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Piles Creek loop

Brisbane Water National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Piles Creek loop.

Track grading

Grade 5

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

4km loop

Time

2hrs 30min - 3hrs

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Very experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Very steep and difficult

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Piles Creek loop is located in the northern section of Brisbane Water National Park.

To get there from the F3 Highway:

  • Exit Central Coast Highway towards Gosford
  • Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
  • Take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
  • Take the first left onto Quarry Road
  • The picnic area, where the trail begins, is through the tunnel and straight ahead.

Parking

Parking is available at Girrakool picnic area, including several designated disabled spots. Please be aware of the carpark opening hours; gates are locked at closing.

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

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.

Piles Creek loop

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