Wises Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

4.1 km One way

50 m

Moderate track

This isn't a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year.

(0km) Int. Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and Wises Trk Gate South → Int. Wises Trk and Karani Trk

1.3 km

23 mins

-47m Moderate track

From the southernmost 'Wises Track' sign on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (sign to the left of the gate)(NOTE:this sign has been reported as missing by another walker), this walk heads away from the road and around the gate. The trail passes through the low heath to turn right after approximately 30m. After a short time more, the walk reaches a rocky outcrop (on the left) where it turns right, heading down the hill. The trail descends for some time to a clearing on the right, after which the trail heads steeply downhill, turning left. At the bottom of the rocky hill, the walk continues to the unsignposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Wises Trk and Karani Trk → Int. Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and Wises Trk Gate North

2.8 km

49 mins

44m

-56m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads past a rocky outcrop (above on the left) as the trail heads downhill. The trail winds and undulates for approximately 2km along the ridge before coming to a grassy intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north, following the clearest trail for approximately 500m. The walk continues among banksia bushes and short eucalypts along the sandy trail, coming to an intersection with an overgrown trail on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the fork in the track, along the defined trail. The trail soon passes the gate and 'Wises Track' sign, coming to Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.

Maps for the Wises Track 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.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Wises Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wises Track

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	4.1 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		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

Around 2.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.3km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 3.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 470m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 4.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 4.1km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 470m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wises Track walk.

The Wallumarra Track to Bola Creek

4.7 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr.

Total climbing: 74m

Moderate track

Wallumarra to Palona Cave

11.8 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Winding next to Bola Creek, the Wallumarra bush track is very pretty, as is the track to Palona. Great rest areas at Bola Picnic Area, and next to the waterfall at Palona Cave, cap off a great walk. While the Wallumarra service trail and the side trip to the Beehives are not the most interesting tr

Total climbing: 439m

Hard track

Wallumarra Track to Forest Way

12.5 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Initially following a section of service trail, this walk heads along the ridge before descending to Bola Creek. The walk becomes more enjoyable after the service trail section, especially down on the creek as the walk winds its way through the forest. After a short break at the Bola Picnic Area, th

Total climbing: 470m

Moderate track

Forest Island to Calala

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive, this walk takes your to Calala, a quiet clearing on the Hacking River. Travelling along the old road, this walk passes a few shaded brooks as it winds alongside the Hacking River. There is the chance for a side trip to Palona Cave and waterfall. Calala

Total climbing: 296m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical

Total climbing: 266m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave's different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful

Total climbing: 171m

Hard track

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through

Total climbing: 179m

Moderate track

Curra Moors car park to Garie Beach

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track's tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kio

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Curra Moors Loop

9.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea.

Total climbing: 242m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

13.5 km Circuit, 7 hrs

Using a variety of tracks, this walk follows the coast as well as going inland to Garrawarra Farm. With great coastal views and a magnificent palm jungle, this walk demonstrates perfectly, the diversity of the Royal National Park. Of historical significance are the houses scattered along the coast t

Total climbing: 754m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views

Total climbing: 664m

Hard track

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, week

Total climbing: 242m

Moderate track