CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - ROCKY PONDS - MTB/HIKE - 3 december 2014

I parked at the speed camera in Woy Woy Road. It was an early start as it was predicted to be a hot day.



The ride started well along the service roads. The quarry is always a welcome watery break from the dry scenery. There are a number of pools in the quarry remains. On a previous ride, there was a group of girls swimming in the quarry pool. During a conversation, they informed me the water was nice and clean and that they had swam there a number of times.

Further along the ride, there were a number of steep and rocky descents. The second descent ended with a flat tyre. It took 10 minutes to change the tube. Later, I stopped at the top of one descent and admired the flowers along the edge of the service road and the hussle and bustle of the ant colonies.

Finally, I reached the turnoff for the track to Rocky Ponds. I rode for a short distance but found the going too hard with large water filled ditches. I put the bike into the bush and continued by foot.

It was a pleasant hike along a narrow, rough and vegetation clogged track. It had rain the night before so the bush was very damp. By the time I reached the start of the cascades, I was drenched.

The cascades were pretty and very slippery. The water flowed shallowly over the flat sandstone then fell over the drop to the next tier.

The highlight was Jeannies Pool. The water fell about 10 metres to the rocks then flowed into the pool. The pool is surrounded by thick vegetation and a concave cliff. The cliff dripped of water and could be walked under.

I put my wet gear on a sunny rock and waded into the water. The bottom of the pool was sand and gradually got deeper closer to the rocks at the base of the falls. It was a pretty sight and I enjoyed sitting on various rocks and soaking in the vista.

Not much in the way of birds toady... heard a lot but saw only a couple briefly. There were a few flowers about in various locations where they could get enough sun.

I did see a small lizard!

The journey back was harder. The hike section was hard due the damp bush and me now becoming the steamy bush and the steamy me. Once I was back on the bike, the temperature was quickly rising and there were a number of places where I had to push the bike due the service road steepness.

All in all, a great ride and now I'm a mite tired.

bike - 14.8 km
hike/swim - 1:14
bike - 1:25
av bike speed - 10.45 km/h
max bike speed - 33 km/h

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - WARRAH TRIG - HIKE - 1 december 2014

Well, I was going to go for a bike ride but I arrived at the starting point a little later than expected so I settled for a short hike.



The morning light had lit up the bush. The light filtered through the leaves of the trees creating vibrant shades of green - pretty. The bark of some trees was highlighted into more vibrant colours.

There were a number of flowers blooming though not in huge abundance. They tended to stand out from the greenery with their shades of purple, white, yellow and red. A closer inspection showed the intricate and delicate detail of their form. remarkable!

The orb weaver spider were stationed strategically along the path for catching prey. Part of the way down the track, a half web indicated that someone had walked the path before me. Lucky them! The webs are so perfect and in its centre lies the spider waiting patiently for prey.

Yellow and brown coloured moths flitted on the rocks at the trig point.

The birds were too quick for me this morning but I watched a kookaburra stream through the trees and vanish. Two lyrebirds walked ahead of me but took off at speed once I was noticed.

The view at the end of the hike was over Broken Bay at the end of the Hawkesbury River's journey. The view spanned over Pittwater, Palm Beach, Ku-ring-gai National Park and Patonga. A hazy mist hung over the western view.

The striking feature of the hike was the silence. No bird calls. No insects buzzing. Just silence and an awakening sun.

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - THOMMOS LOOP – MTB - 14 OCTOBER 2014 - 'ROCK, WATER AND VIEWS'

I drove to Brisbane Waters National Park and parked near the speed camera just down from Staples Lookout.

I’ve done this ride a number of times. The solitariness, quietness and bush scenery is quite an attraction for me.

I rode down the service road to the quarry. At the quarry, I rode around over the rocky paths, pools of water and soft sand. The various surface terrains were a challenge to cycle over.

I then rode along the service road and took the turnoff onto Tommos Loop. This was another service road. At times the road surface was hard sandstone with rivulets of water intersecting the rock. The views over the bushland were amazing. It just seemed so untouched and endless.  At one stage, an area of the road had been blocked as a large Australian Aboriginal rock carving had been unearthed by the recent rains.

The track ended at a gate and the main road. I rode downhill back to the van.

distance - 7.52 km
elevation range - 71m
average speed - 10.8 km/h
max. speed - 45.9 km/h

A great ride with awesome scenery.

