The walk can be done by public transport starting at Lisarow station but on this occasion, several walkers parked cars at the end of the track in Henry Wheeler Place near Gosford station, ready to drive to Quorrobolong in the Hunter region for the HVB weekend away. From Lisarow station, after about one kilometre along a fairly busy road, the route ascends, quite steeply at times, firstly through quiet streets, then along management trails for about 4.5 km to reach St Johns Lookout picnic area on Mt Elliot. This was the morning tea spot, with views across the valley and the sea beyond.
Ten of the eleven walkers at the Lisarow Station briefing spot and at the top of the first steep hill on the walk from Lisarow Station to St Johns Lookout
"Why did the chicken cross the road?" "To get to his mates" At last a flat track after the steep ascents! 
All eleven Plus walkers at the morning tea location View from St Johns Lookout
The Mouat Track/Graves Walk is signposted at the southern end of the car park. We followed this track a short distance to where the two tracks diverge, then followed the undulating Mouat Track, with occasional glimpses through the forest to the distant coast. The weather was perfect for walking. Bright blue sky, dry underfoot and no leeches. The track has been renovated recently and now has clearly marked sign posts. Quite a relief to the leaders who had made their uncertain way through intersecting unmarked tracks on the recce. We passed the statue of Edward John Eyre, still contemplating his compass after all these years and, with the road in sight, turned off on a downhill track to the right to contour around to the Wannagan Lookout with steep cliffs and valley views.
On the Mouat Track from Katandra Reserve to Rumbalara Reserve Hazel and Wendy C at the John Eyre Sculpture
Wallaby near the Red Gum Track Cliff face and vegetation at the Wannagan Lookout on the Red Gum Track Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia
The track winds around the cliff line for some distance before ascending to the Yaruga picnic area, our lunch spot. The Regular and EZY group walkers were already there, chatting after having finished their walks. We opted not to accept their generous offers of lifts into the coffee spot in Gosford and settled down for lunch ourselves on a sun-warmed stone wall near the amenities block and the sign to the Flannel Flower track and the Rumbalara Reserve .
Lunch time view from Yaruga Lookout The meeting of EZY, Regular and Plus walkers at Yaruga picnic area Rumbalara Reserve
We followed this track through to its end, where it joined a wider track. A few metres downhill we joined the Casuarina Track on the right, which has frequent views over Brisbane Water. By this time, the group decided not to loop around to Ouraka Point lookout and we continued on the Casuarina Track, descending through bush track, stone steps and metal staircases, finally to the area where the waiting cars were parked. And so to coffee.
Casuarina Track forest Rumbalara Reserve Hibbertia scandens Coffee shop gathering - Good Bits Co Gosford
Route Map and Elevation Profile
Walkers: Leah and Deidre led Barbara R, Celia, Clive, Dai, Hazel, Janet, Louis, Rick and Wendy C. Thank you to First aid: Barbara R and Tail-end Charlie: Louis.
Words: Leah
Photos: Barbara R (1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18), Hazel (3, 4, 6, 10, 13, 17), Wendy C (5) and Rick (7, 14, 19, 20)
