Flannel Flower Track

And Walk

Flannel Flower 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[1]. 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. More info.

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.

(0km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Flannel Flower walk signpost

720 m
17 mins
30m
-57m

Moderate track

From the BBQs, this walk goes across the picnic area, keeping the road to the right. The walk passes the information board, to the left, and follows the paved path toward the nearby toilet block. The walk turns left just before the toilet block and follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow down the paved steps and along the bush track. The walk descends gently for a while with numerous sandstone steps, then meanders around the side of the hill, for some distance. Ignoring a bush track, to the left, and another soon after, to the right, the walk continues for some distance until reaching an intersection with a management trail, with a ‘Flannel Flower Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Yaruga 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). More info.

(0.72km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk

30 m
1 mins
0m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail down the hill, towards the views of Gosford. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with a paved path, signposted ‘Casuarina Track’.

(0.75km) Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

180 m
5 mins
21m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow along the paved track, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. The walk climbs gently for a short distance before arriving at a track junction with signposts for the ‘Ironbark Loop’, the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

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.

(0.93km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave

30 m
0m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Loop to Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow between the metal posts and across the edge of the small car park. The walk immediately crosses the road to an intersection with a track, with a ‘Flannel Flower Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’.

(0.95km) Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk

540 m
12 mins
29m
-20m

Moderate track

(1.49km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk → Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave

60 m
1 mins
5m
0m

Moderate track

(1.55km) Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

60 m
1 mins
3m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the road gently up the hill towards the sandstone walls of the nearby Yaruga picnic area. The walk climbs the first set of steps on the left, near the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ signpost, and goes across the picnic area to the nearby electric BBQs.

Maps for the Flannel Flower Track walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Flannel Flower Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Flannel Flower Track

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.6 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 940m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 670m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 450m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 890m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 720m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 320m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 830m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 780m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Flannel Flower Track walk starts and ends at the Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs (gps: -33.425486, 151.35526)
Your main transport option to Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-fft
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-fft

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-fft

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/fft

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

White St Rainforest loop

And Walk

White St Rainforest loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) End of White St → Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

490 m
11 mins
27m
-16m

Moderate track

From the end of White St, this walk passes the ‘Rumbalara Reserve’ signpost, goes around the gate, and follows the ‘Cappers Gully’ arrow along the management trail. The trail meanders along the hillside for some time. At one point, there are some long thin stone slabs forming a retaining wall, on the right. The trail eventually reaches an intersection, signposted ‘Cappers Gully’.

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.49km) Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

50 m
1 mins
4m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently up the hill, leaving the ‘Cappers Gully’ signpost behind on the right. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, signposted ‘Interpretive Centre’, beside a fenced area.

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.

(0.53km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Top of staircase on Rainforest walk

400 m
9 mins
15m
-37m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Henry Parry Drive’ arrow (Rainforest Track) down the steps and along the bush track. The track immediately bends to the right, passing a couple of old picnic tables, to the left. The track then enters a forest filled with a jumble of vines and ferns, meandering for a while before crossing a small metal bridge, and continuing until reaching an intersection at the top of a metal staircase, signposted ‘Rainforest Track’.

(0.94km) Top of staircase on Rainforest walk → Back gate of 2GO car park

220 m
5 mins
4m
-16m

Moderate track

(1.16km) Back gate of 2GO car park → Henry Parry Dr trackhead

160 m
3 mins
1m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, immediately crossing the small gully, leaving the nearby gate and car park behind on the right. The track soon bends to the right, at a track marker post, and continues, keeping the houses to the left, until reaching the trackhead at the intersection of Frederick St and Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, marked with a track information board and a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

(1.32km) Henry Parry Dr trackhead → End of White St

370 m
8 mins
25m
-3m

Moderate track

Maps for the White St Rainforest loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the White St Rainforest loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the White St Rainforest loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.7 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 890m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 790m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 1.1km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 590m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 1.2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 530m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 560m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.5km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 160m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 1.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 590m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The White St Rainforest loop walk starts and ends at the End of White St (gps: -33.432029, 151.34911)
Your transport options to End of White St are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-wsrl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-wsrl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/wsrl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

And Walk

Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

Rumbalara Reserve

Yaruga Picnic Area

(0km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Flannel Flower walk signpost

720 m
17 mins
30m
-57m

Moderate track

Flannel Flower

(0.72km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk

30 m
1 mins
0m
-4m

Moderate track

(0.75km) Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

180 m
5 mins
21m
-3m

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.93km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Matthew Flinders sculpture

180 m
4 mins
7m
-10m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the track junction, this walk follows the ‘Loop to Gosford’ arrow (Casuarina Track) along the bush track, directly away from the nearby car park. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection signposted for the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Ironbark Loop’. At the time of writing, this part of the Casuarina Track, going down the hill, was closed[3].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow (Ironbark Loop sign), along the bush track, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, with an ‘Ironbark Loop’ signpost pointing back ‘To Casuarina Track’, beside a sculpture of Matthew Flinders.

(1.11km) Matthew Flinders sculpture → Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture

40 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track in the opposite direction to the ‘To Casuarina Track’ arrow, leaving the sculpture behind on the right. The walk then goes across the end of the picnic area to the sculpture of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.

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. More info.

(1.15km) Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture → Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave

280 m
5 mins
11m
-11m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the sculpture, this walk goes along the edge of the picnic area, in the direction pointed by Sir Charles’ raised right elbow, keeping the picnic area to the right. The walk soon arrives at an ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign on the northern edge of the picnic area.
Continue straight: From this ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign, this walk follows the ‘To Casuarina Track’ arrow along the management trail, initially keeping the picnic area to the right. The walk continues, passing a toilet block, to the right, then arrives at a sign, beside the road, pointing back to ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’.
Continue straight: From the ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign, the walk immediately crosses the road and follows the bush track a little to a track junction with signposts for the ‘Ironbark Loop’, the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Flannel Flower Track’
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Loop to Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow between the metal posts and across the edge of the small car park. The walk immediately crosses the road to an intersection with a track, with a ‘Flannel Flower Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’.

