St Johns Lookout

And Walk

St Johns Lookout

(0km) Katandra’s Mobility Parking → Toilet block

40 m
1 mins
0m
-1m

Very easy

From the mobility parking spots (marked with blue wheelchair symbol, on Toomey Rd), this walk follows the sandstone footpath past the picnic table to come to the front of the toilet block.

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[2], picnic tables[3], free electric BBQ’s[4], parking areas[5] [6] and information boards[7]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[8] but no drinking water[9].

(0.04km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

40 m
1 mins
0m
-12m

Very easy

Veer right: From the toilet block, this walk follows the footpath past the information sign to the fenced and signposted ‘St Johns Lookout’

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.

Maps for the St Johns Lookout 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 St Johns Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the St Johns Lookout

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	166 m
		Time	10 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

This whole walk, 85m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 85m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 85m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 85m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 85m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 85m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The St Johns Lookout walk starts and ends at the Katandra’s Mobility Parking (gps: -33.405741, 151.39085)
Your main transport option to Katandra’s Mobility Parking is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sjl
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sjl

Seymour Pond

And Walk

Seymour Pond

Download & Print Map and Notes

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

The Katandra Road Picnic Area is found at the end of a short driveway (signposted at the intersection of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave, Holgate). The picnic area is in front of the ranger’s residence and is open from 7am to 6pm daily. The picnic area provides some toilets, garbage bins, two picnic tables, parking and an information sign.

(0km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track

140 m
3 mins
0m
-14m

Easy track

From the picnic area, this walk follows the ‘Seymour Pond’ and ‘Waterman Walk’ signs north-east along the clear track. The track soon heads down a series of steps and, shortly after turning right (at a locked gate), this walk comes to a three-way intersection marked with two blue/white arrows on a post.

(0.14km) Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track → Seymour Pond Picnic area

300 m
8 mins
2m
-29m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow down the hill, keeping the fence and house to the right. The track heads down the hill then steps down into a palm-filled valley. Here, the walk climbs some steps and passes the ‘Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve’ plaque[1], then bends right and around a sharp left-hand bend and past the number ‘5’ post (and old Wombat Hole). The track continues around the gully to cross a few small bridges and come to a picnic area and a ‘Seymour Pond’ sign.

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond is medium-sized water body in Katandra Reserve. The pond is fed by a spring coming from the cliffs at the top of the reserve. The small creek was dammed in the early 1900’s to provide water for a farm on the south side (growing vegetables). The pond is home to water birds, large lizards and other wildlife. The council does not allow swimming in the pond[4], helping to maintain the ecosystem that now relies on this pond. There are a few spots beside the pond where you can enjoy the cool climate and the visiting birds.

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

The Seymour Pond Picnic Area is found on the dam wall at the eastern end of Seymour Pond in Katandra Reserve. The picnic area provides a couple of picnic tables and a garbage bin. The picnic area is set in a lovely naturally shaded area in view of the Seymour Pond and beside Watermans and Toomeys walks.

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Strangler Fig Tube

130 m
2 mins
6m
-2m

Easy track

Veer right: From the picnic area, this walk heads across the dam wall, keeping the water on the left while passing the two picnic tables. The walk then crosses a timber bridge and comes to a signposted three-way intersection with ‘Toomey’ and ‘Waterman’ walks.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign along the boardwalk, away from the pond. Soon the walk follows the track along the gully then follows the timber steps as they bend right and head up to the number ‘4’ post, next to the Strangler Fig tube. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn around.

Strangler Fig Tube

This Strangler Fig Tube is found beside Toomey Walk, just north of Seymour Pond. The scientific name of the tree is Ficus obliqua and it is listed on the Significant Tree Register. This Small-leaved Fig has grown around a large fallen log. The log has long-since rotted away, leaving a knotted tubular structure. Strangler Figs often grow from seeds dropped by birds. The seeds may fall on logs or rocks and the roots will make their way to the ground (to provided water, nutrients and a firm anchor), whilst the rest of the tree grows upwards for light. More info.

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Waterman View

110 m
2 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the picnic tables, this walk heads past the ‘Seymour Pond’ sign (following the right-hand ‘Waterman walk’ arrow) and follows the track, keeping the pond close by on the right. The track soon leads to a viewing platform with long bench seats – Waterman view. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Waterman View

Waterman view (informally named) is a viewing point at the western end of Seymour Pond. The platform has a couple of long bench seats. A timber platform on the water’s edge means that visitors can get right up near the water. Signs here remind visitors that swimming is not allowed. This is a great spot to enjoy the birds and other life around the pond.

