Hike at a Glance
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Hike overview
Mooney Mooney nature walk links Mooney Mooney and Girrakool, leading through some of the most picturesque parts of Brisbane Water National Park. This challenging walk passes through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, grassy woodlands, waterfalls, casuarina forest and cave-like rocky overhangs. Climbing steeply, perfectly positioned lookouts offer the chance to rest and take in the exquisite NSW Central Coast views. Crossing the scenic Piles Creek suspension bridge, pause to soak up serene views in all directions. In spring, you'll see carpets of colourful wildflowers, including red darwinias, yellow acacias and orange banksias. If you're keen on birdwatching, you'll love having the opportunity to see lyrebirds and kookaburras. Observant walkers may even spot a koala or two, along with native orchids clinging to moss-covered boulders.
You can also start this walk from the Girrakool end of the track.
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.
Practical information
This walk involves creek crossings, and passes over and under rock platforms which can be slippery. Please take care and supervise children at all times.
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
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.
Walk map and GPX file
Do you have a GPX file for this hike? Feel free to email it to me so I can add it to this hikes info.
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Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Brisbane Water National Park.
Begin your walk at the Mooney Mooney end of the track. To get there from Gosford:Travel to Somersby and follow Old Pacific Highway south towards SydneyTravel over the F3 and follow Old Pacific Highway downhill for about 2kmAfter the sharp corner, turn left into the small, unsealed informal parking area – it’s near the Brisbane Water National Park sign, about 400m before Mooney Mooney Creek.The track begins from Old Pacific Highway at the gate to Mooney trail Parking Parking is available at Girrakool picnic area, including designated disabled parking. Informal parking is also available at the intersection of Old Pacific Highway and Mooney trail. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: East Gosford, Ettalong Beach, Gosford, Holgate, Horsfield Bay, Kariong, Koolewong, North Gosford, Pearl Beach, Saratoga, Umina Beach, Woy Woy, Wyoming
About the region
Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas within the park close of an evening: Girrakool picnic area is open 9am to 5pm every day Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Brisbane Water National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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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.





