Patonga to Somersby
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 Days
41.5 km One way
1811 m
Hard track
(0km) Patonga Wharf car park → Warrah Reserve boat ramp
360 m
7 mins
12m
-12m
Easy track
From the car park[1] at Patonga wharf[2], this walk follows the footpath beside Patonga Drive[3], keeping the water on the right. The road leads out of town passing beside ‘Eve Williams Memorial Oval’[4][5][6] for 70m to find a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[7] opposite the toilet block[8]. Soon after this sign, this walk turns right following the ‘Boat Ramp’ sign and GNW arrow post[9] down along a side road[10] for 220m to find a parking area beside Patonga’s boat ramp[11]. (Alternatively it is possible to walk along the sandy beach[12] from the wharf to the boat ramp.)
(0.36km) Warrah Reserve boat ramp → Eastern end of Patonga Beach
170 m
3 mins
2m
-1m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the boat ramp, this walk follows the power lines across the car park, keeping the water to the right. The walk heads around the gate and continues to follow the power lines across the sand, coming to the eastern end of Patonga Beach and the ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[13]. This area of the beach is also know as ‘Dark Corner’.
(0.53km) Eastern end of Patonga Beach → Broken Bay View
590 m
21 mins
122m
0m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the eastern end of Patonga beach, this walk follows the ‘Warrah Trig 1.7km’ sign[15] up the steps. The track winds up the side on the hill, turning left and following the ridge line uphill. Soon after passing up some stairs between the rock, the track comes to a lovely view across the water. Here, the track turns left and climbs up more steps before flattening out and passing a few more GNW arrows. Just after passing two GNW arrows next to each other (at the end of a large crack in the rock), the track passes a few large Sydney Red Gums and comes to an unfenced rock platform on the 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.
(1.12km) Broken Bay View → Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track
330 m
6 mins
14m
0m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the Broken Bay view, this walk follows Great North Walk arrows uphill along the track. The track winds gently through the bush, with the occasional water glimpse to the right. After a short time, the track comes to a clear intersection with the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail with a sign pointing back to ‘Patonga’[16].
(1.45km) Int of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and Patonga track → Warrah Lookout intersection
370 m
9 mins
12m
-26m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow downhill along the wide management trail. After about 250m, the trail passes a track on the right (marked with 5 large boulders – this informal track leads to an unfenced view). The walk continues along the management trail for another 100m and comes to an intersection near the Warrah Lookout, and a sign pointing back to ‘Patonga’[17].
(1.82km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Warrah Lookout
70 m
2 mins
0m
-12m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads between the timber posts and follows the ‘Warrah Lookout’ sign[18] along the sandstone footpath. The path leads through the bush for a short distance, coming to the fenced Warrah Lookout. (Beware of informal side tracks that lead to unfenced sections of cliff.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Warrah Lookout
Warrah Lookout is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform. The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga. This is a great place to spend some time soaking up the views.
(1.82km) Warrah Lookout intersection → Warrah Trig Station
310 m
7 mins
39m
0m
Easy track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Tony Doyle Track, Warrah Car Park’ sign[19] up the sandstone steps and footpath. After winding through and over some rock platforms, the path leads up the hill to two sets of timber staircases. At the top of the second set, the walk comes to the old Warrah Trig station (a green metal post).
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[20]. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.
(2.13km) Warrah Trig Station → Warrah car park
30 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Easy track
Continue straight: From Warrah Trig Station, this walk follows the sandstone steps and footpath down the hill towards the dirt road. The path soon passes a plaque and a sign pointing back along the ‘Tony Doyle Track’[21] and comes to the Warrah car park.
(2.16km) Warrah Car Park → Int Warrah Trig Rd trail and Warrah Trig Station Rd
310 m
5 mins
2m
-4m
Easy track
Continue straight: From Warrah car park, this walk follows the road off the sealed section and along the dirt. The road passes a larger dirt overflow car park, then ignores an old trail (on the right) to soon come to an intersection with a management trail and gate on the left side.
(2.47km) Int of Warrah Trig trail and Warrah Trig Station Rd → Int of Warrah Trig Station Rd and Patonga Drive track
940 m
17 mins
20m
-8m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road north up a long and gentle hill. The road leads to an intersection with a track on the right marked with a Great North Walk arrow about 30m before Patonga Drive.
(3.41km) Int of Warrah Trig Station Rd and Patonga Drive track → Int of Great North Walk and Patonga Dr
280 m
5 mins
3m
-6m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker around the drainage ditch[22] to follow the track running parallel to Patonga Drive (keeping the road about 20m to your left). The track leads through the heath and scribbly gum forest[23] for about 100m before passing some distant ocean views[24] (on your right), where the track continues for another 150m to come to the sealed Patonga Drive[25]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow post[26] across the road to a locked gate and management trail[27], marked with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[28].
(3.68km) Int of Great North Walk and Patonga Dr → Int of Patonga and Girrakool tracks
670 m
11 mins
5m
-10m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[29] around the locked gate[30] to follow the management trail[31] away from the road. After about 100m, this walk comes to a clear three-way intersection[32] marked with sign pointing back to ‘Patonga’[33].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[34] gently up along the wide trail. After about 200m, the trail bends left[35], then leads gently down for another 100m, coming to an intersection[36] where the main trail bends right (and with the narrower Patonga Creek trail ahead), marked with a GNW arrow post[37].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north along the wide sandy management trail. The trail leads among the heath and large scribbly gums[38] for about 270m to come to T-intersection[39] with another wide trail[40], marked with a ‘Patonga’ sign[41] pointing back up along the trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[34] gently up along the wide trail. After about 200m, the trail bends left[35], then leads gently down for another 100m, coming to an intersection[36] where the main trail bends right (and with the narrower Patonga Creek trail ahead), marked with a GNW arrow post[37].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north along the wide sandy management trail. The trail leads among the heath and large scribbly gums[38] for about 270m to come to T-intersection[39] with another wide trail[40], marked with a ‘Patonga’ sign[41] pointing back up along the trail.
