Gap Creek Falls Walk

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Bangalow Road & Gap Creek Falls Walking Track (-33.0132165,151.4306063)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Freemans Drive Exit then drive for 510 m Keep right and drive for another 45 m Turn right onto Freemans Drive and drive for another 4.6 km Turn right onto Mount Faulk Road and drive for another 4.9 km Keep left onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 2.8 km Turn slight right onto Bangalow Road and drive for another 1.8 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Gap Creek picnic area, this walk follows the track gently uphill (up steps initially), passing the 'Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign (on your left). The track is followed through moist rainforest for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a large dead tree and a 'Gap Creek Fall/Gap Creek Forest Walk' sign.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Bangalow Road & Gap Creek Falls Walking Track Start heading along Gap Creek Falls Walking Track (a walking track). There is a toilet (about 105 m back from the start). Gap Creek Campground (about 15 m back from the start). W:www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au This is a free campsite. Gap Creek picnic area (about 9 m back from the start). Gap Creek picnic area The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables. After another 30 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to End of Forest Walk. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 335 m (from the Gap Creek Falls Walking Track) veer left, to head along Gap Creek Falls Walking Track.
	Continue another 295 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 680 m to get back to the start. About 35 m past the end is "Gap Creek waterfall". Gap Creek waterfall The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.

An optional side trip to End of Forest Walk.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Gap Creek Falls Walking Track Start (a walking track).
	After another 500 m come to the end. About 50 m past the end is "Gap Creek Rainforest rest area". Gap Creek Rainforest rest area The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders, pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Gap Creek Falls Walking Track Start (a walking track).

After another 500 m come to the end.

About 50 m past the end is "Gap Creek Rainforest rest area".

Gap Creek Rainforest rest area

The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders, pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Gap Creek Falls Walk

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	1.4 km
Time	50 min to 1 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 15 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one -75 m back from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-75 m	[toilet]
Camp site	15 m	Gap Creek Campground

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Gap Creek picnic area
The Gap Creek picnic area is located at the end of Bangalow Road within the Watagans National Park. The picnic area has a barbeque and sheltered picnic tables.

Gap Creek Rainforest rest area
The Gap Creek rainforest rest area is within the Watagans National Park and is a secret hideaway surrounded by dense rainforest. This rest area beside Gap Creek has large boulders, pools and cascades to explore, along with protected yabbies to find in the creek. There is also one back-supported timber chair to sit in and listen to the birds. This section of rainforest is a great spot to keep cool in on a hot summer day.

Gap Creek waterfall
The Gap Creek waterfall, within the Watagans National Park, is arguably the best waterfall in the Hunter region. The Gap Creek waterfall used to be known as Brownie Falls, named after a pioneer saw-milling family in the Martinsville valley. The falls consists of a large amphitheatre of rock surrounded by rainforest. It is possible to walk across the drainage from the falls and then along an unfenced ledge to get behind the falling water of the waterfall. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rains, however it is wise to let the roads dry out before using them. A great spot to sit and relax at any time of the year.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Toronto Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 21 May
  
  Rain.
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. Heavy falls possible about the Upper Hunter. The chance of a thunderstorm near the coast. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions for the rest of the day are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Thursday 22 May
  
  14°C → 21°C
  Rain.
  95% chance of rain
  20 → 60mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. Heavy falls possible in the north. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Lower Hunter. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 12 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 20.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:40am to 1:10pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Friday 23 May
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Rain clearing.
  95% chance of rain
  5 → 35mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Lower Hunter. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the early morning then becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 22.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Saturday 24 May
  
  10°C → 21°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 21.
  
  Sunday 25 May
  
  10°C → 21°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 17 and 21.
  
  Monday 26 May
  
  9°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Tuesday 27 May
  
  9°C → 18°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Wednesday 28 May
  
  7°C → 18°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Watagans National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Gap Creek and Bangalow Campground Closures
  Bangalow and Gap Creek campgrounds will be closed between 19th May - 23rd May 2025 to facilitate maintenance work. Signs will be in place around closed areas. You can still access Gap Creek carpark and the Gap Creek Falls walking track during this time.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Central Coast Area Office on 4972 9000.
  
  Safety alerts: Flood risk warning
  Forecast heavy rainfall may cause flooding of areas in Watagans, Brisbane Water and Wyrrabalong National Parks and Munmorah and Jilliby State Conservation Areas.
  Creek crossings may become impassable with fast flowing water and increased water levels following heavy rainfall.
  People planning to visit these parks are urged to check for closures, emergency warnings and severe weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service before heading out.
  Remember, it’s never safe to walk, ride or drive through flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Other planned events: Rope Road and Click Creek Fire Trail Closed For Road Maintenance
  Planned Road maintenance is scheduled for Rope Road and Click Creek Fire Trail from Monday 10th February 2025 until Monday 30th June 2025.
  
  During these times the roads will be closed and pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on (02) 4972 9000.
  
  Other planned events: Georges Road, 125R Lookout Road and Watagan Road Repairs and Maintenance Work
  Planned road maintenance is scheduled for Georges Road, 125R Lookout Road and Watagan Road.
  
  Temporary closure may occur between Monday 3rd February 2025 and Monday 30th June 2025.
  
  Heavy plant and machinery will be operating from the intersection of Heaton Road and Watagan Road, then west along Georges Road.
  
  Pedestrians and vehicles should take caution when accessing these areas.
  
  For more information, please contact the NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.
  
  Other planned events: Watagan Forest Road / Boarding House Dam Road Repairs and Maintenance
  Planned road maintenance is scheduled for Watagan Forest Road / Boarding House Dam Road from Monday 10th February 2025 until Monday 30th June 2025.
  
  Heavy plant and machinery will be operating from the intersection of Heaton Road / Watagan Forest Road south along Watagan Forest Road to the intersection of New Mill Road / Watagan Forest Road.
  
  During these times Watagan Forest Road and the Boarding House Dam visitor precinct may be closed and pedestrian and vehicle access is not permitted.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast Area office on 49 4972 9000.
  
  Closed areas: Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road Closed Due to Landslip and Rockfall
  Heaton Road Access from Watagans Road is closed as it is no longer suitable for 2WD or 4WD vehicles due to risk of landslip and rockfall. This affects access from Watagans National Park to Quorrobolong.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  
  For further information, please contact NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.
  
  Closed areas: Gap Creek Forest Walk Part Closed Due to Landslip and Rockfall Risk
  Gap Creek Forest Walk is part closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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