Wondabyne station to Somersby Store
Download & Print Map and Notes
10 hrs
26.2 km One way
1164 m
Hard track
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.
(0km) Wondabyne Station → Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track
1.5 km
32 mins
172m
-18m
Hard track
From the north-bound platform of Wondabyne Station, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[1] off the southern the end of the platform[2], keeping the train lines (and water) to your left. The track soon leads past a strangler fig[3] and a large boulder[4] then bends right and heads up a timber staircase[5] with a metal landing at the top. The track winds steeply uphill, up a series of timber[6] and rock steps[7] for just over 200m to pass a filtered view of the cranes[8] (right), down at the old Gosford Quarry. Here the walk continues a bit more steeply uphill for another 150m, up a series of rock steps[9], and then, soon after passing up the carved steps in a cleft in a rock[10], the track flattens out[11] and comes to a clearing at the end of a management trail[12], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[13].
Continue straight: From the clearing[14], this walk follows the wide management trail uphill past the ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[15]. The trail leads up quite steeply[16] for about 250m, where the trail bends right then leads gently uphill[17] for about 600m. Here the trail leads up a short but quite steep hill[18], to then bend left and, about 150m later, come to an intersection with the Pindar Cave track (that leads over a rock platform[19], on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post[20] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the clearing[14], this walk follows the wide management trail uphill past the ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[15]. The trail leads up quite steeply[16] for about 250m, where the trail bends right then leads gently uphill[17] for about 600m. Here the trail leads up a short but quite steep hill[18], to then bend left and, about 150m later, come to an intersection with the Pindar Cave track (that leads over a rock platform[19], on your left), marked with a GNW arrow post[20] (on your right).
(1.47km) Eastern end of the Pindar Cave Track → Int of GNW and Wondabyne Station tracks
630 m
11 mins
19m
-5m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[21], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[22] north, gently uphill along the wide trail. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 600m to come to an intersection with the ‘Great North Walk’ track (on your right), marked with a ‘Wondabyne Station’ sign[23] pointing back down the hill.
(2.1km) Int of GNW and Wondabyne trail → Int of GNW and Gosford Rifle Range trail
1.1 km
22 mins
27m
-40m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Girrakool’ sign[24] uphill along the wide trail. After about 50m, this trail leads up onto a large rock platform[25]. From the top of this platform, there are some distant views over Mooney Mooney Creek[26]. The walk continues on the platform, following the scrape marks on the rock, tending right, to soon find the wide trail again[27]. 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[28].
(3.23km) 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[29] 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[30].
Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[31], after leaving your comments, this walk heads north, gently up along the clear track[32]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m, leading across a long sandy saddle[33] 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[34] and past a few rock walls[35]. Near the top of this climb, the track bends left to lead up to a view point just to the west of Scopas Peak[36].
Continue straight: From the Great North Walk intentions book[31], after leaving your comments, this walk heads north, gently up along the clear track[32]. The track gently undulates along this ridge for about 750m, leading across a long sandy saddle[33] 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[34] and past a few rock walls[35]. Near the top of this climb, the track bends left to lead up to a view point just to the west of Scopas Peak[36].
(4.39km) Scopas Peak → Tributary Crossing
2.4 km
57 mins
33m
-189m
Hard track
Veer right: From the view point[37] just west of Scopas Peak, this walk heads north-east and gently downhill[38], initially keeping the distant views to your left. The track leads down, becoming notably steeper[39] for about 300m to then cross over a long rock platform[40], with a series of GNW arrow posts[41] guiding the way. After this rock platform, the track leads for another 250m, crossing a couple of small rock platforms[42] before leading along a heathy track[43]. About 400m along, the walk passes another view to Mooney Mooney Bridge[44], then comes to the edge of another large rock platform[45]. A series of GNW arrow posts[46] lead across this rock platform, generally heading away from Scopas Peak[47] for about 400m, where the arrows lead off the rock platform and back onto a heathy track[48]. The rocky track continues down along the ridge[49] for just shy of 300m to come to the edge of another smaller rock platform with more with distant views[50]. From here, the track leads downhill for about 600m, passing a couple of rocky outcrops[51] and becoming progressively steeper until coming to the edge of an intermittent creek, which flows over the solid sandstone platform[52], at the bottom of the valley.