Maps for the Seymour Pond 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 Seymour Pond bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Seymour Pond

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	890 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

This whole walk, 450m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 450m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 450m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 450m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 450m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 450m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Seymour Pond walk starts and ends at the Katandra Rd picnic area (gps: -33.414582, 151.39599)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd picnic area are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sp
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sp

Guringai Walk

And Walk

Guringai Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Southern end of Guringai walk

80 m
1 mins
2m
-1m

Easy track

(0.08km) Southern end of Guringai walk → Post 8

420 m
10 mins
18m
-47m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Guringai Walk’ sign down the gentle hill. The walk passes some grass trees and angophoras as is zigzags down the hill. Soon after the track crosses a small timber bridge, the walk follows the base of the cliff until coming to the number ‘8’ post marking a large Blackbutt tree.

Blackbutt

This Blackbutt tree is found at the base of the cliff next to post 8 on Guringai walk. The Eucalyptus pilularis is the scientific name for this tree that can grow as high as 70m. The tree has a brown fibrous bark on the lower half then a smooth grey bark at the top. The trees name ‘pilularis’ is Latin for small pill, referring to the tree’s fruit

(0.51km) Post 8 → Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks

360 m
10 mins
30m
-22m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From post ‘8’, this walk heads down along the track, keeping the valley to the right. The track follows the base of the cliff and, soon after climbing over a rise and coming very close to the cliff, the walk passes a section with broken glass (this is directly below St Johns Lookout). The walk continues along the base of the cliff then up a series of stairs. Just after flattening out, the track comes to a signposted intersection, with a sign pointing back along ‘Guringai Walk’.

(0.87km) Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks → Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

70 m
2 mins
18m
-4m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Lookout’ sign up the stairs and turns left. The track soon bends sharply right and then leads past some timber posts, coming to an intersection with the Katandra Horse track.

(0.94km) Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Toilet block

170 m
3 mins
9m
-3m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill and through the gap in the fence to a ‘Toomey walk’ sign, pointing back down the hill. At this sign, the walk turns left and heads through the picnic area, passed another sign (again pointing back to ‘Toomey walk’) and comes to a footpath in front of a toilet block.

(1.1km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

40 m
1 mins
0m
-12m

Very easy

Veer left: 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 left .

St Johns Lookout

(1.1km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout car park

130 m
2 mins
3m
-3m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the toilet block, this walk heads across the picnic area, passing the BBQ and keeping the lookout to the left. The walk soon comes to a information sign and car park (signposted as Katandra on Toomeys Rd).

Maps for the Guringai 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 Guringai Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Guringai 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	1.2 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

790m of this walk has short steep hills and another 240m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (210m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Guringai Walk walk starts and ends at the St Johns Lookout car park (gps: -33.406508, 151.39009)
Your main transport option to St Johns Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-gw
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-gw

Graves Walk

And Walk

Graves Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

St Johns Lookout picnic area

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Int of Graves and Mouat Walks

150 m
3 mins
2m
-6m

Easy track

From the car park, this walk heads across the clearing away from the main picnic area (keeping the road up the hill to the right). The walk soon comes to an intersection and a ‘Guringai walk’ sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the ‘Mount Mouat Walk’ and ‘Graves Walk’ signs[10]. At these signs, the walk heads left, out of the clearing and down the track for a short distance to the signposted intersection with ‘Graves Walk’ and ‘Mouat Walk’[11].

(0.15km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → Mid junction of Graves walk and Katandra Horse Trail

270 m
7 mins
0m
-26m

Moderate track

(0.42km) Mid junction of Graves walk and Katandra Horse Trail → Behind the Rangers Residence

520 m
15 mins
3m
-67m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track and arrow gently downhill, keeping the horse track through the bush to the right. The track head down along the ridge and passes the number ‘6’ post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). Soon the ridge narrows to a rocky outcrop, where the track heads down the stairs to a large five-way intersection and a locked gate, behind the ranger’s residence.

(0.94km) Behind the Rangers Residence → Katandra Rd picnic area

450 m
13 mins
8m
-54m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows an arrow past the post with the purple strip down a few steps, initially keeping the locked gate to the left. After heading down more steps, the track passes a steep trail on the right (that leads to Murina Close). This walk continues gently down the hill, then down a series of steps, then the track starts to flatten out again and round a gully. The track then leads to a picnic area and car park in front of the ranger’s house.

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(1.39km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Katandra Rd Gate

70 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Easy track

Turn right: From the picnic area, this walk heads through the car park and follows the driveway down the hill, soon coming to a gate just above the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave.

