Bellamy fire trail

And Walk

Bellamy fire trail

This walk follows a wide concrete trail through Berowra Valley Regional Park, through lovely bushland and the site of the historic Zig Zag railway. The railway is long gone, but the quarry site is interesting to explore and crossing Zig Zag Creek on the bridge gives a lovely view down on the fern trees. Stop and read the information signs along the way, bring your dog for a walk or use this trail for fitness training. The trail on the north side of Zig Zag Creek is very steep for about 50m, otherwise, this walk is easy to follow. To save the car shuttle you can just allow extra time and retrace your steps back to the start.

(0km) End of Bellamy St → Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Easy track

From the end of Bellamy St (Pennant Hills), the walk passes around the locked metal gate[1]

[Pinch Point]

and follows the ‘To Westleigh’ arrow[2] downhill along the concrete management trail. After about 25m this walk leads past a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

(0.09km) Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.

130 m
2 mins
0m
-6m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Jungo’ arrow[7] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[8] (with a green rail[9] on one side)

[Trip Hazard]

. The walk continues down into the valley[10] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[11][12] (on your left), just before ‘Zig Zag Creek’[13] and the long bridge[14].

Thornleigh zigzag railway

The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The ‘Heritage Trail’ in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: ‘Sydney’s Forgotten Quarry Railways’ by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

(0.22km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

160 m
4 mins
15m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads gently downhill to then cross ‘Zig Zag Creek’[15] on the 40m long bridge[16] (with handrails) to find the ‘Zig Zag Siding’ information sign[17][18] on the far side. The bridge path now merges back to the main wide trail[19] and heads steeply uphill[20] for about 50m

[Wheelchair Steep]

(with a handrail on the left side[21]). The trail then mostly flattens out for about 50m and leads gently up to the front of the old ‘Thornleigh Quarry’[22], marked with a plaque on a large stone[23][24][25]

[Seat]

Old Thornleigh Quarry

The old Thornleigh Quarry[26] is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of ‘ballast’ for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track[27] that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry[28]. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre

[Seat]

making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: ‘Sydney’s Forgotten Quarry Railways’ by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

(0.37km) Thornleigh Quarry → Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail

110 m
3 mins
11m
0m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the front of the old Thornleigh Quarry[29][30], this walk follows the wide concrete trail gently uphill, initially keeping the quarry to the right, passing ‘The Quarry’ information sign[31]. The trail meanders through the bush for about 100m to come to an intersection at the base of a set of timber stairs[32] (on the right).

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of Timbarra Rd

140 m
3 mins
8m
-3m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete management trail gently uphill keeping the valley to the left. After about 40m the trail leads along the side of a small rock wall[33] to pass a ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ map sign[34] then about 25m later the trail leads past the old girl guide hall[35]. The walk continues along the concrete trail for another 50m to pass a ‘Heritage Trail’[36] sign then head around the gate[37]

[Pinch Point]

to come to the end of Timbarra Rd (Westleigh)[38][39].

Maps for the Bellamy fire trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Bellamy fire trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bellamy fire trail

Accessibility summary information for the Bellamy fire trail

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 2 places to sit on this walk.
They are 350m apart.

Hazards: There are 2 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culverts edge when crossing. Found about 110m into the walk.
Wheelchair Steep A 45m long section of concrete trail (3.3m wide) that is very steep. There is a metal handrail on one side for most of the steep section. If using a wheelchair assistance is very likely required. Found about 300m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Pinch Point

Pinchpoints beside metal gate. The flattest gap beside the gate is 85cm wide, the bollards closer to the fence are 1.1m apart, but require going over grass and uneven ground. Gate and bollards are 1m high.
This is found 0m into this walk at -33.728758846856,151.06988936663
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 0m into this walk

2 Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 71cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.07m wide. On a 3x3m concrete slab about 7m walk over rough grass from the trail.
This is found 30m into this walk at -33.728529081607,151.06990680098
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 30m into this walk

