11 Tidal River – Mt Bishop – Tidal Overlook – Pillar Pt Option – Tidal River (2024)

IMG_0317 View from Tidal River Outlook

NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  11.5 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:  3   |  Style:  Circuit   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

Starting from Tidal River, at the pedestrian bridge, this walk includes part of the Lilly Pilly Gully walk, an ascent of Mt Bishop, the Tidal Overlook Track, with an optional side trip to Pillar Pt, before returning to Tidal River.

The Walk in Detail

Starting from Tidal River, at the pedestrian bridge, this walk includes part of the Lilly Pilly Gully walk, an ascent of Mt Bishop, the Tidal Overlook Track, with an optional side trip to Pillar Pt, before returning to Tidal River. With stunning views of Tidal River and the surrounding mountain ranges, there are so many photo opportunities that it is a challenge to keep moving. A sharp eye may even spot an eel in the mountain streams, as they flow through the Lilly Pilly Gully.

The first challenge is the steady climb up to the Lilly Pilly Gully carpark, on a well-formed track. Not too hard! You will notice evidence of environmental burns and land clearing, as the land managers strive to remove Coastal Tea Tree to allow local eucalypts to reclaim their traditional dominance.

From the carpark it is an easy stroll to the start of the Lilly Pilly Gully boardwalk. This lush area of interlinking water courses and wetland vegetation is a delight. Start the Lilly Pilly Gully walk going clockwise, and enjoy the walk for about 1.5 Km.

There you will find a track junction – take the hard left turn, and commence on a long steady climb up another well-maintained track to Mt Bishop. The climb is not hard, but demands a good level of fitness.  The 2.2 Km climb is eventually rewarded by stunning views from the summit.

The return down to the Lilly Pilly Gully carpark is short and sweet. From the Lilly Pilly Gully carpark, cross the main road (with care) and, after 200 m, at the track junction, take the Tidal Overlook Track. A few stone steps along the way lead you around a massive granite outcrop before reaching the main ridge. There is a chance to take in the views from the rock outcrop, before moving on to Lookout Point, where you get another opportunity to capture the views of Tidal River and beyond. Continuing on, after a further 800 m, the track reaches the junction with the track to Pillar Pt. This is an optional easy walk (720 m each way), with a short section of rock scramble before emerging onto a wide rock platform with views across the Tidal River inlet and rolling surf of Norman Beach, with Mt Oberon as a backdrop.

After the mandatory photo op, return 720 m to the track junction: hard left leads to Squeaky Beach,straight-ahead is the Tidal Overlook track and to the right is the Tidal River track. Turn right, and it is now only about 1.2 Km directly back to Tidal River.

Getting There

Walk Precautions

Additional Information