John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

2.8 km
oneway

↑ 200 m
↓ -161 m

Hard track
An excellent walk, crossing the Rumbalara Reserve and covering plenty of the scenic highlights of the reserve. This walk goes through beautiful pockets of rainforest as well as the drier ridgetop forest, showcasing the great variety of scenery in Rumbalara. There is some steep walking along the way, though the well-formed tracks and steps along much of the walk makes the going easier. The descent to Tottenham Pl is on a less well-defined track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
Entrance to the Rumbalara EEC. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Trackhead at the Rumbalara EEC. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Into Rumbalara. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Easing the way. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking information board and signpost. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Car park beside John Whiteway Dr. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beautiful forest walking. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking on the White St firetrail. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Glimpses into the old quarry. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Metal footbridge on the Rainforest walk. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Up through the ferns. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steep section on the Rainforest walk. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beautiful and lush. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Well signposted tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Great scenery. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beautiful scenery in the valley. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Some nice boulder scenery. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Climbing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Charles Sturt immortalised. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Views over Gosford. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bushfire scars. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Hillside walk. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Through the trees. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Yaruga picnic area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Big views over the Gosford area. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Free electric BBQs. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Near the road. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Grasstrees. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Meander through the rocks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Plenty of steps where required. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Very scenic walking. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old grasstree. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Poorly defined track near Tottenham Pl. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Nice scenery on a steep walk. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stepping over the boulders. | Photo by admin, 2009.
End of Tottenham Pl. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.4277016,151.3476176)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Pacific Highway
  • Turn on to Riou Street then drive for 265 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Donnison Street and drive for another 270 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Donnison Street and drive for another 600 m
  • Keep left onto Henry Wheeler Place and drive for another 35 m
  • Continue and drive for another 30 m
Finish (-33.4213886,151.3549755)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park, this walk follows the 'Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre' arrow along the paved foopath to the trackhead at the back of the buildings, signposted 'Walking Trail'.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 70 m find the "Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre" (20 m on your right).
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

This centre is 'a New South Wales Department of Education and Training facility that provides environmental education and field work opportunities to students, teachers and the community of the Central Coast' . The centre is at the end of Donnison St, Gosford and is a good access point to some of the walking tracks in the adjoining Rumbalara Reserve.
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This centre is 'a New South Wales Department of Education and Training facility that provides environmental education and field work opportunities to students, teachers and the community of the Central Coast' . The centre is at the end of Donnison St, Gosford and is a good access point to some of the walking tracks in the adjoining Rumbalara Reserve.
After another 50 m continue straight.
After another 25 m continue straight.
Then head down the steps (about 70 m long)
Veer right.
After another 45 m turn sharp left.
After another 55 m head through/around the gate.
After another 330 m continue straight.
After another 75 m find the "Cappers Gully quarry" (7 m on your right).
Cappers Gully quarry
Cappers Gully quarry

This old quarry site is beside Cappers Gully in the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The area is fenced off for safety reasons. The neat, square-cut walls of the quarry make an interesting sight on the walks in the area.
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This old quarry site is beside Cappers Gully in the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The area is fenced off for safety reasons. The neat, square-cut walls of the quarry make an interesting sight on the walks in the area.
Continue straight, to head along Rainforest Track.
After another 285 m continue straight, to head along Rainforest Track.
After another 360 m turn right.
After another 70 m find the "Casuarina" (15 m on your left).
Casuarina
Casuarina

Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas have 'delicate, slender ultimate branches and leaves that are no more than scales, making the tree look more like a wispy conifer'. There are 17 species of Casuarina 'native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean'.
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Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas have 'delicate, slender ultimate branches and leaves that are no more than scales, making the tree look more like a wispy conifer'. There are 17 species of Casuarina 'native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean'.

After another 55 m pass the "Statue" (6 m on your right).
After another 60 m veer right.
After another 30 m turn right, to head along Flannel Flower walk.
After another 65 m find the "Flannel Flower" (10 m on your left).
Flannel Flower
Flannel Flower

