Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

12 h to 2 days

38.6 km
oneway

↑ 1270 m
↓ -1451 m

Hard track
This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and around to Wondabyne Station. Please check timetables for ferry and trains as they can be infrequent. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Show all
Great North Walk track off Cowan Station. | Photo by admin
Freeway Overpass. | Photo by admin
Engraving of whale. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Jerusalem Bay Track creek crossing. | Photo by admin
Stairs to Jerusalem Bay Point. | Photo by admin
Jerusalem Bay. | Photo by admin
Track markers on rock. | Photo by admin
View over the Hawkesbury River and Peats Ferry Bridge. | Photo by admin
Brooklyn Dam. | Photo by admin
steps down along the road to Brooklyn. | Photo by admin
Near the bottom of Patonga Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from rock lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Warrah Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
path down towards headland. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Warrah Trig Station carpark. | Photo by admin, 2008.
National Park Gate. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Patonga Rest area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Great North Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crossing Patonga Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
path across rock flats. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Mt Wondabyne Camping area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
track north from Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Mt Wondabyne. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rocky Outcrop on track east of Kariong Brook. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Kariong Brook Water fall. | Photo by admin, 2008.
following the Great North Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Water glimpses. | Photo by admin
Steps above Wondabyne. | Photo by admin
looking out to Mullet creek. | Photo by admin
steps leading up into the Brisbane Waters National Park. | Photo by admin
tree grabbing rock or rock grabbing tree?. | Photo by admin
wondabyne station. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Full Journey Great North Walk
Start (-33.5937932,151.1716577)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
DirectionsFrom , Brooklyn.
Finish (-33.4919895,151.2571288)
Mode (end) Ferry   Train  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the front of Cowan station, this walk follows the GNW arrow up the concrete ramp, turning right to cross the track at the controlled 'Pedestrian Railway Crossing'. The walk follows the ramp onto platform 1 (Sydney-bound side) then around the shelter to follow the GNW arrow post right, down the steps and through the gate. Here the walk crosses the train lines (train storage area) and turns left, following the 'Brooklyn' sign along the wide management trail. After 130m, the trail leads past an electrical switching area then turns right at the large 'Great North Walk' signposts. Here, the narrower trail leads between the fences over a small rise to cross the freeway on a large, fenced concrete bridge.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a car park.
After another 9 m turn right.
After another 50 m turn right.
After another 15 m pass the shelter (on your right).
Then pass the emergency call device (9 m on your left).
After another 8 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).

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Turn right.
Then pass the emergency call device (on your left).
Then head down the 13 steps (about 3 m long)
After another 3 m continue straight, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track.
After another 10 m turn left, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track.
After another 130 m turn right, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track.
After another 10 m pass the "Great North Walk" (5 m on your left).
After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long)
After another 240 m head down the 4 wooden steps (about 10 m long)
After another 30 m cross the ford.
After another 80 m find the "Aboriginal rock engravings" (50 m on your right).
Aboriginal rock engravings
Aboriginal rock engravings

Located just a short walk from the Great North Walk, these Aboriginal rock engravings are on a large rock platform and consist of three definable carvings, a man, a whale and a bird.
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Located just a short walk from the Great North Walk, these Aboriginal rock engravings are on a large rock platform and consist of three definable carvings, a man, a whale and a bird.

After another 490 m cross the ford.
After another 190 m cross the ford.
After another 1.1 km turn left, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track.
Then head up the 11 earthen steps (about 3 m long)
Veer right, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track.
Then find the "Jerusalem Bay" (on your right).
Jerusalem Bay
Jerusalem Bay

Jerusalem Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a nice bay east of Cowan Station. The bay is popular with bushwalkers as it is part of the Great North Walk. The bay is sometimes known for an iconic photo of the single palm in front of the water. The bay itself is also popular with boaters who can anchor in the bay. Jerusalem Bay can be accessed by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay or from Brooklyn or Cowan Railway Stations.
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Jerusalem Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a nice bay east of Cowan Station. The bay is popular with bushwalkers as it is part of the Great North Walk. The bay is sometimes known for an iconic photo of the single palm in front of the water. The bay itself is also popular with boaters who can anchor in the bay. Jerusalem Bay can be accessed by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay or from Brooklyn or Cowan Railway Stations.

After another 20 m (at the intersection of Jerusalem Bay Foottrack & Jerusalem Bay Track) turn left, to head along Jerusalem Bay Foottrack.
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Jerusalem Bay Foottrack & Jerusalem Bay Track) turn left.
After another 35 m pass the cave (about 35 m ahead).
After another 285 m cross the bridge
After another 130 m pass a seat (6 m on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 660 m (at the intersection of Campbells Crater Track & Taffys Rock Track) continue straight.
After another 760 m head down the earthen steps (about 5 m long)
Then cross the ford.
After another 1.2 km veer left.
After another 45 m pass the "Log book".
Turn right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 890 m veer left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 1.9 km turn sharp right.
After another 370 m find the "Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam" (80 m on your left).
Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam

The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.
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The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.