(1.43km) Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk

540 m
12 mins
29m
-20m

Moderate track

(1.96km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

120 m
2 mins
8m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track up the steps, leaving the nearby water reservoir to the left. The walk climbs gently for a short distance to an intersection with the road.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the road gently up the hill towards the sandstone walls of the nearby Yaruga picnic area. The walk climbs the first set of steps on the left, near the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ signpost, and goes across the picnic area to the nearby electric BBQs.

Maps for the Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.1 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 940m has short steep hills. The remaining (70m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 820m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 720m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 800m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 990m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit walk starts and ends at the Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs (gps: -33.425486, 151.35526)
Your main transport option to Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-iaffc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-iaffc

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/iaffc

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Ouraka Point loop

And Walk

Ouraka Point loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

A beautiful walk, taking in some of the scenic highlights of the lower section of the Rumbalara Reserve. The walk covers a great variety of vegetation, from quite dry eucalypt forest through to rainforest. The tracks are well formed, with a lot of steps in the steeper sections, making the walking a little easier. This is a great walk to see some of the excellent scenery in Rumbalara. A very short, optional sidetrip takes you to a sculpture of Charles Sturt, adding some more variety to the walk. The easy access from Gosford train station also makes it a great walk for those using public transport.

(0km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead

40 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Easy track

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’.

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. More info.

(0.04km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead → Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail

140 m
4 mins
18m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the trackhead at the back of the Rumbalara EEC, this walk follows the ‘Walking Trail’ arrow up the steps and along the track. The track crosses a small wooden bridge and bends to the right, then climbs a little to an intersection with a management trail.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently up the hill, leaving the bush track steps behind to the right. The trail goes gently up the hill for a short distance to an intersection at the bottom of a metal staircase, signposted ‘Casuarina Track’.

(0.17km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail → Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail

60 m
2 mins
8m
0m

Moderate track

(0.23km) Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail → Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr

60 m
1 mins
0m
-4m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, towards the gate. After a short distance, the walk passes a ‘Rumbalara Reserve’ signpost, to the left, then passes around the gate, arriving in the middle of the parking area near John Whiteway Dr.

(0.29km) Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

440 m
10 mins
15m
-34m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the middle of the parking area, this walk follows the management trail down the hill, away from John Whiteway Dr, keeping the chain-wire fence to the right. The walk almost immediately levels out and passes around a gate, then follows the ‘White St’ arrow along the management trail. The trail winds around the hill, descending gently through a beautiful piece of forest until reaching an intersection beside a fenced-off area, with an ‘Interpretive Centre’ arrow pointing back the way you came.

Cappers Gully quarry

(0.72km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail

300 m
10 mins
54m
-7m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail in the opposite direction to the ‘Interpretive Centre’ arrow, keeping the fenced area to the right. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, signposted ‘Cappers Gully’.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow up the steps and along the bush track. The walk crosses some short metal footbridges and then climbs more steeply, through beautiful forest scenery. The walk climbs a lot of sandstone steps and some sets of metal stairs, and after some time arrives at an intersection, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

(1.02km) Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

440 m
11 mins
41m
-13m

Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail in the opposite direction to the ‘Bay View Ave’ arrow, leaving the steps of the ‘Rainforest Track’ behind to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, with a bush track to the left, signposted ‘Rainforest Track’.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow down the steps and along the bush track. After descending for a short distance, the track bends to the right and levels out. The track meanders for some time through beautiful forest scenery, crossing two short metal footbridges, before climbing a long set of sandstone steps, then a metal staircase, arriving at an intersection with a management trail, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

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’. More info.

(1.46km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

30 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Picnic Areas’ arrow along the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at a sculpture of Charles Sturt, to the right. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Sculptures in Rumbalara

(1.46km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Ouraka Point

220 m
4 mins
1m
-13m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow along the management trail, going gently up the hill. After a short distance, the walk passes an informal, unfenced lookout area with obscured but nice views over Gosford, to the right. The walk continues a little further, passing a boulder in the middle of the trail, and arriving at the signposted ‘Ouraka Point’, with beautiful views over Gosford and the surrounding areas and waterways.

Ouraka Point

This picturesque spot with fantastic views over Gosford and the surrounding areas, including Brisbane Waters, is located within the Rumbalara Reserve, along the Casuarina Walk. It is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the views for a while during a walk in the reserve.

(1.68km) Ouraka Point → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park

420 m
12 mins
1m
-68m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Ouraka Point, this walk goes down the paved steps, keeping the views over Gosford to the right. The walk passes some large boulders (to the right) and continues down the steps before crossing over the end of a management trail and going down a metal staircase, then some sandstone steps, to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, leaving the steps behind on the right. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection marked by an information board, and a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Picnic Areas’.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Field Studies Centre’ arrow down the steps. After a short distance, the walk goes down a metal staircase, arriving at an intersection with a management trail, and a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Picnic Areas’.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, leaving the metal staircase behind on the right. The trail goes gently down the hill for a short distance to an unmarked intersection with a bush track (going down some wooden steps to the left).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps and immediately bends to the right. After descending a little, the track bends to the left and crosses a small bridge, then goes down some more steps to the trackhead at the back of the Rumbalara EEC buildings, with a ‘Walking Trail’ arrow pointing back the way you came.
Turn right: From the trackhead, this walk goes across the timber deck and down the paved footpath to the nearby car park.

