Patonga to Pearl Beach
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

4.2 km
oneway

↑ 158 m
↓ -157 m

Moderate track
This walk explores a section of Brisbane Water National Park between the villages of Patonga and Pearl Beach. From Patonga, this walk takes you up a track following the Great North Walk route, and then a wider trail brings you to a short (and very worthwhile) side trip to Warrah Lookout. From here, the walk follows the wide trail down to Pearl Beach for lunch at the cafe or a dip at the beach. Enjoy the wildflowers in spring and also great water views on sunny days. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Patonga Ferry Wharf. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Patonga Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Patonga Fish and Chips and general store. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pavilion at Eve Williams Memorial Oval. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking along Patonga Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
carpobrotus glaucescens or 'Pig Face'. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beach near Boat ramp. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Boat Ramp. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Patonga gate looking towards Dark Corner. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking across the water from Dark Corner. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bottom of Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Great North Walk sign at bottom of Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking along Patonga track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
A large angophora east of Patonga. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps through cleft in rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from beside track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track along ridge. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Flat section of Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rock platform at Broken Bay View. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Broken Bay View. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking to West Head from Broken Bay View. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devil) in Spring. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Dampiera Stricta Flowers in Spring. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Top of Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
walking along Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track of the side of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
along the trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Warrah lookout intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Warrah Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Warrah lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Warrah Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Warrah Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking east of Warrah lookout intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Wide clear trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View to across Pearl Beach to Mt Ettalong. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steep gully on side of trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Interesting rock work. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandstone slabs. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Inside Cave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View of Pearl Caves from trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking out from Pearl Cave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Along lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
drier forest at lower section of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Palm near Crystal Ave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crystal Ave from Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail sign. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crystal Ave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
walking along Crystal Ave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Intersection of Diamond Rd and Crystal Ave. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing Green Point Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pearl Beach Shops. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pearl Beach Cafe. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Play equipment at Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking south along Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking North along Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Picnic table at Pearl Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.5504,151.2745435)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry Special (There is no regular ferry service between Patonga and Brooklyn any more. You can easily grab a water taxi (about $80+). If you are part of a large group they can also organise a larger boat carrying 35 passengers (about $16 pp). Phone 0410 554 777 to book. Enjoy the boat ride.)
DirectionsFrom Ocean Beach Road
  • Turn on to Ocean Beach Road then drive for 115 m
  • Turn slight left onto Ocean Beach Road and drive for another 35 m
  • Turn slight left onto Ocean Beach Road and drive for another 45 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Sydney Avenue and drive for another 1.8 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Mount Ettalong Road and drive for another 6.9 km
Finish (-33.5445014,151.3069442)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park at Patonga wharf, this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive, keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside 'Eve Williams Memorial Oval' for 70m to find a large 'The Great North Walk' sign opposite the toilet block. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the 'Boat Ramp' sign and GNW arrow post down along a side road for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga's boat ramp. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach from the wharf to the boat ramp.)....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Patonga Drive.
There is an artwork (about 80 m back from the start).
There is a cafe (about 40 m back from the start).
W:www.patongahotel.com
Mo-Su 07:00-15:00
Patonga Village.
Patonga Village
Patonga Village

Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.
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Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.

There is a car park.
After another 45 m pass the sign (10 m on your left).
After another 45 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (55 m on your right).
After another 10 m pass the shelter (20 m on your left).
After another 60 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your right).
After another 60 m pass the picnic table (20 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive.
There is a park (about 8 m back from the start).
After another 10 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
After another 10 m turn sharp right.
After another 190 m continue straight.
After another 40 m continue straight.
After another 10 m find the "Warrah Reserve boat ramp" (15 m on your left).
Warrah Reserve boat ramp
Warrah Reserve boat ramp

Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.
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Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.

After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 135 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 430 m veer left.
After another 55 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right).
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 260 m find the "Broken Bay View" (30 m on your right).
Broken Bay View
Broken Bay View

Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.
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Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.

After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 350 m (at the intersection of Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail & Tony Doyle Track) continue straight, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
After another 30 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 1.2 km find the "Pearl Caves" (9 m on your right).
Pearl Caves
Pearl Caves

Pearl Caves is an informal name for a couple of caves found on the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. The two large overhangs are found near the base of a cliff. The caves look north and have outward-sloping floors. One cave has a few small columns and stalagmite/stalactite decorations growing at the back. To protect the caves (and yourself), the caves are best viewed from a distance.
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Pearl Caves is an informal name for a couple of caves found on the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. The two large overhangs are found near the base of a cliff. The caves look north and have outward-sloping floors. One cave has a few small columns and stalagmite/stalactite decorations growing at the back. To protect the caves (and yourself), the caves are best viewed from a distance.

After another 430 m head through/around the gate.
At the intersection of Crystal Avenue & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail turn right, to head along Crystal Avenue (a residential road).
After another 240 m continue straight, to head along Crystal Avenue.
After another 200 m (at the intersection of Crystal Avenue & Diamond Road) turn left, to head along Diamond Road.
After another 30 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 5 m continue straight, to head along Diamond Road.
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Tourmaline Avenue & Diamond Road) turn right, to head along Tourmaline Avenue.
After another 125 m pass the "Waterfront Reserve" (15 m on your right).
After another 6 m come to the "Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe".
Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe
Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe

The Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe (ph 02 4343 1222) is found at 1 Pearl Pde, Pearl Beach, and is open 7 days. The cafe provides breakfast, lunch and dinners for about $20 a meal. The general store provides cheaper take-away meals and general supplies (including ice-creams). Across the road is Pearl Beach and some children's play equipment. Alternatively for a more refined dining experience, 'Pearls on the Beach' is found on the other side of the road, open Thursday to Sundays for lunch and dinner (ph 02 4342 4400).
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The Pearl Beach General Store and Cafe (ph 02 4343 1222) is found at 1 Pearl Pde, Pearl Beach, and is open 7 days. The cafe provides breakfast, lunch and dinners for about $20 a meal. The general store provides cheaper take-away meals and general supplies (including ice-creams). Across the road is Pearl Beach and some children's play equipment. Alternatively for a more refined dining experience, 'Pearls on the Beach' is found on the other side of the road, open Thursday to Sundays for lunch and dinner (ph 02 4342 4400).

After another 45 m pass the playground (20 m on your right).
After another 25 m pass a seat (20 m on your right).
About 20 m past the end is a playground .
About 20 m past the end is a picnic table.
After another 5 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail Start heading along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath).
Continue another 70 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end.
"Warrah Lookout".
Warrah Lookout
Warrah Lookout

Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.
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Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Patonga to Pearl Beach


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 4.2 km
Time 1 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 190 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.

Seat: There is one 4.2 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
125 m[toilet]
Shelter
190 m[shelter]
Seat
4.2 km[seat]
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