. The walk then follows the road (passing the toilet block) through the scrub and soon comes to the signposted 'Frazer Beach Camping Area'[47].

Frazer camping ground

A nice and quite campsite within a short walk of Bongon Lagoon, Fazer Beach and some nice sand dunes. A a nice base camp for those who like ocean fishing. Water is from a bore. Groups of more than 8 are required to fill in a group booking form which can be obtained through the booking office. Campsites are right next to the car park. A 100m walk to the amenities block with flush toilets and cold showers. There is also an emergency phone in front of the amenities block.

(3km) Frazer Beach Camping Ground → Northern end of Frazer Beach

70 m

2 mins

-9m Moderate track

Turn right: From the information sign[48] at the bottom of Frazer Beach Camping Area[49], this walk follows the concrete track down the hill towards the beach. The walk then heads down a timber stair case and along the sandy track[50], coming to the northern end of Frazer Beach.

(4km) Northern end of Frazer Beach → Snapper Point Beach

370 m

7 mins

13m

-9m Experienced only

Veer left: From the northern end of Frazer Beach, this walk crosses the sand to the rock platform at the water's edge[51]. This next section of the walk is only passable during low tide and low seas. Here, the walk follows the rock platform around the small headland for about 200m[52] (climbing too high, the rock becomes very steep). The platform[53] soon leads to the small Snapper Point Beach.

Snapper Point Beach

Snapper Point Beach is an informally named beach, just north of Frazer Beach and south of Snapper Point. The deep[54] south-west facing sandy beach has a rock platform either side[55][56]. Some rusted rubbish has washed up on the beach[57] but otherwise the beach feels remote and secluded. Access to the beach is possible along the rocky shore line, but only during low tides and low seas.

(4km) Snapper Point Beach → Snapper Point Beach Buoy

110 m

2 mins

-4m Experienced only

Turn right: From the beach, this walk follows the rock shelf south, keeping the water to the right[58]. The rock shelf is only passable during low tide and low seas. The walk soon follows a short track to find an intersection marked with a red housing, holding a life buoy[59].

(4km) Snapper Point Beach Buoy → Life Buoy Sign

100 m

2 mins

13m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track through the grassy section up the hill(away from the beach), keeping the water to the right[60]. The track keeps back from the cliff and soon comes to a 'Life Buoys - 100m' arrow[61] pointing back down the hill.

(4km) Life Buoy Sign → Snapper Point Memorial

30 m

1 mins

-1m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Life Buoys - 60m' arrow[62], keeping the ocean to the right. The rocky track soon leads to a concrete pillar and memorial to people who lost their lives here[63]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Snapper Point Memorial

Snapper Point is located north-east of Frazer Beach and is home to a memorial to 7 lives lost on this point in the ten years before 1979 (when the plaque was placed)[64]. Since then, three more names have been added to the memorial[65]. Please heed the warning and avoid your name appearing here. Snapper Point is a popular rock fishing spot, with a large flat platform providing great panoramic views of the ocean. A 'Life Buoy' sign[66] points to two nearby floatation aids if needed.

(4km) Life Buoy Sign → Snapper Point car park

110 m

2 mins

-1m Easy track

Turn left: From the sign, this walk follows the wide management trail away from the face of the sign and the water, into the heath[67]. The trail soon leads around a locked gate to a car park at the end of Snapper Point Rd[68].

Snapper Point Cave Lookout

The Snapper Point Cave Lookout[69] is on the northern side of Snapper Point car park (at the end of Snapper Point Rd). The fenced lookout[70] enjoys views over a large inlet with a Frazer Blowhole and the large sea cave[71]. The cave was mined for pebbles during 1975/76. Now protected as part of the State Conservation Area, the cave and this inlet stands as a monument to the struggle of power between the sea and the rocks.

Maps for the Campbell Drive to Snapper Point 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.

Catherine Hill Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	92314S CATHERINE HILL BAY	NSW-92314S
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Campbell Drive to Snapper Point bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Campbell Drive to Snapper Point

Altitude analysis for Campbell Drive to Snapper Point

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	4.2 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
		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

2.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.3km has short steep hills. The remaining (340m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.2km follows a rough unclear track. Whilst another 100m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 55m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

2.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.2km Has no directional signs. The remaining (540m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

2.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 740m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 540m requires no previous bushwalking experience and the remaining 480m requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience.

weather

2.6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 840m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (480m) forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 3.6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 640m 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 Campbell Drive to Snapper Point walk.

Snapper Point

280 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk takes you from the great view of Snapper Point Sea Cave (at the end of Snapper Point Rd) along a management trail to Snapper Point. The area is very rocky and provides grand ocean views. The memorial on Snapper Point gives a good reminder to take care. There are views out over the

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

Snapper Point Beach

630 m Return, 15 mins

Snapper Point Beach is an informal name for the small beach between Frazer Beach and Snapper Point. This walk starts from the great views of the sea cave and leads out to Snapper Point. Here, the walk turns right and follows the shore to the lifebuoy, then across the rocks to the secluded beach. T

Total climbing: 24m

Experienced only

Wybung Head

804 m Return, 20 mins

Wybung Head is found at the end of Wybung Head Rd. This walk leads from the car park along a wide trail to the grand views up and down the coast from the end of the headland. A narrow track finishes the walk to the tip of Wybung Head, where there are 270-degree views of the ocean, up and down the c

Total climbing: 49m

Moderate track

Grass Tree Track

862 m One way, 30 mins

The Grass Tree Track links Wybung Head Rd with Frazer Beach via a ridge-top track. At the time of writing, this track was very overgrown (hence the high grade) and the trackhead difficult to find. Once on course, much of the track is clearer and quiet eroded in places. It is an interesting walk to

