Brisbane Water National Park
Park Wooded national park around coastal waterways and trails
A protected reserve on New South Wales’ Central Coast, Brisbane Water National Park offers sandstone escarpments, coastal walking trails, Aboriginal rock art and water-based activities around its estuaries.
Brisbane Water National Park is a protected area on the New South Wales Central Coast that conserves sandstone escarpments, wooded valleys and waterways. The park protects riverine systems and coastal bushland close to several Central Coast towns.
The park features sandstone cliffs, walking tracks, waterfalls and river valleys that are popular for day hikes, rock climbing and birdwatching. Key access points lie near Gosford and Woy Woy and trails range from short lookout walks to longer ridge and valley routes.
Areas within the park were progressively reserved for conservation in the mid to late 20th century to protect remnant bushland and the Brisbane Water catchment from urban development. Management focuses on habitat protection and visitor access to scenic areas.
The park sits on the Central Coast of New South Wales, inland from the Brisbane Water inlet and within easy driving distance of Gosford and other coastal towns. It forms part of the forested hinterland that rises from the coastal plain.
- Viewing points: Best viewpoints include cliff-top lookouts on the coastal escarpment and riverside picnic areas near the Hawkesbury estuary.
How to Get to Brisbane Water National Park #
Brisbane Water NP is accessible from Gosford, Woy Woy and surrounding Central Coast towns. By road, follow the M1/A1 to Gosford then local roads to park entrances. Some sections are accessible by public bus from Gosford and Woy Woy; check local timetables for services to trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Brisbane Water National Park #
- Visit the Ettalong and Patonga lookouts early in the morning for clearer light and fewer people.
- Combine shorter walks like the Somersby Falls track with longer coastal views for a varied day.
- Check for seasonal closures - some firetrail sections close after heavy rain.
Best Time to Visit Brisbane Water National Park #
Autumn through spring is best for comfortable hiking and clearer views; summer brings heat and higher visitor numbers.
Weather & Climate near Brisbane Water National Park #
Brisbane Water National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1266 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (150 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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