(6.81km) Tributary Crossing → Phil Houghton Bridge
940 m
30 mins
65m
-129m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses the intermittent creek which flows over the solid sandstone platform[53], to follow the track uphill. The rocky track initially leads gently uphill[54] but soon leads steeply up[55] for about 130m, where the track mostly flattens out to pass a sandstone overhang[56] (on your right). Soon after this overhang, the track leads over a small gully[57] then along the side of a longer rock wall[58] with another tall sandstone overhang[59]. The track continues gently downhill[60] 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[61] 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[62], marked with a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign with a ‘Patonga Ferry’ arrow[63] pointing back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Piles Creek’ sign[64] down the track (keeping the valley to the right). The rocky track heads steeply downhill[65] for about 170m to Piles Creek[66]. Just past the old bridge[67], this walk climbs up the stairs[68] to cross the Phil Houghton suspension footbridge[69], enjoying the views of the tidal Piles Creek[70]. On the other side, this walk climbs down the stairs[71] to an intersection[72] beside a large clearing[73] (and campsite, on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Piles Creek’ sign[64] down the track (keeping the valley to the right). The rocky track heads steeply downhill[65] for about 170m to Piles Creek[66]. Just past the old bridge[67], this walk climbs up the stairs[68] to cross the Phil Houghton suspension footbridge[69], enjoying the views of the tidal Piles Creek[70]. On the other side, this walk climbs down the stairs[71] to an intersection[72] beside a large clearing[73] (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.
(7.75km) Phil Houghton Bridge → Brisbane Water NP sign
1.8 km
36 mins
62m
-66m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection on the northern end of the ‘Phil Houghton Bridge’, this walk follows the ‘Mooney Creek’ arrow[74] through the large clearing and campsite[75], keeping Piles Creek to your left[76]. The track leads under a large dead tree[77] then winds past some cliffs[78] and among large boulders[79] for about 1km then crosses a short timber bridge with handrails[80]. Just past this bridge, this walk heads over a short flat timber bridge[81], then about just shy of 150m later, heads along a section of timber boardwalk[82]. From this tall eucalypt forest, this track contours around the side of the hill for about 500m, alongside Piles Creek[83], then starts to climb passing among the grass trees[84] before heading down a handful of timber steps and coming to a three-way intersection marked with a ‘Brisbane Waters National Park’ sign[85], just before Mooney Mooney Creek.
(9.54km) Brisbane Water NP sign → Mooney Mooney Creek Trackhead
540 m
11 mins
26m
-2m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[86] directly away from the face of the ‘Brisbane Waters National Park’ sign[87] along the clear track[88], keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your left. After about 100m, this walk crosses a green timber footbridge[89], then about 200m later comes to a small clearing and intersection just before the road bridge[90]. Here the walk turns right, following the old management trail uphill through the tall forest[91] for about 200m then heading around a locked gate[92]. Just past the gate, this walk turn left and heads up the short steep bank[93] to come to a T-intersection with the old Pacific Hwy, at a large gravel car park[94] marked with ‘Mooney Mooney Creek’ Trackhead[95] (just east of the Mooney Mooney Creek bridge).
(10.07km) 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[96] along the narrowing gravel verge[97], keeping the Old Pacific Hwy just to your right. After about 200m, this walk comes to then crosses the concrete road bridge[98] over Mooney Mooney Creek, enjoying the view of the wide creek[99] below. Once on the other side, this walk heads past a detailed ‘Risk Warning’[100] 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[101], just on the other side of the highway (on your right).
Turn right: From the intersection[102], this walk follows the gravel ‘Karool Road’[103] gently downhill, keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[104]. This road leads past a few homes for about 600m to then pass a notable houseboat house[105]. About 250m past this house, this walk come to a Y-intersection[106], marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[107], just before the tall concrete Mooney Mooney Bridge[108].
Veer left: From the ‘Y’ intersection[109], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[110] along the upper dirt road to pass under the Mooney Mooney (F3 freeway) Bridge[111]. Just over 250m after passing under the tall bridge, this walk leads up to a large turning area[112] just before the locked gate[113], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[114].
