Girrakool Loop Track
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

30 min to 45 min

1.4 km
circuit

↑ 54 m
↓ -54 m

Moderate track
Starting at the well-established Girrakool picnic area, this walk visits four lookouts and an Aboriginal engravings site. The walk offers a couple of side trips, visiting some nice spots on Piles Creek. The views from each of the lookout are filtered through trees, but still worth the visit. The walk is especially nice in late winter and early spring, when the wildflowers are blooming. A good walk when picnicking at Girrakool. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai 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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Girrakool Picnic Area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
BBQ shelter at Girrakool Picnic Area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Girrakool Picnic Area car park. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Information sign and ticket machine. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track leading to smaller upper picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Girrakool Loop trackhead. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track leading to Aboriginal Engravings. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing under the rock platform. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Clear track above engraving site. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Engraving site. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Faint engraving. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps below Girrakool engraving site. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track south of Girrakool engraving site. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Intersection west of Broula Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track leading to Piles Creek cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Piles Creek Cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track near Broula Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Broula Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Piles Creek Cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Intersection near Broula Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Path between picnic area and Illoura Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Illoura Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
view from Illoura Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track to top of Piles Creek waterfall. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing above Piles Creek waterfall. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Piles Creek waterfall. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track passing Illoura Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Well signposted intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old Lookout sign. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Eriostemon australasius (Pink Wax Flower) and bee. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Little bridges make the walking easier. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Wildflower. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Pretty. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rock crossing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Andamira Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Falls near Andamira Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
steps above Andamira Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Boondi Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps above Boondi Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Through the heath. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sign and track above the picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
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 (-33.4317118,151.2766347)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Pacific Motorway, M1
  • Turn on to Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp then drive for 630 m
  • Continue onto Wisemans Ferry Road Offramp and drive for another 55 m
  • Turn right onto Wisemans Ferry Road, B83 and drive for another 390 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Old Pacific Highway, B83 and drive for another 1.5 km
  • Turn left onto Quarry Road and drive for another 75 m
  • Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 630 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Girrakool picnic area car park and information sign, this walk heads across the car park to the 'Girrakool Loop 2km' signpost on the other side. The walk then follows this sign and track into the bush, leaving the freeway noise behind. The track crosses a rock platform then heads down a series of steps, to come to a large rock platform with a pine log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. The cliff edge around the rock is un-fenced.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
Then pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
There is a sign (about 25 m back from the start).
After 35 m find the "Girrakool Picnic Area" (10 m on your left).
Girrakool Picnic Area
Girrakool Picnic Area

Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'.
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Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'.

After another 30 m veer left, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
After another 175 m find the "Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site" (8 m on your left).
Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site
Girrakool Aboriginal Engravings site

This rock platform has a log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. Make an effort to not walk on the the engravings as this will only fade the engraving further. The engraving on this rock have faded but with a bit of effort you can make out a man and kangaroo.
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This rock platform has a log and 'Aboriginal Site' sign. Make an effort to not walk on the the engravings as this will only fade the engraving further. The engraving on this rock have faded but with a bit of effort you can make out a man and kangaroo.

After another 70 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Creek Cascades. 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.
After another 175 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
After another 95 m find the "Broula Lookout" (on your left).
Broula Lookout
Broula Lookout

Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.
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Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.

Turn left, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Piles Creek Waterfall. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
After another 40 m find the "Illoura Lookout" (on your right).
Illoura Lookout
Illoura Lookout

Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.
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Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.

After another 15 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
After another 430 m turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
After another 15 m pass the waterfall (20 m on your left).
Then find the "Andamira Lookout" (on your left).
Andamira Lookout
Andamira Lookout

The fenced Andamira Lookout is on a platform, overlooking Leaskes Creek waterfall on the Girrakool Loop walk. The waterfall is in a sandstone and ferny amphitheatre with a sandy base. Prior to reaching the waterfall, this creek has just passed under the F3 freeway, which can be heard a short distance away. Trees have grown up over the years and the view of the water if filtered through the leaves.
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The fenced Andamira Lookout is on a platform, overlooking Leaskes Creek waterfall on the Girrakool Loop walk. The waterfall is in a sandstone and ferny amphitheatre with a sandy base. Prior to reaching the waterfall, this creek has just passed under the F3 freeway, which can be heard a short distance away. Trees have grown up over the years and the view of the water if filtered through the leaves.

After another 35 m find the "Boondi Lookout" (10 m on your right).
Boondi Lookout
Boondi Lookout

Boondi Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Girrakool Loop track, in Brisbane Water National Park. The view is mostly of the trees in the valley, with some glimpses of Leaskes Creek to the right. 'Boondi' is a word used by the Darkinjung people meaning 'Club-headed weapon'.
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Boondi Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Girrakool Loop track, in Brisbane Water National Park. The view is mostly of the trees in the valley, with some glimpses of Leaskes Creek to the right. 'Boondi' is a word used by the Darkinjung people meaning 'Club-headed weapon'.

After another 245 m veer right, to head along Girrakool Road.
After another 40 m come to a car park.
The end.

An optional side trip to Piles Creek Cascades.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m come to the end.
About 15 m past the end is "Piles Creek Cascades".
Piles Creek Cascades
Piles Creek Cascades

Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain.
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Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Piles Creek Waterfall.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop Start heading along Piles Creek Loop (a walking track).
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
After another 20 m come to the end.
"Piles Creek Waterfall".
Piles Creek Waterfall
Piles Creek Waterfall

The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.
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The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 65 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Girrakool Loop Track


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 1.4 km
Time 30 min to 45 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one -25 m back from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-25 m[toilet]
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