Total climbing: 4m

Experienced only

Geebung Track

2.4 km One way, 1 Hr

The Geebung Track links Campbell Dr and Wybung Head Rd via a track through the heath. Forming part of a coastal walk, you will find occasional ocean views in addition to a great view of Birdie Beach about halfway. The Geebung Track is a great place to enjoy the wildflower display in spring and ear

Total climbing: 92m

Moderate track

Munmorah Coast Track

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from Campbell Dr, this walk follows the Geebung and Grass Tree tracks to Frazer Beach, with an optional sidetrip to Wybung Head. Geebung Track leads you through the low heath and past a few sweeping ocean views, and great wildflower displays in spring and summer. The side trip to Wybung He

Total climbing: 96m

Experienced only

Campbell Dr to Birdie Beach View (Geebung Track)

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk follows the Geebung Track to the sweeping views of Birdie Beach. From Campbell Dr, you will follow a management trail down to a creek where the Geebung Track narrows and winds through the heath to the top of the hill, where there is a view to Birdie Beach. The views south along Birdie Bea

Total climbing: 65m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Campbell Drive to Snapper Point walk.

Freemans camping area to Birdie Beach

1.2 km Return, 25 mins

A short walk to access the beach from Freemans camping area. This easy walk takes campers along a wide path to Birdie Beach car park, then to Birdie Beach. The campsite is far enough back from the beach to be protected from the sea breeze, so this walk saves the longer trip via the road. Further n

Total climbing: 12m

Easy track

Wybung Head whale viewing area

142 m Return, 5 mins

This short walk starts at the end of Wybung Head Rd, leading along the top of the ridge to a fairly large clearing with sweeping ocean views. A large sign provides some information on Marine Mammals. This is a good spot to watch migrations - northern migration from June to July and southern migrati

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Birdie Beach

444 m Return, 10 mins

Starting at Tea Tree Picnic Area, this short walk follows a beach access track to Birdie Beach. Along the way, the walk visits Bird Island Lookout, providing a great view of Bird Island, and up and down Birdie Beach. The walk continues down the timber path and steps, across the sand to the edge of

Total climbing: 18m

Easy track

Tea Tree Picnic Area to Bird Island Lookout

136 m Return, 3 mins

This short walk leads from the Tea Tree car park and Picnic Area to the Bird Island Lookout. The view from the fenced platform looks up and down Birdie Beach, and out to sea to Bird Island. The walk starts from the car park and heads across the compacted dirt and gravel track, before leading up a t

Total climbing: 3m

Very easy

Palm Tree Circuit Track

609 m Circuit, 20 mins

This circuit walk explores the valley of palm trees and the dry woodland on the ridge. Starting from the back of the Palms Picnic Area, this walk follows an arrow through a palm forest then across a small creek and up a hill. At the top of the hill is an information sign, where the walk turns left

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Timber Beach

768 m Return, 20 mins

Timber Beach is a secluded beach in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The walk starts from a short side road off Snapper Point Rd, at Timber Beach Lookout. From here, the walk follows an eroded track down the ridge, then bends left to cross a clearing and come to the back of Timber Beach. The bea

Total climbing: 67m

Hard track

Norah Head Rockpool

150 m Return, 15 mins

A very short walk to the Norah Head rockpool in Cabbage Tree Harbour. The rockpool is a great, sheltered spot to swim and relax on a sunny day. You could also happily spend some time exploring the nearby rockshelves. A great spot for a lazy afternoon with plenty of interesting scenery.

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse

2.6 km Return, 1 Hr

A great, scenic walk along the shoreline at Norah Head, to the lighthouse with it's picturesque location and beautiful views. The walk along the beach and rockshelf is interesting, with lots of shapes and textures making the rockshelf interesting to explore. The Norah Head lighthouse is very picture

Total climbing: 60m

Hard track

Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

A very interesting and very scenic walk, taking in the merchant mariners memorial, and lookout, and the Norah Head lighthouse before exploring the rockshelf below Norah Head. The lighthouse is very picturesque and the setting is beautiful, with some fantastic views along the coastline from the paths

Total climbing: 56m

Hard track

Norah Head Lighthouse walk

762 m Return, 30 mins

A short, interesting and very scenic walk. The Norah Head lighthouse is very picturesque and the setting is beautiful, with some fantastic views along the coastline from the paths around the area. The merchant mariners memorial adds some more historic interest to the walk.

Total climbing: 38m

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

A fantastic loop walk with a great variety of excellent scenery. The walk covers the Norah Head Nature Trail with it's beautiful forest scenery, the merchant navy memorial and Norah Head lighthouse before returning via the shoreline. There are plenty of stunning coastline views and some exploration

Total climbing: 66m

Hard track

Norah Head Nature Trail

2.2 km Return, 1 Hr

A beautiful walk with a great variety of scenery. The walk starts with some beautiful forest scenery, visits an interesting memorial to the merchant navy, wanders past the scenic Norah Head lighthouse with its stunning coastline views, and finishes with some exploration of the rockshelf below the li

Total climbing: 65m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Campbell Drive to Snapper Point walk starts at the Int of Geebung Track and Campbell Dr (gps: -33.195424, 151.60157)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Campbell Drive to Snapper Point ends at the Snapper Point car park (gps: -33.186240, 151.62793)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Munmorah State Conservation Area

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a coastal park south of Catherine Hill Bay at the northern end of the NSW Central Coast. The park is blessed with some wonderful beaches popular with swimmers and surfers. You can stay overnight in either of the two well established campsites, both a short walk from the beach. The park puts on a wonderful wildflower in spring and summer each year. The park entrance gates are locked overnight and are open 5:30am to 9:00p.m during daylight savings period, 6:00am to 6:00pm outside of daylight savings time.

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