Turn right: From the intersection[102], this walk follows the gravel ‘Karool Road’[103] gently downhill, keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[104]. This road leads past a few homes for about 600m to then pass a notable houseboat house[105]. About 250m past this house, this walk come to a Y-intersection[106], marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[107], just before the tall concrete Mooney Mooney Bridge[108].
Veer left: From the ‘Y’ intersection[109], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[110] along the upper dirt road to pass under the Mooney Mooney (F3 freeway) Bridge[111]. Just over 250m after passing under the tall bridge, this walk leads up to a large turning area[112] just before the locked gate[113], marked with a ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[114].
(11.57km) National Park Gate → Ausburn Creek crossing
3.1 km
59 mins
84m
-71m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the end of the dirt road[115] (that branches of Karool Rd, just north of the Mooney Mooney Bridge), this walk heads uphill along the trail and around the locked gate[116] next to the timber ‘Brisbane Water National Park’ sign[117]. 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[118]). Here the trail leads down the other side, still keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to your right[119] for another 400m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[120], beside a large grassy clearing[121] (no camping).
Veer right: From the intersection[122] just above the clearing, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[123] down along the track, keeping the clearing and campsite[124] to the right. The track soon leads over a small flat timber bridge[125] then over the next 60m, the track heads under the high tension power lines (past the caution sign[126]) and then along a short section of timber boardwalk[127]. About 20m later, this walk veers right at a Y-intersection[128], then continues along the mostly flat track beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 300m, to cross a small rocky tidal creek[129]. The track then continues through the tall forest[130] beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 600m, passing a couple of she-oak stands[131] before the track then bends left and comes to an indistinct intersection[132] beside a timber and metal footbridge[133].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the timber and metal footbridge[134] over a tidal, unnamed creek[135] to then turn right and follow the track which soon bends left. Keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to the right[136], this track passes a small cliff[137] and then follows the mostly flat track through the tall forest[138] for about 170m to come to a large clearing with tall blue gums[139]. (This was once a campsite, camping is not safe and not permitted)
Continue straight: From the campsite[140], 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[141] for about 1.2km to come to the southern bank of Ausburn Creek[142] (about 130m past a rock wall[143], on your left), a few metres above its confluence with Mooney Mooney Creek[144]
Veer right: From the intersection[122] just above the clearing, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[123] down along the track, keeping the clearing and campsite[124] to the right. The track soon leads over a small flat timber bridge[125] then over the next 60m, the track heads under the high tension power lines (past the caution sign[126]) and then along a short section of timber boardwalk[127]. About 20m later, this walk veers right at a Y-intersection[128], then continues along the mostly flat track beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 300m, to cross a small rocky tidal creek[129]. The track then continues through the tall forest[130] beside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 600m, passing a couple of she-oak stands[131] before the track then bends left and comes to an indistinct intersection[132] beside a timber and metal footbridge[133].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the timber and metal footbridge[134] over a tidal, unnamed creek[135] to then turn right and follow the track which soon bends left. Keeping Mooney Mooney Creek to the right[136], this track passes a small cliff[137] and then follows the mostly flat track through the tall forest[138] for about 170m to come to a large clearing with tall blue gums[139]. (This was once a campsite, camping is not safe and not permitted)
Continue straight: From the campsite[140], 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[141] for about 1.2km to come to the southern bank of Ausburn Creek[142] (about 130m past a rock wall[143], on your left), a few metres above its confluence with Mooney Mooney Creek[144]
(14.71km) Ausburn Creek crossing → Mooney Mooney Creek crossing
860 m
22 mins
64m
-54m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the south bank of Ausburn Creek, this walk crosses the narrow rock platform and creek[145], then follows the track fairly steeply uphill[146] for about 200m. At the top of this climb, the track gently undulates[147] alongside Mooney Mooney Creek for about 700m before heading down to find a large rock platform[148] on the western bank of Mooney Mooney Creek. This large rock platform is a natural ford of the perennial Mooney Mooney Creek[149] and is home to a scattering of small and large waterholes[150].