(4.36km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Patonga Dr trail → Int of Hawkesbury track and Van Dahls rest area track
2.1 km
37 mins
27m
-77m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[42] downhill along the management trail. Over the next 200m, the trail gently bends right then comes to an intersection (just before a large open rock platform[43]), marked with a ‘Girrakool’ sign[44] (pointing right).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[45] east uphill along the management trail[46]. The trail leads up the hill for about 25m to head over a short rock platform[47] where the trail continues fairly steeply uphill. The trail bends left[48] and then winds gently around the side of the hill[49], enjoying some views[50] along the way. The trail undulates for a while before leading gently down to pass a large clearing[51] (on your left). Just past this clearing, the trail heads down (fairly steeply at first) for about 200m to enter a tall wooded forest and come to a clear three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Sani Depot Trail’ sign[52] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] downhill along the wide trail. The trail soon leaves the tall Sydney Redgums[54] to lead down for almost 600m. The walk crosses a culverted creek[55] (with sandstone blocks[56]) and then the trail mostly flattens out[57]. Here the trail continues for another 170m leaving the tall forest to walk through the open heath[58], passing near a small cliff (on your right), to come to an intersection with the faint track[59] (on your left, this is just before the main trail bends right and starts to lead downhill again).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[45] east uphill along the management trail[46]. The trail leads up the hill for about 25m to head over a short rock platform[47] where the trail continues fairly steeply uphill. The trail bends left[48] and then winds gently around the side of the hill[49], enjoying some views[50] along the way. The trail undulates for a while before leading gently down to pass a large clearing[51] (on your left). Just past this clearing, the trail heads down (fairly steeply at first) for about 200m to enter a tall wooded forest and come to a clear three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Sani Depot Trail’ sign[52] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] downhill along the wide trail. The trail soon leaves the tall Sydney Redgums[54] to lead down for almost 600m. The walk crosses a culverted creek[55] (with sandstone blocks[56]) and then the trail mostly flattens out[57]. Here the trail continues for another 170m leaving the tall forest to walk through the open heath[58], passing near a small cliff (on your right), to come to an intersection with the faint track[59] (on your left, this is just before the main trail bends right and starts to lead downhill again).
(6.41km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Van Dahls rest area track → Rock Platform
590 m
12 mins
19m
-24m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail downhill[60], keeping the valley to your left. The trail winds downhill for almost 600m, crossing a couple of culverted creeks[61][62], until, just after a left-hand bend, this walk comes to a noteable rock platform[63] (with an ephemeral creek) and filtered view down the valley (to your left)[64].
(7km) Rock Platform → Int of Hawkesbury track near Patonga Creek
520 m
12 mins
24m
-27m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the rock platform, this walk follows the trail north up the side of the hill. The trail leads uphill for about 25m before bending left and leading downhill[65] for about 80m, where the trail winds through a ferny valley[66] with a scattering of cabbage palms[67] (Livistona australis). Here the trail leads quite steeply uphill[68] for about 200m, then more gently downhill for just over 200m more, to come to a Y-intersection[69] with the signposted ‘Great North Walk’ track[70] (on your left). (The trail ahead soon leads over Patonga Creek[71] to the locked back[72] gate of Woy Woy Landfill).
(7.52km) Int of Hawkesbury track near Patonga Creek → Int of Hawkesbury Track and Dillons Trail
2.3 km
52 mins
128m
-86m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[73] downhill along the track. After just shy of 100m, the track crosses Patonga Creek[74] among the moist cabbage palm[75] forest. Soon after crossing this creek, the track begins to head quite steeply uphill[76] for another 100m, passing a faint side track[77] before climbing up some carved steps[78] in the rock beside a sloped rock platform (on your left)[79]. The track continues steeply up for another 40m, where the track bends right (at the GNW arrow post)[80] to head over a mostly flat rock outcrop. The track continues (with occasional glimpses of the Woy Woy landfill[81]) gently uphill for just over 100m to pass another side track[82], then lead up a bit more steeply[83] for just over 100m more (past a rock wall[84], on your left) to come to an unfenced clear view over Woy Woy landfill[85] (where the track bends left[86]).
Veer left: From the view point over Woy Woy Landfill[87], this walk heads west following the rocky track uphill, directly away from the view. The sandy track[88] soon leads up a few rock steps[89] and after about 130m, climbs up a few carved steps[90] onto a fairly large rock platform[91], marked with a GNW arrow post[92]. The track now undulates, following a series of GNW arrow posts (generally up) along a rocky ridge line[93], passing over many rock platforms[94] for almost 1km (enjoying the distant views[95][96] over Woy Woy Bay and the Brisbane Water, to your right) to come to the highpoint on this section of track[97]. From here, the track continues mostly flat for the next 500m, then begins to head downhill for about 300m to come to a clear intersection[98] with the signposted ‘Dillons Trail’[99]. There is a sign pointing back up the track towards ‘Patonga’[100].