Maps for the Graves 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 Graves Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Graves 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	1.5 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	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 140m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (80m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 150m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (70m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 940m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 520m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Graves Walk walk starts at the St Johns Lookout car park (gps: -33.406508, 151.39009)
Your main transport option to St Johns Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Graves Walk ends at the Katandra Rd Gate (gps: -33.415032, 151.3965)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd Gate are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-gwt
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-gwt

Watermans Walk

And Walk

Watermans Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(0km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track

140 m
3 mins
0m
-14m

Easy track

(0.14km) Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track → Seymour Pond Picnic area

300 m
8 mins
2m
-29m

Easy track

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

70 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

(0.51km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Strangler Fig Tube

60 m
1 mins
5m
-1m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign along the boardwalk, away from the pond. Soon the walk follows the track along the gully then follows the timber steps as they bend right and head up to the number ‘4’ post, next to the Strangler Fig tube. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Strangler Fig Tube

(0.51km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Waterman View

550 m
11 mins
20m
-20m

Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Waterman Walk’ sign past the blue striped post and across the bridge, keeping the pond to the left. The track winds through the bush, crossing a few smaller bridges with glimpse to the pond. After crossing a bigger bridge and gully, the track comes to a bench seat. Here, the track turns left and heads along the side of the gully, crossing a few more small bridges and then heading up some stairs. Soon, the track comes to a viewing platform (on the left) with some long bench seats and a good view across Seymour Pond.

Waterman View

(1.07km) Waterman View → Katandra Rd picnic area

550 m
13 mins
44m
-3m

Easy track

Turn right: From the pond viewing point, this walk follows the dirt track, keeping the pond on the left. The track skirts around the pond and soon comes to a ‘Seymour Pond’ sign and a couple of picnic tables.
Veer right: From the picnic area, this walk heads away from the pond, following the left-hand ‘Waterman walk’ arrow (next to the locked gate) into the bush and across a couple of small bridges. The track passes post ‘5’ (an old wombat hole) then sharply bends right, soon passing the ‘Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve’ plaque[7], where this walk then heads down some stairs. After walking through the palm filled valley for a short distance, the walk heads up the steps and, soon after passing the house and fence (on the left), comes to a three-way intersection marked with a post (with blue and white arrows).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow up the steps and turns left in front of the locked gate. The walk follows these steps up the hill, then soon flattens out as the track comes to a picnic area and car park.

Maps for the Watermans 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 Watermans Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Watermans 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	1.6 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 1.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 180m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 1.6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.6km 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

This whole walk, 1.6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Watermans Walk walk starts and ends at the Katandra Rd picnic area (gps: -33.414582, 151.39599)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd picnic area are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-ww
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-ww

Strangler Fig Walk

And Walk

Strangler Fig Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(0km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track

140 m
3 mins
0m
-14m

Easy track

(0.14km) Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track → Seymour Pond Picnic area

300 m
8 mins
2m
-29m

Easy track

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

660 m
13 mins
21m
-21m

Easy track

Veer left: From the picnic tables, this walk heads past the ‘Seymour Pond’ sign (following the right-hand ‘Waterman walk’ arrow) and follows the track, keeping the pond close by on the right. The track soon leads to a viewing platform with long bench seats – Waterman view.
Turn left: From the pond viewing point, this walk follows the timber track, keeping filtered views of the water to the right. The timber soon stops and the dirt track continues down some stairs, over a few small bridges, and soon crosses a bigger bridge just after a bench seat. From here, the track turns right, down the other side of the gully, where it crosses a few more small bridges before coming to a three-way intersection. The intersection is on timber boardwalk, just after a bridge where a sign points back along ‘Waterman Walk’. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

70 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

(0.51km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Strangler Fig Tube

60 m
1 mins
5m
-1m

Easy track

Strangler Fig Tube

(0.57km) Strangler Fig Tube → Strangler Fig platform

420 m
9 mins
35m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Number ‘4’ post, this walk heads to the top of the stairs and turns left around the Strangler Fig. The track soon crosses a small creek on a bridge then heads up a long flight of timber stairs. After gently winding through the forest, the track comes to post ‘3’ (a large Turpentine Tree). The track then continues, crossing a few more creeks on small timber bridges and heading along the valley floor to a large timber platform and an even larger Strangler Fig tree.

Strangler Fig platform

The Strangler Fig platform on Toomey Walk has been built to help walkers better appreciate this amazing feat of survival. The tree is formally know as Ficus obliqua and is listed on the Significant tree Register. More commonly know as a ‘Small-leaved Fig’ , this tree has an amazing root structure that grasps onto a large mossy boulder before heading underground. The platform is in a lovely shaded spot on the valley floor and the bench seat makes an inviting offer to sit whilst you soak up the surroundings. More info.

Maps for the Strangler Fig 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 Strangler Fig Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Strangler Fig 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	2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

500m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 420m has short steep hills. The remaining (70m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 990m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 990m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 990m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 990m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 990m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Strangler Fig Walk walk starts and ends at the Katandra Rd picnic area (gps: -33.414582, 151.39599)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd picnic area are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sfw
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-sfw

Toomeys Walk

And Walk

Toomeys Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Toilet block

130 m
2 mins
3m
-3m

Easy track

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.

St Johns Lookout picnic area

(0.13km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

40 m
1 mins
0m
-12m

Very easy

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 Veer right.

