Mount Wondabyne is the tallest point on the Central Coast and offers views across hundreds of km of valleys, mountains, and across the Hawkesbury River. Standing at 251m this Mount Wondabyne offers 360′ views which are unique to mountains near Sydney as they are often obstructed. Located in the Brisbane Water National Park, this Mount Wondabyne bush walk offers iconic views and multiple different hikes including Kariong Brook Falls, Woy Woy infinity pool, Rocky Ponds, and all the way to Patonga.
Mt Wondabyne easily has one of the more iconic views on the Central Coast as it overlooks the crisp blue waters of Woy Woy and on a clear day you’ll be able to see the Sydney CBD from the summit. Whilst this hike is enjoyable year-round. It is best enjoyed in the winter/early spring. During this time of year, the wildflowers are in bloom along the side of the track which livens up the generally dry terrain of the area. Much of the track is also an open-fire trial with little shade and will be enjoyed much more without the summer sun. Hiking this hike under ideal conditions will make it one of the best Central Coast hikes.
This moderate hike will be suitable for most fitness levels, however, rock scrambling is involved for the summit, which is why the Mount Wondabyne hike is graded the way it is.
How to get there
Grade: Moderate Length 8kms return
Mount Wondabyne via Tunnel trail
There are multiple ways to summit Mount Wondabyne, however, the easiest is an 8km return walk along the Tunnel Fire Trail. Eventually, you’ll see a sign which says ‘Mount Wondabyne’ where you’ll turn right and follow this trail up to a small campground at a ‘dead end’ where there are toilet facilities.
From here turn right. It’s going to get a bit rockier and you’ll need to keep an eye out for the summit trail. It isn’t signposted but sometimes there is a pink ribbon to show you where it is. If in doubt look up and you should be able to see the mountain. From here it is rock scrambling to the top. Wear the right shoes and there shouldn’t be any issues. The view is worth every ounce of sweat it took you to get there.
The Nitty Gritty
For the most part, this track is along a fire trail and it is very open, make sure you pack adequate sun protection to protect your skin as the trail is very open.
- Snakes are known along the trail
- reception is patchy
- Hiking shoes will be required to summit
- offline maps will be helpful, but not necessary
- Long-drop toilet facilities are only available at Mount Wondabyne Bush Campsite (before the summit)
- Free Parking
Find out what else the Central Coast has to offer here!