Veer left: From the view point over Woy Woy Landfill[87], this walk heads west following the rocky track uphill, directly away from the view. The sandy track[88] soon leads up a few rock steps[89] and after about 130m, climbs up a few carved steps[90] onto a fairly large rock platform[91], marked with a GNW arrow post[92]. The track now undulates, following a series of GNW arrow posts (generally up) along a rocky ridge line[93], passing over many rock platforms[94] for almost 1km (enjoying the distant views[95][96] over Woy Woy Bay and the Brisbane Water, to your right) to come to the highpoint on this section of track[97]. From here, the track continues mostly flat for the next 500m, then begins to head downhill for about 300m to come to a clear intersection[98] with the signposted ‘Dillons Trail’[99]. There is a sign pointing back up the track towards ‘Patonga’[100].
(9.79km) Int of Hawkesbury Track and Dillons Trail → Int of GNW and Tunnel Trail
30 m
1m
0m
Moderate track
(9.82km) Int of Great North Walk and Tunnel Track → Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail
630 m
12 mins
22m
-9m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[104] gently uphill along the ‘Tunnel Trail’. After about 50m, the trail passes through a metal gate[105] and fence then continues for just over 100m to come to the signposted intersection with the ‘Rocky Ponds Trail’[106], where a ‘Patonga’ sign[107] points back down along the trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker and the ‘Girrakool’ sign[108] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m, to come to a small crest[109] and a clear three-way intersection with the signposted ‘Mt Wondabyne’ trail[110] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker and the ‘Girrakool’ sign[108] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail winds along the side of the hill for just over 450m, to come to a small crest[109] and a clear three-way intersection with the signposted ‘Mt Wondabyne’ trail[110] (on the left).
(10.44km) Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail → Mt Wondabyne Campsite
760 m
16 mins
49m
0m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow marker as well as the ‘Mt Wondabyne’[111] and ‘Girrakool’[112] signs uphill along the management trail. The trail winds up the hill for about 300m find a view of Mount Wondabyne[113] – there are also nice views behind (and to the right) across Woy Woy and the Brisbane Water[114]. The trail continues uphill for another 400m to end at a large clearing[115] (turning circle) at the base of a rock wall. This is the Mt Wondabyne Campsite[116] – there is also a sign pointing back down to ‘Patonga’[117].
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).
End of day 1
This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.
(11.2km) Mt Wondabyne Campsite → Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks
90 m
2 mins
6m
0m
Moderate track
(11.29km) Int of Great North Walk and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Mt Wondabyne Peak
210 m
5 mins
20m
-1m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Mt Wondabyne peak track north-east as it heads uphill directly towards Mt Wondabyne. The track is leads gently at first then starts to climb up a series of rock ledges[122]. After about 60m, the track passes a small cave[123] (large enough for 2 or 3 people to lie in). The track then continues to climb for another 90m, up the rocky track then for through a grove of small trees[124], to come to the first peak[125]. The faint track continues along the ridge for another 60m then comes to the main peak, where there is an old trig station[126] and great panoramic views[127]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.
(11.29km) Int of GNW and Mt Wondabyne Peak tracks → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail
950 m
21 mins
11m
-109m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north, gently down along the rocky track[128], keeping the Mt Wondabyne Peak up to your right. After about 50m, the track enters a forest of trees[129] and begins to head more distinctly downhill, passing a few large boulders[130] for about 700m, then coming to a GNW ‘Walker Register’ tube[131] on a post. After writing a comment, the walk continues down the track over a rock platform[132], and just past the rock platform[133] the sandy track leads downhill for about 200m as it widens significantly[134] and comes to a T-intersection[135] with another wide trail. There is a ‘Mt Wondabyne’ sign[136] here, pointing back up the hill.
(12.23km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail → Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east)
220 m
4 mins
4m
-14m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and ‘Wondabyne Station’ sign[137] down a gentle hill as the trail bends right. The trail leads downhill and bends again to run parallel with the some power lines[138]. Then about 35 meters past the second power pole, this walk comes to an intersection with a track[139] (on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post.
(12.45km) Int of GNW and Mullet Creek Trail (east) → Int of GNW and Thommos Loop trail
830 m
18 mins
50m
-15m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[140], heading under the power lines and down along the track to soon cross a small ephemeral creek[141]. From the creek, this walk follows a rock platform[142] for about 200m to then head over a section of timber boardwalk[143] and past a few disused power poles[144]. The track soon begins to climb and crosses a number or rock platforms[145] for about 300m to come to a notably large rock platform[146] with a wide view across the valley to Mt Wondabyne[147]. Here the track continues up for another 250m to an intersection[148] with a wide trail (at another rock platform), where a ‘Patonga’ sign[149] points back down along the track.
(13.28km) Int of GNW and Thommos Loop track → Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail
1.5 km
28 mins
34m
-54m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[150] across the rock platform, keeping the valley to your left. The walk enjoys views of Mt Wondabyne[151] (on the left) for about 130m to come to a particularly large rock platform[152]. Here the trail leads down[153] off this rock platform then winds along the side of the hill for about 1.3km (passing a pleasant grove of large Sydney Redgums[154]) to lead up to an intersection[155] (with a track on the left) where there is a sign pointing back to ‘Patonga’[156].
