Great North walk stage 8: Waratah spectacular
Brisbane Water National Park
Overview
Panoramic views of Sydney’s northern coastline await you on stage 8 of the Great North walk. The 20km guided tour through Brisbane Water National Park starts at Patonga and ends at Wondabyne Station.
- When
Sunday 22 and Wednesday 25 September 2024, 7.15am to 4.15pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Hard. Suitable for adults only (15 years and over). This is a 20km, 9hr walk with several steep sections. Some bushwalking experience is recommended.
- Price
-
Adult (15 years and over) $25 per person. Concession (student, Australian pension, Veterans Affairs and Seniors card holders) $20 per person.
- Meeting point
- Hornsby Railway Station at 7am for a 7.22am train to Woy Woy.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, lunch, snacks, hat, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Here are some highlights:
- Be surrounded by vibrant crimson waratahs that are prolific along this stage of the Great North walk. The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the most well-known Australian native plants.
- After a steep climb up from Patonga you'll be rewarded by picturesque landscape scenery. Take in stunning views of Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River, Cowan Creek, West Head, Pittwater and the iconic Barrenjoey Headland and lighthouse.
- We'll stop for lunch atop Mount Wondabyne. Here you can absorb panoramic views over the open ocean. Yes, it’s worth the climb!
- To wrap up the day, we'll head toward the isolated Wondabyne Station. Marking the path are cascading waterfalls, the bellbird's song and small isolated valleys with flowing creeks.
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 and emergency contact information and walking poles if needed. Remember to bring your Opal card for train and bus travel and something warm for the wait at Wondabyne.
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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