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Cooks Nose walking track

Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Cooks Nose walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

8km return

Time

2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Cooks Nose walking track is at the northern end of Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. To get there:

  • Continue on the road from the reserve entrance for approximately 1km
  • Cooks Nose walking track starts from Barren Grounds picnic area

Parking

Parking is available at Barren Grounds picnic area

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Enjoy spectacular views on a clear autumn day of the coastline and surrounds from Illawarra lookout.

Spring

Enjoy the colourful wildflower display in the reserve's upland heaths.

Summer

Escape the crowds on the coast for a peaceful picnic among nature.

Winter

Warm up with a brisk walk in the misty highlands and admire the flowering banksias.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

16°C and 5°C

Highest recorded

42.4°C

Winter temperature

Average

8°C and 18°C

Lowest recorded

2.3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

728.4mm

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

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.

Cooks Nose walking track

Operated by

Park info

Visitor centre