Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)
Awabakal Country

4 h to 6 h
2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

11.9 km
oneway

↑ 565 m
↓ -604 m

Hard track
This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Watagan Creek Road and winds north across the valley and up into the Watagan State Forest, following the ridge lines around the Flatrock Lookout and down into the Congewai Valley before finishing at the track head at Congewai Valley Road. There are few (and unreliable) water sources in this section, so carrying sufficient supplies is necessary. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Crossing paddock from Watagan Creek Road. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Over the hill and far away. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crossing Watagan Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crossing the paddock fence. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Path up from paddock. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Winding up the side of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The fenced-off cliffs near Flat Rock Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Flat Rock Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Flatrock com tower. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track down to the Congewai. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Bottom of the valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Following the side of a property. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Following the edge of a property. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Almost through. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Farm road. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Road to Congewai valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Across Congewai valley floor. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Congewai valley track head (west). | Photo by admin, 2008.
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
Start (-33.0284246,151.2734063)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Great North Road
  • Turn on to Watagan Creek Road then drive for 8.3 km
  • Continue onto Watagan Creek Road and drive for another 9.1 km
Finish (-32.9670636,151.2700653)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post down the short but steep road embankment, and passes through the paddock gate (with a 'Laguna' sign on it). The walk continues gently downhill across farmland for about 200m, until coming to, and heading through, a paddock gate with a 'Great North Walk' sign (and a yellow electric fence box).
From the paddock gate (with the yellow electric fence box), this walk follows GNW arrow down the moderately steep grassy bank towards the creek. After about 10m, the walk crosses the creek, usually just over ankle deep. This creek maybe impassible after rain. The walk continues following GNW arrow markers along the fence for about 100m, passing through two more paddock gates), until heading through another paddock gate with a 'Please Shut Gate' sign, just before the forest.
From the paddock gate in the Watagan Valley, this walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill. The walk heads through the wooded forest, up a series of timber and rock steps as the track winds up the hill. About 1km after leaving the open farmland, this track leads to an intersection with the turning area at the end of the dirt Langans Road.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the Great North Walk at the start.
After another 2.1 km continue straight.
After another 200 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 690 m continue straight.
After another 660 m pass the "Great North Walk" (5 m on your left).
Then pass a seat (8 m on your left).
After another 80 m find the "Great North Walk Campsite" (10 m on your left).
Great North Walk Campsite
Great North Walk Campsite

This neat little signposted campsite consists of a brick fireplace with a couple of basic wooden seats and some room for a few tents. There is no water available at this campsite.
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This neat little signposted campsite consists of a brick fireplace with a couple of basic wooden seats and some room for a few tents. There is no water available at this campsite.

After another 285 m find the "Flat Rock Lookout" (9 m on your right).
Flat Rock Lookout
Flat Rock Lookout

Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. There are, however, no fences or safety railings at the lookout, so walkers will need to exercise extra caution.
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Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. There are, however, no fences or safety railings at the lookout, so walkers will need to exercise extra caution.

After another 380 m continue straight.
After another 410 m turn right.
After another 370 m continue straight.
After another 1.3 km continue straight.
After another 860 m continue straight.
After another 550 m continue straight.
After another 50 m continue straight.
After another 145 m continue straight.
After another 3 km continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Lonely Goat Olives. 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 40 m veer right.
After another 560 m continue straight.
After another 205 m continue straight.
After another 165 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Lonely Goat Olives.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 640 m turn left.
After another 280 m come to the end.
About 50 m past the end is "Lonely Goat Olives".
Lonely Goat Olives
Lonely Goat Olives

Lonely Goat Olives is a tranquil country cottage in Congewai Valley, about 900m from the GNW. The cottage has two separate bedrooms, both with en-suites. The bedrooms open on to a veranda with views over the gorgeous valley and the Tuscan style olive groves. The cottage has an outdoor BBQ kitchen and both rooms have a satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, bar fridge, toaster and kettle. Rooms are from $202 a night including breakfast, meal packs are also available. A two night min. stay is normal, but chat with Keith about mid-week and other options. Your friendly host is also happy to pick you up or drop you off at Watagan Creek Rd for about $75. Ph 02 4998 1693
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Lonely Goat Olives is a tranquil country cottage in Congewai Valley, about 900m from the GNW. The cottage has two separate bedrooms, both with en-suites. The bedrooms open on to a veranda with views over the gorgeous valley and the Tuscan style olive groves. The cottage has an outdoor BBQ kitchen and both rooms have a satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, bar fridge, toaster and kettle. Rooms are from $202 a night including breakfast, meal packs are also available. A two night min. stay is normal, but chat with Keith about mid-week and other options. Your friendly host is also happy to pick you up or drop you off at Watagan Creek Rd for about $75. Ph 02 4998 1693

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 930 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Watagan Creek Road to Congewai Valley Track Head (West)


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 11.9 km
Time 4 h to 6 h
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Accommodation: There is one 11 km (plus an extra 1 km along side route) from the start.

Campsite: There is one 3.7 km from the start.

Seat: There is one 3.6 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
3.6 km[seat]
Campsite
3.7 kmGreat North Walk Campsite
Accommodation
11 km + 1 kmLonely Goat Olives
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Articles
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Weather & Alerts
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