Maps for the Ouraka Point loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Ouraka Point loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ouraka Point loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.1 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

810m of this walk has short steep hills and another 640m is very steep. Whilst another 600m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 50m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 640m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (80m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 450m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 250m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 680m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Ouraka Point loop walk starts and ends at the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park (gps: -33.427727, 151.34768)
Your transport options to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-opl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-opl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/opl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

And Walk

Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

Download & Print Map and Notes

An extended version of the Rumbalara Reserve Rainforest Walk. After walking through some beautiful pockets of rainforest, this walk continues to the upper section of the reserve, enjoying some great views across Gosford and the surrounding areas. The sheer variety in the vegetation from the start of this walk to the end makes it even more interesting. Parts of the track are quite steep, although the well-formed track with plenty of steps makes the walking easier. This walk also takes you past three of the four Rumbalara bronze sculptures. Plenty of variety and a beautiful walk. Note that the entrance gate on Dolly Ave, for the upper section of Rumbalara, is locked at 8pm each evening.

Rumbalara Reserve

(0km) Henry Parry Dr trackhead → Back gate of 2GO car park

160 m
3 mins
4m
-1m

Moderate track

From the trackhead at the intersection of Frederick St and Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, this walk follows the ‘Cappers Gully’ arrow (Rainforest Track sign) along the bush track, away from the road. After a short distance, the walk bends to the left, at a track arrow marker post, crosses a small gully and arrives at an intersection with a management trail near a gate and car park, to the left.

(0.16km) Back gate of 2GO car park → Top of staircase on Rainforest walk

220 m
5 mins
16m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail away from the gate and car park, keeping the small gully to the right. After a short distance, the trail passes a plaque marking the handing over of Cappers Gully Reserve, set in a stone, to the right. The trail continues a little further, bending to the left and arriving at the bottom of a metal staircase.
Continue straight: From the end of the management trail, this walk goes up the metal staircase, arriving at an intersection, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost, at the top of the stairs, pointing back to ‘Henry Parry Drive’.

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.38km) Top of staircase on Rainforest walk → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

400 m
9 mins
37m
-15m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track in the opposite direction to the ‘Henry Parry Drive’ arrow, leaving the metal staircase behind on the right. The track meanders through some beautiful forest, filled with vines and ferns, crossing a small metal bridge and continuing further, passing a couple of old picnic tables, to the right, and arriving at an intersection beside a fenced-off area, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Henry Parry Drive’.

Cappers Gully quarry

(0.78km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail

300 m
10 mins
54m
-7m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail in the opposite direction to the ‘Interpretive Centre’ arrow, keeping the fenced area to the right. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, signposted ‘Cappers Gully’.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow up the steps and along the bush track. The walk crosses some short metal footbridges and then climbs more steeply, through beautiful forest scenery. The walk climbs a lot of sandstone steps and some sets of metal stairs, and after some time arrives at an intersection, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

(1.08km) Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

440 m
11 mins
41m
-13m

Hard track

Casuarina

(1.52km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Ouraka Point

220 m
4 mins
1m
-13m

Moderate track

Ouraka Point

(1.52km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

30 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

(1.55km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

320 m
7 mins
24m
-3m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left, and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the right. The walk continues along the trail to an intersection with a paved track, signposted ‘Casuarina Track’.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow along the paved track, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. The walk climbs gently for a short distance before arriving at a track junction with signposts for the ‘Ironbark Loop’, the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

(1.87km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Matthew Flinders sculpture

180 m
4 mins
7m
-10m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the track junction, this walk follows the ‘Loop to Gosford’ arrow (Casuarina Track) along the bush track, directly away from the nearby car park. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection signposted for the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Ironbark Loop’. At the time of writing, this part of the Casuarina Track, going down the hill, was closed[6].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow (Ironbark Loop sign), along the bush track, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection, with an ‘Ironbark Loop’ signpost pointing back ‘To Casuarina Track’, beside a sculpture of Matthew Flinders.

Sculptures in Rumbalara

(2.06km) Matthew Flinders sculpture → Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture

40 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

(2.09km) Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture → End of Dolly Ave

80 m
2 mins
10m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the sculpture, this walk goes across the middle of the picnic area. After a short distance, the walk goes up a rocky track and some steps, passing a ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ signpost, to the left, arriving at the end of Dolly Ave.

Maps for the Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

820m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 640m is very steep. Whilst another 600m has short steep hills and the remaining 120m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 660m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 160m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 820m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 160m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area walk starts at the Henry Parry Dr trackhead (gps: -33.433759, 151.34689)
Your transport options to Henry Parry Dr trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Rainforest walk to Nurrunga picnic area ends at the End of Dolly Ave (gps: -33.423117, 151.34897)
Your main transport option to End of Dolly Ave is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-rwtnpa
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-rwtnpa

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/rwtnpa

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

And Walk

John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

Download & Print Map and Notes

Rumbalara Reserve

(0km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead

40 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Easy track

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’.

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

(0.04km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead → Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail

140 m
4 mins
18m
-1m

Moderate track

(0.17km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail → Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr

110 m
3 mins
8m
-4m

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.29km) Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

440 m
10 mins
15m
-34m

Moderate track

Cappers Gully quarry

(0.72km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail

300 m
10 mins
54m
-7m

Hard track

(1.02km) Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

440 m
11 mins
41m
-13m

Hard track

Casuarina

(1.46km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

30 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Sculptures in Rumbalara

(1.49km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt → Flannel Flower walk signpost

170 m
3 mins
7m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left, and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the right. The walk continues along the trail to an intersection with a paved track, signposted ‘Casuarina Track’.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill leaving the paved ‘Casuarina Track’ behind on the left. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with a bush track, signposted ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

Flannel Flower

(1.66km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

720 m
17 mins
57m
-30m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow along the bush track, going gently down the hill. The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some time, passing occasional sandstone steps before continuing past an intersection with a bush track (on the left, uphill), and another soon after (on the right, downhill). The walk continues for some distance, climbing gently with numerous steps, before arriving beside the toilet block at Yaruga Picnic Area. The walk turns right and follows the paved path past the information board, then goes across the picnic area, following the ‘Lookout’ arrow to the electric BBQs.

