Wondabyne to Yarramalong

16 h to 2 days

50.8 km
oneway

↑ 1807 m
↓ -1776 m

Hard track
Starting with a steep climb from Wondabyne Train station you will explore a series of large rock platforms with wide views over the Brisbane Water National Park and visit Scopas Peak. When back in the valley you'll walk along the cool Mooney Mooney Creek before reaching Somersby. The rural area is soon left behind when you reach rainforest of the Palm Grove Nature Reserve where you can observe the Strangler Fig Trees, Cabbage Palms and Eucalyptus trees. You'll pass the rural area of Ourimbah Valley to get to the historic Bumble Hill Dray Track and finish the walk at Yarramalong. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Show all
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Wondabyne Station. | Photo by admin
Wondabyne Station. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
tree grabbing rock or rock grabbing tree?. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
steps leading up into the Brisbane Waters National Park. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
track up from Wondabyne. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
path down to wondabyne. | Photo by admin
Track high above Wondabyne station. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Water glimpses. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin
Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
view of mooney mooney creek. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Intersection at the south end of the Scopas Peak track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin
Gosford Rifle Range. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW intensions box south of Scopas Peak. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Twisted tree south of Scopas Peak. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Mt Girrakool. | Photo by admin
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
View of Mooney Mooney F3 freeway bridge from north of Scopas Peak. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Rock track north of Scopas Peak. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Tributary crossing north of Scopas Peak. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Phil Houghton Bridge over Piles Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Phil Houghton Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2009.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Small bridge near beside the lower section of Piles Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Boardwalk beside Piles Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
GNW register. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
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 (-33.4919895,151.2571288)
Mode Ferry Train
DirectionsFrom , Kariong.
Finish At the intersection of Yarramalong Road & Bumble Hill Road (-33.224046,151.278565)
Mode (end) Car  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the Wondabyne at the start.
Wondabyne
Wondabyne

Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.
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Wondabyne is situated in Brisbane Waters National Park on the banks of Mullet River, which feeds into the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. The area is defined by the National Park's flora and fauna, the quarry, railway station and a few houses sitting above the water around the river. The quarry produced sandstone building materials, used in the construction of the National War Memorial in Canberra. More recently, in 2000, the quarry was re-opened for restoration of St Mary's Cathedral spire in Sydney. Wondabyne Station, named after the nearby Mt Wondabyne, was built in 1889 and exclusively used for the quarry - it was then known as Mullet Creek Station. The station is one of the smallest on the line and one of very few railway stations in a NSW National Park. When you catch the train to Wondabyne, let the guard know you want to get off at Wondabyne Station, otherwise the train will not stop. Travel in the last carriage as the platform is very short. To catch the train from Wondabyne, wave to the driver.

After another 10 m turn right.
After another 15 m pass the emergency call device (4 m on your left).
After another 130 m head up the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 315 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 960 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 650 m pass the sign (on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 155 m come to the viewpoint.

After another 970 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Rifle Range Firetrail) veer left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 1.1 km pass the "Scopas Peak" (25 m on your right).
After another 1.5 km come to the viewpoint.
After another 320 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 1.2 km (at the intersection of Piles Creek Loop & The Great North Walk) turn left, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
After another 15 m head down the 13 earthen steps (about 10 m long)
After another 65 m head down the 9 earthen steps
After another 10 m head down the 57 earthen steps (about 60 m long)
Veer left, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
After another 25 m head up the 18 metal steps (about 9 m long)
Then cross the Phil Houghton Bridge (about 25 m long)
Then cross the Phil Houghton Bridge (about 20 m long)
Then find the "Phil Houghton Bridge" (on your left).
Phil Houghton Bridge
Phil Houghton Bridge

The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with part still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge. There is a clearing on the northern side that people have used for camping.
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The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with part still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge. There is a clearing on the northern side that people have used for camping.

After another 10 m come to the camp site (10 m on your left).
This is a free campsite.


Then cross the Phil Houghton Bridge (about 3 m long)
Then head down the 15 metal steps (about 7 m long)
At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Piles Creek Loop turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 990 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
Then cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 720 m head down the 5 earthen steps (about 5 m long)
After another 20 m veer right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 205 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Mooney Trail) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 20 m head down the 53 metal steps (about 15 m long)
Then cross the bridge (about 75 m long)
Then find the "Old Pacific Highway Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge" (on your right).
Old Pacific Highway Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge
Old Pacific Highway Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge

The Sydney-Hawkesbury stretch of the Pacific Highway was built in the 1920s, replacing a route that had existed since the 1830s. The original Peats Ferry Road was cut by a settler named George Peat, making a track to his property on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. This road became the 'Old Pacific Highway' upon the opening of the F3, or Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, in the 1980s. This bridge is the smaller of two crossing Mooney Mooney Creek - the other, Mooney Mooney Bridge, is part of the F3 freeway and is the highest road bridge in Australia.
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The Sydney-Hawkesbury stretch of the Pacific Highway was built in the 1920s, replacing a route that had existed since the 1830s. The original Peats Ferry Road was cut by a settler named George Peat, making a track to his property on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. This road became the 'Old Pacific Highway' upon the opening of the F3, or Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, in the 1980s. This bridge is the smaller of two crossing Mooney Mooney Creek - the other, Mooney Mooney Bridge, is part of the F3 freeway and is the highest road bridge in Australia.