3 Trip Hazard

Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culverts edge when crossing.
This is found 110m into this walk at -33.727854282055,151.06969892979
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 110m into this walk

4 Wheelchair Steep

A 45m long section of concrete trail (3.3m wide) that is very steep. There is a metal handrail on one side for most of the steep section. If using a wheelchair assistance is very likely required.
This is found 300m into this walk at -33.7264933,151.0687933
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 300m into this walk

5 Seat

Nine timber log seats in old quarry. The seats are 3.7m wide and typically 50cm high. Access is over a flat dirt path 40m from the concrete trail.
This is found 350m into this walk at -33.725978199882,151.06889560819
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 350m into this walk

6 Pinch Point

Pinchpoint beside metal gate. The gap beside the gate is 73cm wide. Gate and bollards are1m high.
This is found 600m into this walk at -33.724307314526,151.06999397278
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 600m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	619 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

250m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 220m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (160m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 480m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 140m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 620m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 620m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 620m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 620m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bellamy fire trail walk starts at the End of Bellamy St (gps: -33.728765, 151.06981)
Your main transport option to End of Bellamy St is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Bellamy fire trail ends at the End of Timbarra Rd (gps: -33.724319, 151.07005)
Your main transport option to End of Timbarra Rd is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bft
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bft

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bft

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/bft

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

And Walk

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

This short walk follows a concrete management trail between Bellamy St and De Saxe Close. This is one of a few dog friendly bushwalks in the Berowra Valley Regional Park. You walk through some beautiful bush with a good array of grass and eucalyptus trees. At the bottom of the valley a bridge spans ZigZag Creek allowing you to keep you feet dry. There are also some good information signs explaining the rich history of the railway line and quarry that once passed through here. The authorised dog walk exits up the steps to the base of De Saxe Cl. We have also include an alternate exit, staying on the main trail to then end of Timbarra Rd for those walking without dogs.

(0km) End of Bellamy St → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.

220 m
4 mins
0m
-16m

Easy track

From the end of Bellamy St (Pennant Hills), the walk passes around the locked metal gate[1]

[Pinch Point]

and follows the ‘To Westleigh’ arrow[2] downhill along the concrete management trail. After about 25m this walk leads past a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

[3] (on the left) then over the next 50m this walk continues downhill past the ‘Halls Camp’ information sign[4], the ‘Natures Filter’[5] to come to an intersection with a dirt track (the Great North Walk) marked with an arrow pointing back up to ‘Bellamy Street’[6].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Jungo’ arrow[7] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[8] (with a green rail[9] on one side)

[Trip Hazard]

(0.22km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

160 m
4 mins
15m
-8m

Moderate track

[Wheelchair Steep]

[Seat]

Old Thornleigh Quarry

[Seat]

(0.37km) Thornleigh Quarry → Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail

110 m
3 mins
11m
0m

Very easy

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of Timbarra Rd

140 m
3 mins
8m
-3m

Easy track

[Pinch Point]

to come to the end of Timbarra Rd (Westleigh)[38][39].

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of De Saxe Close

50 m
2 mins
10m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk goes up the wooden steps and soon arrives at the end of De Saxe Cl.

Maps for the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	529 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

220m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 210m has short steep hills. The remaining (110m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 480m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 50m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 480m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 50m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 530m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 530m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 530m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail walk starts at the End of Bellamy St (gps: -33.728765, 151.06981)
Your transport options to End of Bellamy St are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail ends at the End of De Saxe Close (gps: -33.72549, 151.06947)
Your transport options to End of De Saxe Close are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bstdscdwt
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bstdscdwt

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/bstdscdwt

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Clarinda St dog walking trail

And Walk

Clarinda St dog walking trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) End of Clarinda St → Int of Clarinda St and Simon Pl trails

440 m
9 mins
10m
-35m

Easy track

From the end of Clarinda St Hornsby, this walk heads around the green gate with the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign on it, keeping the ‘Clarinda wetlands’ to the left. The walk follows the management trail, which soon bends left and gently winds through the bushland. There are some interesting rock formations on the right and the occasional valley view on the left. The track is fairly flat most of the way, until a left-hand bend that leads down to cross a small creek, and then up the other side of the valley. Once the track flattens out again, it comes to an intersection with the Simon Pl management trail on the right, at a fairly large clearing.

