Overview

The view down to the Hawkesbury River from Mt Pindar, Brisbane Water National Park

The view down to the Hawkesbury River from Mt Pindar, Brisbane Water National Park

Brisbane Water National Park is a small park located on the north side of the Hawkesbury River about 50km north of Sydney. Like most of the parks in the Greater Sydney area, Brisbane Water National Park protects a area of uplifted sandstone plateau and associated flora and fauna. The park offers much in the way of day walks, as well as some flat water paddling and a few overnight walks. It was once the home of many aborigines and there are numerous middens and rock engravings.

Access

By road the best access is off the Old Pacific Hwy between Mooney Mooney Creek and Girrakool Picnic Area, not far out of Gosford. The Woy Woy Road west of Woy Woy also passes through the park and gives access to fire trails and walking tracks. By rail, Wondabyne railway station is the best choice. It lies in the middle of the park and is the only access to some areas, as it is inaccessible by road. You will need to inform the guard if you want to get off as trains only stop by request.

Activities

Bushwalking

For a relatively small park there is quite a variety of bushwalking to be had. Good day walks from Wondabyne Station include to Pindar Cave and Wondabyne Trig. Patonga to Wondabyne is a longer day walk that can be linked by public transport at both ends. The Great North Walk runs through the park as well, and the main track passes through Patonga, Girrakool and Somersby Falls, a section that is best done over a couple of days.

Canoeing/Kayaking

There are three main waterways that are within the park, although generally not protected below the high tide mark. Flat water paddling on all of these can be undertaken. Patonga Creek, Mullet Creek and Mooney Mooney Creek can all give water access to some of the more difficult to reach sections of the park. To head further out on to the Hawkesbury River, a sea kayak is recommended.

Walks

Pindar Cave

Time: 4 hrs Distance: 12km Fitness: E Skill: EM Ascent: 190m

A relatively easy walk to a spectacular sandstone overhang.

Mt Wondabyne

Time: 5 hrs Distance: 15km Fitness: EM Skill: E Ascent: 210m

Impressive views from Mt Wondabyne, and a side trip to the pretty Kariong Brook Falls

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