Great North walk stage 9: Rainforest walk
Brisbane Water National Park
Overview
Stage 9 of the Great North walk takes you into the temperate rainforest of Brisbane Water National Park. The 16km guided tour starts at Wondabyne Station and ends at Kariong.
- When
Sunday 20 October and Wednesday 23 October 2024, 7am to 3.15pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Hard. Suitable for adults only (15 years and over). Some bushwalking experience is recommended. Track may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
- Price
-
Adult (15 years and over) $25 per person. Concession (student, Australian pension, Veterans Affairs and Seniors card holders) $20 per person.
- Meeting point
- If leaving from Hornsby Railway Station: Meet at 7am for the 7.22am train to Wondabyne. Make sure you travel in the last carriage and tell train conductor to stop at Wondabyne Station. You’ll arrive at 7.50am. If leaving from the Central Coast: Meet at Wondabyne Railway Station at 7.50am.
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Before our tour, we’ll catch the train from Hornsby Station to Wondabyne Station where you’ll start your walk.
Here are some highlights:
- Your walk will start with a challenging, steep climb towards Scopas Peak from Wondabyne Station. The climb flattens out to a gentle walk over a series of rock platforms along the ridge top. Here you’ll get to enjoy sweeping views over the national park.
- From the ridge top, you'll descend into the temperate rainforest of Piles Creek Gorge. You’ll notice the magnificent sections of blue gum trees that are common in the Sydney basin.
- Your walk will continue out of the valley and towards Girrakool picnic area to break for a late lunch.
- At the end of the tour, we’ll make our way towards Kariong to catch a bus to Gosford Station.
Bring at least 2 litres of drinking water, lunch and snacks. It's a good idea to wear enclosed shoes or boots and bring a hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect protection, emergency contact information and walking poles if needed. We’ll be using public transport for one section, so don’t forget your Opal card.
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park close in the evening:
- Girrakool picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 7am to 6pm at other times
- Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times
Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Other fees:
You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
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