(15.56km) 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[151] and creek[152] to find the track again on the other side[153]. 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[154]. After a little over 1km, the walk comes into view of the tailwater of the dam[155] and then past a fenced cutting[156] (on your right), the site of an old pump house[157]. 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[158].
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[162], the dam wall is fenced and is clearly out of bounds[163]. A sign reminds visitors that swimming is not allowed[164].
(16.78km) Lower Mooney Mooney Dam → Quarry Camping Area
2.2 km
53 mins
180m
-35m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the lower Mooney Mooney Dam[165], this walk heads uphill along the old trail[166], initially keeping the water on your left. The trail leads up, enjoying the occasional glimpse of water[167] (on your left) for about 400m to pass a washed-out section of the old trail[168]. 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[169] pointing back downhill.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Reserve Road’ sign[170] uphill along the old trail, initially keeping the valley to your left[171]. After about 180m, this walk comes to a faint intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[172].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[173] downhill along the track for about 50m, to crosses a small pleasant gully[174] with an ephemeral creek[175]. After this, the track starts to wind moderately steeply uphill[176] then, soon after flatting out, it comes to a signposted ‘Camping Area’[177] with a metal fireplace[178].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Reserve Road’ sign[170] uphill along the old trail, initially keeping the valley to your left[171]. After about 180m, this walk comes to a faint intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[172].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[173] downhill along the track for about 50m, to crosses a small pleasant gully[174] with an ephemeral creek[175]. After this, the track starts to wind moderately steeply uphill[176] then, soon after flatting out, it comes to a signposted ‘Camping Area’[177] with a metal fireplace[178].
Quarry Camping Area
(18.97km) Quarry Camping Area → Quarry gate
590 m
11 mins
14m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From in front of the ‘camping area’[181], this walk heads gently uphill along the sandy track[182], initially keeping the camping area to your right. After about 220m of walking through this scribbly gum forest[183] and passing a small informal campsite[184] on the way, this walk comes to the quarry boundary fence[185] and turns left[186]. Following the fence for about 70m, the track leads to a section of timber boardwalk[187] with a view (right) over parts of the quarry[188]. The walk continues along the fence for just over 250m, crossing a small flat timber bridge[189] to come an intersection with a dirt road[190] (just past the locked gate).
(19.57km) Quarry gate → South end of Robinson Crk Track
1.7 km
34 mins
52m
-52m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows GNW arrow marker[191] gently downhill along the dirt road[192]. This walk follows the road for about 400m to come to a large clearing with two large water reservoirs tanks[193]. This walk continues past the two reservoirs[194] (and past the treatment plant building[195], on your left) to come to a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[196] just in front of a small brick building[197].
Continue straight: From the brick building[198], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[199] 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[200]. This track leads through the banksia and she-oak forest[201] for just over 100m to pass a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[202] and then cross Reservoir Rd[203]. On the other side of the road, this track continues gently down through the she-oak (Casuarina glauca) forest[204] for about 150m before crossing a metal footbridge[205]. 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[206] in spring, for about 400m and crosses a small ephemeral creek[207]. 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[208].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail uphill[209], keeping the power lines just to your right. After about 40m, this walk follows the GNW arrow post left[210] (ignoring the ‘Private Property’[211] trail ahead) as the track winds gently uphill for about 250m before veering left, ignoring another ‘Private Property’ track[212] (on your right). The mostly flat track now leads along the side of the hill[213] for about 100m before passing under another set of power lines[214] and leading right, steeply up the short rocky hill[215]. At the top of this hill, the track leads to the end of a trail[216], but immediately veers right[217] to follow a track along a fence for about 60m before rejoining the same power line management trail[218].
