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Mooney Mooney nature walk

Brisbane Water National Park

Overview

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.

Where
Brisbane Water National Park
Distance
4.2km one-way
Time suggested
2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 4
Price
Free
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

Mooney Mooney nature walk is always open, however the gate to Girrakool picnic area, at one end of the track, is closed between 5pm and 9am.

What to
bring
Hat, drinking water, sunscreen
Please note
  • This walk involves creek crossings, and passes over and under rock platforms which can be slippery. Please take care and supervise children at all times. 
  • The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.

Mooney Mooney nature walk links Mooney Mooney and Girrakool, leading through some of the most picturesque parts of Brisbane Water National Park. This challenging walk passes through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, grassy woodlands, waterfalls, casuarina forest and cave-like rocky overhangs.

Climbing steeply, perfectly positioned lookouts offer the chance to rest and take in the exquisite NSW Central Coast vistas. Crossing the scenic Piles Creek suspension bridge, pause to soak up serene views in all directions. In spring, you’ll see carpets of colourful wildflowers, including red darwinias, yellow acacias and orange banksias.

If you’re keen on birdwatching, you’ll love having the opportunity to see lyrebirds and kookaburras. Observant walkers may even spot a koala or two, along with native orchids clinging to moss-covered boulders.

You can also start this walk from the Girrakool end of the track.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Saving our Species conservation program

Saving our Species is an innovative conservation program in NSW. This program aims to secure as many threatened species that can be secured in the wild as possible, for the next 100 years.

Mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus). Photo: Cate Aitken

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Two picnic areas within the park close of an evening:

    • Girrakool picnic area is open 9am to 5pm every day
    • 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 applies at Girrakool and Somersby Falls picnic areas. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    Buy an annual pass.
  • More
  • More
See more visitor info

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Mooney Mooney nature walk, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Spencer