This walk takes you deep into moist rainforest and is well worthwhile. The walk is mostly flat and travels through a varied and healthy rainforest, with strangler fig vines, large older trees and lots of wildlife. If you are lucky, you could find the protected yabbies in the creek at the end of the walk. This walk is a must do, particularly on a hot day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Picnic shelter at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track head at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Timber steps leaving the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track and forest near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Steps near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Dense forest by track near the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Large old tree trunk at intersection of Gap Creek Falls and Forest Walk in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Sign to Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Intersection to the Gap Creek Falls and the Forest Walk in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Intersection from Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Forest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Dense rainforest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track through tree trunk in rainforest in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track through large tree trunk near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Strangler fig roots growing over a rock in the rainforest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Track near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Fresh water yabbies in Gap Creek near Gap Creek picnic area. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Large rocks in creek by moist rainforest in the Watagans. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.Timber step overlooking Gap Creek in moist rainforest . | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2010.
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
At the intersection of Bangalow Road & Gap Creek Falls Walking Track (-33.0132165,151.4306063)
Turn left onto Palmers Road and drive for another 90 m
Turn slight left onto Palmers Road and drive for another 3.1 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Freemans Drive, B82 and drive for another 8 km
Turn right onto Mount Faulk Road and drive for another 4.9 km
Keep left onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 2.8 km
Turn slight right onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 1.8 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Gap Creek picnic area, this walk follows the track gently uphill (up steps initially), passing the 'Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign (on your left). The track is followed through moist rainforest for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a large dead tree and a 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Bangalow Road & Gap Creek Falls Walking Track Start heading along Gap Creek Falls Walking Track (a walking track).
There is a toilet (about 105 m back from the start).
Gap Creek Campground (about 15 m back from the start).
Gap Creek picnic area (about 9 m back from the start).
Gap Creek picnic area
Gap Creek picnic area
The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables.
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The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables.
After another 30 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your right).
After another 335 m continue straight.
Continue another 500 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 880 m to get back to the start.
About 50 m past the end is "Gap Creek Rainforest rest area".
Gap Creek Rainforest rest area
Gap Creek Rainforest rest area
The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders, pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.
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The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders, pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Gap Creek Rainforest Walk
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
1.8 km
Time
50 min to 1 h
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
