Brisbane Water National Park

Attraction
A family of four stops to admire the falls at the base of Somersby Falls walking track, Brisbane
A family shares a picnic lunch on the grass at Somersby Falls picnic area, Brisbane Water National
Aerial view of hikers along  Warrah Trig walking track framed by the picturesque Hawkesbury River.
An NPWS ranger shows a child who's climbed a tree something interesting above them during a nature
Orange banksia on branch, Brisbane Water National Park. Credit: Adam Hollingworth/DCCEEW ©
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Gallery showing 5 of 7 images, 2 more available

Park alerts

Brisbane Water National Park

5 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 3:05 am

  • Closed areas

    Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track

    Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track will be closed while rockfall investigations and mitigation works are undertaken.

    The closed area is between the suspension bridge and Bundilla Lookout on the western side of Piles Creek.

    Areas that will remain open are:

    • Piles Creek Loop Walking Track on the eastern side of Piles Creek
    • Access to the Great North Walk from Girrakool Picnic Area
    • Bundilla Lookout

    Barriers and signage are in place around the closed area.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.

About

Brisbane Water National Park is on the central coast near Gosford, north of Sydney. The park offers a range of wonderful experiences, making it a great daytrip or weekend away from the city.

Come to see colourful spring wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and scenic views from the park's lookouts. There are great fishing spots to discover, along with walking and cycling trails that cross rainforest and rugged sandstone country. The park's waterways are a great place to spend a day on the water, so don't forget your kayak.

Head to one of the coastal towns, like Umina Beach to organise your lunch before finding your own scenic picnic spot, or make a stop at Patonga for some tasty fish and chips and a beach view.

The park at a glance

Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford on the central coast offers great walks, cycling and fishing spots. The park protects ancient Aboriginal rock engraving sites.

Brisbane Water National Park is on the central coast near Gosford, north of Sydney. The park offers a range of wonderful experiences, making it a great daytrip or weekend away from the city.

Come to see colourful spring wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and scenic views from the park's lookouts. There are great fishing spots to discover, along with walking and cycling trails that cross rainforest and rugged sandstone country. The park's waterways are a great place to spend a day on the water, so don't forget your kayak.

Head to one of the coastal towns, like Umina Beach to organise your lunch before finding your own scenic picnic spot, or make a stop at Patonga for some tasty fish and chips and a beach view.

Walks
7
Cycling trails
2
Lookouts
2
Picnic areas
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

Pack a picnic lunch and soak up the delightful sights and sounds of spring. Relax among the wildflowers and wildlife as the Hawkesbury River flows by.

Summer

Take advantage of the warmer summer weather and paddle down Patonga Creek or Mooney Mooney Creek in a canoe.

Autumn

The cooler weather makes it a perfect time to find a waterfall walking track, and keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal engravings along the way.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

3 places

Walks in this park

9 walks

Plants and animals

5 species

Animals

  • Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
  • Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
  • Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

Plants

  • Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)
  • Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Frequently asked questions

8 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Brendan Millett

Brendan Millett

Google review

A fabulous hiking National Park. Lots of access points and trails. Very remote , hikers need to be prepared.

Before you go

Vehicle entry

$8 per vehicle per day

Nearby towns

Gosford (10 km) · Woy Woy (13 km) · Sydney City Centre (72 km)

Get in touch

Girrakool office

02 4320 4200npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

59 Girrakool Rd, Somersby, NSW 2250

Monday to Friday, hours vary

Where you'll be

Kariong NSW 2250

Hours

Open 24 hours