Gap Creek Falls Walk
Awabakal Country

50 min to 1 h

1.4 km
return

↑ 151 m
↓ -151 m

Moderate track
This walk leads to one of the best waterfalls in the Hunter area and is highly recommended. The walk travels through dense rainforest, before descending to an inspiring amphitheatre of rock with the dramatic Gap Creek Falls. Spend some time looking around the base of the falls, particularly behind the falls on the narrow unfenced ledge. This walk is particularly good on a hot day, where the cooling spray off the waterfall is appreciated. 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. 
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Gap Creek picnic area at the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track head at Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber steps leaving the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track and forest near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Steps near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dense forest by track near the Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Large old tree trunk at intersection of Gap Creek Falls and Forest Walk in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign to Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Intersection from Gap Creek Falls near Gap Creek picnic area in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Intersection to the Gap Creek Falls and the Forest Walk in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Forest near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dense forest on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber seat on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Stone steps on the track to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocky stepped track on the way to Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Forested track near the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Track near Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rock underneath the arch at Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Large rocks at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls from underneath the arch in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Section of Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocks and water at the base of the Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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 At the intersection of Bangalow Road & Gap Creek Falls Walking Track (-33.0132165,151.4306063)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Pacific Motorway, M1
  • Turn on to Freemans Drive Exit then drive for 510 m
  • Keep right and drive for another 45 m
  • Turn right onto Freemans Drive and drive for another 4.6 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).
This is a free campsite.
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).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to End of Forest Walk. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 335 m veer left, to head along Gap Creek Falls Walking Track.
Continue another 295 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 680 m to get back to the start.
About 35 m past the end is "Gap Creek waterfall".
Gap Creek waterfall
Gap Creek waterfall

The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.
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The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.


An optional side trip to End of Forest Walk.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 500 m come to the end.
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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Gap Creek Falls Walk


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 1.4 km
Time 50 min to 1 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There is one 15 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one -75 m back from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-75 m[toilet]
Camp site
15 mGap Creek Campground
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Articles
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Weather & Alerts
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