(14.77km) Int of the Great North Walk and Patonga service trail → Kariong Brook crossing
690 m
24 mins
21m
-122m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[157] gently down along the narrower track. The track leads down for about 60m to pass over a rock outcrop[158] and then 80m later, comes to a clearing that has been used as a campsite[159] (on your left). From the clearing, the track continues down the hill for about 150m, stepping down the rocks[160] and along a sandy track[161] to then bend right at metal handrail[162]. Here the rocky track becomes quite steep in places and winds down past some rock walls[163] and among the grass trees[164] for about 300m, where the track bends sharp right at the bottom of some steps in a cleft in the rock[165]. The track continues down for another 100m to follow the steps down through the sandstone overhang[166], here the track bends left then right to wind down and cross the creek (that is often underground) and come to an intersection with a faint track in front of Kariong Brook Falls[167] (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.
(15.45km) Kariong Brook crossing → Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station Trail
2 km
47 mins
211m
-64m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the Kariong Brook, this walk follows the track north-west away from the cliffs (initially keeping the waterfall to your right). The track initially leads fairly steeply[168] out of the densely forested valley[169] then leads more gently uphill for about 100m to pass alongside a long rock wall[170] (on your right). From the end of the rock wall, the track starts to lead downhill[171] for about 200m, to then head down the embankment and steps[172] and cross Myron Brook on the sandstone rock platform[173], to the western bank.
Continue straight: From Myron Brook, this walk follows the rocky track west up the steep hill[174]l. After about 400m of steep climbing, the track mostly flattens out to head up through the cleft[175] in a rock and onto a flat rock platform[176]. Here the track continues more gently uphill, crossing more rock platforms for just over 1km, through the heath and scribbly gums[177], before bending left around a rocky outcrop[178] to come to a T-intersection[179] with a wide management trail. There is large sign here, pointing back down to ‘Patonga’[180].
Continue straight: From Myron Brook, this walk follows the rocky track west up the steep hill[174]l. After about 400m of steep climbing, the track mostly flattens out to head up through the cleft[175] in a rock and onto a flat rock platform[176]. Here the track continues more gently uphill, crossing more rock platforms for just over 1km, through the heath and scribbly gums[177], before bending left around a rocky outcrop[178] to come to a T-intersection[179] with a wide management trail. There is large sign here, pointing back down to ‘Patonga’[180].
(17.42km) Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail → Int of GNW and Gosford Rifle Range trail
1.1 km
22 mins
27m
-40m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[181] uphill along the wide trail. After about 50m, this trail leads up onto a large rock platform[182]. From the top of this platform, there are some distant views over Mooney Mooney Creek[183]. The walk continues on the platform, following the scrape marks on the rock, tending right, to soon find the wide trail again[184]. The trail undulates (moderately steeply in a few places) along the ridge line for about 900m to come to an intersection marked with a ‘Girrakool’ sign (pointing left), just before a ‘No Entry Past This Point’ sign[185].
(18.54km) South end of Scopas Peak Track → Scopas Peak
1.2 km
23 mins
80m
-14m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[186] and GNW arrow post north along the clear track. After about 150m, the walk comes to a green painted metal box on a post (on your right), containing a Great North Walk intentions book[187].
Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[188], after leaving your comments, this walk heads north, gently up along the clear track[189]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m, leading across a long sandy saddle[190] to the base of Scopas Peak. Here the walk climbs steeply for about 230m, stopping occasionally to enjoy the view, up the series of rocks with cut steps[191] and past a few rock walls[192]. Near the top of this climb, the track bends left to lead up to a view point just to the west of Scopas Peak[193].
Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[188], after leaving your comments, this walk heads north, gently up along the clear track[189]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m, leading across a long sandy saddle[190] to the base of Scopas Peak. Here the walk climbs steeply for about 230m, stopping occasionally to enjoy the view, up the series of rocks with cut steps[191] and past a few rock walls[192]. Near the top of this climb, the track bends left to lead up to a view point just to the west of Scopas Peak[193].
(19.71km) Scopas Peak → Int of Patonga Ferry and Girrakool tracks
3.1 km
1 hr 18 mins
81m
-271m
Hard track
Veer right: From the view point[194] just west of Scopas Peak, this walk heads north-east and gently downhill[195], initially keeping the distant views to your left. The track leads down, becoming notably steeper[196] for about 300m to then cross over a long rock platform[197], with a series of GNW arrow posts[198] guiding the way. After this rock platform, the track leads for another 250m, crossing a couple of small rock platforms[199] before leading along a heathy track[200]. About 400m along, the walk passes another view to Mooney Mooney Bridge[201], then comes to the edge of another large rock platform[202]. A series of GNW arrow posts[203] lead across this rock platform, generally heading away from Scopas Peak[204] for about 400m, where the arrows lead off the rock platform and back onto a heathy track[205]. The rocky track continues down along the ridge[206] for just shy of 300m to come to the edge of another smaller rock platform with more with distant views[207]. From here, the track leads downhill for about 600m, passing a couple of rocky outcrops[208] and becoming progressively steeper until coming to the edge of an intermittent creek, which flows over the solid sandstone platform[209], at the bottom of the valley.
Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses the intermittent creek which flows over the solid sandstone platform[210], to follow the track uphill. The rocky track initially leads gently uphill[211] but soon leads steeply up[212] for about 130m, where the track mostly flattens out to pass a sandstone overhang[213] (on your right). Soon after this overhang, the track leads over a small gully[214] then along the side of a longer rock wall[215] with another tall sandstone overhang[216]. The track continues gently downhill[217] for another 300m, becoming a little steeper along the way, until just past a set of rock steps. Here the track begins to head steeply down the side of the hill for about 130m, first passing through a cleft in the rock[218] then past a few rock walls. Just after a few switchbacks, this walk heads into a narrow gully, past a small ‘Patonga’ sign, then comes to a three-way intersection beside an intermittent creek[219], marked with a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign with a ‘Patonga Ferry’ arrow[220] pointing back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses the intermittent creek which flows over the solid sandstone platform[210], to follow the track uphill. The rocky track initially leads gently uphill[211] but soon leads steeply up[212] for about 130m, where the track mostly flattens out to pass a sandstone overhang[213] (on your right). Soon after this overhang, the track leads over a small gully[214] then along the side of a longer rock wall[215] with another tall sandstone overhang[216]. The track continues gently downhill[217] for another 300m, becoming a little steeper along the way, until just past a set of rock steps. Here the track begins to head steeply down the side of the hill for about 130m, first passing through a cleft in the rock[218] then past a few rock walls. Just after a few switchbacks, this walk heads into a narrow gully, past a small ‘Patonga’ sign, then comes to a three-way intersection beside an intermittent creek[219], marked with a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign with a ‘Patonga Ferry’ arrow[220] pointing back up the hill.
(22.85km) Int of Patonga Ferry and Girrakool tracks → Phil Houghton Bridge
220 m
9 mins
17m
-47m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Piles Creek’ sign[221] down the track (keeping the valley to the right). The rocky track heads steeply downhill[222] for about 170m to Piles Creek[223]. Just past the old bridge[224], this walk climbs up the stairs[225] to cross the Phil Houghton suspension footbridge[226], enjoying the views of the tidal Piles Creek[227]. On the other side, this walk climbs down the stairs[228] to an intersection[229] beside a large clearing[230] (and campsite, on your left).
Phil Houghton Bridge
The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with part still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge. There is a clearing on the northern side that people have used for camping.
(23.07km) Phil Houghton Bridge → Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead
2.3 km
47 mins
88m
-68m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection on the northern end of the ‘Phil Houghton Bridge’, this walk follows the ‘Mooney Creek’ arrow[231] through the large clearing and campsite[232], keeping Piles Creek to your left[233]. The track leads under a large dead tree[234] then winds past some cliffs[235] and among large boulders[236] for about 1km then crosses a short timber bridge with handrails[237]. Just past this bridge, this walk heads over a short flat timber bridge[238], then about just shy of 150m later, heads along a section of timber boardwalk[239]. From this tall eucalypt forest, this track contours around the side of the hill for about 500m, alongside Piles Creek[240], then starts to climb passing among the grass trees[241] before heading down a handful of timber steps and coming to a three-way intersection marked with a ‘Brisbane Waters National Park’ sign[242], just before Mooney Mooney Creek.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[243] directly away from the face of the ‘Brisbane Waters National Park’ sign[244] along the clear track[245], keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your left. After about 100m, this walk crosses a green timber footbridge[246], then about 200m later comes to a small clearing and intersection just before the road bridge[247]. Here the walk turns right, following the old management trail uphill through the tall forest[248] for about 200m then heading around a locked gate[249]. Just past the gate, this walk turn left and heads up the short steep bank[250] to come to a T-intersection with the old Pacific Hwy, at a large gravel car park[251] marked with ‘Mooney Mooney Creek’ Trackhead[252] (just east of the Mooney Mooney Creek bridge).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[243] directly away from the face of the ‘Brisbane Waters National Park’ sign[244] along the clear track[245], keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your left. After about 100m, this walk crosses a green timber footbridge[246], then about 200m later comes to a small clearing and intersection just before the road bridge[247]. Here the walk turns right, following the old management trail uphill through the tall forest[248] for about 200m then heading around a locked gate[249]. Just past the gate, this walk turn left and heads up the short steep bank[250] to come to a T-intersection with the old Pacific Hwy, at a large gravel car park[251] marked with ‘Mooney Mooney Creek’ Trackhead[252] (just east of the Mooney Mooney Creek bridge).
(25.39km) Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead → National Park Gate
1.5 km
27 mins
31m
-53m
Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ sign[253] along the narrowing gravel verge[254], keeping the Old Pacific Hwy just to your right. After about 200m, this walk comes to then crosses the concrete road bridge[255] over Mooney Mooney Creek, enjoying the view of the wide creek[256] below. Once on the other side, this walk heads past a detailed ‘Risk Warning’[257] sign suggesting you be sensible as you cross the bridge (hope it is not too late) to then come to an intersection with Karool Rd[258], just on the other side of the highway (on your right).
Turn right: From the intersection[259], this walk follows the gravel ‘Karool Road’[260] gently downhill, keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[261]. This road leads past a few homes for about 600m to then pass a notable houseboat house[262]. About 250m past this house, this walk come to a Y-intersection[263], marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[264], just before the tall concrete Mooney Mooney Bridge[265].
Veer left: From the ‘Y’ intersection[266], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[267] along the upper dirt road to pass under the Mooney Mooney (F3 freeway) Bridge[268]. Just over 250m after passing under the tall bridge, this walk leads up to a large turning area[269] just before the locked gate[270], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[271].
Turn right: From the intersection[259], this walk follows the gravel ‘Karool Road’[260] gently downhill, keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[261]. This road leads past a few homes for about 600m to then pass a notable houseboat house[262]. About 250m past this house, this walk come to a Y-intersection[263], marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[264], just before the tall concrete Mooney Mooney Bridge[265].
Veer left: From the ‘Y’ intersection[266], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[267] along the upper dirt road to pass under the Mooney Mooney (F3 freeway) Bridge[268]. Just over 250m after passing under the tall bridge, this walk leads up to a large turning area[269] just before the locked gate[270], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[271].
