Girrakool to Wondabyne Station

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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	From the Girrakool Road (-33.4317118,151.2766347)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Old Pacific Highway, B83 Turn on to Quarry Road then drive for 75 m Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 640 m
Finish	(-33.491972,151.2570896)
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
	From the Girrakool Road Start heading along Girrakool Road (a vehicle track). After 15 m to find the car park.
	After another 10 m (from the Girrakool Road) continue straight (a walking track). Girrakool Picnic Area (about 20 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'. After 70 m pass the sign (on your right). Then pass the toilet (10 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left).
	After another 100 m (from the Girrakool Loop Track) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. After another 15 m find the "Broula Lookout" (40 m 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.
	After another 25 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 (from the Piles Creek Loop) 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 (from the Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 135 m (from the Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 150 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 (from the Piles Creek Loop) 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 (from the Rifle Range Firetrail) veer right, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 1.1 km come to the viewpoint.
	After another 55 m (from the Rifle Range Firetrail) 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) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 960 m (from the Rifle Range Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail. After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long) After another 165 m come to "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 Piles Ck Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Piles Creek Loop Start (a walking track). After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout". 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.
	Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Piles Creek Loop Start (a walking track).

After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout".

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.

Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 10 m (from the Rifle Range Firetrail) turn around. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 8 m come to the viewpoint (100 m on your right).
	After another 1.9 km turn left. After another 20 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (25 m on your right). 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.
	After another 1 m come to the end. About 10 m past the end is "Kariong Brook Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.9 km to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool to Wondabyne Station

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	9.3 km
Time	3 h 45 min to 4 h

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 80 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	80 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Friday 14 March
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Light winds.
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  20°C → 32°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  The chance of fog in the early morning. Mostly sunny day. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 20 with daytime temperatures reaching 31 to 36.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:30pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  23°C → 35°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 18 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s.
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the morning. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h shifting south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 16 and 19 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Tuesday 18 March
  
  16°C → 24°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. 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 day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Wednesday 19 March
  
  16°C → 27°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Thursday 20 March
  
  18°C → 30°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Friday 21 March
  
  19°C → 27°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
  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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