The iconic and much-loved Great North walk is a 250km track that runs between Sydney and Newcastle in NSW. In Palm Grove Nature Reserve, visitors can enjoy a picturesque sample of this walk, making it either a great self-contained bushwalk or part of a bigger walking adventure. The trail's scenic views begin at the end of Kilkenny Road on the Somersby Plateau and finish on Ourimbah Creek Road, Palm Grove.
Meander through open forests dominated by majestic Sydney blue gums, Sydney peppermint, blackbutt, ironbark and turpentine before descending into the cool moist rainforest over a pristine creek, where cabbage tree palms, corkwood, sassafras and giant strangler figs flourish over a carpet of green ferns, vines, shrubs and orchids.
The track is undulating with some small, steep sections and a creek crossing. It's a short, accessible walk that brings you to a beautiful forested area, where you can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography. The calls of the frogs that call the area home can be heard throughout the reserve, particularly after heavy rain.
Interpretative signs located along the track provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the plants and animals found along the way and encourage you to explore the environment through your sense of smell, hearing and touch. For a longer section of the walk be sure to try Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching.
Check the weather before you set out as a creek crossing on Kilkenny Road is required to get to Palm Grove Nature Reserve.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park.
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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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
To Kilkenny Road. Great North walk - Palm Grove Nature Reserve is in Palm Grove Nature Reserve. To get there:From the F3 Freeway, take the Peats Ridge Road exit.Take the first right into Wisemans Ferry RoadTurn right onto Dog Trap Road and then turn left onto Kilkenny RoadFollow to the entrance of Palm Grove Nature ReserveAlternatively, if beginning from Ourimbah Creek Road:From the F3 Freeway, take the Pacific Highway exit for Ourimbah.Head south along Pacific HighwayTake the first right into Ourimbah Creek Road and continue for approximately 9.5km Park entry points Kilkenny Road See on map Ourimbah Creek Road See on map Parking Parking is available at end of Kilkenny Road and Ourimbah Creek Road.
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.
Palm Grove Nature Reserve, near Gosford on the NSW Central Coast, is a great place for frog enthusiasts, birdwatching, photography, picnicking and bushwalking.
Moss-covered boulders, dramatic rainforest ferns and wild bird and frog calls all combine to make Palm Grove Nature Reserve €“ all 240ha of it €“ a magical place for a wilderness escape. It's also an easily accessible getaway, being in the Ourimbah Creek valley, just a few kilometres northwest of Gosford.
This is also a special place for observing unusual and threatened species. In particular, a number of interesting and unusual frogs call the reserve home, including the red-eyed green tree frog and stuttering frog.
One of the highlights of Palm Grove Nature Reserve is the chance to experience a part of the iconic Great North walk, which runs all the way from Sydney to Newcastle. This scenic walking track, with its varied terrain and abundance of wildlife, is a great favourite with those interested in birdwatching, bushwalking and photography.
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.
Looking for things to do in Palm Grove Nature Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
