Patonga to Staples Lookout

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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	(-33.5504,151.2745435)
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.)
Finish	(-33.4717235,151.2883173)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.)

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.)
From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the 'Brisbane Water National Park' sign. This area of the beach is also know as 'Dark Corner'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Patonga Drive. There is an artwork (about 80 m back from the start). 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. There is a car park. After another 45 m pass the sign (10 m on your left). After another 55 m pass the shelter (20 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your right). 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 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 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 veer 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) turn left, to head along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath). After another 30 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 295 m to find the car park. Then find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your left). Warrah Trig Station Warrah Trig Station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring. After another 55 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
	After another 90 m continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road. After another 145 m (at the intersection of Warrah Trig Road & Warrah Escape Trail) continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
	After another 940 m veer right.
	After another 265 m (at the intersection of Patonga Drive & Warrah Patch Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 20 m pass the "Waratah" (on your left). After another 6 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 100 m veer right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of PMG Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
	After another 270 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn left, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 200 m turn right, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Sani Depot Trail & Van Dahls Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail. After another 1.6 km continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
	After another 185 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Dillons Trail) veer left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track). After another 2 km come to the viewpoint (5 m on your right).
	After another 260 m (at the intersection of Dillons Firetrail & Dillons Trail) continue straight, to head along Dillons Trail.
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Dillons Trail) turn right, to head along Tunnel Trail (a vehicle track).
	After another 150 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Rocky Ponds Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 470 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail) turn left, to head along Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail. After another 760 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite". Mt Wondabyne Campsite This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 85 m continue straight.
	After another 940 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
	After another 215 m turn left.
	After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing. 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 1.5 km veer right, to head along Thommos Loop. After another 25 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Thommos Loop & ML9 Loop Firetrail) continue straight. After another 195 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 10 m turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 250 m turn right. After another 30 m to find the car park.
	After another 8 m come to the end. "Staples Lookout". Staples Lookout Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27. A park. About 20 m past the end is a picnic table. About 25 m past the end is "Staples Lookout".

An optional side trip to Warrah Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 70 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end. "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. "Warrah Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 70 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end.

"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.

"Warrah Lookout".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left). Mt Wondabyne Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.
	After another 20 m come to the end. "Mount Wondabyne". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left).

Mt Wondabyne

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

After another 20 m come to the end.

"Mount Wondabyne".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 640 m come to the end. "Kariong Brook Falls". Kariong Brook Falls This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 640 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 640 m come to the end.

"Kariong Brook Falls".

Kariong Brook Falls

This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 640 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Patonga to Staples Lookout

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	16.8 km
Time	5 h 50 min to 6 h 30 min

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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 11 km from the start.

Shelter: There is one 190 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	125 m	[toilet]
Shelter	190 m	[shelter]
Campsite	11 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

Warrah Trig Station
Warrah Trig Station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, which were used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude, which allows surveyors to use triangulation and determine another point's location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been abandoned and superseded. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

Mt Wondabyne Campsite
This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Woy Woy 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 → 29°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 → 23°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 → 25°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 → 27°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
  
  18°C → 26°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Sunday 29 December
  
  18°C → 29°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: 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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