Abbotts Falls Walking Track

2 h 45 min to 3 h

7.2 km
circuit

↑ 267 m
↓ -267 m

Hard track
This circuit takes you through both dry and moist forest, using a combination of walking trails and wider tracks. The side trip to the dammed pool is recommended, to see the deep Aboriginal carved grooves by the pool. This walk travels through open forest with wild flowers (in season) to descend into a moist rainforest environment near Abbotts Falls. This is a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. 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.
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Fireplace in the pines camping ground in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track and track marker in pines camping ground in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track near pines camping area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking track sign in Pines campground . | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber bridge in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Shallow creek ford in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Waterfall near Pines camping ground in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dammed pool on the Pines walking track in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track to the Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track to the Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Metal shelter at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Toilet block at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside the toilet at the Pines picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Palmers Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Palmers Rd near the Pines picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2010.
track marker near Pines picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign to Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Patersonia sericea flower in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track and sign in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track and creek on the way to Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Pea flower near the pines picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Termite mound in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocky track in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Narrow track towards the Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Old broken timber bridge on the track towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Patersonia Lily Flowers and tree stump in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber post near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Management trail in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Old yellow sign near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Steep track towards Abbotts Falls and Dora Creek in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track towards Dora Creek in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track near Dora Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Views near Dora Creek in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Path down into valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track marker near Dora Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocky track towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rainforest in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocks and rainforest in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Forest near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Attractive epiphyte vines near Abbotts Falls. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dora Creek near Abbotts Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Dora Creek above Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dora Creek looking towards Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dora Creek with leaves in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track leaving Dora Creek near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Moss covered boulders. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Logs over the track near Abbotts Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Management trail in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Steep track in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Intersection with German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Intersection with German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Insect on German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Hibbertia Flower on German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Puddle on German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
German Point Rd near Watagan Forest Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track marker near German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Small timber track marker in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking at German Point Rd in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track intersection near Casuarina campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track to Casuasina campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Toilet block at Cauuarina campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign to Turpentines camping area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Road to Turpentines campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sitting area at the Turpentines campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign to the toilets in the Watagans . | Photo by admin, 2010.
Fireplace at the Turpentine campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking down into the creek by Turpentine campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track down to the creek near Turpentine campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track with exposed roots near Turpentine campsite. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber footbridge over creek near Turpentine campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track and bridge over creek near Pines campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Picnic area at the Pines campsite in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
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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 (-33.0629642,151.3366642)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Pacific Motorway, M1
  • Turn on to Mandalong Road Off - Ramp then drive for 460 m
  • Keep left and drive for another 1.7 km
  • Turn right onto Deaves Road and drive for another 3.8 km
  • Turn left onto Freemans Drive and drive for another 970 m
  • Turn left onto Martinsville Road and drive for another 4.5 km
  • Turn left onto Watagan Road and drive for another 7.1 km
  • Turn slight right onto Watagan Forest Road and drive for another 3.5 km
  • Keep right onto Watagan Forest Road and drive for another 260 m
  • Turn right and drive for another 490 m
  • Keep right and drive for another 190 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Pines Camping area, this walk follows the track gently downhill (passing a 'Walking Track' sign on your left. Then this walk follows the track for about 30m to find a rotten timber footbridge. This walk crosses the footbridge and after about 10m, comes to a T-intersection with a track.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the The Pines Camping Area at the start.
Campsite managed byForestry Corporation of NSW.
After 25 m pass the toilet (7 m on your right).
After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Dammed Pool. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 5 m turn right, to head along The Pines Walking Trail.
After another 450 m veer left, to head along Palmers Road.
After another 40 m pass the toilet (6 m on your right).
After another 40 m find the "Pines picnic area" (60 m on your left).
Pines picnic area
Pines picnic area

This large picnic area is often used by groups participating in Forests NSW’s school and community programs. The area provides plenty of tree cover, as well as a number of picnic benches and tables. There is a large shelter built and reserved for the Forests NSW’s programs, but is available for use at any other time. The area is surrounded by native plants and animals.
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This large picnic area is often used by groups participating in Forests NSW’s school and community programs. The area provides plenty of tree cover, as well as a number of picnic benches and tables. There is a large shelter built and reserved for the Forests NSW’s programs, but is available for use at any other time. The area is surrounded by native plants and animals.

After another 135 m veer right.
After another 135 m turn left.
After another 70 m continue straight.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Abbotts Falls Walking Trail.
After another 10 m cross the ford.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Abbotts Falls Walking Trail & Howes Road) veer right, to head along Abbotts Falls Walking Trail.
After another 620 m cross the ford.
After another 50 m (at the intersection of Abbotts Road & Abbotts Falls Walking Trail) turn left, to head along Abbotts Road (a vehicle track).
After another 810 m find the "Abbotts Falls" (20 m on your left).
Abbotts Falls
Abbotts Falls

Abbotts Falls in the Olney State Forest are located in a secluded valley on Dora Creek. Thick rainforest lines Dora Creek and these falls are a great place to visit on a hot, dry day in summer. The falls can be found along the Abbotts Falls walking track. Please note that the falls are unfenced and care should be taken.
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Abbotts Falls in the Olney State Forest are located in a secluded valley on Dora Creek. Thick rainforest lines Dora Creek and these falls are a great place to visit on a hot, dry day in summer. The falls can be found along the Abbotts Falls walking track. Please note that the falls are unfenced and care should be taken.

