Piles Creek loop
Brisbane Water National Park
Overview
This short but challenging walk threads through dry eucalypt forest along Piles Creek, passing waterfalls and crossing a suspension bridge.
- Distance
- 4km loop
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min - 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 5
- Trip Intention Form
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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 and reopens at 7am daily.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, sturdy shoes, binoculars
If you’re looking for a hike with a chance to unwind afterwards, head to Girrakool for Piles Creek loop. Wandering through dry eucalypt forest, this day walk follows the deep gorge of Piles Creek past waterfalls and scenic clearings, so make sure you bring your camera. It even crosses a suspension bridge and reaches the Illoura lookout, with stellar views over the forest canopy, which offers a good opportunity for birdwatching.
At Illoura, the trail also crosses the Girrakool loop for a longer walk that takes in a fascinating Aboriginal site with carvings in Hawkesbury sandstone. Eventually, all roads lead back to the large grassy Girrakool picnic area, where you might like to fire up the free gas barbecues for a lazy afternoon in the shade of eucalypts.
Also see
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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.
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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.
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Mooney Mooney nature walk
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.
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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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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm 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.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept cards, 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
What's nearby:
Things to do (46)
- Aboriginal culture (6)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (15)
- Canoeing/paddling (2)
- Cycling (6)
- Educational activities (1)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Fishing (1)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Horse riding (3)
- Other experiences (1)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (6)
- Sightseeing (20)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (2)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (27)
- Waterfalls (5)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (7)