This place is full of mystery and intrigue. While it’s a popular hike among those who know about it, it’s remained a relatively unknown place not far out of Gosford. If you told us 2 years ago that there were Egyptian hieroglyphs on the Central Coast, we would have laughed. But after visiting them a few times now we can honestly say they’re there, and they’re deeply embedded into the rocks. So where did these glyphs come from and how do you find them? We’re here to tell you a little about what is known about the Kariong Glyphs and the best way to find them.
What are the Kariong Glyphs?
Found in 1975 the Kariong Glyphs have offered intrigue and mystery to academics, hikers, and national park services for almost 50 years. The origin of the glyphs is ultimately unknown, however, there is no lack of theories. Ultimately the general consensus is that these hieroglyphs are not authentic. However, this has not stopped historians and Egyptologists alike from attempting to authenticate and translate them. The theory behind these being genuine hieroglyphs is that the ancient Egyptians carved over 300 hieroglyphs into the stone to preserve their story after becoming shipwrecked 45,000 years ago.
This theory ultimately doesn’t hold much weight. Egyptologists have stated that the glyphs are disorganized, some of the symbols are backward and depict signs which weren’t invented until 2500 years after the date people claim. This doesn’t deter believers though.
Geologists have also stated that based on the way indigenous carvings have deteriorated in similar stones the carvings will not last more than 250 years and at the time of the finding of the glyphs they couldn’t be more than 12 months old.
There are other theories about the origin. There are beliefs about war vets coming home after WWI after being placed in Egypt and replicating what they saw. Other theories believe that a war vet who had PTSD went deep into the Australian bush and carved the glyphs.
Again these theories are ultimately disproven.
The overall consensus is that the glyphs are a hoax either created by students or someone with an interest in Egypt who copied what they saw in books.
How to find the Kariong Glyphs
There are a few ways to get to the glyphs, however, the best way to access the glyphs is to park at the Bambara Road Fire trail located on the north end of Woy Woy Rd. There is a large carpark here so you can safely park your car here.
From here you’ll need to walk along the Bambara Road fire trail. You’ll walk along this trail for approx. 1km. This trail is a relatively well-maintained fire trail and is shaded the entire way. Eventually, you’ll reach a fork in the road. Here you’ll head off Bambara Road and onto the trail on the left. This trail is not well maintained and is heavily eroded and prone to flooding. Stay on this trail for approx. 1km.
To find the glyphs you’ll need to be on the lookout for the grandmother tree just off this track. You can’t miss it. It’s a beautiful large red gum which is about 50m off the track. The glyphs are in the rock formations to the right of this tree. Follow the track past the tree until you you see a sign saying ‘boulders may fall’ at the base of the rocks.
This is where we start the climb. Carefully climb the rocks to the right of this sign and you’ll eventually find the glyphs on the second tier.
Despite these glyphs being fake, it’s a great story and a lot of fun to find the Hieroglyphs.
Tips
- Great for kids of all ages, although close supervision is required near the rocks.
- No facilities or signage is available at the site.
- 4km round trip.
- Wear sturdy shoes.
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