Yaruga Picnic Area

(2.38km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Int of Flannel Flower track and Tottenham track

340 m
9 mins
22m
-48m

Hard track

Turn left: From the BBQs, this walk goes across the picnic area towards the road and down the steps. The walk veers to the right, following the road gently down the hill for a short distance to an intersection with a bush track, beside a low boulder, on the left (some distance before the nearby water reservoir).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track around the low boulder, to the right, keeping the nearby water reservoir to the right. The walk goes gently downhill for a short distance to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps, leaving the nearby water reservoir to the right. The track soon bends to the left at a rock outcrop, and winds down the hill for a while with plenty of steps. The walk levels out and meanders for a while, with occasional steps, to an intersection with a faint track, going down the hill to the left (just before the main track bends to the right and goes uphill a little).

(2.72km) Int of Flannel Flower track and Tottenham track. → End of Tottenham Pl

250 m
6 mins
1m
-51m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the faint bush track down the hill, towards the valley. The faint track goes steeply down the hill, becoming better defined towards the bottom. After a while the track veers to the left to pass a house, to the right. The walk follows a concrete path beside the house, emerging beside 15 Tottenham Pl, North Gosford.

Maps for the John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 890m is very steep. Whilst another 330m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 50m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (40m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

1.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 940m is clearly signposted. The remaining (470m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 1.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.5km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.1km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl walk starts at the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park (gps: -33.427727, 151.34768)
Your transport options to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The John Whiteway Dr to Tottenham Pl ends at the End of Tottenham Pl (gps: -33.421418, 151.35497)
Your transport options to End of Tottenham Pl are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-jwdttp
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-jwdttp

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/jwdttp

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Rainforest Walk

And Walk

Rainforest Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

Rumbalara Reserve

(0km) Henry Parry Dr trackhead → Back gate of 2GO car park

160 m
3 mins
4m
-1m

Moderate track

(0.16km) Back gate of 2GO car park → Bottom of staircase on Rainforest walk

200 m
4 mins
12m
-3m

Moderate track

(0.36km) Bottom of staircase on Rainforest walk → Top of staircase on Rainforest walk

30 m
1 mins
4m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of the management trail, this walk goes up the metal staircase, arriving at an intersection, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost, at the top of the stairs, pointing back to ‘Henry Parry Drive’.

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.38km) Top of staircase on Rainforest walk → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

400 m
9 mins
37m
-15m

Moderate track

Cappers Gully quarry

(0.78km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail

300 m
10 mins
54m
-7m

Hard track

(1.08km) Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

440 m
11 mins
41m
-13m

Hard track

(1.52km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

30 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Sculptures in Rumbalara

Maps for the Rainforest Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Rainforest Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rainforest Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

640m of this walk is very steep and another 430m has short steep hills. Whilst another 400m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 50m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 290m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 160m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 820m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 710m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 160m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 970m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 550m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rainforest Walk walk starts and ends at the Henry Parry Dr trackhead (gps: -33.433759, 151.34689)
Your transport options to Henry Parry Dr trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-rw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-rw

Upper Rumbalara circuit

And Walk

Upper Rumbalara circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

Rumbalara Reserve

Yaruga Picnic Area

(0km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Flannel Flower walk signpost

720 m
17 mins
30m
-57m

Moderate track

Flannel Flower

(0.72km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk

30 m
1 mins
0m
-4m

Moderate track

(0.75km) Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

180 m
5 mins
21m
-3m

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.93km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Matthew Flinders sculpture

180 m
4 mins
7m
-10m

Moderate track

(1.11km) Matthew Flinders sculpture → Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture

40 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Sculptures in Rumbalara

(1.15km) Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture → Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave

280 m
5 mins
11m
-11m

Moderate track

(1.43km) Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave → Wannagan Lookout

960 m
24 mins
64m
-71m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Loop to Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow along the track, going gently down the hill. The walk meanders gently downhill for a short distance before passing under some power lines and continuing a little further to an intersection with a management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill, keeping the nearby power lines to the right. After a short distance, the walk passes a management trail (to the right) and continues, passing some sort of underground pipe access point, on the left. After a while, the trail reaches an intersection with tracks to the left and right.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps, leaving the nearby water reservoir to the right. The track soon bends to the left at a rock outcrop, and winds down the hill for a while with plenty of steps. The walk levels out and meanders for a while, with occasional steps, to an intersection with a faint track, going down the hill to the left (just before the main track bends to the right and goes uphill a little).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track as it goes gently up the hill, immediately bending to the right. The walk meanders through some good scenery for a short distance before reaching the fenced Wannagan Lookout[6], with great views to the north.

Wannagan Lookout

The fenced Wannagan Lookout[7], on the Red Gum Walk, has great views over North Gosford. The fenced lookout sits at the top of a small cliff. Out of sight, beneath the lookout, is some great cliff and overhang scenery.

(2.38km) Wannagan Lookout → Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk

290 m
6 mins
7m
-10m

Hard track

(2.67km) Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk → Sculpture of Edward John Eyre

150 m
2 mins
1m
-2m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail away from the nearby gate (beside the road). The trail almost immediately bends to the right then meanders for a short distance to the sculpture of Edward John Eyre, on the right. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(2.67km) Int of Red Gum walk and Mouat Walk → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

600 m
13 mins
35m
-11m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently up the hill towards the gate. The walk passes around the gate to the intersection with Dolly Ave, with a ‘Mouat Walk’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Statue of Edward John Eyre 50 metres’.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the road gently up the hill, leaving the signposted ‘Mouat Walk’ behind on the right. After a short distance, the walk passes a small parking area and fenced lookout point, on the left, and continues along the road for some distance, passing a large water reservoir tank, to the right. A little further on the walk reaches an intersection with a bush track, to the right, marked by a low boulder (within sight of the sandstone walled Yaruga picnic area).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the road gently up the hill towards the sandstone walls of the nearby Yaruga picnic area. The walk climbs the first set of steps on the left, near the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ signpost, and goes across the picnic area to the nearby electric BBQs.

