Wondabyne station is one of the most unique stations on the New South Rail Network. Half the length of a platform, and the only station inaccessible by road, you must specifically let the guard know should you want to stop there. To get on a train here you must actually flag it down. With not much there, besides one trail leading into the Brisbane Waters National Park network, a sandstone quarry only used intermittently, and a stunning view of the Hawkesbury River and the waterside houses that spot the banks across the river, we decided to visit this interesting station and take the trail all the way to Woy Woy.
The Wondabyne to Woy Woy hike is one of the longer and more scenic hikes found just north of Sydney. Approximately 16 kilometres from station to station, it’s by no means an easy hike, but a rewarding one that takes in magnificent views atop Mount Wondabyne, and two waterfalls that are a treat in summer. However, there is a large network of trails in the National Park, allowing you to easily get lost, should you be unprepared. Nevertheless, the route is primarily a fire trail with only a couple of kilometres of the Hawkesbury track, that it makes it overall a technically easy hike.
We started off by taking a photo of this unusual station. The trail snakes left and instantly heads up the top of the adjourning cliff, with the path right, leading to the quarry. This path is blocked off and under surveillance. However, as you climb up you are able to glimpse a site and the sandstone blocks that are said to have been used in many famous buildings throughout Australia including the Australian War Memorial and St Mary’s Cathedral.
The trail turns into a fire trail that continues uphill until you reach the Hawkesbury Track on your first right. It is important to keep your eyes peeled as it changes from a fire trail to a single track making the path easy to miss, though it is marked. The Hawkesbury Track is well marked, easy to follow and relatively flat, passing the Kariong brook Falls along the way. This waterfall is great to swim at usually, however after a dry spell might be best left untouched as the water gets quite stagnant.
After just over 2 kilometres the Hawkesbury trail joins the Tommo’s Loop fire trail, on which you should head right. Following the trail, it eventually branches into two, with both paths able to be taken. Left follows the fire trail making it an easier one to follow, albeit slightly longer. We headed right, rejoining the Hawkesbury Track and after another 800 metres reached the intersection of the Mullet Creek fire trail. It is worth noting that whilst all these instructions may not be the clearest when out there yourself, the trail isn’t particularly remote, and both your location and the relevant trails are almost always available on google maps. To be extra prudent, download the maps prior to the hike.
From here turn left, and head all the way to the end, if you wish to see the Instagram famous Woy Woy Waterfall Pool, or right at first junction, with tunnel fire trail, if you do not. Once at the end of the fire trail you will notice that you are right atop the train tunnel. You may also wonder in which case where on earth this waterfall pool may be as we did. However, the instructions are very simple to find the pool. Turn right and head a couple of metres to the creek. Turn left at the creek, following it until you hit the cliff face. If you are very careful you can peer off the cliff the see the pool at the bottom, keeping in mind the sheer drop. From here you can head right along a path on the cliff edge until you hit a tree with a purple ribbon. From here the rocks allow you to climb down, where retracing your steps at the bottom of the cliff face, to the pool is straightforward.
Finishing the route is straightforward from here. Back at the junction head south along the Tunnel Fire Trail until you hit Dillon’s fire trail, approximately 2 kilometres. Alternatively, head North to reach Woy Woy Road if you’re able to get picked up, as there is a small car park there. Turn left onto Dillon’s Firetrail where after 1.75 kilometres you reach the finish at the Woy Woy Waste Management Facility. You’ll know you’re going in the right direction as you can definitely smell it. A gap in the fence allows you to exit to the road.
It’s worth noting that the end of this route is 4 kilometres from Woy Woy Station so it may be prudent to park a car there in advance, time your run or hike to a bus along Railway Street or just be prepared to trek the distance through suburban Woy Woy.
The lack of technical trails along this route make it well suited to training for a trail run. The network of trails in the Brisbane Water National Park also allows you to extend and shorten your day as needed, to suit all abilities. Other sites to see around the area include the top of Mount Wondabyne, a short detour off this route, or a longer detour to the Rocky Ponds, on the banks of the Hawkesbury River.
Summary
Distance: 15.03 km (Watch stopped halfway down Railway Street
Gear: Salomon Adv Skin 12 set, Asics Frequent Trail
Waterholes: 2
Ascent: 411m
Descent: 475m
Refuel: The Brothers Kebab and Curry House Woy Woy