Brisbane Water National Park Park

Address: Brisbane Water National Park, Central Coast region, New South Wales, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks/brisbane-water-national-park

Hours: Park day access: sunrise-sunset; visitor centre hours vary

Admission: Free entry to most park areas; fees may apply for some facilities and camping

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.

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.

• 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.