Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.4319388,151.2765593)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp then drive for 630 m Continue onto Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp and drive for another 55 m Turn right onto Wisemans Ferry Road, B83 and drive for another 390 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Old Pacific Highway, B83 and drive for another 1.6 km Turn left onto Quarry Road and drive for another 75 m Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 660 m
Finish	(-33.4717141,151.2882325)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the lower side of the car park, this walk follows the 'To The Great North Walk' sign down the path to the lower picnic area. The walk passes the toilet block (on the left) and comes to another picnic area. The path passes through this picnic area to turn right following the 'Piles Creek Loop Track' sign down the steps. The footpath then leads to an intersection with the Broula Lookout track (on the left) and a 'car park' sign pointing back up the hill.
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Girrakool Loop' sign down along the stone path. The path soon heads down some steps and comes to a fenced and signposted 'Illoura Lookout'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the car park at the start. Girrakool Picnic Area (about 45 m back from the start). Girrakool Picnic Area Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'. There is a sign (about 7 m back from the start). After another 25 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left).
	After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) turn left, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 40 m find the "Illoura Lookout" (on your right). Illoura Lookout Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.
	After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 20 m find the "Piles Creek Waterfall" (on your right). Piles Creek Waterfall The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.
	After another 910 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 150 m find the "Monolith Cave" (on your left). Monolith Cave Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.
	After another 390 m turn left. After another 1.3 km come to the viewpoint. After another 305 m come to the viewpoint. After another 1.4 km pass the "Scopas Peak" (25 m on your left).
	After another 1.1 km veer right, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 1.1 km come to the viewpoint.
	After another 55 m turn left. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 1.9 km continue straight. After another 5 m veer left. After another 25 m pass the "Kariong Brook Falls" (15 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 6 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your right). Kariong Brook Falls This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.
	After another 640 m turn left, to head along Thommos Loop. After another 10 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Thommos Loop & ML9 Loop Firetrail) continue straight. After another 195 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 10 m turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 250 m turn right.
	After another 30 m come to the end. A car park. About 15 m past the end is "Staples Lookout". Staples Lookout Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27. About 15 m past the end is a park. About 25 m past the end is a picnic table. About 30 m past the end is "Staples Lookout".

An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout". Piles Creek Lookout Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.
	Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end. "Piles Creek Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout".

Piles Creek Lookout

Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end.

"Piles Creek Lookout".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool to Staples Lookout via Kariong Brook Falls

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	12 km
Time	5 h to 5 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 50 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	50 m	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Girrakool Picnic Area
Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'.

Illoura Lookout
Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.

Piles Creek Lookout
Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

Monolith Cave
Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe in the morning and early afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and early afternoon. Winds west to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h increasing to 45 km/h before turning southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon and evening. Daytime maximum temperatures 28 to 34.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:40am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme]
  
  Tuesday 24 December
  
  15°C → 24°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the late morning and early afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 14 with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 30.
  
  Wednesday 25 December
  
  15°C → 26°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the morning then becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 14 with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 33.
  
  Thursday 26 December
  
  16°C → 29°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 12 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching 31 to 38.
  
  Friday 27 December
  
  19°C → 37°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Saturday 28 December
  
  19°C → 27°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Sunday 29 December
  
  18°C → 31°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Brisbane Water National Park alerts
  Fire bans: Total Fire Ban
  A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  
  Fire bans: Park fire ban
  A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:
  
  They're under direct control of an adult
  
  The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  
  There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)
  
  If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.
  
  Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure
  The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.
  Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles
  Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to an increase in illegal activities throughout the area.
  The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.
  The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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