St Johns Lookout

(0.13km) Toilet block → Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

170 m
3 mins
3m
-9m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the toilet block, this walk heads through the clearing away from the lookout and BBQs. The walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign past a couple of picnic tables then turns right at the next ‘Toomey Walk’ sign. Just after passing through the gap in the fence, the walk comes to an intersection with a number of timber posts (on the right).

(0.3km) Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks

70 m
2 mins
4m
-18m

Easy track

(0.36km) Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks → Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

330 m
11 mins
27m
-78m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign down the steps and left around the tree and through a cleft in the rock. The track zigzags down the hill and, about 100m past a rock platform with views, the track leads through some timber posts to come to a ‘T’ intersection with the Katandra Horse Track.

(0.69km) Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → End of Ridgeway Rd trail

130 m
4 mins
16m
-3m

Moderate track

(0.82km) End of Ridgeway Rd trail → Strangler Fig platform

1 km
25 mins
29m
-121m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the left-hand arrow on the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign, over a small rise and along a narrow track. The track then heads down a short set of stairs and past a large rock. After a switchback, the track heads down another set of stairs then continues more gently down the hill. After a few more zigzags, the bush becomes more dense and thick vines become prevalent. Once on the valley floor, the walk crosses a couple of small creeks on small timber bridges and soon heads down some stairs, coming to the timber platform and a large Strangler Fig tree.

Strangler Fig platform

(1.86km) Strangler Fig platform → Strangler Fig Tube

420 m
9 mins
8m
-35m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the Strangler Fig Tree platform, this walk heads down a step and follows the flat track through the palm-filled valley. The track cross a few small creeks on small timber bridges to come to post ‘3’ (a large Turpentine Tree). From there, the track continues gently downhill. Soon after heading down a long set of timber stairs, the track crosses a small bridge then turns right, coming to the top of more stairs and a number ‘4’ post (a Strangler Fig tube).

Strangler Fig Tube

(2.28km) Strangler Fig Tube → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

60 m
1 mins
1m
-5m

Easy track

Continue straight: From post ‘3’, this walk heads down the timber stairs and turns left. The walk follows the track and soon moves back onto a boardwalk, coming to a three-way intersection beside a large pond, with a sign pointing back along ‘Toomey Walk’.

(2.34km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Seymour Pond Picnic area

70 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the arrows and heads away from the face of the signs, across the bridge, keeping the pond on the right. The track then heads past the picnic tables and comes to an intersection and ‘Seymour Pond’ sign.

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond is medium-sized water body in Katandra Reserve. The pond is fed by a spring coming from the cliffs at the top of the reserve. The small creek was dammed in the early 1900’s to provide water for a farm on the south side (growing vegetables). The pond is home to water birds, large lizards and other wildlife. The council does not allow swimming in the pond[18], helping to maintain the ecosystem that now relies on this pond. There are a few spots beside the pond where you can enjoy the cool climate and the visiting birds.

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

(2.4km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track

300 m
8 mins
29m
-2m

Easy track

Veer left: From the picnic area, this walk heads away from the pond, following the left-hand ‘Waterman walk’ arrow (next to the locked gate) into the bush and across a couple of small bridges. The track passes post ‘5’ (an old wombat hole) then sharply bends right, soon passing the ‘Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve’ plaque[19], where this walk then heads down some stairs. After walking through the palm filled valley for a short distance, the walk heads up the steps and, soon after passing the house and fence (on the left), comes to a three-way intersection marked with a post (with blue and white arrows).

(2.71km) Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track → Katandra Rd picnic area

140 m
3 mins
14m
0m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow up the steps and turns left in front of the locked gate. The walk follows these steps up the hill, then soon flattens out as the track comes to a picnic area and car park.

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(2.85km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Katandra Rd Gate

70 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Easy track

Turn left: From the picnic area, this walk heads through the car park and follows the driveway down the hill, soon coming to a gate just above the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave.

Maps for the Toomeys 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 Toomeys Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Toomeys 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	2.9 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

1.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.3km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (200m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 2.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 2.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Toomeys Walk walk starts at the St Johns Lookout car park (gps: -33.406505, 151.39009)
Your main transport option to St Johns Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Toomeys Walk ends at the Katandra Rd Gate (gps: -33.415032, 151.3965)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd Gate are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-tw
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-tw

Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

And Walk

Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

Download & Print Map and Notes

St Johns Lookout picnic area

St Johns Lookout

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Int of Graves and Mouat Walks

150 m
3 mins
2m
-6m

Easy track

From the car park, this walk heads across the clearing away from the main picnic area (keeping the road up the hill to the right). The walk soon comes to an intersection and a ‘Guringai walk’ sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the ‘Mount Mouat Walk’ and ‘Graves Walk’ signs[11]. At these signs, the walk heads left, out of the clearing and down the track for a short distance to the signposted intersection with ‘Graves Walk’ and ‘Mouat Walk’[12].

