Best trails in Brisbane Water National Park
Brisbane Water National Park is located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales on the land of the Guringai and Eora peoples. Its landscape consists of a sandstone coastline covered in rainforest that is home to koalas, pelicans, and platypus and crossed by several creeks. Plants you may see include Scribbly Gum and Waratah plus there are several sites with ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. It is particularly popular in the spring when all the wildflowers are in full bloom. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and kayak.
Top trails
1
(971)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1h 24m
This is a varied track in Brisbane Water National Park with a waterfall, views and rock overhangs. The route combines the longer Piles Creek Loop and shorter Girrakool Loop tracks.
From the picnic grounds and car park, the circuit goes clockwise with quick opportunities to enjoy some views at either Illoura lookout or Broula lookout that give scenic views of some of the falls along Piles Creek.
The track follows the creek south until the halfway point of the circuit where there is a nice...
2
(337)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
•Est. 1h 36m
This is a beautiful short trail in the Brisbane Waters National Park that takes you out to the Kariong Brook Falls, mostly along fire trail with some narrower single track.
This is a great little day trip that is easily accessible from Woy Woy Road. The area is rich with other trails and landmarks to explore if you have the time and energy.
3
(343)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
Looking out of the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, this trail leads you into the Brisbane Waters National Park. Making your way past Warrah Lookout, which is great for a picnic along the way.
You then follow the walking track down to the beautiful Pearl Beach past the Crommelin Native Arboretum. Take water and snacks for this walk, and download the map if reception is patchy in some areas.
4
(304)
•Moderate
•4.8 mi
•Est. 2h 6m
Mount Wondabyne is the highest point in Brisbane Water National Park. The route to the top follows a fire trail for the most part, with lots of birdlife along the way. It is challenging to get to the summit, but once you get there it is worth it for the Stunning 360-degree views at the top of the mountain.
Do the loop clockwise to avoid climbing rocky ascent to the mountain and instead you can walk down it. This trail is best visited in late winter as this is when the wildflowers are in...
5
(194)
•Easy
•0.9 mi
•Est. 22m
An awesome trail with lots of points to see the waterfalls near Somersby, New South Wales.
An easy walking track, with little sidetracks down to some waterfalls. A bit boggy and slushy in the wet season but otherwise it is well marked. Definitely go off-trail and explore plus take your swimmers. Lots of beautiful wildflowers in season. It costs $8 to park in the main parking area.
6
(206)
•Hard
•7.7 mi
•Est. 3h 45m
This is an adventurous trail in the Central Coast Region of New South Wales, located not too far west of Woy Woy. This out-and-back trail begins and ends at the Wondabyne Station.
The trail offers a variety of terrain, from steep to flat, rainforest to fire trail, rocky platforms and lookouts to narrow and, at times, overgrown track. Some of the trail's highlights are Pindar Falls, Caves, Pool, Mount Pindar Lookout, and Mooney Mooney Creek Lookout.
7
(196)
•Moderate
•6.2 mi
•Est. 2h 52m
A good out and back trail through the Brisbane Water National park located in the central coast region of New South Wales. The trail begins from Woy Woy Road near the locality of Kariong and follows Bambara Road all the way to arrive at Spoin Kop lookout. Enjoy the natural diversity of flora and fauna along the way.
8
(154)
•Hard
•11.9 mi
•Est. 5h 30m
This point-to-point bushwalk is in Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford, New South Wales. The trail begins in the suburb of Patonga, on the central coast. From here, you'll make your way to Wondabyne Station.
This hike does not follow the exact Great North Walk route but includes some GNW sections from Patonga to Mount Wondabyne. It also passes the scenic Kariong Brook Falls and waterhole and includes some remote Brisbane Waters National Park sections.
9
(158)
•Moderate
•2.2 mi
•Est. 1h 7m
This is a fantastic point-to-point bushwalk that connects the two beautiful villages of Pearl Beach and Patonga. The walk takes you through a magnificent angophora forest, known for its smooth, reddish-barked trees. Listen for the calls of lyrebirds and keep an eye out for goannas on the track. At Warrah Lookout, with spectacular panoramic views south over the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater.
10
(84)
•Moderate
•3.9 mi
•Est. 2h 1m
This epic trail travels from Koolewong to Spion Kop in the picturesque Brisbane Waters National Park. The hike features fantastic views of Woy Woy Bay and the surrounding area and passes through gorgeous bushland. The track begins from Glenrock Parage, beginning with a steep climb that then levels out as you head towards Spion Kop.