(26.89km) National Park Gate → Footbridge
1.7 km
32 mins
50m
-47m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the end of the dirt road[272] (that branches of Karool Rd, just north of the Mooney Mooney Bridge), this walk heads uphill along the trail and around the locked gate[273] next to the timber ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[274]. The trail leads uphill for about 200m to where the trail bends left to pass over the crest of the hill (passing a faint track on your left[275]). Here the trail leads down the other side, still keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[276] for another 400m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[277], beside a large grassy clearing[278] and campsite (on your right).
Veer right: From the intersection[279] just above the campsite, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[280] down along the track, keeping the clearing and campsite[281] to the right. The track soon leads over a small flat timber bridge[282] then over the next 60m, the track heads under the high tension power lines (past the caution sign[283]) and then along a short section of timber boardwalk[284]. About 20m later, this walk veers right at a Y-intersection[285], then continues along the mostly flat track beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 300m, to cross a small rocky tidal creek[286]. The track then continues through the tall forest[287] beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 600m, passing a couple of she-oak stands[288] before the track then bends left and comes to an indistinct intersection[289] beside a timber and metal footbridge[290].
Veer right: From the intersection[279] just above the campsite, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[280] down along the track, keeping the clearing and campsite[281] to the right. The track soon leads over a small flat timber bridge[282] then over the next 60m, the track heads under the high tension power lines (past the caution sign[283]) and then along a short section of timber boardwalk[284]. About 20m later, this walk veers right at a Y-intersection[285], then continues along the mostly flat track beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 300m, to cross a small rocky tidal creek[286]. The track then continues through the tall forest[287] beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 600m, passing a couple of she-oak stands[288] before the track then bends left and comes to an indistinct intersection[289] beside a timber and metal footbridge[290].
(28.55km) Footbridge → Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)
260 m
5 mins
4m
-6m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk cross the timber and metal footbridge[291] over a tidal, unnamed creek[292] to then turn right and follow the track which soon bends left. Keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to the right[293], this track passes a small cliff[294] then follows the mostly flat track through the tall forest[295] for about 170m to come to a large clearing with tall blue gums[296] and a metal fireplace[297] (on your left), signposted as a ‘Camping area’[298].
Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north)
This signposted[299] campsite is sits among the tall eucalypt and bracken fern forest[300] beside the Mooney Mooney Creek. This is a very pleasant flat clearing to spend a night, there is a small metal fireplace hotplate[301] and room for a small number of tents. There is No drinking water or other facilities at this campsite (Mooney Mooney Creek is salty at this point, treatable water may be found about 2km north).
End of day 2
This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 2, happy camping.
(28.81km) Mooney Mooney Creek Campsite (north) → Mooney Mooney Creek crossing
2.1 km
44 mins
94m
-72m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the campsite[302], this walk follows the clear track north, keeping the wide Mooney Mooney Creek to your right. The clear, wide and mostly flat track leads alongside the creek[303] for about 1.2km to come to the southern bank of Ausburn Creek[304] (about 130m past a rock wall[305], on your left), a few metres above its confluence with Mooney Mooney Creek[306]
Continue straight: From the south bank of Ausburn Creek, this walk crosses the narrow rock platform and creek[307], then follows the track fairly steeply uphill[308] for about 200m. At the top of this climb, the track gently undulates[309] alongside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 700m before heading down to find a large rock platform[310] on the western bank of Mooney Mooney Creek. This large rock platform is a natural ford of the perennial Mooney Mooney Creek[311] and is home to a scattering of small and large waterholes[312].
Continue straight: From the south bank of Ausburn Creek, this walk crosses the narrow rock platform and creek[307], then follows the track fairly steeply uphill[308] for about 200m. At the top of this climb, the track gently undulates[309] alongside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 700m before heading down to find a large rock platform[310] on the western bank of Mooney Mooney Creek. This large rock platform is a natural ford of the perennial Mooney Mooney Creek[311] and is home to a scattering of small and large waterholes[312].
(30.88km) Mooney Mooney Creek crossing → Lower Mooney Mooney Dam
1.2 km
28 mins
71m
-44m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the bank of Mooney Mooney Creek, this walk crosses the wide rock platform[313] and creek[314] to find the track again on the other side[315]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Here the walk turns left and follows the rocky track that leads gently up alongside the creek through the pleasant forest[316]. After a little over 1km, the walk comes into view of the tailwater of the dam[317] and then past a fenced cutting[318] (on your right), the site of an old pump house[319]. About 60m past this fenced area, the walk leads up along the now widening track to find the edge of the fenced lower Mooney Mooney Dam wall[320].
Lower Mooney Dam
Lower Mooney Dam is located on the Mooney Mooney Creek, about 21 km upstream from the Hawkesbury River. In March 1938 the Gosford Mayor turned the tap to add the water from this dam into the small town water supply of the time. It is a concrete arch dam, with a capacity of 1,000 megalitres, and was superseded by the more than 4 times larger ‘Upper Mooney Dam’ in 1982. There is a set of timber steps and a faint track that leads down to the waters edge on the uphill side of the dam wall[324], the dam wall is fenced and is clearly out of bounds[325]. A sign reminds visitors that swimming is not allowed[326].