(0.15km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → Int of Graves Walk and Maidens Brush management trail

240 m
5 mins
7m
-7m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mouat Walk’ and ‘To Rumbalara Reserve’ signs along the track, keeping the valley to the left. The track soon comes to a four-way intersection, with a ‘Graves Track’ sign and a gate visible (up the hill to the right).

(0.39km) Int of Graves Walk and Maidens Brush management trail → Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails

810 m
18 mins
29m
-68m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track from behind the ‘Graves Walk’ sign, initially keeping the gate up the hill to the right. The track winds through the bush, crossing a small rock platform (and ignoring the side tracks), then heads down a series of timber steps. The trail winds past a few large rocks then winds up the hill to come into view of (and run parallel to) the Toomeys management trail. The track then passes over another rocky outcrop (beware of the cliff drop on the left), then down some steps to come to the wide Toomeys Management trail and an arrow pointing back up the steps.

(1.2km) Int of Mouat and Toomeys Rd Trails → Top of Clyde Rd trail

570 m
11 mins
16m
-12m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail, keeping the valley down on the right. The trail soon bends left then, approximately 200m later, passes a stockpile of dirt and rocks (on the right). About 250m later, the trail passes a locked gate of a private residence and, just after the gate, comes to an intersection at the top of the Clyde Rd Trail.

(1.77km) Top of Clyde Rd trail → Pond intersection

80 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper trail south, keeping next to the fence on the right. The trail soon bends right, leaving the power lines and coming to an intersection with a track (on the left), near the corner of the fence and above a small pond (on the right).

(1.84km) Pond intersection → Erina Trig

90 m
2 mins
5m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow up the steps away from the fence. The track gently winds up the hill to the Erina Trig station, surround by trees.

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.

(1.93km) Erina Trig → Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail

120 m
2 mins
0m
-11m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the trig point, this walk follows the track south-west down the hill, soon coming to an intersection with Toomeys Rd management trail.

(2.05km) Int of trig track and Toomeys Rd trail → Mouat trail picnic table

480 m
10 mins
6m
-41m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west, down along the management trail, and soon follows a fence, on the right. The trail winds down the hill (steeply in one spot), generally next to the fence, until coming to a locked gate (on the right).
Continue straight: From the gate, this walk follows the narrower track, keeping the fence to the right. The track soon turns right (at the corner fencepost) and continues alongside the fence, passing a bench seat and unfenced view on the left. The track continues to follow the fence and soon passes another locked gate (and passes close to the management trail). Following the fence, the track soon comes to a picnic table and an unfenced view across the valley.

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.

(2.53km) Mouat trail picnic table → Locked gate

90 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk follows the track, keeping the fence to the right. The track keeps next to the fence until bending left around a rocky outcrop then down some stairs, coming to a management trail just below a locked gate.

(2.61km) Locked gate → Saddle intersection

180 m
3 mins
3m
-8m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail downhill, away from the gate. The trail soon flattens out and crosses a long saddle, coming to a ‘Y’ intersection with a walking track (on the left), marked with a timber post.

(2.8km) Saddle intersection → 130 Picnic table

130 m
4 mins
15m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track west up the hill, keeping the wider trail below to the right. The track winds up the hill through a rock outcrop to find a picnic table next to 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.

(2.93km) 130 Picnic table → Int west of 130

200 m
4 mins
0m
-21m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the picnic table, this walk heads west, initially keeping the view to the left. The track heads along the top of the hill and turns left, following the arrow on the post down the hill and stairs through the cleft in the rock. The track continues down the hill, ignoring side tracks (on the right) to come to an intersection with a management trail in a fairly large clearing.

(3.13km) Int west of 130 → Top of Bradys Gully Trail

170 m
4 mins
0m
-20m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail west, gently downhill, away from the rocky outcrop. The trail leads across a saddle and soon comes to an unsignposted ‘Y’ intersection with Bradys Gully trail (heading downhill on the right).

(3.29km) Top of Bradys Gully Trail → Powerline intersection

190 m
4 mins
12m
-2m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail south-west up the hill, initially keeping Bradys Gully trail below to the right. The walk soon takes the left fork (ignoring another trail on the right) to another saddle, with power lines running through the middle.

(3.48km) Powerline intersection → Sculpture of Edward John Eyre

440 m
10 mins
38m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow on the post, away from the power line, heading uphill to the south. The walk soon veers left (ignoring the wider trail on the right) and winds up the timber steps, through the rocky outcrop and follows a wire fence for a short time. The track follows the top of the ridge (with some filtered district views) until coming to a bronze sculpture of Edward John Eyre.

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[14]. A circular inscription at the base declares this to be ‘Edward John Eyre 1815-1901’[15]. 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.

