Great North Walk: Cedar Brush to Watagan Creek Road
Awabakal Country

6 h to 9 h

17 km
oneway

↑ 894 m
↓ -802 m

Hard track
This section of the Great North Walk makes a good walk along the Lyrebird Trail by Wollombi Brook. From Cedar Brush track head, the walk winds up into the Olney State Forest through bushland (crossing over two moist gullies). Once most of your height is gained, this walk follows an unsealed road before dropping down into the Wollombi Brook gully. From here, the walk follows bush tracks along Lyrebird Trail, past Basin Campsite (side trip) into the Olney State Forest to wind north into the Watagans, via the Warrawolong Flora Reserve. This walk also offers a side trip from Turners Road up to the top of Mt Warrawolong, which is the highest point along the Great North Walk. The walk finishes at Watagan Creek Road and gives a nice opportunity for that quiet drive in the country. 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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Photo by admin, 2010.
Gate at Cedar Brush Trackhead. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Cedar Brush track head. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Farmland near Cedar Brush Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge north of Cedar Brush track head. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Farmland near Cedar Brush track head. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW walkers register. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Forest north of Cedar Brush track head. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Moist gully north of Cedar Brush track head. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii). | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Meeting an unsealed trail on Walkers Ridge Road. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber steps east of Wollombi Brook. | Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW sign on the Lyrebird Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber steps north of Wollombi Brook Pool. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Timber steps south of Kangaroo Point Road. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Kangaroo Point Road. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Intersection of Kangaroo Point and Murrays Forest Roads. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2010.
GNW signage at Watagan Creek Campsite. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Photo by admin, 2008.
Passing through farmland south of Watagan Creek crossing. | 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 (-33.142763,151.2562475)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom George Downes Drive, 33
  • Turn on to Walkers Ridge Road then drive for 2.2 km
  • Turn slight right onto Brush Creek Road and drive for another 5.9 km
Finish Great North Walk (-33.0283562,151.2734211)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the stile at the start.
Find the Great North Walk at the start.
After another 1.7 km turn right.
After another 135 m find the "Walkers Rest Area" (15 m on your left).
Walkers Rest Area
Walkers Rest Area

This GNW walkers rest area (signposted) is located beside King Ridge Road, and consists of two benches, a campfire and enough room for four or five tents on a grassy level surface. There is no water is available.
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This GNW walkers rest area (signposted) is located beside King Ridge Road, and consists of two benches, a campfire and enough room for four or five tents on a grassy level surface. There is no water is available.

After another 510 m continue straight.
The starting point of an alternate route. Alternate route along Walkers Ridge Road to be used during elevated fire danger. To take the alternate route turn sharp right here. Details below.
After another 2.9 km continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 35 m continue straight.
After another 125 m continue straight, to head along Bobs Point Road.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 165 m turn right, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 25 m turn sharp left.
After another 380 m turn left, to head along Cedar Brush Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to the comfortable Basin Campsite with a nice walk along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 650 m continue straight, to head along Cedar Brush Walk.
After another 2 km (at the intersection of Wild Boar Road & Piglet Point Road) turn left, to head along Wild Boar Road.
After another 170 m (at the intersection of Wild Boar Road & Pork Point Road) veer right, to head along Wild Boar Road.
After another 470 m (at the intersection of Wild Boar Road & Bacon Point Road) turn right, to head along Wild Boar Road.
After another 780 m continue straight, to head along Wild Boar Road.
After another 340 m (at the intersection of Kangaroo Point Road & Pig and Sow Ridge Road) continue straight, to head along Kangaroo Point Road.
After another 400 m cross the ford.
After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Murrays Forest Road & Kangaroo Point Road) turn right, to head along Murrays Forest Road (a vehicle track).
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Murrays Forest Road.
After another 25 m find the "Mt Warrawolong Campsite" (55 m on your left).
Mt Warrawolong Campsite
Mt Warrawolong Campsite

This relatively small campsite is a flat open clearing a stones throw away from the dirt road with a small fire pit and enough room to comfortably pitch three tents. There is no water available at this campsite so you will need to make sure you have enough to last until you get to the next water source.
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This relatively small campsite is a flat open clearing a stones throw away from the dirt road with a small fire pit and enough room to comfortably pitch three tents. There is no water available at this campsite so you will need to make sure you have enough to last until you get to the next water source.