(32.1km) Lower Mooney Mooney Dam → Int of the dam trail and the old Somersby Falls track
1.7 km
40 mins
143m
-25m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the lower Mooney Mooney Dam[327], this walk heads uphill along the old trail[328], initially keeping the water on your left. The trail leads up, enjoying the occasional glimpse of water[329] (on your left) for about 400m to pass a washed-out section of the old trail[330]. From here, the walk continues up along the trail for about 1.3km, getting steeper as it climbs, and comes to a three-way intersection marked with a ‘Mooney Creek’ sign[331] pointing back downhill.
(33.76km) Int of the dam trail and the old Somersby Falls track → Quarry Camping Area
530 m
13 mins
37m
-10m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Reserve Road’ sign[332] uphill along the old trail, initially keeping the valley to your left[333]. After about 180m, this walk comes to a faint intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[334].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[335] downhill along the track for about 50m, to crosses a small pleasant gully[336] with an ephemeral creek[337]. After this, the track starts to wind moderately steeply uphill[338] then, soon after flatting out, it comes to a signposted ‘Camping Area’[339] with a metal fireplace[340].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[335] downhill along the track for about 50m, to crosses a small pleasant gully[336] with an ephemeral creek[337]. After this, the track starts to wind moderately steeply uphill[338] then, soon after flatting out, it comes to a signposted ‘Camping Area’[339] with a metal fireplace[340].
(34.29km) Quarry Camping Area → Quarry gate
590 m
11 mins
14m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From in front of the ‘camping area’[343], this walk heads gently uphill along the sandy track[344], initially keeping the camping area to your right. After about 220m of walking through this scribbly gum forest[345] and passing a small informal campsite[346] on the way, this walk comes to the quarry boundary fence[347] and turns left[348]. Following the fence for about 70m, the track leads to a section of timber boardwalk[349] with a view (right) over parts of the quarry[350]. The walk continues along the fence for just over 250m, crossing a small flat timber bridge[351] to come an intersection with a dirt road[352] (just past the locked gate).
(34.88km) Quarry gate → Somersby Reservoir
520 m
9 mins
10m
-6m
Easy track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows GNW arrow marker[353] gently downhill along the dirt road[354]. This walk follows the road for about 400m to come to a large clearing with two large water reservoirs tanks[355]. This walk continues past the two reservoirs[356] (and past the treatment plant building[357], on your left) to come to a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[358] just in front of a small brick building[359].
(35.4km) Somersby Reservoir → South end of Robinson Crk Track
1.2 km
25 mins
42m
-46m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the brick building[360], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[361] gently downhill along the gravel trail (away from the water tanks) for a few metres before turning right onto a track, following a GNW arrow post[362]. This track leads through the banksia and she-oak forest[363] for just over 100m to pass a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[364] and then cross Reservoir Rd[365]. On the other side of the road, this track continues gently down through the she-oak (Casuarina glauca) forest[366] for about 150m before crossing a metal footbridge[367]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk turns left and follows the track as it winds down through the heathy bushland, alive with wildflowers[368] in spring, for about 400m and crosses a small ephemeral creek[369]. The track then leads under a set of high tension power lines and then bends right and leads gently up for another 20m, coming to an intersection with a power line management trail[370].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail uphill[371], keeping the power lines just to your right. After about 40m, this walk follows the GNW arrow post left[372] (ignoring the ‘Private Property’[373] trail ahead) as the track winds gently uphill for about 250m before veering left, ignoring another ‘Private Property’ track[374] (on your right). The mostly flat track now leads along the side of the hill[375] for about 100m before passing under another set of power lines[376] and leading right, steeply up the short rocky hill[377]. At the top of this hill, the track leads to the end of a trail[378], but immediately veers right[379] to follow a track along a fence for about 60m before rejoining the same power line management trail[380].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail uphill[371], keeping the power lines just to your right. After about 40m, this walk follows the GNW arrow post left[372] (ignoring the ‘Private Property’[373] trail ahead) as the track winds gently uphill for about 250m before veering left, ignoring another ‘Private Property’ track[374] (on your right). The mostly flat track now leads along the side of the hill[375] for about 100m before passing under another set of power lines[376] and leading right, steeply up the short rocky hill[377]. At the top of this hill, the track leads to the end of a trail[378], but immediately veers right[379] to follow a track along a fence for about 60m before rejoining the same power line management trail[380].
(36.6km) South end of Robinson Crk Track → Int of Great North Walk and Robinson Road service trail
1.4 km
34 mins
88m
-74m
Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[381] along the wide management trail, following the power lines for about 100m before veering left to follow another GNW arrow post[382] along a narrow track.
The track leads into the bush among gymea lilies[383] (Doryanthes excelsa) and eucalypts[385] for almost 300m, crossing a couple of short flat timber bridges[386] to then head along a few sections of timber board walk through a weedy section[387] of bush. The track then continues gently downhill for another 150m to cross over a trail[388]. Following the GNW arrow post, this track now begins to lead more steeply down for about 250m, passing through another large grove of gymea lilies[389], a small cave[390] (on your left). The walk continues down the timber then stone steps[391] to head into the dense moist forest and across a flat timber bridge[392], coming into view of the creek[393]. Here the walk bends right and leads beside the creek for a short time before bending left, following the GNW arrow post across the creek flowing over the mossy rock bed[394]. Just downstream is a small pool and cascade[395].