(3.92km) Sculpture of Edward John Eyre → Int of Mouat Walk and Dolly Ave

180 m
3 mins
3m
-2m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the sculpture, this walk follows the management trail, leaving the sculpture behind on the left. The trail meanders for a short distance to an intersection with a bush track, on the right (with a gate visible straight ahead).
Continue straight: 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’.

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.

Maps for the Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara) 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 Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

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	4.1 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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

3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1km has short steep hills. The remaining (80m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 2.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

3.4km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 390m is clearly signposted. The remaining (340m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.5km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 610m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara) walk starts at the St Johns Lookout car park (gps: -33.406508, 151.39009)
Your main transport option to St Johns Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara) ends at the Int of Mouat Walk and Dolly Ave (gps: -33.423723, 151.36051)
Your main transport option to Int of Mouat Walk and Dolly Ave is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-mttr
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-mttr

Katandra Circuit

And Walk

Katandra Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

This walk explores many highlights in Katandra Reserve. Starting from St Johns Lookout, this walk winds down the hill into the much denser forest of the valley, enjoy many interesting rock formations on the way. Once in the valley, you walk past some fantastic examples of strangler figs before heading around Seymour Pond, enjoying the water birds. After resting at one of the picnic areas, you follow Graves Walk up the ridge, enjoying the open and dryer forest before returning to the car park.

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Toilet block

130 m
2 mins
3m
-3m

Easy track

St Johns Lookout picnic area

(0.13km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

40 m
1 mins
0m
-12m

Very easy

St Johns Lookout

(0.13km) Toilet block → Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

170 m
3 mins
3m
-9m

Easy track

(0.3km) Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

400 m
13 mins
31m
-96m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper orange arrow past the timber posts and along the track. The track soon bends sharply left, heading down some stairs and coming to a three-way intersection, and a ‘Lookout’ sign pointing back up.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign down the steps and left around the tree and through a cleft in the rock. The track zigzags down the hill and, about 100m past a rock platform with views, the track leads through some timber posts to come to a ‘T’ intersection with the Katandra Horse Track.

(0.69km) Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Strangler Fig platform

1.2 km
29 mins
45m
-124m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows neither arrow but heads gently downhill along the wide horse trail, passing the post with the peach-coloured strip. The trail winds through the bush for a short time before coming to a clearing and signposted intersection with the ‘Ridgeway Road’ trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the left-hand arrow on the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign, over a small rise and along a narrow track. The track then heads down a short set of stairs and past a large rock. After a switchback, the track heads down another set of stairs then continues more gently down the hill. After a few more zigzags, the bush becomes more dense and thick vines become prevalent. Once on the valley floor, the walk crosses a couple of small creeks on small timber bridges and soon heads down some stairs, coming to the timber platform and a large Strangler Fig tree.

Strangler Fig platform

(1.86km) Strangler Fig platform → Strangler Fig Tube

420 m
9 mins
8m
-35m

Moderate track

Strangler Fig Tube

(2.28km) Strangler Fig Tube → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

60 m
1 mins
1m
-5m

Easy track

(2.34km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Seymour Pond Picnic area

70 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

(2.34km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Waterman View

550 m
11 mins
20m
-20m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Waterman Walk’ sign past the blue striped post and across the bridge, keeping the pond to the left. The track winds through the bush, crossing a few smaller bridges with glimpse to the pond. After crossing a bigger bridge and gully, the track comes to a bench seat. Here, the track turns left and heads along the side of the gully, crossing a few more small bridges and then heading up some stairs. Soon, the track comes to a viewing platform (on the left) with some long bench seats and a good view across Seymour Pond.

Waterman View

(2.89km) Waterman View → Seymour Pond Picnic area

110 m
2 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond is medium-sized water body in Katandra Reserve. The pond is fed by a spring coming from the cliffs at the top of the reserve. The small creek was dammed in the early 1900’s to provide water for a farm on the south side (growing vegetables). The pond is home to water birds, large lizards and other wildlife. The council does not allow swimming in the pond[18], helping to maintain the ecosystem that now relies on this pond. There are a few spots beside the pond where you can enjoy the cool climate and the visiting birds.

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

(3km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Katandra Rd picnic area

450 m
11 mins
43m
-2m

Easy track

Veer right: From the picnic area, this walk heads away from the pond, following the left-hand ‘Waterman walk’ arrow (next to the locked gate) into the bush and across a couple of small bridges. The track passes post ‘5’ (an old wombat hole) then sharply bends right, soon passing the ‘Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve’ plaque[19], where this walk then heads down some stairs. After walking through the palm filled valley for a short distance, the walk heads up the steps and, soon after passing the house and fence (on the left), comes to a three-way intersection marked with a post (with blue and white arrows).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow up the steps and turns left in front of the locked gate. The walk follows these steps up the hill, then soon flattens out as the track comes to a picnic area and car park.

