Piles Creek Loop Walk Guide

Last verified 04/26

If you’re after a real hike close to Gosford, Piles Creek Loop is a great choice. The trail begins at Girrakool Picnic Area in Brisbane Water National Park and takes you along Piles Creek, past sandstone overhangs, rainforest gullies, wildflowers, scenic lookouts and an old suspension bridge.

This walk isn’t an easy family stroll. You’ll find stairs, rocky and uneven sections, creek crossings, and a steady climb out of the gorge. It’s best for people who are used to bush tracks and don’t mind putting in some effort.

The walk is more adventurous than you might expect for its length. Along the way, you’ll see bushland, small waterfalls if it’s rained, Aboriginal engravings near the start, and cool, shaded spots in the gorge.

The main drawback is the motorway noise near the top of the track. It gets quieter as you head down to the creek, but you’ll hear it at Girrakool Picnic Area and on some of the upper trail.

Visitor Information at a Glance

The loop is about 4.7 kilometres long and usually takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops. It’s rated Grade 5, with steep parts, stairs, uneven ground and rocky areas.

Parking is $8 per day unless you have a NSW National Parks Pass. The carpark is open from 7 am to 8 pm during daylight saving, and from 7 am to 6 pm at other times.

Girrakool Picnic Area has toilets, picnic tables and barbecues. Dogs aren’t allowed since the walk is inside a national park.

If you want to see the waterfalls and creek at their best, visit after rain, but be ready for slippery rocks and muddy patches. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water, especially if it’s warm.

What to Expect on the Piles Creek Loop

You begin in open bushland near Girrakool Picnic Area. As you head down into the gorge, the track gets quieter and shadier, with sandstone overhangs, ferns, and patches of rainforest.

The middle part is the best. You cross the creek, walk under rock overhangs, and reach the suspension bridge at the bottom of the valley. After rain, this area is at its most beautiful, with running water and little waterfalls along the track.

The second half of the walk climbs steadily out of the gorge. There are stairs, rocky parts, and it takes some effort to get up, but you’ll also find cooler spots under the trees.

Is the Piles Creek Loop Worth It?

Piles Creek Loop is a great option if you want a bushwalk near Gosford that offers a mix of forest, rock overhangs and a suspension bridge.

It’s a good pick if you’ve already visited Somersby Falls and are looking for a longer, more adventurous walk in the area.

If you want to see big, easy-to-reach waterfalls, Somersby Falls is the better choice. Piles Creek is more about enjoying the whole walk rather than one main viewpoint.

Girrakool Picnic Area

Girrakool Picnic Area contains barbecues, picnic tables and toilets – a great spot for a picnic after your walk.

There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, and you may even spot a wallaby.

Two trails start from Girrakool Picnic Area: the Piles Creek loop and the Girrakool loop track.

Girrakool loop track is shorter and easier than the Piles Creek loop, but not as nice because of the noisy motorway. But the Girrakool loop track is popular with families with preschool children.

The Great North Walk can also be accessed from Girrakool Picnic Area.

Map of Piles Creek Loop

There’s a large map located at the picnic area indicating the location of the walks:

Highlights of Piles Creek Loop

The trails at Girrakool were built to allow people to access and appreciate the beautiful flora, waterfalls, and magnificent surroundings.

The area was used in the past by Aboriginal people. There are plenty of engravings on sandstone outcrops.

The track follows the left side of Piles Creek through dry eucalypt forest and takes you down the gorge through rainforest gullies. Then it takes you across the old suspension bridge, where you can hear the soothing sound of the running creek.

Finally, back up toward Girrakool Picnic Area along the right side of the stream.

If you go in spring, you’ll see tons of gorgeous wildflowers along the track. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy garden.

Piles Creek loop contains steep parts, but I’ve seen kids from about seven years old hike it.

First Half: From Girrakool Picnic Area to the Suspension Bridge

From Girrakool Picnic Area, follow the sign on the right side of the toilet block.

The path leads to an intersection that indicates Broula lookout track.

The lookout provides a filtered view of Piles Creek waterfall.

Retrace your step and continue walking to Illoura Lookout, which is at the Piles Creek loop and Girrakool loop track intersection.

Illoura Lookout provides a view of the junction of Piles and Leask Creeks.

Veer left then go down the stairs.

At the bottom, step on the concrete pillars to cross the creek and continue along the winding track to a lookout that offers extensive views over the steep valley.

Then continue winding along the wildflower scattered path and underneath sandstone caves.

You’ll come across the junction of the Great North Walk, which leads to Patonga or Somersby, before making your way to the suspension bridge at the bottom of the gorge where you’ll cross Piles Creek.

Second Half: From the Suspension Bridge to Girrakool Picnic Area

Follow the track on the other side of the bridge, which will soon start reascending the valley. The path winds over stone and concrete stairways and wooden bridges.