(0.44km) Int of Clarinda St and Simon Pl trails → End of Simon Place

60 m
2 mins
12m
-1m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill towards the gate. The management trail soon comes to the end of Simon Place, Hornsby Heights.

Maps for the Clarinda St dog walking trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Clarinda St dog walking trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Clarinda St dog walking trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	499 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 440m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 60m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 500m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 500m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 500m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 500m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 500m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Clarinda St dog walking trail walk starts at the End of Clarinda St (gps: -33.68809, 151.09174)
Your transport options to End of Clarinda St are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Clarinda St dog walking trail ends at the End of Simon Place (gps: -33.684643, 151.09121)
Your transport options to End of Simon Place are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-csdwt
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-csdwt

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/csdwt

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Barnetts Lookout

And Walk

Barnetts Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Barnetts Road → Barnetts Picnic area

50 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Very easy

From the ‘Barnetts Road Reserve’[1] car park[2][3]

[Parking Accessible]

(at the junction of Barnetts Rd and Wyanna St, Berowra), this walk follows the concrete footpath between the timber bollards[4] (1.3m gap[5]) away from the road. After 25m this walk passes a short path to a picnic table[6] (on the left), about 20m later this walk comes to another path and picnic table[7]

[Picnic Table]

(on the right). Here the walk also comes to a drinking fountain[8] in the middle of the picnic area, beside a playground[9] and near some extra seats

[Seat]

Barnetts Picnic area

The Barnetts Road Reserve picnic area, boasts three picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

, a drinking fountain[10], a playground[11] and seats

[Seat]

a short distance from the road. The area is surrounded by some open grass area and native forest. Easy flat and smooth access from the road.

(0.05km) Barnetts Picnic area → Barnetts Lookout

160 m
3 mins
0m
-12m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk follows the footpath away from the road and after about 25m the walk passes another picnic table[12]

[Picnic Table]

(on the left). Here the walk continues on the main path, gently downhill through the open forest[13] for about 60m to a seat

[Seat]

(beside the path, on the right). From the seat this walk continues winding gently downhill towards the views for another 70m to a intersection with a faint track[14] beside the plaque[15] commemorating the establishment of Berowra Valley NP. (The faint, less formal track, leads downhill for 60m to a fenced lookout[16]). From the plaque this walk continues a few more meters along the concrete path, around the bend to the left[17] to find the fenced[18] ‘Barrnetts Lookout’[19][20][21].

Barnetts Lookout

Barnetts Lookout provides stunning views over Berowra Creek and the surprisingly wild Berowra Valley NP. There are two stone seats

[Seat]

, a concrete base[22] (4.6x4m) and a 1.3m high[23] metal fence (filtered views when seated in a wheelchair[24]). To the left there are views upstream along Berowra Creek past Calna Creek[25], on a clear day you can just make out the Blue Mountains straight ahead and Berowra Waters[26] to the right[27].

Maps for the Barnetts Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Barnetts Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Barnetts Lookout

Accessibility summary information for the Barnetts Lookout

Parking: There are 1 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 6 places to sit on this walk.
They are on average 40m apart, with a maximum gap of 90m.

