Everything You Need To Know About This Local Bushwalk That Is Adventure Hiker Nirvana
By Jenae Johnston
If you are a newbie to bushwalking, this isn’t a good starting point for you but worthy of adding to the bucket list.
For the adventure-seekers it will put your fitness and stamina to the test as you trek through forest and creek beds to reach epic views of the Northern Illawarra coastline.
Is this trail legendary and worth the trek for the adventure nuts out there?! Absolutely… let’s do it!
Family-Friendly :: Not suitable for younger kids. Older kids [high schoolers] who are fit and hike regularly will be able to do it with experienced adult hikers.
Easily Accessible :: Easy to find. Hard to do. It starts at Stanwell Park Railway Station.
Dog-Friendly :: Nope, as it’s part of a National Park.
Stairs :: Ah yep! This trail is steep and long with limited signage, not suitable for beginners, first time walkers or low fitness. Safety precautions should be taken before setting out or consider joining a group with an experienced leader.
Time :: 4 hours including breaks.
Length :: Approximately 6km return.
Cost :: No cost
Let’s pay our respects first and understand the history of this trail first……
This trail was named after the Wodi Wodi people, a sub-group of the Dharawal Nation and the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the Illawarra region which are believed to have come to the area some 40,000 years ago.
Around the Wodi Wodi trail is also home to precious Aboriginal history and remnants from a time now past.
It’s very humbling to travel through this path and consider the ghosts of those who may have trodden this trail thousands of years before us.
Where does it start?
Starting at Stanwell Park Railway station, simply pass through the brightly painted tunnel and hike straight off the platform.
No time for warm ups on this trail – the ascent starts immediately as you meander through gorgeous Gymea lilies, ferns and eucalypts.
The track is a round trip roughly [being the key word!] a 4hr walk/scramble including breaks.
Distance is approximately 6km return, which feels like more as it’s pretty rough.
Start as you mean to go on
The path gradually becomes rougher and rougher [did I mention it was rough?!] as you cross side tributaries of Stanwell Creek and start the descent down to the main creek.
Depending on the recent rainfall, the path can be very muddy and slippery – expect to spend a little time on your behind – so appropriate hiking gear and shoes are a must!
Once you have made the descent [or slide?!] down the valley you reach the beautiful Stanwell Creek. Rest, have a snack and ponder the next part of your journey, which you might have guessed – is uphill! There are plenty of water dragons and a good spot to splash your face in the freshwater, or wash that mud off!
The only way is up
It’s time to plod along, so cross the creek and continue up the escarpment in a South-East direction, of course no rest for the wicked, it’s steep as you start the climb up decayed stairs.
Continuing uphill, enjoy a wander through a luscious Cabbage Tree palm forest. Take your time through here, it’s such a unique spot, look up and really take it all in – ahh the serenity!
You might catch a glimpse or hear a train go by. Also keep an eye out for the view to the Viaduct – built in 1920 it’s an impressive feature on the escarpment which continues to carry the trains to their destination…choo choo!
There’s a flat bit [yay!] and creek crossings
The path gets pretty rough [again] with some small creek crossings. Once you get across the final creek, you will notice a distinct wide flat path that heads around the side of the hill to the left – this is not the path you want to take, you want to continue up the hill slightly to the right to join the Bullock Track to the Forest Walk.
Continuing the pathway you will enter a large open forest which is especially beautiful in the morning light.
At the large signpost turn uphill to the right and continue to the Forest Walk [no it’s not 6km to your destination – that’s to Madden’s Plains!].
Almost there
The first settlers once used this pathway and there are some distinct sandstone blocks from those days on your path. A few wooden stairs and yes, you’re nearly there!
Closer to the top you pass under an interesting tree and enjoy the natural sandstone cave formations under the cliff line. Check out the purple hued trunks of the Angophora trees here too.
On top of the world
Continue following the cliff line heading east.
Mount Mitchell has a distinctive large rock platform and on a clear day you can easily see the Sydney CBD.
To get to the Coalcliff viewing platform, continue along the same pathway – you’ll see a path to the left that takes you to the rock platform. Now, have a really good rest and breathe in that view!
Once you have taken in all the sights, taken your photos and rehydrated, prepare yourself for the walk back, remember, you’re only halfway! All you do now is “simply” retrace your steps back to the Railway Station.
Why we love the Wodi Wodi Track
This track is great fun for older families and fit adults of all ages.
There is plenty of interest and changes in scenery along the way for those that are agile and fit.
It’s steep in a lot of sections and you’ll be on the ground scrambling in some sections which makes this so much more interesting than your standard wide trail hike.
This trail is for moderate fitness and above only . It’s also only suited to experienced and confident bushwalkers with a good sense of navigation. We highly recommend it as a great walk for intrepid locals to take a mate and have an adventure packed day.
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We love sharing our awesome outdoor adventures with The Fold readers and want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy when giving our walks and rides a crack for themselves. So, always check the weather forecast before you venture out. If you’re heading into a National Park, be sure to consult the National Parks website for up-to-date information about current alerts. Prepare yourself with the right equipment, clothing, safety items, with plenty to eat and drink if you’re going on longer hikes, and always let someone else know where you’re going and what time you are expected to be back. Have fun and stay safe!