Actinotus helianthi, popularly known as the Sydney flannel flower, is frequently spotted by spring-time bushwalkers in the Sydney region. Generally growing up to 50 cm, the stem, branches and leaves of the plant are a pale grey in colour, covered in downy hair (rather like flannel in texture).
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Actinotus helianthi, popularly known as the Sydney flannel flower, is frequently spotted by spring-time bushwalkers in the Sydney region. Generally growing up to 50 cm, the stem, branches and leaves of the plant are a pale grey in colour, covered in downy hair (rather like flannel in texture).
After another 180 m continue straight, to head along Flannel Flower walk.
After another 160 m (Very Steep Rocky path) continue straight, to head along Flannel Flower walk.
After another 315 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
After another 10 m find the "Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna" (20 m on your right).
Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna
Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The vegetation types range from the relatively dry 'Coastal Narrabeen Ironbark Forest' to pockets of 'Coastal Warm Temperate Rainforest'. Commonly seen birds include Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas and Magpies. Rarer birds such as the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Swift Parrot are sometimes sighted here as well. Sugar Gliders, Brush-tailed possums, Blue-tounged lizards and Tree snakes can be seen in the reserve if you are patient and lucky enough.
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The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The vegetation types range from the relatively dry 'Coastal Narrabeen Ironbark Forest' to pockets of 'Coastal Warm Temperate Rainforest'. Commonly seen birds include Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas and Magpies. Rarer birds such as the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Swift Parrot are sometimes sighted here as well. Sugar Gliders, Brush-tailed possums, Blue-tounged lizards and Tree snakes can be seen in the reserve if you are patient and lucky enough.
Turn right, to head along Rumbalara Lookout Road.
After another 40 m pass the car park (10 m on your right).
After another 45 m turn left.
After another 40 m continue straight.
After another 205 m continue straight.
After another 270 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 2.8 km
Time 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
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
Toilet: There is one 2.3 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
2.3 km[toilet]
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Rumbalara Reserve
Rumbalara Reserve lies just to the east of the Gosford CBD and is part of Gosford's Coastal Open Space System (COSS). There is an extensive set of well marked walking tracks within the reserve. Yaruga Picnic Area has free electric BBQs while both Yaruga and Nurrunga picnic areas have toilets, picnic tables, nearby lookouts and proximity to walking tracks. The picnic areas are accessed via Dolly Ave, Springfield, with the gate being locked at 8pm each evening. The Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, at the end of Donnison St, Gosford, is one of several good access points to the walking tracks in the lower section of the reserve.
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre
This centre is 'a New South Wales Department of Education and Training facility that provides environmental education and field work opportunities to students, teachers and the community of the Central Coast' . The centre is at the end of Donnison St, Gosford and is a good access point to some of the walking tracks in the adjoining Rumbalara Reserve.
Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna
The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The vegetation types range from the relatively dry 'Coastal Narrabeen Ironbark Forest' to pockets of 'Coastal Warm Temperate Rainforest'. Commonly seen birds include Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas and Magpies. Rarer birds such as the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Swift Parrot are sometimes sighted here as well. Sugar Gliders, Brush-tailed possums, Blue-tounged lizards and Tree snakes can be seen in the reserve if you are patient and lucky enough.
Cappers Gully quarry
This old quarry site is beside Cappers Gully in the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The area is fenced off for safety reasons. The neat, square-cut walls of the quarry make an interesting sight on the walks in the area.
Casuarina
Commonly known as the she-oak, sheoak, ironwood, or beefwood, casuarinas have 'delicate, slender ultimate branches and leaves that are no more than scales, making the tree look more like a wispy conifer'. There are 17 species of Casuarina 'native to Australasia, southeastern Asia, and islands of the western Pacific Ocean'.
Sculptures in Rumbalara
There are four bronze figurative sculptures in the Rumbalara Reserve that were 'commissioned in the series "Salute to Famous Australians", which includes Captain Charles Sturt, Edward Eyre, and Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.' Matthew Flinders is the fourth in the series. They were 'commissioned by Sara Lee Kitchens (Australia) Pty Ltd and Gosford City Council for the State Bicentennial Celebrations 1987.'. Smith and Flinders are the most easily reached, at the Nurrunga picnic area.
Flannel Flower
Actinotus helianthi, popularly known as the Sydney flannel flower, is frequently spotted by spring-time bushwalkers in the Sydney region. Generally growing up to 50 cm, the stem, branches and leaves of the plant are a pale grey in colour, covered in downy hair (rather like flannel in texture).
Yaruga Picnic Area
This picnic area is right beside Dolly Ave, within the Rumbalara Reserve, Gosford. The facilities include free electric BBQs, picnic tables, toilets and garbage bins. There are information boards with details of the walking tracks and other features of the reserve. There are a couple of lookout points at the edge of the picnic area with great views out across Gosford and the surrounding areas.
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