Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

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 Woy Woy Road Turn on to Woy Woy Road then drive for 500 m Turn left onto Central Coast Highway, A49 and drive for another 1.4 km Turn right onto Wisemans Ferry Road, B83 and drive for another 810 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 650 m
Finish	(-33.4920915,151.2569603)
Mode (end)	Train

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).
	Continue straight.
	After another 165 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. After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 30 m find the "Piles Creek Lookout" (25 m on your right). 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. After another 120 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 continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 30 m pass the sign (on your left).
	After another 600 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) turn right, to head along Pindar Walking Track.
	After another 2.2 km continue straight. After another 10 m come to the "Mooney Mooney Creek Lookout" (9 m on your right). After another 1.3 km find the "Mt Pindar lookout" (25 m on your left). Mt Pindar lookout From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities. After another 480 m find the "Pindar Pool" (15 m on your left). Pindar Pool The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Waterfall. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 250 m turn around. After another 2 km continue straight.
	After another 2.2 km (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) turn right, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
	After another 960 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long)
	After another 130 m continue straight. About 65 m past the end is "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. The end.

An optional side trip to Waterfall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 50 m find the "Pindar Cave" (15 m on your left). Pindar Cave Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns. After another 345 m turn left.
	After another 50 m come to the end. About 75 m past the end is "Pindar Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 440 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 50 m find the "Pindar Cave" (15 m on your left).

Pindar Cave

Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.

After another 345 m turn left.

After another 50 m come to the end.

About 75 m past the end is "Pindar Falls".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 440 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	17.8 km
Time	6 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	No directional signs (5/6)
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	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.

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.

Mt Pindar lookout
From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities.

Pindar Pool
The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.

Pindar Cave
Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.

Pindar Waterfall
Pindar Waterfall, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a rocky outcrop from which a vegetation enclosed stream runs over and through. The waterfall is not a picturesque spot, with the water running through dense vegetation and cracks in the boulders to pools out-of-sight. The waterfall is fed by an ephemeral stream which will does not guarantee it as a source of water. From the rocky outcrop of the waterfall, views over the valley below can be observed.

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.

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
  Safety alerts: High to Extreme fire danger
  NPWS is advising visitors to local national parks to take caution on Monday 23rd December 2024 due to high to extreme fire danger.
  A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Greater Hunter region.
  High temperatures are forecast and are likely to lead to dangerous conditions that may change quickly.
  Plan your visit to a national park carefully, take adequate water and remain hydrated.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  NPWS recommends reviewing RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:
  https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app
  
  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: Areas closed due to extreme fire danger
  Some parts of this park are closed on Monday 23 December 2024 due to extreme fire danger. The closed areas are:
  
  The Great North Walk
  
  Informal walking track to Pindar Caves in Brisbane Water National Park
  
  Piles Creek Loop Walking Track, Brisbane Water National Park
  
  Hominy Creek, Mount Olive and 248 Walking Tracks, including Emerald Pools in Popran National Park
  
  Remote camping in Jilliby State Conservation Area, Palm Grove Nature Reserve and Watagans National Park
  
  Remote camping in Brisbane Water National Park, including Mt Wondabyne.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the National Parks contact centre on 1300 072 757 or visit the Rural Fire Service website.
  
  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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