Pindar Cave

Time:	4 hrs
Distance:	12 km
Fitness:	E
Skill:	EM
Ascent:	190 m
Maps:	LPI Gosford 9131-2S 1:25000
	LPI Gunderman 9131-3S 1:25000

Sketch maps:	Sketch map 1 PDF

Notes:	Print-friendly notes (opens in new window)

Please note that while the maps on this web site are useful and generally contain more, and more accurate, information on trails, the relevant topographic maps should be carried on most walks. These are available from the Lands Information Centre, map shops, and most outdoor stores.

Introduction

Fee sitting on the far side of Mt Pindar with a good view out over the Hawkesbury River

Pindar Cave is an impressive sandstone overhang, capable of sheltering perhaps 50 people. Nearby is a pretty waterfall. Both are reached by a ridge walk, so the walk is best in spring, when the wildflowers are out, and autumn. It is better to avoid in summer, though if it has rained recently there is usually a small swimming hole not far from the cave that can be good for a dip.

Access

Access is only by rail. Catch the train to Wondabyne Station. You will need to inform the guard that you want to get off there, and travel in the last carriage. The walk starts at the southern end of the station.

Track notes

From 15 Jul 2004, last checked 20 Sep 2017

Pick up the Great North Walk track at the southern end of the station. It heads along a flat grassy section for a short way, and then right up a steep trail which climbs up the side of the hill to the west. After about 100m of vertical, you reach the top of the steepest section, and a fire trail starts.

Head along the fire trail for about 1km, looking for a large rocky outcrop on your left (GR376938). At the far (western) side of the outcrop a fire trail branches off the main trail. After about 500m the fire trail turns into a track, which drops between rocks and down into a saddle. The trail can be hard to follow in this section, so keep a close eye on it.

The vast Pindar Cave

The trail continues for a while along the ridge, and there is a rocky outcrop with good views in all directions that is worth a break. Continuing down into another saddle, you then have a short climb up to Mt Pindar, which is a large flat topped peak with no views. Crossing on the track to the south west side of the mountain, you reach some more rocky outcrops with good views.

Head north west on a faint trail down into the creek. 500m of walking brings you to a small waterhole, which can range from completely dry to overflowing. With a bit of rain it would make a reasonable swimming hole. The trail takes a left hand turn here, and after another 300m of walking you reach Pindar Cave, an amazing sandstone overhang.

From the western end of the cave, a series of braided tracks head north east back towards the creek, before converging again. Just after you reach a small creek, note a rock slab in the creek. While there is a track that does continue along the southern side, it ends in a large drop with limited views of the nearby waterfall.

Instead, cross over the creek on the rock slab, and pick up the track on the northern side. After a few minutes of walking, this leads around to a creek that cascades down rock shelves and over a 15m waterfall. This is a good spot for lunch as there are pleasant rocky ledges to sit on.

From here, retrace your steps back to Wondabyne Station.