Built in 1988 to celebrate Australia's bicentennial year, Great North walk is a 250km bushwalking track linking the Sydney CBD with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. The track passes through a number of national parks, including Brisbane Water National Park (for 34km), and is undoubtedly one of the best walks in NSW.
The walk offers something for everyone. If you're walking with children you can choose an easy section of the track, and if you're feeling energetic you can choose an overnight walk, or a more challenging section to hike. Whichever way you choose to walk this iconic track, you will definitely enjoy spectacular views, a scenic landscape and the sounds of native birds and wildlife.
The sections of Great North walk that are in the park include:
If you can, it's worth taking a couple of days to hike this section to really enjoy the bushland environment and local scenery. Continue your Great North walk exploration by linking with Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park towards Sydney or continue north along Great North walk - Palm Grove Nature Reserve.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
The Brisbane Water National Park section of the walk ranges from 4.2km up to 34km one way
Great North walk is 250km in total, so plan carefully if you want to walk the entire track
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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To Patonga. Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park is in Brisbane Water National Park. To get there:From Umina Beach:Take Patonga Drive towards PatongaAs you enter Patonga, take a left towards the boat ramp or continue on to the wharf.Great North walk starts a short walk from Patonga boat rampAlternatively, if beginning from Wondabyne:Take the train on the Newcastle and Central Coast Line to Wondabyne Train StationCheck out the Transport Info website for more information.Alternatively, if beginning from the north:Exit the F3 at the Central Coast HighwayTurn onto Wisemans Ferry RoadTurn left into Grants RoadTurn right into Reservoir Road and continue for approximately 1kmThe walk starts behind the reservoirs Park entry points Patonga See on map Reservoir Road, Somersby See on map Parking Parking is available in Patonga, either at the wharf in the centre of town or at the boat ramp a short walk away. Parking is also available on Reservoir Road, Somersby.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
The Brisbane Water National Park is a protected national park that is in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 11,506-hectare national park is situated 47 kilometres north of Sydney, 10 kilometres west of Woy Woy, and 12 kilometres southwest of Gosford. The Brisbane Water National Park has two picnic areas within the park close of an evening: Girrakool picnic area is open 9am to 5pm every day Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