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(3.44km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Behind the Rangers Residence

450 m
13 mins
54m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the ‘Graves Walk’ and ‘Lookout 1500m’ signs gently downhill, initially keeping the ranger’s cottage to the right. The track then heads up a long series of steps, passing a steep trail on the left (that leads to Murina Close). The walk continues up the steps to a large five-way intersection above a ‘No Entry Rangers Residence’ sign[20] and locked gate.

(3.89km) Behind the Rangers Residence → Int of Graves and Mouat Walks

790 m
22 mins
93m
-3m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the stairs up the hill to the rocky outcrop, heading directly away from the locked gate. The track heads through the rocks then along the top of the ridge, passing the number ‘6’ post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). The track continues gently uphill until coming to an intersection with a short link track (leading to the parallel horse track).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track gently uphill, keeping the horse track on the left. The track soon bends right and heads between the timber posts, then zigzags up the hill. The track passes between more posts to a signposted intersection with the ‘Mouat Walk’ and a sign pointing back along ‘Graves Walk’.

(4.68km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → St Johns Lookout car park

150 m
3 mins
6m
-2m

Easy track

Veer right: 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[21] and continuing for about 20m to an intersection with the signposted ‘Guringai walk’[22].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign.

Maps for the Katandra 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 Katandra Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Katandra 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	4.8 km
		Time	2 hrs 15 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	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (320m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 3.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 4.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Katandra Circuit walk starts and ends at the St Johns Lookout car park (gps: -33.406505, 151.39009)
Your main transport option to St Johns Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-kc
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-kc

Katandra Reserve Explorer

And Walk

Katandra Reserve Explorer

Download & Print Map and Notes

This walk is a great way to explore the many highlights of Katandra Reserve. Starting at the lower picnic area, you circumnavigate Seymour Pond via the Waterman Walk, then discover some wonderful Strangler Fig trees in the rainforest. As the walk climbs, the forest dries out a little, which opens up more views. Taking the Guringai walk along the base of the cliff will then bring you up to St Johns picnic area and lookout. After enjoying the views from the top, take Graves walk down along the ridge and back to your starting point.

(0km) Katandra Rd Gate → Katandra Rd picnic area

70 m
2 mins
5m
0m

Easy track

From the gate (at the junction of Katandra Rd and Croton Ave), this walk follows the sealed driveway up the hill, soon coming to the car park and information board.

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(0.07km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Seymour Pond Picnic area

450 m
11 mins
2m
-43m

Easy track

Turn right: From the picnic area, this walk follows the ‘Seymour Pond’ and ‘Waterman Walk’ signs north-east along the clear track. The track soon heads down a series of steps and, shortly after turning right (at a locked gate), this walk comes to a three-way intersection marked with two blue/white arrows on a post.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the upper arrow down the hill, keeping the fence and house to the right. The track heads down the hill then steps down into a palm-filled valley. Here, the walk climbs some steps and passes the ‘Commemorating 10 years of bushcaring in Katandra Reserve’ plaque[1], then bends right and around a sharp left-hand bend and past the number ‘5’ post (and old Wombat Hole). The track continues around the gully to cross a few small bridges and come to a picnic area and a ‘Seymour Pond’ sign.

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

Seymour Pond

(0.52km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Waterman View

110 m
2 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

Waterman View

(0.62km) Waterman View → Int of Waterman and Toomey walks

550 m
11 mins
20m
-20m

Easy track

Turn left: From the pond viewing point, this walk follows the timber track, keeping filtered views of the water to the right. The timber soon stops and the dirt track continues down some stairs, over a few small bridges, and soon crosses a bigger bridge just after a bench seat. From here, the track turns right, down the other side of the gully, where it crosses a few more small bridges before coming to a three-way intersection. The intersection is on timber boardwalk, just after a bridge where a sign points back along ‘Waterman Walk’.

(1.18km) Int of Waterman and Toomey walks → Strangler Fig Tube

60 m
1 mins
5m
-1m

Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign along the boardwalk, away from the pond. Soon the walk follows the track along the gully then follows the timber steps as they bend right and head up to the number ‘4’ post, next to the Strangler Fig tube.

Strangler Fig Tube

(1.24km) Strangler Fig Tube → Strangler Fig platform

420 m
9 mins
35m
-8m

Moderate track

Strangler Fig platform

(1.66km) Strangler Fig platform → End of Ridgeway Rd trail

1 km
25 mins
121m
-29m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the Strangler Fig Tree platform, this walk heads up the stairs and bends right to follow the track, which gently winds through the valley. After crossing a few creeks (on small timber bridges), this walk leaves the dense forest as is starts to climb the hill. The track zigzags a couple of times then climbs more gently for a while. The track then becomes steeper again and climbs a couple of longer sets of stairs before coming to a large clearing with a ‘Toomey walk’ arrow pointing back, marking the end of the ‘Ridgeway Road’ trail.