Maps for the Upper Rumbalara circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Upper Rumbalara circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Upper Rumbalara circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (70m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 1.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

1.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 720m is clearly signposted. The remaining (700m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 2km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Upper Rumbalara circuit walk starts and ends at the Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs (gps: -33.425486, 151.35526)
Your main transport option to Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-urc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-urc

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/urc

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Rumbalara Explorer

And Walk

Rumbalara Explorer

Download & Print Map and Notes

Rumbalara Reserve

(0km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead

40 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Easy track

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’.

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

(0.04km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead → Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail

140 m
4 mins
18m
-1m

Moderate track

(0.17km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail → Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail

60 m
2 mins
8m
0m

Moderate track

(0.23km) Int of Casuarina track and Casuarina link trail → Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr

60 m
1 mins
0m
-4m

Easy track

(0.29km) Car park at int of White St firetrail and John Whiteway Dr → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

440 m
10 mins
15m
-34m

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.72km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Top of staircase on Rainforest walk

400 m
9 mins
15m
-37m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Henry Parry Drive’ arrow (Rainforest Track) down the steps and along the bush track. The track immediately bends to the right, passing a couple of old picnic tables, to the left. The track then enters a forest filled with a jumble of vines and ferns, meandering for a while before crossing a small metal bridge, and continuing until reaching an intersection at the top of a metal staircase, signposted ‘Rainforest Track’.

(1.12km) Top of staircase on Rainforest walk → Henry Parry Dr trackhead

380 m
8 mins
5m
-20m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Henry Parry Drive’ arrow down the metal staircase, arriving at the end of a management trail at the bottom of the stairs.
Continue straight: From the bottom of the metal staircase, this walk follows the management trail away from the stairs. The trail soon bends to the right and continues for a short distance before passing a plaque marking the handing over of Cappers Gully Reserve, set in a stone, to the left. The trail continues a little further to an intersection just before the gate at the back of the 2GO radio station car park. The intersection is marked with a pair of track arrows on a wooden post.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, immediately crossing the small gully, leaving the nearby gate and car park behind on the right. The track soon bends to the right, at a track marker post, and continues, keeping the houses to the left, until reaching the trackhead at the intersection of Frederick St and Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, marked with a track information board and a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

(1.51km) Henry Parry Dr trackhead → Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

850 m
19 mins
52m
-19m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the trackhead at the intersection of Frederick St and Henry Parry Dr, Gosford, this walk follows Henry Parry Dr up the hill, leaving the information board behind on the left. The walk turns left into White St and continues to the ‘Rumbalara Reserve’ signpost beside the gate at the end of the street.
Continue straight: From the end of White St, this walk passes the ‘Rumbalara Reserve’ signpost, goes around the gate, and follows the ‘Cappers Gully’ arrow along the management trail. The trail meanders along the hillside for some time. At one point, there are some long thin stone slabs forming a retaining wall, on the right. The trail eventually reaches an intersection, signposted ‘Cappers Gully’.

Cappers Gully quarry

(2.36km) Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail

250 m
9 mins
53m
-3m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow up the steps and along the bush track. The walk crosses some short metal footbridges and then climbs more steeply, through beautiful forest scenery. The walk climbs a lot of sandstone steps and some sets of metal stairs, and after some time arrives at an intersection, with a ‘Rainforest Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Cappers Gully’.

(2.61km) Southern Int of Rainforest walk and Bayview firetrail → Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk

440 m
11 mins
41m
-13m

Hard track

Casuarina

(3.05km) Int of Rainforest walk and Casuarina walk → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

30 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

(3.08km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk

140 m
2 mins
3m
0m

Moderate track

(3.22km) Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

750 m
18 mins
61m
-30m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill leaving the paved ‘Casuarina Track’ behind on the left. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with a bush track, signposted ‘Flannel Flower Track’.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow along the bush track, going gently down the hill. The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some time, passing occasional sandstone steps before continuing past an intersection with a bush track (on the left, uphill), and another soon after (on the right, downhill). The walk continues for some distance, climbing gently with numerous steps, before arriving beside the toilet block at Yaruga Picnic Area. The walk turns right and follows the paved path past the information board, then goes across the picnic area, following the ‘Lookout’ arrow to the electric BBQs.

Yaruga Picnic Area

(3.97km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk

120 m
2 mins
4m
-8m

Moderate track

(4.09km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Jarret St fire trail

340 m
8 mins
8m
-22m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, away from the nearby reservoir tank. After a short distance, the walk passes another management trail (to the left) and continues further, to an intersection with a track on the left (just before the management trail bends a little to the right and goes very steeply down the hill).

Flannel Flower

(4.44km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Jarret St fire trail → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

220 m
4 mins
13m
-7m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track, leaving the steep downhill section of the management trail to the right. The track follows under or near some power lines for a short distance, then climbs gently around the side of the hill for a while to an intersection with the road, with a ‘Flannel Flower Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Loop to Yaruga Picnic Area’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Yaruga Picnic Area’ arrow across the road. The walk crosses the small car park, passing between some metal posts to a track junction with signposts for the ‘Ironbark Loop’, the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

(4.66km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture

250 m
5 mins
10m
-11m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the track junction, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow (Ironbark Loop sign) along the bush track, leaving the nearby car park to the right. The walk almost immediately crosses the road, arriving at an ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign.
Continue straight: From the ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign, this walk follows the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’ arrow along the management trail, away from the road. After a short distance, the walk passes a toilet block, to the left, and continues a little further to an ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign pointing back ‘To Casuarina Track’, on the northern edge of the picnic area.
Continue straight: From this ‘Ironbark Loop’ sign, the walk goes along the edge of the picnic area, keeping the picnic area to the left, and soon arrives at the sculpture of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.