Hazards: There are 0 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Parking Accessible

There are a series of nine marked car parks at the end of Barnetts Road, Berowra including one mobility parking bay. The parking area is tarmac, 3.4m wide and 5m deep.
This is found 10m into this walk at -33.616857420712,151.12983003259
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 10m into this walk

2 Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 73cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide (no backrest).
This is found 30m into this walk at -33.616835084389,151.1295966804
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 30m into this walk

3 Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 70cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2.2m wide (no backrest).
This is found 40m into this walk at -33.616699949508,151.12954974174
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 40m into this walk

4 Seat

A series of three timber slat bench seats, 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Each seat is on a concrete slab and about 5m (across grass) from the path.
This is found 50m into this walk at -33.616743505402,151.12936064601
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 50m into this walk

5 Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 70cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2.2m wide (no backrest).
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.616734570862,151.1291500926
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

6 Seat

A timber slat bench seat, 45cm high, 47cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 39cm high backrest. The seat is on a concrete slab beside the path.
This is found 120m into this walk at -33.616347034277,151.12873032689
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 120m into this walk

7 Seat

A series of two stone bench seats, 41cm high, 45cm deep and 2.5m wide with a 20cm (and 46cm) high backrest. The seats are built into a retaining wall at the lookout.
This is found 210m into this walk at -33.616315763237,151.12783312798
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 210m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	420 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 210m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 210m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 210m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 210m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 210m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 210m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Barnetts Lookout walk starts and ends at the Barnetts Road (gps: -33.616836, 151.12988)
Your transport options to Barnetts Road are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bl

Hornsby to Fishponds

And Walk

Hornsby to Fishponds

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Hornsby Train Station → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk

720 m
14 mins
8m
-34m

Easy track

From the western side of Hornsby Railway Station[1], this walk first crosses the bus lane, then follows the large ‘To the Great North Walk’ sign[2] across the Station St pedestrian crossing[3], and then across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[4]. Here the walk turns right and follows the footpath (across ‘Dural Lane’[5]) past some shops to cross ‘Dural St’[6]. The walk then turns left and follows the footpath down along ‘Dural St’[7], past a few more shops. Continuing past the units, this walk then turns right onto ‘Quarry Rd’[8][9] and follows the road down the gently hill for about 180m to an intersection with ‘Old Mans Valley’ management trail[10] and locked gate (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road down the gentle hill, leaving the houses[11][12] behind to come to an intersection with a track, signposted with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[13] (on your left).

(0.72km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Berowra Valley Bushland Park

540 m
14 mins
12m
-89m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[14] up the hill. The track leads up over the rise, then continues down to the intersection with the Quarry Rd Management trail[15].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[16] down the steep rock steps[17]. The walk winds steeply down a number of sets of stone steps, passing some large rock walls for a bit over 100m, to find a welcome flat section of track[18] midway the hill. As the track leads past some houses (through the trees on your left), this walk heads down more steps[19] before coming to the open area of ‘Berowra Valley Bushland Park’[20][21], at the end of Rosemead Road[22].

Berowra Valley Bushland Park

‘Berowra Valley Bushland Park’[23] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[24], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[25], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[26], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[27]. There is a water tap[28] in the park, near the road. There is also a ‘Welcome to Old Mans Valley’ information sign with information about the traditional country of the Darug and Guringai peoples[29].

(1.26km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail

890 m
20 mins
45m
-39m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the lower side of Berowra Valley Bushland Park[30] (at the end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby[31]), this walk follows the ‘Fishponds 1.2km’ arrow on the large sign[32], down the track[33] for approximately 30m, to the intersection with the Rosemead management trail[34], marked with a Great North Walk arrow.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide rocky management trail[35] as it bends left (and passing some houses off to the left). The trail then bends right[36] and leads across Old Mans Creek using some concrete stepping stones[37]. The walk then continues by heading up the moderately steep hill and then through a thick blue gum and bracken fern forest[38]. The wide trail leads to the top of the hill then bends left, (ignoring the track on the right[39]) to pass over a saddle[40]. Here the trail leads down the gentle hill[41], through the turpentine forest for just over 300m to find an intersection with narrower track on the right, marked with arrow posts[42].

(2.15km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail → Fishponds Lookout

300 m
7 mins
0m
-39m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ arrow[43] down the narrower track a short distance to find a three-way intersection marked with a large ‘Great North walk’ signpost[44].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[45] along the flat narrow track past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[46]. The track soon bends left (passing along the top of an unfenced cliff) then winds down some steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[47]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[48]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[49] and signposted intersection[50].