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - PINDAR CAVE - HIKE - 20 may 2014 - 'a rocky, sandy undulating hike'

I caught a train from Gosford to Wondabyne station. When boarding the train you need to sit in the rear carriage , inform the guard to stop at Wondabyne and exit by the very rear door.


The station is small and quaint. There is a small wharf on Mullet Creek.

The hike starts up steep steps. After awhile, you reached a service road. I followed the service road until I reached a  campsite on the left which had another service road at the western end. I followed the service road a short distance and then it converted into a track that continued to the pool and cave.





The walk was pleasant along a narrow track with dense vegetation. Along the way, there were song birds, rocky outcrops, tessellating sandstone, some rock scrambles and false tracks. The false tracks ended after a short distance. Some lead to views but most to nowhere.






Eventually, I reached a lookout with views of the distant Mooney Mooney Creek.

Next, was the pool and it was half full. Not very tempting for a swim, as it wasn't that hot.






Not far after the pool was Pindar Cave. It is really a massive and impressive overhang. There is plenty of  space and headroom under the overhang. A nice place to sit, watch and listen to the birds via a rock framed vista.



The walk back was heaps faster though I did take one more false trail where the track seemed to veer left at a rock outcrop. The actual way is straight up the rock outcrop until the track starts again.

At Wondabyne Station, you must hail the train to get it to stop.

A fun, long hike!



distance - 11.9 km
time - 4:15
elevation range - 190 m

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - KARIONG BROOK - MTB/HIKE - 20 april 2014

We parked at Staples Lookout and cycled down the Woy Woy Road for 100m to the first dirt service road on the right. There was parking there for about three cars.

We hauled the bikes over the gates and cycled down the service road. At one stage, there is relatively flat sandstone rock area with good views over the west.


At the junction for the great north walk track,  we locked the bikes to the sign and walked the track to Kariong Brook. The track was well worn and eroded in some places. Just before the brook, the steep section follows steps which go under an overhang.

The pool near the falls was very cold but so inviting for a swim. Dunking one's head under the waterfall seemed the right thing to do. The area around the falls is rainforest and nice to walk and scramble round.


We met a group of students here from Thailand and Malaysia. They were very polite and nice young people.We left the falls for the short but steep walk back to the bikes then the cycle back to Staples Lookout.


Funny, how the return always seems quicker even when going uphill.


distance - 5.54 km
time - 1 hour 12 minutes
elevation range - 178m

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - WONDABYNE TO GIRRAKOOL TURNOFF - HIKE - 8 april 2014

I had been meaning to go to Pindar Caves for a long time. This was my goal on this trip but a misreading of the map took me way off course. Still it was a great walk!

I parked near Gosford Station and caught  train to Wondabyne. Wondabyne is a small station so I had to sit in the last carriage at the last door and tell the guard my intentions to disembark at Wondabyne.


The train faded out of sight around the bend and there I was at Wondabyne station and solitude. I walked down to the small wharf on Mullet Creek and gazed over the water, hills, greenery and scattered houses by the water's edge.

The start of the track is very clearly signposted and easy to follow. Straight way it was a very steep in two sections to the ridgeline. The track then became a service road. I am not very excited walking along service roads. Eventually, I came to a rock clearing which had a turn off to the left. there were no posts but an arrow scratched on the rock. Being unsure if this was the turn off, I decided to wander on further. Unfortunately, a series of descriptions led me to believe that I was on the right track. Anyway, the service road ended and I was walking on a rough track. I passed over large expanses of sandstone rock escapements with views over Mooney Mooney Creek and nearby mountains.

The track lead up and down and around and about over a well eroded and wet track. I passed two creeks, which were reasonably pretty. Eventually, I reached the turnoff for the Girrakool Loop track and reversed my direction.

The odd thing about this walk was the amount of ants that were on the move which made it difficult to find a spot to sit and rest. Later, I sat near one of the creeks but had to abandon this idea due to the high number of leeches.

By the time I reached Wondabyne Station, I was pretty tired. At the station wharf, a boat pulled in and a guy disembarked and came to the station. We struck up a conversation. he had lived in the area a long time telling me a bit of local history - houses were on leash from national park to the owners and their direct descendants, there use to be a large town there with a pub and brothel due to the construction of the Woy Woy tunnel and the quarry and oyster leashes. The town now has been reduced to a few houses with most being demolished by the national parks.