Sculptures in Rumbalara

(4.91km) Sir Charles Kingsford Smith sculpture → Matthew Flinders sculpture

40 m
1 mins
0m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the sculpture, this walk goes across the end of the picnic area, behind Sir Charles’ back. The walk passes a picnic table, to the right, then follows a bush track for a short distance, arriving at an intersection, signposted ‘Ironbark Loop’, beside a sculpture of Matthew Flinders.

(4.95km) Matthew Flinders sculpture → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

180 m
4 mins
10m
-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘To Casuarina Track’ arrow along the bush track, keeping the views of Gosford to the right. After a short distance, the walk arrives at a track junction with signposts for the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Ironbark Loop’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘To Flannel Flower Track’ arrow (Ironbark Loop sign), along the bush track, keeping the views of Gosford to the right. After a short distance, the walk arrives at a track junction with signposts for the ‘Ironbark Loop’, the ‘Casuarina Track’ and the ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

(5.13km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Ouraka Point

570 m
12 mins
4m
-39m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the junction, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow (Casuarina Track), along the bush track, going gently down the hill. The track descends gently for a while, taking the right branch at a fork and going down the paved steps to an intersection with a management trail, with a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Nurrunga Picnic Area’.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail gently down the hill, keeping the views of Gosford to the right. After a while, the walk reaches a sculpture of Charles Sturt, to the left.
Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the right and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the left. After a short distance, the walk reaches an intersection, with a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Picnic Areas’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ouraka Point’ arrow along the management trail, going gently up the hill. After a short distance, the walk passes an informal, unfenced lookout area with obscured but nice views over Gosford, to the right. The walk continues a little further, passing a boulder in the middle of the trail, and arriving at the signposted ‘Ouraka Point’, with beautiful views over Gosford and the surrounding areas and waterways.

Ouraka Point

(5.7km) Ouraka Point → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park

420 m
12 mins
1m
-68m

Moderate track

Maps for the Rumbalara Explorer walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Rumbalara Explorer bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rumbalara Explorer

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	6.1 km
		Time	2 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 640m is very steep and the remaining 120m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (80m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.7km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 160m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 3.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rumbalara Explorer walk starts and ends at the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park (gps: -33.427727, 151.34768)
Your transport options to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-re
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-re

Gosford to Lisarow

And Walk

Gosford to Lisarow

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Gosford Station → Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead

1 km
19 mins
38m
-6m

Easy track

From the train station, this walk heads out the main eastern exit and crosses the Pacific Hwy using the glass-covered footbridge. On the other side of the bridge, the walk heads down the stairs and turns left to walk along the footpath (next to the Highway, with the train station now on the right). The walk then crosses Erina St and, soon after, turns left into William St Mall. At the other end of the mall, the walk heads diagonally through Kibble Park and crosses Henry Parry Dr at the lights. Here, the walk heads uphill along Donnison St, passing Albany St. When Donnison St bends right, this walk continues straight up the hill a short distance into to Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre car park.
Turn right: 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’.

Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

(1.01km) Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre trackhead → Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail

140 m
4 mins
18m
-1m

Moderate track

(1.14km) Int of Casuarina track and JWD link trail → Ouraka Point

250 m
7 mins
47m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Picnic Areas’ arrow up the staircase. The walk then continues a short distance up the sandstone path and steps to an intersection with a management trail, marked by a track information board and a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to the ‘Field Studies Centre’.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Picnic Areas’ arrow along the management trail, going gently up the hill. After a short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with steps and a metal staircase to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk goes up the sandstone steps, then the metal staircase. The walk then crosses the end of the management trail and continues up the long flight of sandstone steps. After a short distance, the walk passes some large boulders (to the left) and soon arrives at the signposted ‘Ouraka Point’, with beautiful views over Gosford and the surrounding areas and waterways.

Ouraka Point

(1.39km) Ouraka Point → Sculpture of Charles Sturt

250 m
5 mins
15m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Ouraka Point, this walk follows the management trail going gently up the hill, leaving the seats and Ouraka Point behind to the left. After a while, the walk passes an informal, unfenced lookout area with obscured but nice views over Gosford, to the left. The walk continues a little further to an intersection, with a ‘Casuarina Track’ signpost pointing back to ‘Ouraka Point’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Picnic Areas’ arrow along the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left. After a short distance, the walk arrives at a sculpture of Charles Sturt, to the right.

Casuarina

(1.64km) Sculpture of Charles Sturt → Flannel Flower walk signpost

170 m
3 mins
7m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the views of Gosford to the left, and leaving Charles Sturt behind on the right. The walk continues along the trail to an intersection with a paved track, signposted ‘Casuarina Track’.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill leaving the paved ‘Casuarina Track’ behind on the left. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at an intersection with a bush track, signposted ‘Flannel Flower Track’.

(1.81km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

720 m
17 mins
57m
-30m

Moderate track

Yaruga Picnic Area

(2.53km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Yaruga Lookout

20 m
1 mins
0m
-9m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the BBQs, this walk goes a very short distance across the picnic area, away from the road, passing the ‘Yaruga Lookout’ sign, to the left, and the ‘Orchid Track’ and ‘Red Gum Track’ signs, to the right, reaching a fenced lookout with a seat and great views out across the valley. At the time of writing, both the Orchid Track and the Red Gum Track were closed at this point. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(2.53km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave

60 m
1 mins
4m
-3m

Moderate track

(2.59km) Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave → Wannagan Lookout

480 m
13 mins
35m
-56m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track around the low boulder, to the right, keeping the nearby water reservoir to the right. The walk goes gently downhill for a short distance to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track down the steps, leaving the nearby water reservoir to the right. The track soon bends to the left at a rock outcrop, and winds down the hill for a while with plenty of steps. The walk levels out and meanders for a while, with occasional steps, to an intersection with a faint track, going down the hill to the left (just before the main track bends to the right and goes uphill a little).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track as it goes gently up the hill, immediately bending to the right. The walk meanders through some good scenery for a short distance before reaching the fenced Wannagan Lookout[4], with great views to the north.