The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Brooklyn Dam campsite. If you choose to walk this track over 3 days, you can spend your first night here. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Turn right, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 280 m cross the ford.
After another 185 m cross the ford.
After another 245 m continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 25 m find the "Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam" (30 m on your left).
Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam

The large campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a spacious and well-maintained campsite which has room for plenty of tents. The close proximity to the dam means accessible water (treat before drinking). The campsite has many tall, shady trees and is a fuel stove only site. The concrete dam wall was built in 1884 to provide water for the steam trains passing about 500m to the north. The dam was enlarged six times before 1924, then in in 1989 the dam was added to the expanded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
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The large campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a spacious and well-maintained campsite which has room for plenty of tents. The close proximity to the dam means accessible water (treat before drinking). The campsite has many tall, shady trees and is a fuel stove only site. The concrete dam wall was built in 1884 to provide water for the steam trains passing about 500m to the north. The dam was enlarged six times before 1924, then in in 1989 the dam was added to the expanded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

After another 490 m veer right, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 610 m continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 335 m (at the intersection of Brooklyn Loop Firetrail & Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Loop Firetrail.
After another 930 m continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Loop Firetrail.
After another 125 m head through/around the gate.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of George Street & William Street) turn right, to head along George Street (a residential road).
After another 135 m continue straight, to head along George Street.
After another 85 m pass the car park (4 m on your right).
After another 55 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along George Street.
After another 15 m pass the shelter (9 m on your right).
Turn right.
After another 15 m pass the shelter (6 m on your right).
Then pass a seat (15 m on your left).
After another 6.8 km (Patonga Station) continue straight (a footpath).
After another 165 m find the "Patonga Village" (about 15 m ahead).
Patonga Village
Patonga Village

Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.
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Patonga Village is a lovely small township on the Hawkesbury River. Just near the ferry wharf are a few helpful facilities: The Eve Williams Memorial Oval, where you will find a large pavilion, drinking water and public toilets. A fish and chips shop (and general store) is open reasonable hours, where you can buy lunch, a coffee and basic supplies (fishing needs, milk, canned food). Patonga Beach Hotel is available for a cold drink at the bar or a meal on the deck, or even overnight accommodation (from $242 a couple) ph: 02 4379 1111.

Then pass the car park (about 15 m ahead).
Turn right.
After another 55 m pass the shelter (45 m on your left).
After another 50 m pass the park (15 m on your left).
Then pass the picnic table (35 m on your left).
Then pass the toilet (75 m on your left).
Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (9 m on your right).
After another 175 m continue straight.
After another 45 m find the "Warrah Reserve boat ramp" (15 m on your left).
Warrah Reserve boat ramp
Warrah Reserve boat ramp

Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.
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Warrah Reserve boat ramp provides a large car park and access to both the boat ramp and Patonga Beach. There are garbage bins, a picnic table and information board. The boat ramp offers good views along the beach to 'Dark Corner', found at the eastern end of Patonga Beach.

After another 170 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 450 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right).
After another 105 m find the "Broken Bay View" (25 m on your right).
Broken Bay View
Broken Bay View

Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.
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Broken Bay View is an informal, unnamed and unfenced vantage point at the top of the cliffs, east of Patonga. The large rock platform has a number of large Sydney Red Gums, providing some shade. There are great views across the Hawkesbury River, along Cowan Creek and to West Head. The views to the left extend past Lion Island to Barrenjoey Head and out to the Pacific Ocean.

After another 310 m continue straight, to head along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
After another 360 m pass the sign (on your right).
At the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail turn left, to head along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath).
After another 295 m find the "Warrah Trig Station" (on your left).
Warrah Trig Station
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. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.
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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. The area is rich with wildflowers in spring.