All in all a great hike, train station, train ride and conversation.

distance - 13.81 km
time - 4 hrs 37 mins
elevation range - 208m

CENTRAL COAST - BRIBANE WATER NP - MT WONDABYNE - MTB/HIKE - 28 november 2013

Jacinta has a new bike. Time for a road test.

We cycled to the base of Mount Wondabyne and then hike the track to the top.

It was hard going as the trail was step for 2 kilometres and the weather was hot. We had a number of rest spots. The hike to the top was relatively short but easy.


The summit has amazing view over the central coast. Looking to the east, there are pockets of settlement  amongst a sea of green islands. The breeze was cool on this side which was a relief. The western side was green as far as the eye could see in a range of 180 degrees. Amazing!

The ride back was downhill and quicker and so more fun!

distance - 7.7 km
time - 2 hours with rests and hike
av speed - 7.5 km/h
max speed - 26.5 km/h
elevation difference - 122 m

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - ROCKY PONDS - MTB - 21 november 2013

I parked down the road from Staple Lookout.

I decided on Rocky Ponds as I hadn't been there for while.

The service road was good but in parts the recent rains washed away a lot of soil covering the road with small rocks. a bit of a hazard on the downhill runs.

The water at Rocky Ponds was crystal clear. Should have bought swimmers. I sat there for awhile watching the water cascade and walking around the ponds.

distance - 15.06km
time - 1 hour 14 minutes
av speed - 12.1 km/h
max speed - 28.1 km/h

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - 'THE QUARRY' - MTB - 26 May 2013

A beautiful sunny and warm day. Perfect for a surf but my foot is recovering from an injury so how about a bike ride.

The Quarry at Brisbane Waters National Park seemed like a good option. I parked just down from Staples Lookout where the speed camera is on Woy Woy Road.

The ground was damp and puddles of water littered the service road. Interestingly, the CES were out testing their vehicles in the quarry. They pushed them through some rough terrain.

 

I zig-zagged my way around the quarry, managing to get my shoes soaked, mud flicked all over me and one stack - fun!

I followed some of the other service roads but after the quarry I wasn't in the mood for them.

Every time I go there it seems slightly different and the large pools of water are a different colour.

 

distance      - 7.92 km
time            - 49 minutes
av speed     - 9.6 km/h
max speed  - 32.1 km/h

CENTRAL COAST - BRISBANE WATER NP - TOMMOS LOOP AND QUARRY - MTB - 20 february 2013

distance      8.77km
time            45mins
av speed     11.6 km/h
max speed  43km/h

I parked on Woy Woy road at the speed camera.

I cycled around the quarry. There were people swimming in the quarry pools!

I then followed Thommos Loop and the road back.

 

A good cycle but it was a bit too hot.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Warrah Trig Loop - MTB - 7 november 2012

On this ride, I tried to attack and relax more as advised. It certainly made the ride easier and fun. Got up some hills I couldn't do the other day.

10.53 km
53 minutes
av speed 12.4 km/h
max speed 44.3 km/h
elevation difference 88m

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - van danis and sani depot trail - MTB - 21 november 2012

Off for a mountain ride at BrisbaneWaters National Park.

I parked at the start of Van Danis Trail.

I rode along the Van Danis trail then turned off into the Sani Depot Trail. I followed Patonga Drive back to the start of the Van Danis Trail then refollowed it and turned off in the direction of Patonga. Where the trail met the Patonga Drive, I followed it back to the start.

Near the beginning, there was a turn off track that lead to a large sandstone rock platform with some great views to the west.

.It was a good ride with some steep runs and a lot of bumps.

distance            5.82 km
time                  33 minutes
av speed           13.3 km/h
max speed        29.2 km/h
elevation gain   98m

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Tommos Loop - MTB - 4 november 2012

A mountain bike this morning at tommos loop in brisbane waters national park.

The weather was good and there were a few nice views over the hills and bush. the track surface at times was over sandstone.

distance 6.71 km

time : 35 minutes

av speed 12 km/h

max speed 42.8 km/h

elevation gain 99m

It was a great fun ride!