Wannagan Lookout

The fenced Wannagan Lookout[5], on the Red Gum Walk, has great views over North Gosford. The fenced lookout sits at the top of a small cliff. Out of sight, beneath the lookout, is some great cliff and overhang scenery.

(3.07km) Wannagan Lookout → Sculpture of Edward John Eyre

430 m
8 mins
8m
-12m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track a very short distance up the hill, away from the lookout, then turns left (ignoring the track to the right which goes a short distance up the hill to the road). The walk meanders along the side of the hill for some distance, keeping the valley to the left, going up and down occasional steps before reaching an intersection with a management trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail away from the nearby gate (beside the road). The trail almost immediately bends to the right then meanders for a short distance to the sculpture of Edward John Eyre, on the right.

Edward John Eyre

The Sculpture of Edward John Eyre is found near the southern end of the Mouat Trail in Rumbalara Reserve. Commissioned by Sara Lee Kitchens and the State Bicentennial Commission, this 1.25 scale figurative work was sculptured by Carl Merten[7]. A circular inscription at the base declares this to be ‘Edward John Eyre 1815-1901’[8]. Eyre is one of Australia’s more famous explorers. A father of 5, he was awarded the founder’s gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society in 1847. In 1841, Eyre was appointed as resident magistrate and protector of Aborigines. He summed up his work like this –
“Moorundie was a District densely populated by Natives and in which prior to 1841 no settler had ventured to locate, and where (before I was stationed there) frightful scenes of bloodshed, rapine and hostility between the Natives and Parties coming overland with Stock had been of very frequent occurrence, but where, from the time of my arrival, and up to the date of my leaving not a single case of serious injury or aggression ever took place on the part of the Natives against the Europeans, whilst the district became rapidly and extensively occupied by Settlers and by Stock“.
Eyre also served as lieutenant-governor for New Zealand, lieutenant-governor for St Vincent (West Indies), governor for Leeward Islands, governor for Antigua and governor-in-chief for Jamaica. More info.

(3.5km) Sculpture of Edward John Eyre → Int west of 130

790 m
18 mins
23m
-50m

Moderate track

Continue straight: With the statue on the right, this walk follows the track north-east, keeping the valley on the left. The track winds to the top of the ridge and follows it past some filtered district views. The track soon follows a fence then heads down some stairs, winding through a rocky outcrop down to a wide trail. Here, the walk turns right and follows the trail a short distance to an intersection under the power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the trail north along the management trail, as indicated by the lower arrow on the post. The walk ignores the trails on the left and soon comes to an intersection at another trail (Bradys Gully trail, running steeply down to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads east up the hill along the management trail, initially keeping Brady’s Gully trail behind and to the left. The trail winds up the hill and soon comes to a clearing and a ‘Y’ intersection with a faint track (on the right), just below a rocky outcrop.

(4.29km) Int west of 130 → 130 Picnic table

200 m
4 mins
21m
0m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the faint track east up the hill, soon keeping the rocky outcrop to the left. The walk ignores a few side tracks (on the left) and then follows some steps up through a cleft in the rock. The track then turns right, following an arrow on a post across the top of the hill and coming to a picnic table and an unfenced view across East Gosford.

130 Picnic table

The 130 Picnic table (informally named based on the height of the hill) provides a spot to stop and rest. There are views from the top of this unfenced cliff across Brisbane Water and East Gosford. The single table has some limited natural shade from the surrounding trees.

(4.49km) 130 Picnic table → Mouat trail picnic table

400 m
9 mins
16m
-18m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk heads east, initially keeping the view to the right. The track leads through the rocky outcrop and down the hill to an intersection with a management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail east across the saddle then up the hill, soon coming to an intersection just before a locked gate.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track up the steps towards the rocky outcrop, keeping the gate to the left. The track climbs up the rocky outcrop then follows the fence for a short time, to a picnic table and an unfenced view across the valley (on the right).

Mouat trail picnic table

Mouat trail picnic table is found about halfway along the Mouat trail. There is an old picnic table and bench seat at the top of an unfenced cliff with filtered views over Springfield East Gosford and the Brisbane Water. A nice spot for a snack and rest.

(4.89km) Mouat trail picnic table → Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail

480 m
10 mins
41m
-6m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk follows the track, keeping the fence to the left. The track soon passes close to a management trail (on the other side of the fence) and then passes a locked gate. Soon after the gate, the track passes a bench seat (and an unfenced view on the right), where the track bends left and follows the fence to another locked gate and a management trail.
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk follows the wide trail uphill, keeping the fence to the left. The trail follows the fence, steeply at one point, up the hill to a ‘Y’ intersection with the trig track (on the right), marked with two timber posts.

(5.37km) Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail → Erina Trig

120 m
2 mins
11m
0m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track sign north-east up the narrower track and steps. The track soon comes to the top of the hill and the Erina Trig station.

Erina Trig

Erina Trig station is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970’s. The ‘Triangulation station’ (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker which was once clear of trees and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. There are many such trig stations around Australia, used to help in surveying. Each station has a know position and altitude which allows surveyors to use triangulation to determine another point’s location. With advances in technology, these trig stations have been superseded and abandoned. More info.

(5.49km) Erina Trig → Pond intersection

90 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the trig station, this walk heads north-east down the hill, soon winding down some stairs to a management trail next to a fence and pond.

(5.58km) Pond intersection → Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails

640 m
12 mins
12m
-19m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk keeps the fence to the left and heads towards the power lines. The trail bends left, following a fence for a short distance to a three-way intersection with the Clyde Rd management trail (just before the locked private property gate).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide trail past the locked gate and fence for the private residence (on the left). After about 250m, the trail passes a stockpile of rocks and dirt (on the left). About 230m past the stockpile, the trail comes to an intersection with the Mouat Trail marked with an arrow post (on the right).

