Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop

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Safer Bushwalks
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

Start (-33.4717235,151.2883173)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes

Getting started
From Staples Lookout, this walk heads downhill alongside Woy Woy Rd (keeping the view to the left). Where safe this walk crosses the road and continues down the hill. Just after passing a large brown 'Scenic Lookout 300m' sign (facing downhill), the walk comes to the signposted start of "Thommo's Loop Fire Trail" and a locked gate.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a picnic table (about 20 m back from the start). There is a park (about 7 m back from the start). Staples Lookout (about 5 m back from the start). Staples Lookout Staples Lookout Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27. + - Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27. Find the car park at the start.
	After another 30 m turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road. After another 250 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 105 m turn right. After another 55 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of ML9 Loop Firetrail & Thommos Loop) continue straight, to head along Thommos Loop.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1.6 km veer left, to head along Thommos Loop. After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
	After another 1.5 km continue straight.
	After another 810 m turn right, to head along Mullet Creek Firetrail.
	After another 215 m turn left.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak. 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 940 m continue straight. After another 145 m come to the "Mt Wondabyne Campsite". Mt Wondabyne Campsite Mt Wondabyne Campsite This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne). + - This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).
	After another 700 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mount Wondabyne Trig Firetrail) turn left, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Mullet Creek Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 420 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Trail & Thommos Loop) continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 520 m continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail. After another 390 m cross the ford. Then cross the ford.
	After another 360 m continue straight, to head along Tunnel Trail.
	After another 145 m (at the intersection of Woy Woy Road & Tunnel Trail) turn left, to head along Woy Woy Road (a road).
	After another 350 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road. After another 630 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road. After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Woy Woy Road.
	After another 250 m turn right. After another 30 m to find the car park.
	After another 8 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Kariong Brook crossing.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 70 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
	After another 570 m come to the end. "Kariong Brook Falls". Kariong Brook Falls Kariong Brook Falls This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack. + - This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 640 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 70 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).

After another 570 m come to the end.

"Kariong Brook Falls".

Kariong Brook Falls

This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

+

-

This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 640 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Mt Wondabyne Peak.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left). Mt Wondabyne Mt Wondabyne Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views. + - Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.
	After another 20 m come to the end. A viewpoint. "Mount Wondabyne". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After 195 m find the "Mt Wondabyne" (5 m on your left).

Mt Wondabyne

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

+

-

Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

After another 20 m come to the end.

A viewpoint.

"Mount Wondabyne".

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Terrain

Staples Lookout to Mt Wondabyne Loop

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	10.9 km
Time	3 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
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

Campsite: There is one 5.9 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	5.9 km	Mt Wondabyne Campsite

Articles

Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout beside Woy Woy Road, is a fenced lookout providing good views east across the Central Coast, the Brisbane Water and out to the ocean. There is a large car park and picnic tables, with plenty of natural shade. The lookout was named as a tribute to Charles J Staples, a pioneer of route that Woy Woy Rd now follows. The lookout was constructed in 1955 by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy. An inscription at the lookout quotes 'and I shall meditate on your wondrous works' from Psalm 119:27.

Kariong Brook Falls
This tranquil spot of the Great North Walk is home to some lovely falls and a water hole. The eastern side of the creek has a tall sandstone cave and wall. After rain these falls can become very spectacular, other times is a cool place to rest. A great spot to stop for a snack.

Mt Wondabyne
Mount Wondabyne is one of the most prominent peaks in Brisbane Water National Park. The long cone-shaped hill has a rocky top and is home to a trig station. Walkers can enjoy full 360-degree panoramic views from the top. To the east are good views over the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy and other central coast suburbs. West, down next to Mullet Creek, you can see some buildings near Wondabyne Station and the train line. Otherwise, most of the expansive views are over much of Brisbane Water National Park. There are some small trees providing limited shade, a great place to soak up the views.

Mt Wondabyne Campsite
This basic campsite is found at the end of a management trail, near the base of Mt Wondabyne. The campsite is at the bottom of a small (east facing) rock wall and has trees surrounding much of the area, providing some shelter. There is an established fire circle and a basic seat. There is no water or other facilities. (There is also small cave suitable for sleeping a few people about half way up Mount Wondabyne).

Bulls Hill Quarry
The Bulls Hill Quarry, which was once a sandstone quarry on the western side of Woy Woy Rd. In 2002 Gosford Council proposed converting the quarry into a 'composting and recycling facility'. These plans where rejected due to concerns of the environmental impact. In 2005 the then-Department of Land and Water Conservation worked on the sediment dams to improve water flow quality from the site.

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Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)

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