After another 45 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
After another 150 m (at the intersection of Warrah Trig Road & Warrah Escape Trail) continue straight, to head along Warrah Trig Road.
After another 950 m veer right.
After another 235 m turn left.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Warrah Patch Firetrail & Patonga Drive) continue straight, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail (a vehicle track).
After another 7 m pass the "Waratah" (on your left).
After another 15 m head through/around the gate.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Patonga Rest Area where you can spend the night. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 105 m turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Warrah Patch Firetrail & PMG Firetrail) turn right, to head along Warrah Patch Firetrail.
After another 270 m (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Warrah Patch Firetrail) turn left, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Van Dahls Firetrail & Sani Depot Trail) continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
After another 1.6 km continue straight, to head along Van Dahls Firetrail.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Dillons Trail & Van Dahls Firetrail) turn left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track).
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Dillons Trail & Patonga Creek) continue straight, to head along Dillons Trail.
After another 1.9 km come to the viewpoint (on your right).
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Dillons Firetrail & Dillons Trail) turn left (a vehicle track).
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Dillons Trail & Dillons Firetrail) turn sharp left, to head along Dillons Trail (a walking track).
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Dillons Trail) turn right, to head along Tunnel Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 150 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Rocky Ponds Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
After another 470 m (at the intersection of Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail & Tunnel Trail) turn left, to head along Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail.
After another 740 m find the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite" (on your right).
Mt Wondabyne Campsite
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).
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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).

After another 25 m pass the toilet (about 7 m ahead).
Then pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 80 m continue straight.
After another 940 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
After another 215 m turn left.
After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
After another 1.5 km pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
Veer left.
After another 650 m find the "Kariong Brook Falls" (on your left).
Kariong Brook Falls
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.
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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.

After another 1.9 km pass the sign (on your left).
Turn left, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 630 m (at the intersection of Rifle Range Firetrail & Pindar Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 960 m continue straight, to head along Rifle Range Firetrail.
After another 315 m head down the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 145 m pass the emergency call device (4 m on your right).
After another 1 m turn left.
About 40 m past the end is "Wondabyne".
Wondabyne
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.
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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.

After another 4 m come to the end.

Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 10 m turn left.
Then pass the "Log book" (on your right).
After another 95 m come to "Freeway view point".
Freeway view point
Freeway view point

This vantage point is beside the Sydney-Newcastle freeway. It sits high on the unfenced cutting, providing great views up and down the freeway. The area still has evidence of the old road and there are power lines nearby, making this an interesting, though not very natural, view point. Please keep well back from the edge so that you don't accidentally dislodge any rocks, or yourself.
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This vantage point is beside the Sydney-Newcastle freeway. It sits high on the unfenced cutting, providing great views up and down the freeway. The area still has evidence of the old road and there are power lines nearby, making this an interesting, though not very natural, view point. Please keep well back from the edge so that you don't accidentally dislodge any rocks, or yourself.

About 35 m past the end is a viewpoint.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.

Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail.
After another 35 m (at the intersection of Tony Doyle Track & Pearl Beach Patonga Firetrail) turn left, to head along Tony Doyle Track (a footpath).
After another 7 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 60 m find the "Warrah Lookout" (on your left).
Warrah Lookout
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.
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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.

Then come to "Warrah Lookout".
Continue another 0 m to find Warrah Lookout at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 35 m pass a seat (80 m on your right)., has no backrest.
After another 105 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (4 m on your left).
Mt Wondabyne
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.
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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.

After another 55 m come to a viewpoint.

About 15 m past the end is "Mount Wondabyne".

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 195 m to the main route.

Side trip to Brooklyn Dam campsite. If you choose to walk this track over 3 days, you can spend your first night here.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
After another 75 m turn right.
After another 30 m find the "Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam" (on your right).
Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam

The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.
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The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.

After another 5 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.

Side trip to Patonga Rest Area where you can spend the night.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 205 m find the "Patonga rest area" (on your right).
Patonga rest area
Patonga rest area

This small campsite is a signposted rest area, and is about 200m off the Great North Walk, just north of Patonga Drive. The campsite is a small, sandy clearing, with no facilities and no water, but it is sheltered by trees.
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This small campsite is a signposted rest area, and is about 200m off the Great North Walk, just north of Patonga Drive. The campsite is a small, sandy clearing, with no facilities and no water, but it is sheltered by trees.

Continue another 15 m to find Patonga Rest Area at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 220 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 38.6 km
Time 12 h to 2 days
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 4 on route, on average they are 7.8 km apart with the largest gap of 13.7 km.

Shelter: There are 4 on route, on average they are 7.7 km apart with the largest gap of 19.2 km.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 7.7 km apart with the largest gap of 12.3 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 9.7 km apart with the largest gap of 17.9 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Shelter
75 m[shelter]
Toilet
85 m[toilet]
Seat
2.9 km[seat]
Campsite
8.8 kmSmall Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Campsite
9.5 kmLarge Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Toilet
12.4 km[toilet]
Shelter
12.4 km[shelter]
Shelter
12.5 km[shelter]
Seat
12.5 km[seat]
Shelter
19.4 km[shelter]
Toilet
19.4 km[toilet]
Campsite
23 km + 205 mPatonga rest area
Campsite
30.4 kmMt Wondabyne Campsite
Seat
30.4 km[seat]
Toilet
30.4 km[toilet]
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