ATTRACTIONS PATONGA NSW

The Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track follows the Great North Walk through the beautiful red gums of Brisbane Water National Park. Bring your swimmers and a towel – this walk begins and ends on a beach, with plenty of opportunity for a refreshing dip or a spot of fishing. From the end of Patonga Beach, follow signs to the national park. You can head to Warrah Trig from here, while following the steep trail up and over the hill will take you past the spectacular Warrah lookout with views of Hawkesbury River and Pacific Ocean. Pause for a snack, then return to the fire trail, following the Pearl Beach signs past sandstone caves with a natural hanging garden of native ferns. Be sure to keep an eye out for bush turkeys and an ear open for kookaburras. Your exit is marked at Crystal Avenue. Follow the sounds of crashing waves to find a beautiful stretch of sand on the edge of the bush. You can enjoy a picnic, or take advantage of the small cafes nearby....

Warrah lookout offers spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, making this a great spot to visit all year round. Put your eyes to the test and see if you can make out the finer details of Broken Bay inlet in the distance. The rustle of the eucalyptus trees around you and the lapping of the waves below will provide the perfect soundtrack for your visit. Did you know waratahs are the state emblem for New South Wales? You won’t want to miss their stunning late-winter bloom on display at Warrah lookout. Known as Waratah Patch by locals, this is one of the best places in the park to see these fiery-red flowers. Although the track to the lookout has steps and some rough ground, it is an easy and short walk from the carpark....

This cycling loop takes in the best the national park has to offer, crossing several fire trails and pausing for scenic views at Warrah lookout. With so much ground to cover, feel free to do as much or as little as you like. Be sure to make time for birdwatching though, or a relaxing picnic lunch among the famous wildflowers. And keep an eye out for animals – with 270 native species in the park, there’s a good chance you’ll come across at least a kangaroo, and maybe even a koala. Start at Warrah Trig and pedal furiously to Patonga Drive. Tear down Sani Depot and Van Dahls trails, admiring the wildflowers that are scattered along the way. Once you get back to Patonga Drive, you’ll tackle an exciting downhill run to beautiful Pearl Beach, where the Patonga trail will lead you to the Warrah lookout and spectacular views up Hawkesbury River. If hiking is more your style, check out the nearby Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track....