Girrakool picnic area
Brisbane Water National Park
Overview
A great spot for a family picnic, Girrakool picnic area has barbecues, lots of green space to run around and a scenic walking track that features Aboriginal engravings.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Opening times
The carpark at Girrakool picnic area is open daily from 7am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 7am to 6pm at other times. The carpark is locked at closing time and reopens at 7am daily.
Looking for a place to picnic? Girrakool picnic area is well equipped with free barbecues, picnic tables and plenty of parking and it is conveniently located for those travelling from Sydney or Newcastle, all together making it a great place for a family gathering.
The main picnic ground next to the carpark is a large grassy area with plenty of room to kick a ball around with the kids, while a bushland picnic area at the far end of the carpark provides a more rugged bush setting for those who like to get in the thick of it.
You might be lucky enough to share the experience with a wallaby or two, and if you feel like stretching your legs, try the easy Girrakool loop walk that takes you past Aboriginal rock engravings, through forest and past waterfalls. Make sure you take your camera; there are some great photos to be taken.
Nearby:
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Girrakool loop track
A lovely way to finish a barbecue, the Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk through bushland, featuring an Aboriginal rock engraving site and scenic waterfalls.
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Piles Creek loop
This short but challenging walk threads through dry eucalypt forest along Piles Creek, passing waterfalls and crossing a suspension bridge.
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Mooney Mooney nature walk
Enjoy a hiking adventure along Mooney Mooney nature walk, on the NSW Central Coast. Crossing Piles Creek, this walking track offers lots of lookouts and birdwatching opportunities.
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Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park
You’ll find the Wondabyne to Patonga and Patonga to Pearl Beach parts of the iconic Great North walk in Brisbane Water National Park. Take a short walk or overnight hike.
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm 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.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept cards, 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:
Things to do (78)
- Aboriginal culture (9)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Beach (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (19)
- Canoeing/paddling (3)
- Cultural heritage (1)
- Cycling (7)
- Educational activities (1)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Fishing (1)
- Historic heritage (6)
- Horse riding (4)
- Other experiences (2)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (3)
- Sightseeing (32)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (2)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (45)
- Waterfalls (5)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (9)