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 - Strickland State Forest - Strickland Falls Cabbage Palm Trail - HIKE - 31 december 2011

The day was looking cool and overcast for a summer's day.



I drove to Strickland State Forest down Strickland Forest Road an parked at the Banksia Picnic area. There were picnic and wood bbqs and compost toilet.

I took the track towars Stricland Falls. The track was easy to follow . It wound its way on a sandy track through overgrown vegetation and pass rocks and cliff faces. Eventually, a sign was reached and the falls were only a short distance more to walk.

The falls were small and fell only a short distance. Still, it was very quiet and peaceful. A nice spot to rest awhile and take in the scenery. The rocks around the waterfall were very slippery. I had one big slide when scramb;ing back from the falls.

I then followed the Cabbage Tree Trail which was easy walking with a steady upward incline about ten minutes after passing the turnoff for the Stoney Creek Trail. The trail ended at the Banksia picnic area.

There was also a lookout over a part of Gosford near the picnic area.

Note: the Cabbage Tree trail would be good for mountain biking.