Here the walk starts to climb up the other side of the valley[396], soon crossing a small flat timber bridge[397]. The track then winds steeply[398] out of the ferny and densely forested valley, up a series of timber and stone steps for about 130m where another GNW arrow post marks[399] the end of this section of steep climbing. This track now leads gently up among some tall eucalypts[400] and past a large grove of gymea lily[401] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection[402] with a wide management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[403] along the wide sandy trail for about 40m to pass a faint trail[404] (on your right). Then about 120m further up the main trail, this walk comes a T-intersection[405] marked with a couple more GNW arrow posts.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[403] along the wide sandy trail for about 40m to pass a faint trail[404] (on your right). Then about 120m further up the main trail, this walk comes a T-intersection[405] marked with a couple more GNW arrow posts.
(38.02km) Int of GNW and Private Property south → Int of GNW and Private Property
380 m
7 mins
15m
0m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[406] gently uphill along the sandy trail[407]. The trail soon leaves the wooded forest and after about 120m, this walk veers left at an intersection in a clearing[408]. After another 120m, the walk heads past a large grassy clearing[409] (on your right) with some tall pine trees[410]. The sandy trail continues for another 150m, past a few scribbly gums[411], and comes to a Y-intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[412] (pointing left).
(38.4km) Int of Great North Walk and Private Property → End of Robinson Road
400 m
7 mins
1m
-14m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[413] along the track, initially keeping the sandy trail to the right for a short distance. The track soon bends left, then winds over a small rise through the scribbly gum forest[414] for about 400m before heading over a short section of green boardwalk[415]. A short distance later, this walk crosses a green timber footbridge[416] and comes to an intersection at the end of the dirt Robinson Road[417].
(38.8km) End of Robinson Road → Somersby Store
2.7 km
50 mins
80m
-21m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[418] uphill along the gravel Robinson Rd for about 300m to then continue straight ahead[419] along the sealed Silvester Rd. This walk heads along the sealed road for another 500m to pass an intersection with ‘Anembo Rd’[420], then continues along Silvester Rd. Over the next 1km or so, the walk travels among the rural properties[421], passing some distant views of the peaks in Brisbane Water NP[422] (to your right), before turning left onto Wisemans Ferry Road at the T-intersection[423]. From this intersection, this walk leads up along the narrow grassy verge beside[424] the road for about 500m to pass the large communications[425] tower (on your right), heads over the crest of the hill then down for about 250m to come to Somersby Store[426] (on your left).
Somersby Store
Somersby Store offers a good place to have lunch or pick up the basic food supplies. The store serves hot food including burgers, chips, pies etc and cold drinks. Opening hours are 6am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). There is a pay phone and a bus stop however services are limited to two buses a day. Contact details are (02)4372 1269, at 841 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby, NSW 2250. The store owners are happy for you to phone ahead. If you are a large group you can order ahead to save the stress. I always encourage people to use local stores like this on track, but since it is a small store it is worth phoning ahead to see what they have what you want in stock.
Maps for the Patonga to Somersby walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Gunderman | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91313S GUNDERMAN | NSW-91313S |
| Gosford | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91312S GOSFORD | NSW-91312S |
| Wyong | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91312N WYONG | NSW-91312N |
| Broken Bay | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91301N BROKEN BAY | NSW-91301N |
| Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map | 1:40 000 Map Series | CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map | CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map |
| Gosford | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9131 GOSFORD | 9131 |
| Sydney | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9130 SYDNEY | 9130 |
Cross sectional view of the Patonga to Somersby bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Patonga to Somersby
Daily actual walking time estimates
| Day | Walking Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 hrs 55 mins | 11.3 km |
| 2 | 6 hrs 32 mins | 17.8 km |
| 3 | 4 hrs 28 mins | 12.7 km |
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 41.5 km | ||
| Time | 3 Days | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) | ||
| Signs | Minimal directional signs (4/6) | ||
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
14km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 14km has short steep hills. Whilst another 8km is very steep and the remaining 5km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
19km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 10km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 8km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
27km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 11km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.5km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
26km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 15km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.3km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 39km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 2.6km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
31km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.7km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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10 hrs
Hard track
26.2 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
28.1 km One way
2 Days
Experienced only
33.4 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
931 m Circuit
30 mins
Moderate track
1.4 km Return
30 mins
Very easy
18.1 km Return
8 hrs
Hard track
1.4 km Return
30 mins
Easy track
2.8 km Circuit
1 hr 30 mins
Very experienced only
2.1 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
1.9 km Return
1 Hr
Hard track
1.1 km Circuit
45 mins
Moderate track
3.7 km Return
1 hr 30 mins
Hard track
3.5 km Circuit
1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
1.9 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
403 m Circuit
30 mins
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Patonga to Somersby walk starts at the Patonga Wharf car park (gps: -33.55043, 151.27456)Your transport options to Patonga Wharf car park are by;
Ferry. There is no regular ferry service between Patonga and Brooklyn any more. You can easily grab a water taxi (about +). If you are part of a large group they can also organise a larger boat carrying 35 passengers (about pp). Phone 0410 554 777 to book. Enjoy the boat ride. (get details) Ferry. Ferry service operates between Palm Beach and Bobbin head daily. Stopping at Patoonga Beach (and Cottage Point on request).
Mon – Fri once a day (before lunch)
Weekends and school holidays 3 times a day from Bobbin Head.
(can get also get it later on the way to palm beach on request)
Phone to confirm times on the day 0414466635 (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Patonga to Somersby ends at the Somersby Store (gps: -33.358081, 151.29029)
Your transport options to Somersby Store are by;
Bus. A bus service runs along Wisemans Ferry Rd passing Somersby store. The service runs between Gosford and Spencer only a few times a day. Please check timetable for more info or Phone Busway on (02) 4368 2277. The bus only picks passengers up to head to Somersby on the afternoon runs. (get details) Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/pts
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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