(2.7km) End of Ridgeway Rd trail → Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

130 m
4 mins
3m
-16m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the right-hand arrow on the ‘Toomey Walk’ sign north-west along the clear track. The track soon comes to a three-way intersection marked with some arrows and timber posts (on the left).

(2.82km) Lower Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks

330 m
11 mins
78m
-27m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the lower arrow through the timber posts and along the narrower track. After about 100m, the track passes some interesting rock formations then starts to zigzag up the hill. The track then leads through a cleft in a rock and up a few steps to a three-way intersection, with a ‘Toomey Walk’ sign pointing back down the steps.

(3.15km) Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks → Post 8

360 m
10 mins
22m
-30m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Guringai Walk’ sign south, down the hill and stairs, keeping the valley on the left. The track soon follows the base of the cliff and passes a short section of track with broken glass (this is directly below St Johns Lookout). From here, the track keeps the cliff face on the right as it dips down then up some stairs, coming close to the cliff. The track continues along the base of the cliff, passing a long section of handrail, after which the walk comes to a post ‘8’ next to a large Blackbutt tree.

Blackbutt

(3.51km) Post 8 → Southern end of Guringai walk

420 m
10 mins
47m
-18m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From post ‘8’, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The track leads along the base of the cliff for a little while until crossing a small bridge. The track then zigzags up the hill, passing some angophoras and grass trees before coming out of the bush to a large clearing and a sign pointing back down along ‘Guringai Walk’.

(3.94km) Southern end of Guringai walk → St Johns Lookout

250 m
4 mins
4m
-17m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the picnic area, soon coming to the car park and information sign.
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 Continue straight.

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[13], picnic tables[14], free electric BBQ’s[15], parking areas[16] [17] and information boards[18]. There is plenty of open space with some natural shade provided by the surrounding trees. There are garbage bins provided[19] but no drinking water[20].

St Johns Lookout

(3.94km) Southern end of Guringai walk → Int of Graves and Mouat Walks

70 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads through the clearing towards the ‘Mount Mouat Walk’ and ‘Graves Walk’ signs[22]. At these signs, the walk heads left, out of the clearing and down the track for a short distance to the signposted intersection with ‘Graves Walk’ and ‘Mouat Walk’[23].

(4.01km) Int of Graves and Mouat Walks → Behind the Rangers Residence

790 m
22 mins
3m
-93m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Graves Walk’ sign between the timbers posts and down along the track. The track winds down the hill then passes between a few more timber posts, past an arrow marker and a few more meters to another arrow marker and intersection with a short link track (to the horse trail).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the walking track and arrow gently downhill, keeping the horse track through the bush to the right. The track head down along the ridge and passes the number ‘6’ post (Aboriginal markings in the stone). Soon the ridge narrows to a rocky outcrop, where the track heads down the stairs to a large five-way intersection and a locked gate, behind the ranger’s residence.

(4.8km) Behind the Rangers Residence → Katandra Rd Gate

520 m
15 mins
8m
-59m

Moderate track

Maps for the Katandra Reserve 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 Katandra Reserve Explorer bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Katandra Reserve 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	5.3 km
		Time	2 hrs 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	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

3.5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (110m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (140m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 3.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Katandra Reserve Explorer walk starts and ends at the Katandra Rd Gate (gps: -33.415032, 151.3965)
Your transport options to Katandra Rd Gate are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-kre
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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-katandrares-kre

And Walk

St Johns Lookout

(0km) Katandra’s Mobility Parking → Toilet block

Very easy

St Johns Lookout picnic area

(0.04km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

Very easy

St Johns Lookout

Maps for the St Johns Lookout walk

Cross sectional view of the St Johns Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the St Johns Lookout

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

Seymour Pond

Katandra Rd Picnic Area

(0km) Katandra Rd picnic area → Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track

Easy track

(0.14km) Int of Waterman walk and Katandra Rd track → Seymour Pond Picnic area

Easy track

Seymour Pond

Seymour Pond Picnic Area

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Strangler Fig Tube

Easy track

Strangler Fig Tube

(0.45km) Seymour Pond Picnic area → Waterman View

Easy track

Waterman View

Maps for the Seymour Pond walk

Cross sectional view of the Seymour Pond bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Seymour Pond

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

Guringai Walk

(0km) St Johns Lookout car park → Southern end of Guringai walk

Easy track

(0.08km) Southern end of Guringai walk → Post 8

Moderate track

Blackbutt

(0.51km) Post 8 → Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks

Moderate track

(0.87km) Int of Toomey and Guringai Walks → Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track

Easy track

(0.94km) Upper Int of Toomey walk and Katandra Horse track → Toilet block

Easy track

(1.1km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout

Very easy

St Johns Lookout

(1.1km) Toilet block → St Johns Lookout car park

Easy track

Maps for the Guringai Walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Guringai Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Guringai Walk