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Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Water National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

38km one-way

Time

1 - 3 days

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Very experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep and difficult

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Great North walk – Brisbane Water National Park is in Brisbane Water National Park. To get there:

    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

    Alternatively, if beginning from Wondabyne:

    • Take the train on the Newcastle and Central Coast Line to Wondabyne Train Station

    Check out the Transport Info website for more information.

    Alternatively, if beginning from the north:

    • Exit the F3 at the Central Coast Highway
    • Turn onto Wisemans Ferry Road
    • Turn left into Grants Road
    • Turn right into Reservoir Road and continue for approximately 1km
    • The walk starts behind the reservoirs

    Parking

    Parking is available in Patonga, either at the wharf in the centre of town or at the boat ramp a short walk away. Parking is also available on Reservoir Road, Somersby.

    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.

    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).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    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.

    Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park

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    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