After another 9 m cross the ford.
After another 105 m cross the ford.
After another 290 m cross the ford.
After another 460 m (at the intersection of German Point Road & Abbotts Falls Walking Trail) turn left, to head along German Point Road (a vehicle track).
After another 2.6 km veer left.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 140 m turn sharp right.
After another 180 m find the "Casuarina Campsite" (20 m on your right).
Casuarina Campsite
Casuarina Campsite

The Casuarina Campsite is a small and secluded site, set amongst forest oaks and a variety of eucalypts. The Casuarina Camping Area can accommodate caravans and trailers as well as individual campsites. There are fireplaces, toilets, picnic tables and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable).
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The Casuarina Campsite is a small and secluded site, set amongst forest oaks and a variety of eucalypts. The Casuarina Camping Area can accommodate caravans and trailers as well as individual campsites. There are fireplaces, toilets, picnic tables and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable).

After another 65 m pass the toilet (5 m on your right).
After another 60 m find the "Old Mill picnic area" (120 m on your left).
Old Mill picnic area
Old Mill picnic area

The Old Mill picnic area is set alongside Watagan Forest Road and is a great place for family sport, with a wide and flat grassed area surrounded by forest. Please note that this site is for day use only, with no camping allowed. The site has picnic tables and fireplaces.
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The Old Mill picnic area is set alongside Watagan Forest Road and is a great place for family sport, with a wide and flat grassed area surrounded by forest. Please note that this site is for day use only, with no camping allowed. The site has picnic tables and fireplaces.

Turn left.
After another 450 m continue straight.
After another 55 m find the "Turpentine Campsite" (115 m on your right).
Turpentine Campsite
Turpentine Campsite

Turpentine camping area provides many sheltered sites amongst turpentine trees. It is an ideal spot for smaller groups or families. The campsite is spread out along the end of Turpentine Road, providing picnic benches, tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). Toilet facilities are located in the nearby Pines Camping or Casuarina Camping Areas. There is good access to a creek for cooling off in the summer.
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Turpentine camping area provides many sheltered sites amongst turpentine trees. It is an ideal spot for smaller groups or families. The campsite is spread out along the end of Turpentine Road, providing picnic benches, tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). Toilet facilities are located in the nearby Pines Camping or Casuarina Camping Areas. There is good access to a creek for cooling off in the summer.

After another 30 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 10 m find the "The Pines Camping Area" (15 m on your left).
The Pines Camping Area
The Pines Camping Area

The Pines Camping Area is large and popular, and positioned under large pine trees which provide excellent shade. These trees are remnants from trial plantings of different pine species, established in the 1920s and 1930s. The campsite has pit toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). There is access to the creek for cooling off in the summer.
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The Pines Camping Area is large and popular, and positioned under large pine trees which provide excellent shade. These trees are remnants from trial plantings of different pine species, established in the 1920s and 1930s. The campsite has pit toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and water (treat water before use - water maybe unavailable). There is access to the creek for cooling off in the summer.

After another 15 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Dammed Pool.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 110 m turn left.
After another 15 m come to the end.
About 15 m past the end is "Dammed Pool on the Pines Walking track".
Dammed Pool on the Pines Walking track
Dammed Pool on the Pines Walking track

The dammed pool by Dora Creek (on the Pine walking track) is surrounded by lovely moist eucalypt forest and has an attractive dammed pool. Then is also evidence of axe-sharpening rubbing grooves on damp rock shelves from historical aboriginal use. The dammed pool is on the Pines loop walk, which can be begun from either the Pines campsite or the Pines picnic area.
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The dammed pool by Dora Creek (on the Pine walking track) is surrounded by lovely moist eucalypt forest and has an attractive dammed pool. Then is also evidence of axe-sharpening rubbing grooves on damp rock shelves from historical aboriginal use. The dammed pool is on the Pines loop walk, which can be begun from either the Pines campsite or the Pines picnic area.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 130 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Abbotts Falls Walking Track


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 7.2 km
Time 2 h 45 min to 3 h
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 (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.4 km apart with the largest gap of 6.5 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 6 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Camp site
0 mThe Pines Camping Area
Toilet
25 m[toilet]
Toilet
600 m[toilet]
Campsite
6.5 kmCasuarina Campsite
Toilet
6.6 km[toilet]
Campsite
7.1 kmTurpentine Campsite
Campsite
7.2 kmThe Pines Camping Area
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