Elevation change: Up 160m, Down 160m

Warratah Trig Road is the finest place to see waratahs from the second week of September until the first week of October. In these weeks the road becomes a cornucopia of wildflowers, a field of colours rising from stone and soil. The rock platforms and lookouts give views that are worth every step. Warra Trig is also a wonderful place to watch the sun set, while the lookout at point four offers a perfect vantage for sunrise.

What does Warratah mean?

The name waratah comes from the Eora people, the traditional custodians of the Sydney region. It is drawn from the Eora word warada, meaning “beautiful” or “seen from afar.” The flower belongs to the Proteaceae family, kin to a wide variety of plants native to both Australia and South Africa. Among the several species of waratah, the most celebrated is Telopea speciosissima, the New South Wales waratah. With its radiant crimson head of blossoms and serrated leaves, it has become an emblem of the state.

For Aboriginal communities the waratah has long carried profound cultural and spiritual meaning. It speaks of connection to the land and of ancestral knowledge. It has been revered in story and ceremony, a symbol of endurance and belonging. Beyond its symbolic power the flower was also useful, its properties drawn upon in traditional medicine for coughs and colds. In this way the waratah is not only a striking presence in the bush but also a vessel of wisdom, healing, and heritage.

How do I find the path?

Click on the map, it is powered by open street map and shows you where the path is - you can click on the navigator icon to show you where you are and check if you are on the right track.

Should I do the walk in the beginning of September or later in October?

You'll see different wildflowers at different times. It depends on the season, they are opten in the peak at around the 21st of September, the spring equinox.

What Should I Bring?

Bring everything that we recommend in our day packing guide. This is what is on it:

Here is a link to the full checklist of what to take for this day hike.

Should I start at Patonga or Warra Trig Road?

If you would like to get your heart rate up or don't like going downhill, we'd recommend starting at Patonga. If you like going downhill, we recommend starting at Warra Trig Road.

Where is the trail?

1. Start at Warrah Trig Road, the warratahs are visible from here to the south, after looking at these beauties, head to the north to explore the rock platforms and the beautiful views there as well as the pleothora of wildflowers: -33.54029248519095, 151.28160011123572 Google Maps Link

2. Head back to the road to walk to Warra Trig: -33.54443197000361, 151.28386782755385 Google Maps Link

3. Hooray, you have reached Warra Trig: -33.549963329697185, 151.2880410384632 Google Maps Link

4. This is the stunning Warrah Lookout: -33.55279299151815, 151.2889963449349 Google Maps Link

5. Head down the hill to Patonga: -33.55069978602425, 151.28651450450525 Google Maps Link

6. Yay, you've Patonga, the pub there is a great place to get lunch: -33.55080049735787, 151.27790041097154 Google Maps Link