After another 7 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Karool Road & Old Pacific Highway) continue straight, to head along Karool Road (a vehicle track).
After another 830 m continue straight, to head along Karool Road.
After another 410 m head through/around the gate.
After another 530 m find the "Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (south)" (15 m on your right).
Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (south)
Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (south)

This is clearing is beside the wide Mooney Mooney Creek and provides a large flat area to pitch a few tents. There are some high tension power lines nearby and you can hear the hum of the F3 from here, so it is not the most remote campsite. There are no facilities or water (the creek is salty). All that said it is still a pleasant spot beside the wide creek to rest for a while or for the night.
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This is clearing is beside the wide Mooney Mooney Creek and provides a large flat area to pitch a few tents. There are some high tension power lines nearby and you can hear the hum of the F3 from here, so it is not the most remote campsite. There are no facilities or water (the creek is salty). All that said it is still a pleasant spot beside the wide creek to rest for a while or for the night.

After another 1.3 km find the "Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)" (on your right).
Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)
Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)

This signposted campsite is sits among the tall eucalypt and bracken fern forest beside the Mooney Mooney Creek. This is a very pleasant flat clearing to spend a night, there is a small metal fireplace hotplate and room for a small number of tents. There is No drinking water or other facilities at this campsite (Mooney Mooney Creek is salty at this point, treatable water may be found about 2km north).
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This signposted campsite is sits among the tall eucalypt and bracken fern forest beside the Mooney Mooney Creek. This is a very pleasant flat clearing to spend a night, there is a small metal fireplace hotplate and room for a small number of tents. There is No drinking water or other facilities at this campsite (Mooney Mooney Creek is salty at this point, treatable water may be found about 2km north).

After another 2.1 km cross the ford.
After another 1.2 km find the "Lower Mooney Dam" (30 m on your left).
Lower Mooney Dam
Lower Mooney Dam

Lower Mooney Dam is located on the Mooney Mooney Creek, about 21 km upstream from the Hawkesbury River. In March 1938 the Gosford Mayor turned the tap to add the water from this dam into the small town water supply of the time. It is a concrete arch dam, with a capacity of 1,000 megalitres, and was superseded by the more than 4 times larger 'Upper Mooney Dam' in 1982. There is a set of timber steps and a faint track that leads down to the waters edge on the uphill side of the dam wall, the dam wall is fenced and is clearly out of bounds. A sign reminds visitors that swimming is not allowed.
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Lower Mooney Dam is located on the Mooney Mooney Creek, about 21 km upstream from the Hawkesbury River. In March 1938 the Gosford Mayor turned the tap to add the water from this dam into the small town water supply of the time. It is a concrete arch dam, with a capacity of 1,000 megalitres, and was superseded by the more than 4 times larger 'Upper Mooney Dam' in 1982. There is a set of timber steps and a faint track that leads down to the waters edge on the uphill side of the dam wall, the dam wall is fenced and is clearly out of bounds. A sign reminds visitors that swimming is not allowed.

After another 2.2 km find the "Quarry Camping Area" (4 m on your left).
Quarry Camping Area
Quarry Camping Area

This is a small signposted campsite set among heath, grass tress, scribbly gums and aother eucalpyts. The clearing is flat and sandy and provides room to set up a few tents with and a small metal fireplace with hotplate. There is no water or other facilites here.
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This is a small signposted campsite set among heath, grass tress, scribbly gums and aother eucalpyts. The clearing is flat and sandy and provides room to set up a few tents with and a small metal fireplace with hotplate. There is no water or other facilites here.

After another 1.1 km continue straight.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 1.9 km cross the ford.
After another 350 m continue straight, to head along Hawkesbury Track.
After another 155 m turn right, to head along Hawkesbury Track.
After another 105 m continue straight.
After another 260 m veer left.
After another 185 m veer left.
After another 275 m veer right, to head along Silvesters Road.
After another 820 m continue straight, to head along Silvesters Road.
After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Silvesters Road.
After another 620 m (at the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Road & Silvesters Road) turn left, to head along Wisemans Ferry Road (a road).
After another 550 m (at the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Road & Marabunga Road) continue straight, to head along Wisemans Ferry Road.
After another 350 m find the "Somersby Store" (40 m on your left).
Somersby Store
Somersby Store

Somersby Store offers a good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc and cold drinks. Opening hours are 6am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). There is a pay phone and a bus stop however services are limited to two buses a day. Contact details are (02)4372 1269, at 841 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby, NSW 2250. The store owners are happy for you to phone ahead. If you are a large group you can order ahead to save the stress. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock.
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Somersby Store offers a good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc and cold drinks. Opening hours are 6am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). There is a pay phone and a bus stop however services are limited to two buses a day. Contact details are (02)4372 1269, at 841 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby, NSW 2250. The store owners are happy for you to phone ahead. If you are a large group you can order ahead to save the stress. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock.

