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Great North walk – Palm Grove Nature Reserve

Palm Grove Nature Reserve

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Great North walk – Palm Grove Nature Reserve.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

2.8km one-way

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly 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

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Great North walk - Palm Grove Nature Reserve is in Palm Grove Nature Reserve. To get there:

    • From the F3 Freeway, take the Peats Ridge Road exit.
    • Take the first right into Wisemans Ferry Road
    • Turn right onto Dog Trap Road and then turn left onto Kilkenny Road
    • Follow to the entrance of Palm Grove Nature Reserve

    Alternatively, if beginning from Ourimbah Creek Road:

    • From the F3 Freeway, take the Pacific Highway exit for Ourimbah.
    • Head south along Pacific Highway
    • Take the first right into Ourimbah Creek Road and continue for approximately 9.5km

    Parking

    Parking is available at end of Kilkenny Road and Ourimbah Creek Road.

    Best times to visit

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

    Autumn

    Rug up and enjoy a crisp autumn picnic amongst moss-covered sandstone cliffs and fern-filled rainforests.

    Spring

    Visit the reserve to view gorgeous spring blooms, including a variety of native orchids, creamy white angophora flowers and the white blooms of the turpentines.

    Summer

    Enjoy an escape from the heat by taking a leisurely bushwalk through cool, moist rainforest.

    Winter

    Cool, but fine winter days are a great time to explore the more challenging terrain of Great North walk.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    17°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    42.9°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    7°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    0.1°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    February

    Driest month

    March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    230.2mm

    Facilities

    Drinking water

    You'll need to bring your own drinking water.

    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).

    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 – Palm Grove Nature Reserve

    Park info