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Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track

Brisbane Water National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

3km one-way

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep and difficult

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track is located within Brisbane Water National Park. To get there:

    By car, from Umina Beach:

    • Take Patonga Drive towards Patonga
    • As you enter Patonga, take a left towards the boat ramp or continue on to the wharf.
    • Great North walk starts a short walk from Patonga boat ramp

    By bus:

    • The number 54 bus runs between Patonga and Pearl Beach a few times a day. Both villages are small, with a bus stop near the main beachfront areas. Check the bus schedule before you leave.

    Parking

    Parking is available at Pearl Beach and in Patonga, either at the wharf in the centre of town or at the boat ramp a short walk away.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Brisbane Water National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    The cooler weather makes it a perfect time to find a waterfall walking track, and keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal engravings along the way.

    Spring

    Pack a picnic lunch and soak up the delightful sights and sounds of spring. Relax among the wildflowers and wildlife as the Hawkesbury River flows by.

    Summer

    Take advantage of the warmer summer weather and paddle down Patonga Creek or Mooney Mooney Creek in a canoe.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    15°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    43.8°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    5°C and 19°C

    Lowest recorded

    -4.2°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    218.4mm

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Strong rips and currents may be present at Patonga or Pearl Beach – take care in the water and please supervise children at all times.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track

    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