Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 Days
28.1 km One way
1164 m
Experienced only
(0km) Patonga Wharf car park → Broken Bay View
1.1 km
31 mins
136m
-13m
Moderate 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.)
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’.
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.
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’.
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.
(1.12km) Broken Bay View → Warrah Lookout intersection
700 m
15 mins
26m
-26m
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].
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].
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 of Great North Walk and Patonga Dr
1.5 km
27 mins
25m
-18m
Moderate 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.
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.
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].
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.
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 → Rock platform intersection
870 m
14 mins
5m
-16m
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.
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).
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.
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).
(4.55km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Patonga Dr trail → Int of Hawkesbury track and Sani Depot Trail
1.1 km
21 mins
25m
-39m
Moderate track
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).
(5.67km) Int of Hawkesbury track and Sani Depot Trail → Rock Platform
1.3 km
25 mins
21m
-56m
Moderate track
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).
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].
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 → Woy Woy landfill view
960 m
25 mins
77m
-39m
Hard 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).
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]).
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]).
(7.96km) Woy Woy landfill view → Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track
2 km
42 mins
83m
-75m
Hard track
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].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post west[101] (in the opposite direction to the ‘Patonga’ sign[102]. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted ‘Tunnel Trail’[103].
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 post west[101] (in the opposite direction to the ‘Patonga’ sign[102]. After about 20m, this short track leads to an intersection with the signposted ‘Tunnel Trail’[103].
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.
(9.98km) Int of Rocky Ponds Trail and Tunnel Track → Int of Tunnel Track and Mt Wondabyne trail
470 m
9 mins
15m
-8m
Easy track
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 Thommos Loop trail
1 km
22 mins
54m
-29m
Moderate 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.
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.
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 Station tracks → Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track
630 m
11 mins
5m
-19m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Wondabyne Station’ sign[181] downhill along the management trail[182]. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 600m to come to an intersection with the Pindar Cave track (leading over a rock platform[183], on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post[184] (on your left).
(18.05km) Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track → Mt Pindar Lookout
3.5 km
1 hr 12 mins
129m
-129m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track to the west, keeping the large rocky outcrop to the right. The trail soon narrows to become an overgrown track and undulates for some time, through some rocky and dense scrub. Eventually, the track swings around to the north and arrives at the Mt Pindar Lookout, indicated by arrows marked in the surface that lead to the lookout, with views of Mooney Mooney, and Mooney Mooney Creek.
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.
(21.55km) Mt Pindar Lookout → Pool
480 m
9 mins
2m
-25m
Experienced only
Turn right: From the lookout, the walk follows the bush track north, around the edge of the ridge around a few rocks. The track then descends north-west into the valley below, continuing through areas of thick vegetation, until emerging onto a small clearing next to a pool of water.
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.
(22.03km) Pool → Pindar Cave
320 m
6 mins
12m
-6m
Experienced only
Turn left: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track west, into a small sandy clearing. The track then turns right, below a rocky outcrop on the left, and follows the rocky outcrop for approximately 100m to the large overhang of rock, 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.
(22.34km) Pindar Cave → Waterfall
570 m
12 mins
10m
-57m
Very experienced only
Continue straight: From Pindar Cave, this walk heads north-west, parallel to a rocky outcrop. After following the cliff line for a little while, the track bends slightly to the right, and heads north-west, crossing several rocky outcrops, going down towards the creek line. The track then drops down some rockshelves to the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Pindar Waterfall
Pindar Waterfall, Brisbane Waters National Park, is a rocky outcrop from which a vegetation enclosed stream runs over and through. The waterfall is not a picturesque spot, with the water running through dense vegetation and cracks in the boulders to pools out-of-sight. The waterfall is fed by an ephemeral stream which will does not guarantee it as a source of water. From the rocky outcrop of the waterfall, views over the valley below can be observed.
(22.34km) Pindar Cave → Int. Rifle Range Service Track and Pindar Cave Track
4.3 km
1 hr 27 mins
160m
-143m
Experienced only
Turn around: From the cave, the walk follows the bush track east, below a rocky outcrop on the right. The track soon comes to a small sandy clearing and crosses this to reach a pool.
Turn right: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track east, out of the clearing. The track passes through an area of thick vegetation as is slowly climbs up the spur, before the vegetation gives way to a rocky area. The track winds further up the hill and along the ridge edge to the lookout.
Turn left: From the lookout, the walk heads south-east along the rocky surface, to the dense tree line and follows the sandy track. This track soon bends to the north, going up the spur and across the plateau of Mt Pindar. From here the track undulates for some time and then widens to a management trail. The walk follows the management trail for a short distance, passing a large rocky outcrop to come to a ‘T’ intersection with a wide management trail.
Turn right: From the pool, the walk follows the bush track east, out of the clearing. The track passes through an area of thick vegetation as is slowly climbs up the spur, before the vegetation gives way to a rocky area. The track winds further up the hill and along the ridge edge to the lookout.
Turn left: From the lookout, the walk heads south-east along the rocky surface, to the dense tree line and follows the sandy track. This track soon bends to the north, going up the spur and across the plateau of Mt Pindar. From here the track undulates for some time and then widens to a management trail. The walk follows the management trail for a short distance, passing a large rocky outcrop to come to a ‘T’ intersection with a wide management trail.
(26.64km) Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track → Clearing above Wondabyne Station
1 km
19 mins
3m
-72m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection[185], this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently down along the wide management trail. The trail soon bends right and leads quite steeply down[186] before mostly flattening out again[187]. From here, the trail leads gently downhill for about 600m until the trail bends left and leads quite steeply down[188] for just shy of 250m to come to a clearing at the end of this management trail[189], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[190].
(27.67km) Clearing above Wondabyne Station → Wondabyne Station
440 m
13 mins
15m
-100m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the clearing[191], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[192] south, down along the track to head down some carved steps through a cleft in a rock[193]. The track winds steeply down the series of rock steps[194] for about 150m to pass a filtered view (left) of the cranes[195], down at the old Gosford Quarry. The track continues to wind down, a little less steeply, for just over 200m to then climb down a timber staircase[196] (which starts with a metal landing at the top). From the bottom, the walk continues down towards the train line, soon bending left to pass a large boulder[197] and strangler fig tree[198] and come to the north-bound platform of Wondabyne Train Station[199].
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.
Maps for the Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight 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 |
| 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 Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight
Daily actual walking time estimates
| Day | Walking Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 hrs 55 mins | 11.3 km |
| 2 | 6 hrs 18 mins | 17.7 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 | 28.1 km | ||
| Time | 2 Days | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 5/6 Experienced only |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough unclear track (5/6) | ||
| Signs | No directional signs (5/6) | ||
| 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
12km of this walk is very steep and another 8km has short steep hills. Whilst another 7km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.3km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
13km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 12km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 1.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 1.6km follows a rough unclear track.
Signs
14km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 8km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 4.4km is clearly signposted and the remaining 1.6km Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
15km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 12km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.6km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 27km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 690m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
12km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (7km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight walk starts at the Patonga Wharf car park (gps: -33.55043, 151.27456)Your transport options to Patonga Wharf car park are by;
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) 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)
Bus. A bus service runs along Patonga Drive down to Patonga. The service only runs a few times a day. Please check timetable for more info or Phone Busway on (02) 4368 2277 (route 50) (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Patonga to Wondabyne station via Pindar Caves overnight ends at the Wondabyne Station (gps: -33.492083, 151.25696)
Your main transport option to Wondabyne Station is by;
Train. (get details)Important Note: There is no car transport option to the end of this walk.
Short URL = http://wild.tl/ptwsvpco
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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