Piles Creek loop
Brisbane Water National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Piles Creek loop.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
4km loop
Time
2hrs 30min - 3hrs
Quality of markings
Limited signage
Experience required
Very experienced bushwalkers
Gradient
Very steep and difficult
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Piles Creek loop is located in the northern section of Brisbane Water National Park.
To get there from the F3 Highway:
- Exit Central Coast Highway towards Gosford
- Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
- Take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
- Take the first left onto Quarry Road
- The picnic area, where the trail begins, is through the tunnel and straight ahead.
Parking
Parking is available at Girrakool picnic area, including several designated disabled spots. Please be aware of the carpark opening hours; gates are locked at closing.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Brisbane Water National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
The cooler weather makes it a perfect time to find a waterfall walking track, and keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal engravings along the way.
Spring
Pack a picnic lunch and soak up the delightful sights and sounds of spring. Relax among the wildflowers and wildlife as the Hawkesbury River flows by.
Summer
Take advantage of the warmer summer weather and paddle down Patonga Creek or Mooney Mooney Creek in a canoe.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
15°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
43.8°C
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
-4.2°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
218.4mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.
Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Other fees:
You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.
Buy annual pass