Brisbane Water National Park: Your gateway to the Central Coast
This natural haven is home to dense rainforests hiding impressive, cascading waterfalls, breathtaking rock formations millions of years old and a suspension bridge that offers incredible views as you cross from one side of the park to the other.
Here are some must-see highlights to explore when visiting Brisbane Water National Park:
Cascading falls at Somersby Falls
Kris Charlz x Destination Central Coast
Kris Charlz x Destination Central Coast
Suspension bridge at Piles Creek Loop
Ross Long x Destination Central Coast
Ross Long x Destination Central Coast
Somersby Falls
Arguably one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Central Coast, a visit to Somersby Falls is a must. The 800-metre return Somersby Falls walking track winds through lush rainforest and offers views of both the upper and lower falls - perfect for photography and a refreshing escape into nature.
Piles Creek Loop and Girakool Walking Track
Just five minutes away from Somersby Falls, visit Girakool Picnic area for a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. From here, you can access two standout walking trails. Girakool loop track is a short walk through the bushland, whilst Piles Creek loop is a more challenging walk but pays off with its stunning views of waterfalls and a scenic suspension bridge crossing.
Staples Lookout at the top of Woy Woy Road
Image by John Yurasek/DCCEEW
Image by John Yurasek/DCCEEW
Cascading falls at Kariong Brook Falls
Image by @maxwelltooby
Image by @maxwelltooby
Staples Lookout
Before you cruise into the town of Woy Woy, don’t forget to take a worthy stop at Staples Lookout. Located close to the top of Woy Woy Road, this lookout offers panoramic views of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay. From this vantage point, you can also see all the way to Mount Wondabyne, the highest point in Brisbane Water National Park.
Kariong Brook Falls
A lesser-known spot to see stunning waterfalls within Brisbane Water National Pak is Kariong Brook Falls. This 5-kilometre round trip is a challenging walk, starting from Staples Lookout, and will take you through some of the most scenic parts of the National Park. This hidden gem will take you off the beaten path, so make sure you let people know where you’re going and take care when visiting.
Pindar Cave
Image by @mikesalway
Image by @mikesalway
Walk to Gosford Glyphs
Image by James Horan
Image by James Horan
Pindar Caves
Thought Kariong Brook Falls was a hidden gem? Some locals don’t even know this beauty exists. Pindar Cave is a geological sandstone overhang formation, offering beautiful views of this national park. Begin your trek from the elusive Wondabyne train station, and head along Rifle Range Firetrail before turning left onto the Pindar Walking Track. Make sure to plan our trip on the NSW Transport website to ensure you hop into the correct train car to stop at Wondabyne train station.
Gosford Glyphs
Tucked away in the bushland near Kariong, the Gosford Glyphs are one of the Central Coast's most intriguing, and mysterious, sites. Throughout the rockfaces, you'll come across sandstone carvings, sparking decades of curiosity and debate as to where they originated from. Despite the controversy, there's no denying the overwhelming beauty that this site holds. This short, unmarked walk from Bambara Road in Kariong, will take you to the glyphs. Be sure to wear good shoes and take care of navigating the uneven terrain.
Avid National Park visitor?
Check out the annual NSW All Parks Pass that will give you vehicle entry to all of the National parks on the Central Coast, and the rest of New South Wales including Kosciuszko National Park!
To stay up to date on any closures or safety alerts for each activity within Brisbane Water National Park, please check NSW National Park’s website ahead of your visit.
