Girrakool Loop Track

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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	(-33.4317118,151.2766347)
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 1.5 km Turn left onto Quarry Road and drive for another 75 m Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 630 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Girrakool picnic area car park and information sign, this walk heads across the car park to the 'Girrakool Loop 2km' signpost on the other side. The walk then follows this sign and track into the bush, leaving the freeway noise behind. The track crosses a rock platform then heads down a series of steps, to come to a large rock platform with a pine log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. The cliff edge around the rock is un-fenced.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the car park at the start. Then pass the toilet (40 m on your right). There is a sign (about 25 m back from the start). After 35 m find the "Girrakool Picnic Area" (10 m on your left). 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'.
	After another 30 m veer left, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. After another 175 m find the "Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site" (8 m on your left). Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site This rock platform has a log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. Make an effort to not walk on the the engravings as this will only fade the engraving further. The engraving on this rock have faded but with a bit of effort you can make out a man and kangaroo.
	After another 70 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Creek Cascades. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 175 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. After another 95 m find the "Broula Lookout" (on your left). Broula Lookout Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.
	Turn left, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Creek Waterfall. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 40 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. 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 15 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	After another 430 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. After another 15 m pass the waterfall (20 m on your left). Then find the "Andamira Lookout" (on your left). Andamira Lookout The fenced Andamira Lookout is on a platform, overlooking Leaskes Creek waterfall on the Girrakool Loop walk. The waterfall is in a sandstone and ferny amphitheatre with a sandy base. Prior to reaching the waterfall, this creek has just passed under the F3 freeway, which can be heard a short distance away. Trees have grown up over the years and the view of the water if filtered through the leaves. After another 35 m find the "Boondi Lookout" (10 m on your right). Boondi Lookout Boondi Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Girrakool Loop track, in Brisbane Water National Park. The view is mostly of the trees in the valley, with some glimpses of Leaskes Creek to the right. 'Boondi' is a word used by the Darkinjung people meaning 'Club-headed weapon'.
	After another 245 m veer right, to head along Girrakool Road. After another 40 m come to a car park.
	The end.

An optional side trip to Piles Creek Cascades.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 30 m come to the end. About 15 m past the end is "Piles Creek Cascades". Piles Creek Cascades Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 30 m come to the end.

About 15 m past the end is "Piles Creek Cascades".

Piles Creek Cascades

Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Piles Creek Waterfall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop Start heading along Piles Creek Loop (a walking track).
	After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	After another 20 m come to the end. "Piles Creek Waterfall". 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 65 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool Loop Track

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	1.4 km
Time	30 min to 45 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one -25 m back from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-25 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'.

Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site
This rock platform has a log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. Make an effort to not walk on the the engravings as this will only fade the engraving further. The engraving on this rock have faded but with a bit of effort you can make out a man and kangaroo.

Piles Creek Cascades
Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain.

Broula Lookout
Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.

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 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.

Andamira Lookout
The fenced Andamira Lookout is on a platform, overlooking Leaskes Creek waterfall on the Girrakool Loop walk. The waterfall is in a sandstone and ferny amphitheatre with a sandy base. Prior to reaching the waterfall, this creek has just passed under the F3 freeway, which can be heard a short distance away. Trees have grown up over the years and the view of the water if filtered through the leaves.

Boondi Lookout
Boondi Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Girrakool Loop track, in Brisbane Water National Park. The view is mostly of the trees in the valley, with some glimpses of Leaskes Creek to the right. 'Boondi' is a word used by the Darkinjung people meaning 'Club-headed weapon'.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Sunday 22 December
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. The chance of a thunderstorm early this evening. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  18°C → 30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe in the morning and early afternoon. 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. Overnight temperatures falling to between 15 and 19 with daytime temperatures reaching 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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