Continue straight: From the brick building[198], this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[199] 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[200]. This track leads through the banksia and she-oak forest[201] for just over 100m to pass a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[202] and then cross Reservoir Rd[203]. On the other side of the road, this track continues gently down through the she-oak (Casuarina glauca) forest[204] for about 150m before crossing a metal footbridge[205]. 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[206] in spring, for about 400m and crosses a small ephemeral creek[207]. 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[208].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail uphill[209], keeping the power lines just to your right. After about 40m, this walk follows the GNW arrow post left[210] (ignoring the ‘Private Property’[211] trail ahead) as the track winds gently uphill for about 250m before veering left, ignoring another ‘Private Property’ track[212] (on your right). The mostly flat track now leads along the side of the hill[213] for about 100m before passing under another set of power lines[214] and leading right, steeply up the short rocky hill[215]. At the top of this hill, the track leads to the end of a trail[216], but immediately veers right[217] to follow a track along a fence for about 60m before rejoining the same power line management trail[218].
(21.28km) South end of Robinson Crk Track → North end of Robinson Crk Track
1.3 km
31 mins
81m
-74m
Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[219] along the wide management trail, following the power lines for about 100m before veering left to follow another GNW arrow post[220] along a narrow track.
The track leads into the bush among gymea lilies[221] (Doryanthes excelsa) and eucalypts[223] for almost 300m, crossing a couple of short flat timber bridges[224] to then head along a few sections of timber board walk through a weedy section[225] of bush. The track then continues gently downhill for another 150m to cross over a trail[226]. 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[227], a small cave[228] (on your left). The walk continues down the timber then stone steps[229] to head into the dense moist forest and across a flat timber bridge[230], coming into view of the creek[231]. 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[232]. Just downstream is a small pool and cascade[233].
Here the walk starts to climb up the other side of the valley[234], soon crossing a small flat timber bridge[235]. The track then winds steeply[236] 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[237] the end of this section of steep climbing. This track now leads gently up among some tall eucalypts[238] and past a large grove of gymea lily[239] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection[240] with a wide management trail.
(22.55km) North end of Robinson Crk Track → Int of GNW and Private Property
540 m
10 mins
22m
0m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill[241] along the wide sandy trail for about 40m to pass a faint trail[242] (on your right). Then about 120m further up the main trail, this walk comes a T-intersection[243] marked with a couple more GNW arrow posts.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[244] gently uphill along the sandy trail[245]. The trail soon leaves the wooded forest and after about 120m, this walk veers left at an intersection in a clearing[246]. After another 120m, the walk heads past a large grassy clearing[247] (on your right) with some tall pine trees[248]. The sandy trail continues for another 150m, past a few scribbly gums[249], and comes to a Y-intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[250] (pointing left).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[244] gently uphill along the sandy trail[245]. The trail soon leaves the wooded forest and after about 120m, this walk veers left at an intersection in a clearing[246]. After another 120m, the walk heads past a large grassy clearing[247] (on your right) with some tall pine trees[248]. The sandy trail continues for another 150m, past a few scribbly gums[249], and comes to a Y-intersection marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[250] (pointing left).
(23.08km) 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[251] 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[252] for about 400m before heading over a short section of green boardwalk[253]. A short distance later, this walk crosses a green timber footbridge[254] and comes to an intersection at the end of the dirt Robinson Road[255].
(23.48km) 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[256] uphill along the gravel Robinson Rd for about 300m to then continue straight ahead[257] along the sealed Silvester Rd. This walk heads along the sealed road for another 500m to pass an intersection with ‘Anembo Rd’[258], then continues along Silvester Rd. Over the next 1km or so, the walk travels among the rural properties[259], passing some distant views of the peaks in Brisbane Water NP[260] (to your right), before turning left onto Wisemans Ferry Road at the T-intersection[261]. From this intersection, this walk leads up along the narrow grassy verge beside[262] the road for about 500m to pass the large communications[263] tower (on your right), heads over the crest of the hill then down for about 250m to come to Somersby Store[264] (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 Wondabyne station to Somersby Store 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 |
| Gosford | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9131 GOSFORD | 9131 |
Cross sectional view of the Wondabyne station to Somersby Store bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wondabyne station to Somersby Store
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 | 26.2 km | ||
| Time | 10 hrs | ||
| . | |||
| 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
8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 7km is very steep and the remaining 4.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
11km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 2.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
17km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (2.4km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
15km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 10km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.3km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 24km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.9km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
20km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.3km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Wondabyne station to Somersby Store walk starts 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 start of this walk.
The Wondabyne station to Somersby Store 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/wstss
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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