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Mooney Mooney nature walk

Brisbane Water National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

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
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

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.

What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, binoculars, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, personal locator beacon
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

Also see

  • Girrakool picnic area, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © OEH

    Girrakool picnic area

    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.

  • Girrakool loop track, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    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.

  • Piles Creek loop walking track in Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: B Collier/OEH

    Piles Creek loop

    This short but challenging walk threads through dry eucalypt forest along Piles Creek, passing waterfalls and crossing a suspension bridge.

  • Great North walk, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

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

 

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Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

General enquiries

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 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 annual pass
See more visitor info

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