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Best trails in Brisbane Water National Park

Best trails in Brisbane Water National Park

4.3(6,779 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#52 of 637 national parks

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Brisbane Water National Park is located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales on the land of the Guringai and Eora peoples. Its landscape consists of a sandstone coastline covered in rainforest that is home to koalas, pelicans, and platypus and crossed by several creeks. Plants you may see include Scribbly Gum and Waratah plus there are several sites with ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. It is particularly popular in the spring when all the wildflowers are in full bloom. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and kayak.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Piles Creek Loop

    4.6(1016)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.1 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This is a varied track in Brisbane Water National Park with a waterfall, views and rock overhangs. The route combines the longer Piles Creek Loop and shorter Girrakool Loop tracks. From the picnic grounds and car park, the circuit goes clockwise with quick opportunities to enjoy some views at either Illoura lookout or Broula lookout that give scenic views of some of the falls along Piles Creek. The track follows the creek south until the halfway point of the circuit where there is a nice...

  2. #2 - Kariong Brook Falls via Thommos Track

    4.5(384)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.2 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Tucked away in the Brisbane Water National Park, the trail to Kariong Brook Falls via Thommos Track offers a classic Central Coast adventure. This out-and-back trek begins with a straightforward stroll along a wide fire trail, eventually plunging into a lush descent toward the falls. The reward is a secluded amphitheatre where an emerald-green pool is fed by the falls, framed by impressive sandstone rock formations. It is a fantastic choice for those seeking a refreshing wild swim and a...

  3. #3 - Patonga to Pearl Beach

    4.6(386)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    Winding along the scenic edge of Brisbane Water National Park, the Patonga to Pearl Beach trail is a stunning coastal trek that captures the rugged beauty of the Central Coast. This out-and-back journey starts with a heart-pumping ascent of stone stairs and rocky scrambles from Patonga, before transitioning into a wide, peaceful fire trail that undulates toward the charming village of Pearl Beach. The absolute highlight is Warrah Lookout, which offers a magnificent panoramic view across the...

  4. #4 - Mount Wondabyne Loop via Tunnel Trail

    4.5(320)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.9 mi
    Mount Wondabyne is the highest point in Brisbane Water National Park. The route to the top follows a fire trail for the most part, with lots of birdlife along the way. It is challenging to get to the summit, but once you get there it is worth it for the Stunning 360-degree views at the top of the mountain. Do the loop clockwise to avoid climbing rocky ascent to the mountain and instead you can walk down it. This trail is best visited in late winter as this is when the wildflowers are in...

  5. #5 - Bambara Road to Spion Kop

    4.5(229)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.3 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Gazing out over the sapphire waters of Brisbane Water, the trek from Bambara Road to Spion Kop offers stunning views of the Central Coast. This journey through the Brisbane Water National Park leads you along the high sandstone plateau, passing through the traditional lands of the Darkinjung and Guringai people. The trail begins as a wide fire road but soon transitions into a more intimate, winding bush track that can be a bit of a puzzle to navigate without a map. The final ascent to Spion...

  6. #6 - Girrakool Loop Track

    4.5(223)
    ·Easy
    ·0.9 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a beautiful and highly accessible family-friendly loop track that takes you through the lush scenery of Brisbane Water National Park. The short walk is rated Easy and is perfect for all ages, offering stunning views of waterfalls and the Piles Creek gorge from lookouts such as Boondi and Andamira. The track is well-marked and winds through the surrounding bushland, where you can keep an eye out for a variety of interesting wildlife, including lizards and birds. In the warmer months,...

  7. #7 - Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station

    4.3(237)
    ·Hard
    ·7.8 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Spectacular wildflowers and an impressive sandstone overhang define this adventurous journey into the heart of Brisbane Water National Park. Starting from the unique, boat-accessible Wondabyne Station, the track climbs steadily through a diverse landscape of rainforest gullies and rocky ridge tops. The primary reward is Pindar Cave, a massive natural shelter that provides a cool refuge and a popular spot for a break. The turnaround point, Pindar Falls, offers a peaceful outlook over the...

  8. #8 - Patonga to Wondabyne

    4.5(189)
    ·Hard
    ·12.1 mi
    ·Est. 6–6.5 hr
    Connecting a sleepy fishing village to one of Australia’s most secluded railway stations, this point-to-point trek is a true immersion into the rugged beauty of the Central Coast. The journey takes you deep into the heart of Brisbane Water National Park, offering a mix of wide, exposed fire trails and winding bush tracks that demand a bit of endurance but reward you with spectacular scenery. A major highlight is the optional scramble up Mount Wondabyne, the highest point in the park, where...

  9. #9 - Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail via Warrah Lookout

    4.6(180)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.3 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Spectacular panoramic views and coastal forest scenery define this rewarding link between two scenic Central Coast villages. The route guides you through stands of smooth, pink-barked Angophoras and diverse native vegetation within Brisbane Water National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts should listen for the distinct call of lyrebirds or watch for goannas sunning themselves near the track. While much of the route follows a wide fire trail, the section descending into Patonga becomes steeper and...

  10. #10 - Koolewong to Spion Kop

    4.4(98)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.0 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    For a true bushwalking adventure that rewards a bit of grit with spectacular panoramas, this track is a local favourite. Tucked away in Brisbane Water National Park, the route to Spion Kop offers a rugged off-the-beaten-track feel, combining challenging climbs with moments of absolute serenity. Finding the start is your first puzzle. The trailhead is located on Glenrock Parade; walk about five metres up the driveway and look for a small wooden arrow to your right to begin the ascent. If you...
Showing results 1–10 of 78
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Brisbane Water National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Brisbane Water National Park is Piles Creek Loop, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,016 reviews. This trail is 3.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 485 ft.

What is the longest trail in Brisbane Water National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Brisbane Water National Park is Great North Walk: Aboriginal Art and Brisbane Waters. This trail is estimated to be 24.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Brisbane Water National Park?

There are 78 trails in Brisbane Water National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Brisbane Water National Park?

Great North Walk: Cowan to Wondabyne has the most elevation gain with 3,523 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Great North Walk: Aboriginal Art and Brisbane Waters, which has 3,385 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 28 camping trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Piles Creek Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,016 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 27 running trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Kariong Brook Falls via Thommos Track with an average 4.5 star rating from 384 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Brisbane Water National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 biking trails in Brisbane Water National Park and the most popular is Mount Wondabyne Loop via Great North Walk with an average 4.2 star rating from 96 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Brisbane Water National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Brisbane Water National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Brisbane Water National Park?

Yes, there are 27 trails with scenic viewpoints in Brisbane Water National Park, including Piles Creek Loop, Patonga to Pearl Beach, Girrakool Loop Track, Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, and Patonga to Wondabyne.

Are there any trails with ponds in Brisbane Water National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Brisbane Water National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Brisbane Water National Park?

Yes, there are 39 trails with rivers in Brisbane Water National Park, including Piles Creek Loop, Girrakool Loop Track, Pindar Cave Falls from Wondabyne Station, Patonga to Wondabyne, and Great North Walk: Wondabyne to Somersby.