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.
- Where
- Brisbane Water National Park
- Distance
- 4km loop
- Time suggested
- 2hrs 30min - 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 5
- 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.
- Price
- Free
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Opening times
Girrakool picnic area carpark is:
- Open 9am to 5pm
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
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.
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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.
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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
What's nearby:
Things to do (37)
- Aboriginal culture (5)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (14)
- Canoeing/paddling (1)
- Cycling (6)
- Educational activities (1)
- Fishing (1)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Horse riding (2)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (5)
- Sightseeing (20)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (2)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (18)
- Waterfalls (5)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (4)
