Walking tracks
Girrakool loop track
Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk that starts and finishes at Girrakool picnic area. It offers scenic views over waterfalls and is full of colourful wildflowers during late winter and early spring.
At the start of the walk, be sure to check out the Aboriginal rock engraving site, take care not to walk over it though. From here, you’ll wind down into bushland, past views of forest, waterfalls and the creek. Make sure you stop at Illoura lookout and the shady waterfall at Andamira lookout for a photo or two.
Directions: The track starts at Girrakool picnic area. Crossing the carpark from the information sign you will see signposts for the track. Follow the track across a large rock platform. Walk down steps and wind through the bush where you can catch a glimpse of Piles Creek. Follow the signs for the Girrakool Loop and enjoy the beautiful bushlands. The track finishes at the other end of the picnic area; follow the fenceline back to the carpark.
Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests
Cultural heritage: A large rock platform at the beginning of the track has Aboriginal engravings. Please respect this site and do not tread on or mark the engravings.
Not permitted here: Dogs.
Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track
The Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track follows the Great North Walk through the beautiful red gums of Brisbane Water National Park. Bring your swimmers and a towel – this walk begins and ends on a beach, with plenty of opportunity for a refreshing dip or a spot of fishing.
From the end of Patonga Beach, follow signs to the national park. You can head to Warrah Trig from here, while following the trail up and over the hill will take you past the spectacular Warrah lookout with views of Hawkesbury River and Pacific Ocean. Pause for a snack, then return to the fire trail, following the Pearl Beach signs past sandstone caves with a natural hanging garden of native ferns. Be sure to keep an eye out for bush turkeys and an ear open for kookaburras.
Your exit is marked at Crystal Avenue. Follow the sounds of crashing waves to find a beautiful stretch of sand on the edge of the bush. You can enjoy a picnic, or take advantage of the small cafes nearby.
Directions: From the car park at Patonga wharf follow the foreshore with the water on your right hand side. Then follow the beach to the end where you will see a sign for Brisbane Water National Park. There are signs leading you to Warrah Trig if you'd like a small detour.
The track winds up the hill and along a ridge. You'll have fantastic views over the Hawkesbury River from Warrah Lookout. Return to the fire trail and follow the Pearl Beach sign down the fire trail, where you will catch glimpses of Pearl Beach. Take the fire trail which exits onto Crystal Street at Pearl Beach.
Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests
Mooney Mooney Nature Walk
Mooney Mooney Nature Walk follows the deep gorge of Piles Creek. It crosses a variety of environments and has many scenic spots, so bring your camera.
If you walk quietly you'll meet many animals and birds - you may even see a lyrebird or a koala.
Plant communities: rainforests, grassy woodlands
Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park
Built in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentennial year, Great North walk is a 250km bushwalking track linking the Sydney CBD with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. The track passes through a number of national parks, including Brisbane Water National Park (for 34km), and is undoubtedly one of the best walks in NSW.
The walk offers something for everyone. If you’re walking with children you can choose an easy section of the track, and if you’re feeling energetic you can choose an overnight walk, or a more challenging section to hike. Whichever way you choose to walk this iconic track, you will definitely enjoy spectacular views, a scenic landscape and the sounds of native birds and wildlife.
The sections of Great North walk that are in the park include:
- Wondabyne to Patonga
- Patonga to Pearl Beach
- Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney Creek campground (via Mt Wondabyne)
- Patonga to Mooney Mooney Creek campground (via Mt Wondabyne)
If you can, it’s worth taking a couple of days to hike this section to really enjoy the bushland environment and local scenery.
Wondabyne to Patonga
This is an overnight walk, part of the Great North Walk, which passes through the full range of environments of Brisbane Water National Park. Start the walk at Wondabyne Railway Station and when you get to Patonga either catch the ferry to Palm Beach or the bus back to Gosford. Camp overnight at the Van Dahls bush camp site.
Plant communities: rainforests, grassy woodlands
Location:
shown on park map
Walking: events and activities
| Commercial activity | Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre  You'll be surrounded by mountain peaks and ranges shrouded in mist and hear the calls of bellbirds ringing across ridges. You'll ride rushing rapids through scenic gorges, go with the flow in slow streams, or follow little known trails carved through an old growth forest. Breathe deeply; you're filling your lungs with cool, fresh air and clearing your mind of clutter. You're in the Barringtons, just 3 hours north of Sydney, and with us you've finally found an experience worth having.
The Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre offers you a range of exciting white water kayaking, canoeing and downhill mountain biking adventures that are easy for anyone to do. We provide a high quality outdoor experience with a friendly, personal and flexible service.
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More info: Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre, Phone: 02 6558 2093 (international +612 6558 2093) | As required. |
| Commercial activity | Sydney Coast Walks  Sydney Coast Walks are the Sydney walking people. With some of the city's best natural beauty only accessible on foot, Sydney Coast Walks provides expertly guided half day, full day and overnight hiking adventures through Sydney Harbour and Royal National Parks, enabling guests to reconnect with nature in Australia's largest city. Small groups, maximum 12 guests, for a better walking experience.
Sydney Harbour National Park Walking Tours
Royal National Park Walking Tours
- Jibbon Aboriginal Tour Learn the traditions of the Dharawal Aboriginal people, view thousand-year-old rock carvings and listen to Dreaming stories.
- Marley Explore Royal's majestic sandstone coastline on a full day walk.
- Wattamolla (Coast Track) Discover awe-inspiring views and fascinating history as you hike the iconic Coast Track. Enjoy a fully catered and supported camping experience.
When: year-round. Bookings essential. More info: Sydney Coast Walks, Phone: 02 8521 7423 (international +612 8521 7423) | As required |
| Commercial activity | The Collaroy Centre The Collaroy Centre is one of Australia's leading conference centres. Located at Collaroy Beach, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, the centre provides accommodation for up to 500. The centre not only has a superb location, but also provides all guests with exceptional dining and meeting facilities. The centre offers education and recreation activities, including abseiling, high ropes, adventure courses, archery, canoeing, surfing etc. Offsite programs and activities in national parks are also available. We specialise in Duke of Edinburgh and school excursions, and offer canyoning canoeing, and bushwalking expeditions. The Collaroy Centre is always focused on its guests, so all programs are tailored to specific needs and desired outcomes. More info: The Collaroy Centre, Phone: 02 9982 9800 (international +612 9982 9800) | As required |
| Commercial activity | The Outdoor Education Group  The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) is a unique, independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides experiential adventure-based learning programs to schools throughout NSW and Victoria. OEG runs programs in a diverse range of natural environments throughout NSW.
Our programs run from one day up to 30 days and offer activities such as bush walking, canoeing, rafting, cycling, snow shoeing and many more. OEG envisages a world where more people respect and take responsibility for themselves, others and the natural world, and act to support positive relationships, healthy communities and the sustainability of life. Our mission is to deliver excellence in outdoor education through partnerships with schools in order to prepare young people for the personal, social and environmental challenges in their lives. More info: The Outdoor Education Group, Phone: 02 4869 6700 (international +612 4869 6700) | As required |
