









Brisbane Water National Park
5 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 3:05 am
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:
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.
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.
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.
Access, facilities and practical details.
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.
Take advantage of the warmer summer weather and paddle down Patonga Creek or Mooney Mooney Creek in a canoe.
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.
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Grade 3 · Moderate · 0.8km return · 30 - 36min
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
A fabulous hiking National Park. Lots of access points and trails. Very remote , hikers need to be prepared.
Great waterfall indeed! It has few lookouts on the way. Park your in the parking area and you will see the first lookout just there. Few steps down you will see the next lookout. Further 7 minutes down you will see the next one and if you climb down further for 10 minutes you will see the final one. You can have a bath. Water is so clear and cold.
Every moment of this paradise is breathtaking. The views are spectacular. So many little camp sites . Fishing is always lucrative. Plenty of little beaches and inlets to explore. Walking tracks. Hire a house boat go fishing or just cruise up and down the river. Every time I go I can't get enough, it's just enormous. You'll never be bored exploring these waters. People along the river are super friendly. Take your dog's they'll love this adventure. Just the perfect place to get away from the rat race.
Brisbane Water National Park spans over 12,000 hectares on the Central Coast and offers a diverse array of natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, this park has something for everyone. One of the highlights is the variety of walking tracks. A great option for a short walk is the Patonga to Pearl Beach Walk. This trail winds through dense bushland, offering breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River from Warrah Trig Lookout. The effort is rewarded with a descent into the secluded Pearl Beach, where you can take a refreshing dip, relax on the sand, or head to the Patonga Boathouse for refreshments. For a more leisurely stroll, the Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place is a fascinating spot. This short walk leads to a collection of ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, some of which are estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The engravings depict various animals and figures, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region’s original inhabitants. A visit to the park wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of its many waterfalls, like Somersby Falls and Girrakool. Somersby Falls features three tiers of cascades, with a handy staircase allowing easy access to all levels for stunning views. Girrakool is a fantastic spot to relax with family or friends, surrounded by towering trees and the sound of running water from nearby creeks. The Girrakool Loop Track is a short, easy walk that takes you past waterfalls, lush gullies, and scenic lookouts, making it perfect for those who want to experience the park’s beauty without committing to a longer hike.
My wife and I have been here couple of times. There are so many things to see and do here. We love its beaches. Patonga beach and Pearl beach would be our favourites. We love the hikes too. The hike from Patonga to Pearl beach is a nice one to do. It is about 5km each way with some steep inclines. There are some great lookouts along the way too. The Piles Creek loop track is a very nice easy hike to do also. A beautiful place to chill is the Paul Landa Reserve. It has some amazing rock formations and views. So many things to do here. Can’t wait to go back.
Vehicle entry
$8 per vehicle per day
Nearby towns
Gosford (10 km) · Woy Woy (13 km) · Sydney City Centre (72 km)
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteGirrakool office
02 4320 4200npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au59 Girrakool Rd, Somersby, NSW 2250
Monday to Friday, hours vary
Kariong NSW 2250