Fishponds Lookout

Fishponds Lookout is a fenced rock platform at the intersection of the Benowie walking track and the Rosemead trackhead. It is marked with a number of Great North Walk signs. This informally named lookout has good views down over Fishponds, a large waterhole on Berowra Creek. Looking north across the creek, there are views to the upper waterhole and the cliffs on the other side.

(2.45km) Fishponds Lookout → Fishponds Bridge

350 m
8 mins
16m
-14m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the lookout[51], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[52] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[53]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[54] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[55].
Veer right: From the cave, this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[56] up the track and timbers steps. Soon the track turns left and follows a Great North Walk arrow up the hill[57], at the red and white ‘Danger’ sign[58](ignoring the other track). The track climbs up the carved steps[59] onto the rock platform and continues up the rocky track until just after passing through a narrow gap between two rocks[60], where this walk comes to the un-signposted (and faint) intersection with the Pogson’s Trig track (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down along the side of the hill[61], whilst keeping the main valley to your right. The track leads down some rocky steps, passing just above a rock platform (a short distance down on your right, with a plaque dedicated to ‘Cora’[62]). The track then leads down along the base of a cliff, passing under a rock overhang[63]. The track continues along the base of the cliff for another 50m then starts to wind downhill (with some handrails[64]) to come to a rock platform beside the creek[65]. This walk then crosses Berowra Creek on the flat timber bridge[66].

Fishponds

Fishponds is a long waterhole[67] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[68] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[69], and a small timber bridge[70] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[71]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities – please heed the signs and Cora’s parents’ plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

Maps for the Hornsby to Fishponds walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Hornsby to Fishponds bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hornsby to Fishponds

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.6 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 350m is very steep and the remaining 180m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 890m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (180m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 690m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 70m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 1.9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 890m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Hornsby to Fishponds walk starts and ends at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)
Your transport options to Hornsby Train Station are by;

Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-htf
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-htf

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/htf

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

And Walk

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Thornleigh Train Station → Morgan Rd

990 m
18 mins
7m
-47m

Easy track

From the western (north bound) side of Thornleigh Station[1], this walk follows the ‘Jungo Rest Area’ sign[2] along the footpath towards the car park and The Esplanade[3]. The walk then heads down a short distance further to turn left and cross ‘The Esplanade’ at the traffic lights[4], then continue straight along the footpath down along Eddy Rd[5]. Following a couple of GNW arrows[6] down Eddy Rd as it then bends left[7], turning into Tilock St, and shortly later this walk then turns right into Morgan St[8]. Continuing down till just before the end of this street[9][10], this walk comes to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow[11] and the ‘Elouera Bushland Natural Park’ sign[12] (on the right).

(0.99km) Morgan Rd → Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks

230 m
4 mins
3m
-7m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the end of Morgan Street, the walk follows the GNW arrow[13] and the ‘Elouera Bushland Natural Park’ sign[14] between houses[15] no. 28 and 26. Once behind the houses at a small clearing[16], the track turns left and follows down the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[17]. Soon after passing behind the third house, the track comes to an intersection with a wide concrete trail[18], where a sign points back along the track to ‘Sydney Cove’[19].

(1.22km) Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.

130 m
2 mins
0m
-6m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Jungo’ arrow[20] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[21] (with a green rail[22] on one side)

[Trip Hazard]

. The walk continues down into the valley[23] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[24][25] (on your left), just before ‘Zig Zag Creek’[26] and the long bridge[27].

