Piles Creek Loop

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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	(-33.4319388,151.2765593)
Mode	Car (Parking fees apply in the area.)
Directions	From Old Pacific Highway, B83 Turn on to Quarry Road then drive for 75 m Keep left onto Girrakool Road and drive for another 630 m Turn left and drive for another 65 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the lower side of the car park, this walk follows the 'To The Great North Walk' sign down the path to the lower picnic area. The walk passes the toilet block (on the left) and comes to another picnic area. The path passes through this picnic area to turn right following the 'Piles Creek Loop Track' sign down the steps. The footpath then leads to an intersection with the Broula Lookout track (on the left) and a 'car park' sign pointing back up the hill.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the car park at the start. Girrakool Picnic Area (about 45 m back from the start). Girrakool Picnic Area Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'. There is a sign (about 7 m back from the start). After another 25 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left). Continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Broula Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 165 m continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) continue straight, to head along Girrakool Loop Track. After another 40 m find the "Illoura Lookout" (on your right). Illoura Lookout Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) veer left, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Bundilla Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 95 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 255 m find the "Western Piles Creek Caves" (on your left). Western Piles Creek Caves The Western Piles Creek Caves are series of sandstone caves, not formally named, on the north western side on Piles Creek. The Piles Creek loop passes at the base of a cliff helping find these sandstone caves. Each overhang providing a cool sheltered spot for walkers to rest and enjoy the surrounding bushland. Some are very tall and others much shorter, but all fairly narrow.
	After another 1.3 km veer left, to head along Piles Creek Loop. Then head down the metal steps (about 3 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 20 m long) Then come to the camp site (10 m on your right). After another 20 m head down the metal steps (about 4 m long) After another 8 m come to the "Phil Houghton Bridge". Phil Houghton Bridge The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with part still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge. There is a clearing on the northern side that people have used for camping.
	After another 115 m turn left, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 500 m find the "Monolith Cave" (on your right). Monolith Cave Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks. After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop.
	After another 930 m continue straight, to head along Piles Creek Loop. After another 45 m find the "Piles Creek Waterfall" (on your left). Piles Creek Waterfall The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.
	After another 1 m (at the intersection of Girrakool Loop Track & Piles Creek Loop) turn right, to head along Girrakool Loop Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Broula Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 40 m continue straight. After another 210 m come to a car park.
	The end.

An optional side trip to Broula Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Girrakool Loop Track.
	Continue another 30 m to find Broula Lookout at the end. "Broula Lookout". Broula Lookout Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water. About 85 m past the end is "Piles Creek Cascades". Piles Creek Cascades Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start heading along Girrakool Loop Track.

Continue another 30 m to find Broula Lookout at the end.

"Broula Lookout".

Broula Lookout

Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.

About 85 m past the end is "Piles Creek Cascades".

Piles Creek Cascades

Piles Creek Cascades are an informally named set of cascades on a wide rock platform and Piles Creek, in Brisbane Water National Park. The creek, at this point, flows across a rock platform with many interesting sink holes, small water holes and cascades. this is a nice spot to explore. Care is needed as the rocks are slippery, with unfenced drops, and the area may not be passable after rain.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Bundilla Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 10 m to find Bundilla Lookout at the end. "Bundilla Lookout". Bundilla Lookout Bundilla Lookout provides a good (but filtered) view from the southern side of the Leask and Piles Creeks junction. From the fenced lookout, you can see the top part of Piles Creek waterfall and much of the surrounding bushland. Bundilla is an Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of waters'. About 65 m past the end is "Piles Creek Waterfall". Piles Creek Waterfall The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 10 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 10 m to find Bundilla Lookout at the end.

"Bundilla Lookout".

Bundilla Lookout

Bundilla Lookout provides a good (but filtered) view from the southern side of the Leask and Piles Creeks junction. From the fenced lookout, you can see the top part of Piles Creek waterfall and much of the surrounding bushland. Bundilla is an Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of waters'.

About 65 m past the end is "Piles Creek Waterfall".

Piles Creek Waterfall

The large waterfall on Piles Creek is south of Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park. At the Piles Creek Loop track crossing at the top of the falls, there is a large rock platform. The cliff edge is unfenced and would be dangerous to approach for the view. The water falls down the large drop, into a big pool below. The 'Bundilla Lookout' on the other side of the valley provides the only square view onto the falls, but even this only witnesses the top half.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 10 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Piles Ck Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout". Piles Creek Lookout Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.
	Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 25 m come to "Piles Creek Lookout".