Showing results 1–10 of 77
Trail reviews for Brisbane Water National Park
Great walk but please download the map as it's too easy to lose sight of the track. This walk has everything from fire trail to swimming holes to a good bush walk that leads onto Spion Kop and amazing views of Brisbane Waters. It really is spectacular.
The first 10-ish minutes of the walk are by far the hardest because it’s pretty steep and it’s easy to slip, but it’s over quick. Pretty views from the top there and then down to the firetrail. You then go down a little trail that can be a bit muddy and have water running down it after rain. This leads down to the pretty little stream. You’ll cross it to the other side and go between two rocks to go up to the rest of the trail. Trail is mostly easy to follow, especially since someone left some cute little rock towers along the path. It’s pretty easy the rest of the way to the lookout. When you get there, there are a few rock ledges you can see from, so have a little explore! Such a gorgeous view of Brisbane waters that really can’t be captured on your phone. Did this walk two days in a row because it’s that beautiful (and cause my phone died ). I’d suggest not leaving later than 2pm, at least in Winter. Trust me it’s not as fun in the dark.
Koolewong to Spion Kop
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Brisbane Water National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Brisbane Water National Park is Piles Creek Loop, which has a 4.6 star rating from 971 reviews. This trail is 3.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 492 ft.
What is the longest trail in Brisbane Water National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Brisbane Water National Park is Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne. This trail is estimated to be 24.5 mi long.
How many trails are in Brisbane Water National Park?
There are 77 trails in Brisbane Water National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 6,170 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Brisbane Water National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Brisbane Water National Park has you covered. Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne boasts the most elevation gain with 3,382 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Great North Walk: Aboriginal Art and Brisbane Waters, which will get you 3,293 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 13 camping trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Patonga to Wondabyne with an average 4.4 star rating from 154 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 26 running trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Kariong Brook Falls via Thommos Track with an average 4.4 star rating from 337 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 biking trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Mount Wondabyne Loop via Great North Walk with an average 4.2 star rating from 96 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with waterfalls in Brisbane Water National Park, including Kariong Brook Falls via Thommos Track, Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, Patonga to Wondabyne, Girrakool Loop Track, Piles Creek, Thommos and Woy Woy Road Circular, and Wondabyne Station to Woy Woy.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 24 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Brisbane Water National Park, including Mount Wondabyne Loop via Tunnel Trail, Patonga to Wondabyne, Girrakool Loop Track, Piles Creek, Thommos and Woy Woy Road Circular, Great North Walk: Wondabyne to Somersby, and Wondabyne Station to Woy Woy.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 27 trails with scenic viewpoints in Brisbane Water National Park, including Piles Creek Loop, Patonga to Pearl Beach, Girrakool Loop Track, Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, and Patonga to Wondabyne.
Are there any trails with ponds in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with ponds in Brisbane Water National Park, including Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, Staples Lookout to Pindar Cave and Falls, Pindar Falls via Girrakool Track, and Wondabyne to Woy Woy via Pindar Cave.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park, including Piles Creek Loop, Girrakool Loop Track, Mooney Mooney Creek to Girrakool via Piles Creek, Girrakool Loop Track, Piles Creek, Thommos and Woy Woy Road Circular, and Pindar Falls via Girrakool Track.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with archaeological sites in Brisbane Water National Park, including Girrakool Loop Track, Piles Creek, Thommos and Woy Woy Road Circular, Kariong Hieroglyphs via Bambara Road, Mount Wondabyne Loop via Great North Walk, Point Clare to Kariong via Hieroglyphs, and Waterfall and Hieroglyphs via Bambara Road.
Are there any trails with rivers in Brisbane Water National Park?
Yes, there are 39 trails with rivers in Brisbane Water National Park, including Piles Creek Loop, Girrakool Loop Track, Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, Patonga to Wondabyne, and Mooney Mooney Creek to Girrakool via Piles Creek.
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Suitability
Points of interest
- Piles Creek
- Kariong Brook Falls
- Spion Kop
- Mount Wondabyne
- Boondi Lookout
- Warrah Lookout
- Pindar Cave
- Pindar Pool
- Somersby Falls Bottom Fall
- Piles Creek Lookout
- Kariong Hieroglyphs
- Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site
- Mt Wondabyne Campsite
- Somersby Falls Lookout
- Somersby Falls Picnic Area
- Pindar Falls
- Bundilla Lookout
- Mount Pindar Lookout
- Andamira Lookout
- Scopas Peak