BushwalkBushwalk
10 h to 2 days
| Start | (-33.5504173,151.2745435) |
| 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.) |
| Directions | From Pacific Motorway, M1
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| Finish | (-33.4921757,151.2568953) |
| Mode (end) | Train |
| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Patonga Village (about 5 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.
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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.
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After another 260 m find the "Broken Bay View" (30 m on your right).
 Broken Bay View
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.
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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.
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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 300 m find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your left).
 Warrah Trig Station
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.
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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.
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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
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).
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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).
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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.
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After another 20 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your left).
 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.
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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.
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After another 1.3 km find the "Mt Pindar lookout" (25 m on your left).
 Mt Pindar lookout
Mt Pindar lookout
From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities.
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From the rocky perch of Mt Pindar, Brisbane Waters National Park, you can enjoy views over Mullet Creek, Dangar Island and the Hawkesbery River. This is an informal lookout, with no fencing or other facilities.
After another 480 m find the "Pindar Pool" (15 m on your left).
 Pindar Pool
Pindar Pool
The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.
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The pool between Mt Pindar and Pindar Cave is an ephemeral (short-lived, unreliable) waterhole. The pool is a refreshing place for a swim when full, with many birds enjoying the area too. The pool is a 10m by 5m tub which is quite deep. Being ephemeral, it is not always full of water.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Waterfall. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. 
After another 20 m find the "Pindar Cave" (30 m on your right).
 Pindar Cave
Pindar Cave
Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.
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Pindar Cave, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a large expanse of overhanging rock. The cave is made by a sandstone overhang of 15m, which spans approximately 50m along the hillside. The floor of the cave is a good spot for a sleep, while the roof of the cave is black from many campfires. Access to water is relatively good, however the waterfall and nearby pool are ephemeral (transient) streams with irregular and unreliable water patterns.
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About 75 m past the end is "Wondabyne".
 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.
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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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Class 5/6 Very challenging |
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| Length | 27.8 km |
| Time | 10 h to 2 days |
| Quality of track | Rough unclear track (5/6) |
| Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Signage | No directional signs (5/6) |
| 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 | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) |
Campsite: There is one 11 km from the start.
Shelter: There is one 95 m from the start.
Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.| Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Shelter
| 95 m | [shelter] |
Toilet
| 125 m | [toilet] |
Campsite
| 11 km | Mt Wondabyne Campsite |
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There is an artwork (about 80 m back from the start).
After another 5 m to find the car park.
After another 15 m pass the sign (15 m on your left).
After another 60 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Patonga Drive.
After another 135 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 6 m head through/around the gate.
After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long)
"Mount Wondabyne".