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Rocky Ponds - MTB - 27 october 2012

Up early and I popped the bike into the van and drove to brisbane waters national park.

A sunny, cool morning. Basically, I followed the service roads to Rocky Ponds. There were a few steep sections with some good downhill runs in both directions. In some parts, I walked... it seemed easier.

The ponds looked geat with the sounds of birds and water babbling over the rocks. I wandered a round and climbed down a few rocks and waded along one of the ponds. Very pretty!

On the way back, I got my first flat tyre. Luckily, I had a spare tube and after about 20 minutes I managed to get the tyre on and pumped and away I went.

Great ride and an excellent way to start the day.

CENTRAL COAST - Waterfall Bay - kayak - 18 october 2012

I launched opposite Waterfall Bay at the public wharf. The weather was cloudy and there was some drizzle on the drive but none at the venue.



The paddle was pleasant over still glassy water and there were a number of small beaches on the way to the falls. I stopped at one for a rest and walk around.

At the falls, I tucked the canoe between the water and a rock overhang. The banks of the falls were steep and a bit too high to lift the kayak on to drier grounds. Anyway, it worked.

I walked around the falls which aren't really falls but rather a casade of water. Most of the water flowed under rocks. Still, it was a pretty scene and it was fun climbing over the large rocks.

Back at the kayak, I continued to another small beach, which despite the no camping signs was used for camping. It was a shame that whoever stayed last left a lot of broken bottles around the abandoned campfire.

The return leg was a bit more difficult paddling into an increased wind and wave chop.

A great 2 hour kayak with pretty stopovers.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Bulgandry Engravings - HIKE - 10 july 2012

The day wasn't looking the best but it looked like rain would strike in the afternoon.

J and I went for a walk to the rock art at Bulgandry.

There were some wild flowers blooming.

The art is surrounded by a elevated walkway. A number of signposts show where the rock art is located. Some of the depictions are difficult to see. Still, it is amazing to think that 200 odd years ago the local inhabitants were where we were standing - talking and carving the images on the rocks.

They wont last forever!

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Mount Wondabyne - HIKE/MTB - 9 june 2012

Another great day!

Loaded up the car with bike rack, bike, etc, etc and off the Brisbane Waters National Park for cycle and walk to Mount Wondabyne.

The new bike flew along and peddled fairly easily up the steep trail sections. After a while and some muddy sections, reached the walking track for the mountain. I chained the bike to a tree and off I went.

The track was easy with a small section of rock climbing before reaching the summit which followed a fairly level track until reaching the trig marker.

The view was 180 degrees of the central coast wilderness and the pockets of human habitation towards the east. I sat in the sun on top of the central coast world for 1/2 soaking in the solitude and the views. Excellent!



The trip back was quick, as it was mainly downhill.

A great walk with excellent views!

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Thommos Loop, Kariong Falls, Old Quarry - HIKE/MTB - 15 february 2012

I parked the car at Staples Lookout.

I cycled down Woy Woy Road about 400m and on the right side of the road is a locked gate which is the entrance to Thommos Loop Trail. The trails is wide and easy to follow.

Eventually, there is a track turn off on the right ith a sign 'Girrakool'. This track passes Kariong Falls. The track can be ridden for part of the way but becomes too steep and rocky for a bike. It is easier to walk down to the flls and back.

 

The falls are very pretty an cascade down to a small pool. The vegetation is very lush.

 

The walk back up is steep.

Once reaching the bike, I continued riding along the trail and turned left into the quarry.

The quarry is rocky and andy with pools of water. A lot of fun to cycle around.

I turned out of the quarry and continued on the trail towards Woy Woy Road. It is a steep cycle along the road to Staples Lookout.

A good cycle with two interesting visiting spots.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane water NP - Bulgandry - HIKE - 2 September 2010

Only a short walk from the car park but at this time of the year it is a profusion of wildflowers. Even the car park is edged by the bright golden yellow of wattle.

The walk is easy and leads to a wooden walkway with plaques indicating the various sandstone carvings.

It is a place to let your imagination go... large group of local Aborgines carving the figures in the sandstone... compared to the density of the surrounding bush this spot is a natural area for a group of people to sit comfortably, talk and enjoy the sunshine. Why not use it as a spot to carve and tell stories!