The alternate route finishes here. Turn sharp right to rejoin the main route at the 12.6 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Murrays Forest Road & The Bar Trail) continue straight, to head along The Bar Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 75 m continue straight, to head along The Bar Trail.
After another 180 m continue straight, to head along The Bar Trail.
After another 560 m continue straight, to head along The Bar Trail.
After another 95 m continue straight, to head along The Bar Trail.
After another 800 m (at the intersection of Warrawolong Road & The Bar Trail) turn sharp left, to head along Warrawolong Road.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to the top of Mt Warrawolong, the highest point along the Great North Walk for great views over the country. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 400 m (at the intersection of Turner's Road & Warrawolong Road) turn right, to head along Turner's Road.
After another 110 m (at the intersection of Spinebill Point Road & Turner's Road) veer left, to head along Turner's Road.
After another 710 m continue straight.
After another 400 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
After another 1 km find the "Watagan Creek Campsite" (35 m on your left).
Watagan Creek Campsite
Watagan Creek Campsite

This is a Great North Walk signposted campsite, with plenty of room for a few tents but providing minimal facilities ie. no water, toilets or tables. There is, however, a bench and room for a fire.
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This is a Great North Walk signposted campsite, with plenty of room for a few tents but providing minimal facilities ie. no water, toilets or tables. There is, however, a bench and room for a fire.

After another 100 m veer right.
After another 8 m come to "Great North Walk".
Continue another 0 m to find Great North Walk at the end.

Side trip to the comfortable Basin Campsite with a nice walk along the Lyrebird Trail by the Wollombi Brook.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 1.6 km continue straight.
After another 270 m cross the bridge
After another 70 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 25 m find the "Basin Campsite" (on your left).
Basin Campsite
Basin Campsite

This large campsite sits by Wollombi Brook on the Great North Walk and is accessible by car. The campsite provides a range of facilities such as a pit toilet, picnic tables and chairs, wood BBQs and fireplaces. Water is usually available from the water tank or the nearby creek - treat before use.
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This large campsite sits by Wollombi Brook on the Great North Walk and is accessible by car. The campsite provides a range of facilities such as a pit toilet, picnic tables and chairs, wood BBQs and fireplaces. Water is usually available from the water tank or the nearby creek - treat before use.

After another 6 m come to a car park.
About 15 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 2 km to the main route.

Side trip to the top of Mt Warrawolong, the highest point along the Great North Walk for great views over the country.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Warrawolong Road & Turner's Road Start heading along Warrawolong Road (a vehicle track).
After another 320 m veer left, to head along Warrawolong Road.
After another 75 m head through/around the gate.
After another 1.7 km find the "Mt Warrawolong" (25 m on your right).
Mount Warrawolong
Mount Warrawolong

At 642m above sea level, Mount Warrawolong is the highest point along the Great North Walk.
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At 642m above sea level, Mount Warrawolong is the highest point along the Great North Walk.

About 40 m past the end is "Mount Warrawolong".
About 20 m past the end is a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 2.1 km to the main route.

Alternate route along Walkers Ridge Road to be used during elevated fire danger.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Pumpkin Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 300 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Cuckoo Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Owl Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 90 m continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 430 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Lyrebird Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 320 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Swallow Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 420 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Magpie Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 225 m (at the intersection of Walkers Short Point Road & Walkers Ridge Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 305 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Pig and Sow Ridge Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Baileys Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Walkers Long Point Road & Walkers Ridge Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Joes Point Road) continue straight, to head along Walkers Ridge Road.
After another 760 m (at the intersection of Walkers Ridge Road & Murrays Forest Road) turn left, to head along Murrays Forest Road (a vehicle track).
After another 1 km (at the intersection of Murrays Forest Road & Bar lookout Road) continue straight, to head along Murrays Forest Road.
After another 220 m come to "Mt Warrawolong Campsite".
Mt Warrawolong Campsite
Mt Warrawolong Campsite

This relatively small campsite is a flat open clearing a stones throw away from the dirt road with a small fire pit and enough room to comfortably pitch three tents. There is no water available at this campsite so you will need to make sure you have enough to last until you get to the next water source.
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This relatively small campsite is a flat open clearing a stones throw away from the dirt road with a small fire pit and enough room to comfortably pitch three tents. There is no water available at this campsite so you will need to make sure you have enough to last until you get to the next water source.

The end.
At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Cedar Brush to Watagan Creek Road


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 17 km
Time 6 h to 9 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
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 Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 4 on route, on average they are 4.2 km apart with the largest gap of 7.9 km.

Toilet: There is one 6.6 km (plus an extra 2 km along side route) from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Campsite
1.9 kmWalkers Rest Area
Campsite
6.6 km + 2 kmBasin Campsite
Toilet
6.6 km + 2 km[toilet]
Campsite
12.5 kmMt Warrawolong Campsite
Campsite
16.9 kmWatagan Creek Campsite
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