(1.34km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

160 m
4 mins
15m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads gently downhill to then cross ‘Zig Zag Creek’[28] on the 40m long bridge[29] (with handrails) to find the ‘Zig Zag Siding’ information sign[30][31] on the far side. The bridge path now merges back to the main wide trail[32] and heads steeply uphill[33] for about 50m

[Wheelchair Steep]

(with a handrail on the left side[34]). The trail then mostly flattens out for about 50m and leads gently up to the front of the old ‘Thornleigh Quarry’[35], marked with a plaque on a large stone[36][37][38]

[Seat]

. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Old Thornleigh Quarry

The old Thornleigh Quarry[39] is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of ‘ballast’ for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track[40] that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry[41]. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre

[Seat]

Thornleigh zigzag railway

(1.34km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection → The Jungo

1.4 km
25 mins
16m
-37m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[42] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[43] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[44]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[45], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a ‘Bellamy Street’ sign[46] pointing back through the campsite.

The Jungo

The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection[47]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[48]. Speculation on the source of the name ‘Jungo’ includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words (‘Junction’ gets corrupted to ‘jung-o’ etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.

(2.78km) The Jungo → Int of Stringybark Ridge trail and Redgum Ave access trail

1.3 km
26 mins
81m
-16m

Hard track

Veer left: From ‘The Jungo’, the walk follows the ‘Callicoma Walk’ arrow along the management trail which climbs steeply and soon comes to the intersection (with the management trail going up the hill to the left and the red Great North Walk marker pointing straight ahead).
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill, climbing steeply at times, before turning right at the intersection at the old pony club grounds (marked with a ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign). The walk follows the management trail, keeping the cleared grounds to the left, then passes around a gate, and bends to the right in the car park and follows the ‘Stringybark Ridge’ management trail, arriving an intersection immediately after passing around a gate (with a private property access coming in from the left).

(4.09km) Int of Stringybark Ridge trail and Redgum Ave access trail → Int of Laurence St and Redgum Ave

160 m
4 mins
0m
-14m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intesection, whilst looking away from the locked gate, the walk follows an initially faint bush track, off to the left (east) (avoiding the entry to the ‘Private Property’ also behind to the left) and comes to the intersection of Laurence St and Redgum Ave.

(4.24km) Int of Laurence St and Redgum Ave → End of Redgum Ave west

100 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows Redgum Ave, keeping the houses to the right, for a short distance, until reaching the end of this section of Redgum Ave.

(4.34km) End of Redgum Ave west → Int of Redgum Ave and Thorn St

140 m
3 mins
23m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of the asphalt, the walk follows a narrow bush track down toward the creek. After crossing the small creek, the walk emerges into a grassy clearing and continues up the hill between the houses, arriving at the intesection of Redgum Ave and Thorn St.

(4.48km) Int of Redgum Ave and Thorn St → End of Bellamy St

770 m
14 mins
3m
-34m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows Thorn St, soon passing the intersection with Jackson Cr. At the ‘T’ intersection of Thorn St and Bellamy St, the walk turns left and continues to the end of Bellamy St .

(5.25km) End of Bellamy St → Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the end of Bellamy St (Pennant Hills), the walk passes around the locked metal gate[49]

[Pinch Point]

and follows the ‘To Westleigh’ arrow[50] downhill along the concrete management trail. After about 25m this walk leads past a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

[51] (on the left) then over the next 50m this walk continues downhill past the ‘Halls Camp’ information sign[52], the ‘Natures Filter’[53] to come to an intersection with a dirt track (the Great North Walk) marked with an arrow pointing back up to ‘Bellamy Street’[54].

(5.34km) Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Morgan Rd

230 m
4 mins
7m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Sydney Cove’ sign[55] along the narrow track away from the wide concrete trail. The track leads behind the house (on your right) following along the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[56]. After the third house, in a small clearing, the track turns right[57], heading up between the houses[58] a short distance to come to the top of the turning circle[59] at the end of Morgan Road, Thornleigh.

(5.56km) Morgan Rd → Thornleigh Train Station

990 m
18 mins
47m
-7m

Easy track

Turn left: From the end of Morgan Street, this walk heads up along the road[60] to left into ‘Tillock Street’[61]. This street soon bends right[62] to become ‘Eddy Street’[63] following the footpath[64] and GNW arrows[65] to the top of the hill where there is a set of traffic lights[66]. The walk cross ‘The Esplanade’ at the lights[67] to then turn right walking past the car park[68], and through a small park[69] to find a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[70] at the (north bound) entrance to Thornleigh train station[71].

