Trail summary
Hike overview
Branching off Mount Olive trail, Hominy Creek walking track is a picturesque detour which would make any postcard jealous. The track is lined with ferns and partially shaded by majestic eucalypts, so it's the ideal place to stroll and also to have a picnic.
Along the track, you'll have the opportunity to stop and witness the beauty of Emerald Pool. The areas around this creek are picturesque, and it's the perfect habitat for the green and golden bell frog, as well as the red-crowned toadlet.
Tips
The track is accessed via Ironbark picnic area, which has a small dirt carpark, but it's not recommended for low-clearance 2WD vehicles.
There is a tethering post for horses here.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
Hominy Creek track is located within Popran National Park. To get there:From Sydney:Take the F3 Sydney-Newcastle Freeway and exit at Calga onto Peats Ridge Road. After 13km turn left into Wisemans Ferry Road. After a further 8km turn left into Ironbark Road.From Newcastle:Take the F3 Sydney-Newcastle Freeway and exit at Peats Ridge Road. After 10km turn right into George Downs Drive and turn left into Wisemans Ferry Road. After a further 8km turn left into Ironbark Road Parking Parking is available at the Ironbark picnic area.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
About the region
Popran National Park on the NSW central coast protects Aboriginal sites and offers great walking, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing.
Take a step back in time and visit the incredible Popran National Park. From hiking to mountain biking, and horse riding to fishing, there's plenty to do in this iconic Australian setting.
Boasting 4km of Hawkesbury river foreshore, you can paddle through the mangroves, enjoy a spot of fishing and smell the coastal banksia. The park is steeped in Aboriginal heritage so you can't help but get in touch with the history of the land.
Popran National Park, on the Central Coast, is just an hour and a half north of Sydney, so it makes for an excellent daytrip or weekend getaway.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.