Piles Creek Lookout

Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

Continue another 0 m to find Piles Creek Lookout at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Piles Creek Loop

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	4 km
Time	2 h to 4 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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 2 km from the start.

Toilet: There is one 50 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	50 m	[toilet]
Camp site	2 km	[camp site]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Girrakool Picnic Area
Girrakool picnic area is a wonderful family destination, just 5 minutes' drive from Kariong. The picnic area provides all the necessary facilities for a full day's activities, including barbecues, tables, shelters, water and toilets. National Park fees apply. The main picnic area is on the eastern side of the car park, and smaller, older picnic area is at the north-eastern corner of the car park. The southern Girrakool picnic area is located near the toilets. The picnic area is dedicated to John 'Jack' Higgs, the first superintendent of Brisbane Water National Park, and Mrs Vera Murdoch, who provided the funds. 'Girrakool' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of still waters'.

Broula Lookout
Broula Lookout is fenced and a fairly short walk down from the Girrakool picnic area. Over time, the trees in the area have grown, filtering what would otherwise be a great vantage point for the Piles Creek waterfall. Broula is an Aboriginal word referring to a place of trickling water.

Illoura Lookout
Illoura Lookout, Brisbane Water National Park, can be found a short walk south-west of the Girrakool picnic area, following the Great North Walk sign. This lookout provides a filtered view up and down the Leask and Piles Creek junction. There is a view of a waterfall from Piles Creek. Illoura is an Aboriginal word referring to a pleasant or peaceful place.

Bundilla Lookout
Bundilla Lookout provides a good (but filtered) view from the southern side of the Leask and Piles Creeks junction. From the fenced lookout, you can see the top part of Piles Creek waterfall and much of the surrounding bushland. Bundilla is an Aboriginal word meaning 'meeting of waters'.

Western Piles Creek Caves
The Western Piles Creek Caves are series of sandstone caves, not formally named, on the north western side on Piles Creek. The Piles Creek loop passes at the base of a cliff helping find these sandstone caves. Each overhang providing a cool sheltered spot for walkers to rest and enjoy the surrounding bushland. Some are very tall and others much shorter, but all fairly narrow.

Phil Houghton Bridge
The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with part still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge. There is a clearing on the northern side that people have used for camping.

Monolith Cave
Monolith Cave is an informally named cave and interesting rock formation high on the ridge east of Piles Creek and North of Rat Gully in the Brisbane Water National Park. The cave is a fairly large sandstone overhang on the edge of the track. The cave provides shelter for walkers and is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area. This rock and the more Monolithic rock about 60m to the south are interesting to explore, and provide great views of the surrounding area. Take great care if exploring the rocks.

Piles Creek Lookout
Piles Creek lookout (not formally named), Brisbane Water National Park, sits high on the ridge, east of Piles Creek and north of Rat Gully. This lookout provides views over the Piles Creek valley and can be enjoyed from behind a fence. The valley is surprisingly steep at this point and the views downstream are quite extensive.

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 24 April
  
  24°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, becoming less likely this evening. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Lower Hunter, becoming less likely this evening. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Friday 25 April
  
  15°C → 24°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 13 and 16 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:20am to 2:30pm, UV Index predicted to reach 6 [High]
  
  Saturday 26 April
  
  16°C → 24°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Lower Hunter. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Sunday 27 April
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  2 → 25mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 15 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 23.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  14°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 9mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Brisbane Water National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Partial closure Piles Creek Loop Walking Track
  Part of Piles Creek Loop Walking Track is 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.
  
  Closed areas: Somersby Falls walking track closed for upgrade
  Somersby Falls walking track, including access to the middle and bottom waterfalls will be closed from 24 March to 31 August 2025 while the track is upgraded.
  The picnic area and carpark will remain open during the works.
  Consider visiting the nearby Girrakool picnic area less than 5 minutes away which also has waterfalls, walking tracks and a well established picnic area.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS Central Coast Area Office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Closed areas: Brieses fire trail partial closure
  The section of Brieses fire trail between Mooney Mooney Creek and Old Mooney Dam trail is closed until further notice due to a landslip, making it unsafe for vehicles.
  Signs are in place around closed areas. This area will re-open as soon as it is safe and repair works have been completed.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4320 4200.
  
  Closed areas: Warrah Trig Road closed to vehicles
  Warrah Trig Road is closed to vehicles due to an increase in illegal activities throughout the area.
  The road will remain closed until investigations are completed and further recommendations are made.
  The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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