CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Staples Lookout to Mount Wondabyne - HIKE - 27 August 2010

The begiinning of the journey is along a service trail, which isn't too much fun. Most service trails aren't fun, I think, but there are a lot of flowers along the road rims.

Eventually, there is a turn off the trail along a track through bush and sandstone rock platforms. This part of the trail is excellent with great views towards Mount Wondabyne.

The track reaches another service road and after a short walk there is a turn off to another track. This track passes close to the summit of Mount Wondabyne. Near the top of the track is a turn off towards the summit. This involves following a track and some rock scrambling.  Heaps of fun.

The view at the top is excellent. There is a 360 degree view at the summit which is pretty awesome. The view is certainly worth the time and effort.

Retracing the summit track then continue along the main track to another service road that passes Old Gosford Quarry and joins onto Woy Woy Road.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Staples Lookout to Kariong Falls - HIKE - 24 August 2010

I parked the car at Staples Lookout and admired the view. Strangely enough, a rooster came out of the bush and clucked around my car. Couldn't figure it out - escarpment on one side and national park on the other with a main road in between.

From the lookout it is a short walk to the beginning of Tommos loop trail. The trail is a service road that gets a bit boring except that the road edge was littered with a variety of wildflowers.

Eventually, at the Girrakool sign, there is a turnoff from the trail and onto a fair dinkum bush track. This track leads downhill along steps, sandy tracks and some rock scrambling. After a timer, the sound of water is heard, then the top of the Kariong Falls comes into view.

At the base of the falls, the vegetation is lush and shade forming with a swimable water hole. The water was a bit cold today so i passed on the swim. The falls is a great, peaceful and relaxing place for a break.

After some rejuvenation, it was time to climb the hill back out and follow the service trail and main road back to Staples Lookout. The rooster had vanished!!!