After another 7 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
After another 80 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 750 m (at the intersection of Dog Trap Road & Wisemans Ferry Road) turn right, to head along Dog Trap Road (a residential road).
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Kilkenny Road & Dog Trap Road) turn left, to head along Kilkenny Road (a vehicle track).
After another 910 m continue straight, to head along Kilkenny Road.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Kilkenny Road.
After another 295 m cross the ford.
After another 2.5 km find the "Palm Grove Campsite" (30 m on your right).
Palm Grove Campsite
Palm Grove Campsite

A Great North Walk signposted campsite with plenty of room for a few tents but providing minimal facilities ie. no water, toilets or tables however there is a bench and barbeque plate and room for a fire.
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A Great North Walk signposted campsite with plenty of room for a few tents but providing minimal facilities ie. no water, toilets or tables however there is a bench and barbeque plate and room for a fire.

After another 940 m turn left, to head along Ourimbah Creek Road.
After another 9 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your left).
After another 1.8 km (at the intersection of Ourimbah Creek Road & Platypus Creek Lane) continue straight, to head along Ourimbah Creek Road (a vehicle track).
After another 80 m head through/around the gate.
After another 740 m cross the ford.
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Cedar Brush Walk & Ourimbah Creek Road) turn left, to head along Cedar Brush Walk (a walking track).
After another 1.6 km find the "Tooheys Road campsite" (6 m on your left).
Tooheys Road campsite
Tooheys Road campsite

This is a small camping area on the side of Tooheys Road, with room for a small number of tents but providing no facilities.
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This is a small camping area on the side of Tooheys Road, with room for a small number of tents but providing no facilities.

After another 530 m find the "Stringy Bark Point" (on your left).
Stringy Bark Point
Stringy Bark Point

This campsite is in a small clearing at Stringy Bark Point, just on the southern side of the bridge. This campsite provides room for a small campfire and a few tents. Water is usually available from the creek running by the campsite, please treat before drinking.
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This campsite is in a small clearing at Stringy Bark Point, just on the southern side of the bridge. This campsite provides room for a small campfire and a few tents. Water is usually available from the creek running by the campsite, please treat before drinking.

After another 155 m cross the ford.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Tooheys Road & Cedar Brush Walk) veer left, to head along Tooheys Road (a vehicle track).
After another 2.3 km turn left.
After another 95 m find the "Campsite" (15 m on your right).
Campsite
Campsite

A basic clearing for an overnight stay, providing room for a fire and small number of tents. There is no water at this campsite so you will need to carry sufficient.
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A basic clearing for an overnight stay, providing room for a fire and small number of tents. There is no water at this campsite so you will need to carry sufficient.

After another 1.7 km continue straight.
After another 200 m veer left.
After another 75 m continue straight.
After another 660 m continue straight.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 600 m turn right, to head along Cherry Lane.
After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Greta Road & Cherry Lane) turn right, to head along Greta Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 410 m turn sharp left.
After another 265 m continue straight.
After another 40 m continue straight.
After another 185 m veer left.
After another 120 m turn right.
After another 4.1 km continue straight, to head along Bumble Hill Road.
After another 530 m come to "Yarramalong Store".
Yarramalong Store
Yarramalong Store

Yarramalong Store is good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc as well as cold drinks. The store is open 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. There is a pay phone outside and a tap to refill water, and the store has its own fuel pump. Phone on (02)4356 1222. The address is 1625 Yarramalong Rd, Yarramalong NSW 2259. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock. It is a small store so choice is limited.
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Yarramalong Store is good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc as well as cold drinks. The store is open 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. There is a pay phone outside and a tap to refill water, and the store has its own fuel pump. Phone on (02)4356 1222. The address is 1625 Yarramalong Rd, Yarramalong NSW 2259. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock. It is a small store so choice is limited.

Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Yarramalong Road & Bumble Hill Road at the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Wondabyne to Yarramalong


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 50.8 km
Time 16 h to 2 days
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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
Campsite: There are 7 on route, on average they are 6.3 km apart with the largest gap of 17 km.

Toilet: There is one 25.2 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Camp site
7.6 km[camp site]
Campsite
11.6 kmMooney Mooney Creek Campsite (south)
Campsite
12.9 kmMooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)
Toilet
25.2 km[toilet]
Campsite
29.9 kmPalm Grove Campsite
Campsite
36.1 kmTooheys Road campsite
Campsite
36.7 kmStringy Bark Point
Campsite
40.5 kmCampsite
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