(6.22km) Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails → St Johns Lookout car park

1.2 km
26 mins
81m
-38m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow up the steps along the walking (and horse) track. The track soon passes over a rocky outcrop (beware of the cliff drop on the right). The walk then soon bends right, leaving the view to Toomeys management trail behind. The track then passes some large boulders before winding through the bush and heading up some steps, passing some informal tracks at the rock platform, and coming to a four-way intersection with a ‘Graves Walk’ sign (and a locked gate up the trail to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the ‘Graves Walk’ sign, passing the post with a lilac strip (keeping the road up the hill to the left). The track winds through the bush to a three-way intersection, with a sign pointing back ‘To Rumbalara Reserve’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the arrows but heads away from the face of the sign gently uphill, keeping the valley to the right. The track soon opens up into a large clearing, passing the ‘Mount Mouat walk’ and ‘Graves Walk’ signs[11] and continuing for about 20m to an intersection with the signposted ‘Guringai walk’[12].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign.

St Johns Lookout picnic area

St Johns Lookout picnic area is a large open area found at the top of Katandra Reserve on Toomeys Rd. The picnic area provides wheelchair accessible toilets[14], picnic tables[15], free electric BBQ’s[16], parking areas[17] [18] and information boards[19]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[20] but no drinking water[21].

(7.42km) St Johns Lookout car park → St Johns Lookout

170 m
3 mins
3m
-15m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the car park (signposted as ‘Katandra’ on Toomeys Rd), this walk heads across the picnic area and past the BBQ shelters, keeping the road up the hill to the left. Soon the walk comes to a sandstone footpath in front of the toilet block.
Turn right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the footpath past the information sign to the fenced and signposted ‘St Johns Lookout’ At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

St Johns Lookout

This fenced lookout is found at the top of Katandra Reserve, near the toilets. The lookout was upgraded by Gosford Council in September 2009 and now provides a safer platform and easier access. From the lookout, there are extensive views south-east over Matcham, Erina Heights and Terrigal, out to the ocean. The Guringai Walk passes below the lookout – please take extra care to not drop anything from the platform.

(7.42km) St Johns Lookout car park → End of Taylors Rd (south)

1.4 km
27 mins
11m
-77m

Easy track

Veer left: From the car park, this walk heads up to Toomeys Rd and turns right, following the road. The walk follows the main road as it become Taylors Road and bends left. About 400m after passing Tapley Rd (the very steep road on the right), the road leads to a dirt clearing and locked gate at the end of Taylors Rd (south).

(8.86km) End of Taylors Rd (south) → Start of Taylors Rd lower trail

600 m
13 mins
24m
-45m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the end of (the southern section of) Taylors Road, this walk heads west around the locked gate and up the dirt management trail. A few metres after the end of the fence (on the right), the walk comes to an intersection with a link track.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the link track down the hill, initially keeping the fence, then the valley, on the right. The track passes another track (on the right) and soon steps down onto a wide management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the management trail (away from the private properly fence), keeping the valley to the right. The trail winds along the side of the hill until heading around a locked gate and coming to an intersection near 7070 Taylors Rd (north).

(9.46km) Start of Taylors Rd lower trail → Lisarow Station

1.8 km
33 mins
10m
-94m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the dirt Taylors Rd (north), initially keeping the power lines to the left. After about 650m, the road becomes sealed and, shortly afterwards, passes ‘Beray Close’. About 240m after passing Courtney Pl, this walk turns left at the ‘T’ intersection and follows Taylors Rd past the school (where the road becomes Chamberlain Rd), coming to a ‘T’ intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Here, the walk crosses the highway, turns right and follows the footpath up the ramp to Lisarow Station.

Maps for the Gosford to Lisarow walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Gosford to Lisarow bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gosford to Lisarow

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	11.3 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.2km has short steep hills. The remaining (80m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

4.2km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (3.3km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

6km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 4.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.1km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Gosford to Lisarow walk starts at the Gosford Station (gps: -33.42348, 151.34176)
Your transport options to Gosford Station are by;

Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Train. (get details)

The Gosford to Lisarow ends at the Lisarow Station (gps: -33.38218, 151.37018)
Your transport options to Lisarow Station are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-gtl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-rumbalarares-gtl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/gtl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

And Walk

Flannel Flower Track

Rumbalara Reserve

Yaruga Picnic Area

(0km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Flannel Flower walk signpost

Moderate track

Flannel Flower

(0.72km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk

Moderate track

(0.75km) Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk → Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.93km) Junction of Ironbark, Casuarina and Flannel flower walks → Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave

Moderate track

(0.95km) Western int of Flannel Flower walk and Dolly Ave → Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk

Moderate track

(1.49km) Int of Flannel Flower walk and Red Gum walk → Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave

Moderate track

(1.55km) Western int of Red Gum walk and Dolly Ave → Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs

Moderate track

Maps for the Flannel Flower Track walk

Cross sectional view of the Flannel Flower Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Flannel Flower Track

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

White St Rainforest loop

(0km) End of White St → Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

Moderate track

Rumbalara Reserve Flora and Fauna

(0.49km) Northern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk

Moderate track

Cappers Gully quarry

(0.53km) Southern int of White St firetrail and Rainforest walk → Top of staircase on Rainforest walk

Moderate track

(0.94km) Top of staircase on Rainforest walk → Back gate of 2GO car park

Moderate track

(1.16km) Back gate of 2GO car park → Henry Parry Dr trackhead

Moderate track

(1.32km) Henry Parry Dr trackhead → End of White St

Moderate track

Maps for the White St Rainforest loop walk

Cross sectional view of the White St Rainforest loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the White St Rainforest loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Ironbark and Flannel Flower circuit

Rumbalara Reserve

Yaruga Picnic Area

(0km) Yaruga Picnic Area BBQs → Flannel Flower walk signpost

Moderate track

Flannel Flower

(0.72km) Flannel Flower walk signpost → Int of Casuarina walk and Flannel Flower walk