Maps for the Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	6.6 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.2km is very steep and the remaining 910m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

4.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.1km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (750m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

2.6km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 2.5km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.4km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 4.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 140m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 4.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station walk starts and ends at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731949, 151.07815)
Your transport options to Thornleigh Train Station are by;

Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-srazzclfts
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-srazzclfts

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/srazzclfts

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

And Walk

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station → Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy

520 m
9 mins
8m
-9m

Very easy

From the middle of the tunnel at the bottom of the stairs at Mt Kuring-gai railway station, this walk follows the ‘To the Great North Walk’ sign[1] through the tunnel[2] to the Pacific Hwy. Here the walk turns left and follows the footpath[3] between the highway and train line for about 200m to pass the traffic lights at Glenview Rd[4]. The walk then continues straight up the ramp[5] for another 100m and turns right[6] onto the pedestrian bridge[7]. Here the walk crosses the Pacific Hwy[8] on the footbridge, then follows the concrete ramp[9] as it zigzags back down to the ground. This ramp ends just near the Aldi shopping complex[10].
From the bottom of the footbridge near the Aldi shopping complex, this walk follows the footpath alongside the Pacific Hwy[11], under the footbridge and away from the shops. Keeping the highway to your right for 100m, this walk then crosses[12] ‘Glenview Rd’[13] (at the intersection with the Pacific Hwy) to find the top of ‘Lyrebird Gully track’[14], marked with a locked green metal gate[15].

(0.52km) Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy → Lyrebird Clearing

530 m
12 mins
2m
-84m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection (of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy), this walk follows the GNW arrow post[16] around the locked ‘Lyrebird Gully Track’ gate[17], to head down the sealed management trail. The trail leads past a large ‘To the Great North Walk’ sign[18] where the trail then bends left[19] behind the houses and heads steeply downhill[20] for about 500m, coming to the end of the sealed trail[21] and a large flat clearing[22].

(1.05km) Lyrebird Clearing → Lyrebird Waterfall

1.4 km
27 mins
21m
-92m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the bottom of the sealed management trail, this walk follows the GNW arrow post across the clearing[23] following the old dirt trail. After about 120m, this walk comes to another small clearing[24], where this walk turns left following the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[25]. The track then bends right and leads down to cross over a short flat timber bridge[26] across a concrete channel[27]. From here, the rocky track leads down along the side of the hill[28] for about 150m before heading down some stone steps[29] (with a handrail, under a set of power lines[30]) to come to the ‘Great North Walk register’ box on a pole[31][32]. After filling in your intentions (and reading others entries), this walk continues down along the track beside a rock wall[33], past a short section of handrail[34] then down a series of timber[35] and rock[36] steps for about 300m to then cross Lyrebird Gully creek[37] on the sandstone platform. This creek crossing and other crossing further down the valley can become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. The walk then leads over the short section of green timber boardwalk[38], following the GNW arrow post[39] uphill. The walk then follows the rocky track along the side of hill[40] for about 250m to pass beside a rock wall[41] (on your right) and a section of handrail[42] and steep valley (on your left). Here the walk steps down a rock (with metal peg)[43] to follow the rocky track downhill and come close to a creek[44]. Here the walk follows the edge of creek (keeping the creek to your left) [45] for just shy of 100m to then cross the creek using boulders with carved steps[46]. Once one the other side of the creek, this walk crosses back again, almost immediately, following the handrail and flat timber bridge[47] (note: this boardwalk/bridge was washed away during a flood in 2012, the hand rail is still in place) at the top of Lyrebird Gully falls[48] to then find a ‘The Great North walk’ sign[49] back on the other side.

Lyrebird waterfall

This informally named waterfall is found on Lyrebird Gully creek about 300m upstream of its confluence with Calna Creek. The top of the fall is partially fenced with a timber handrail[50] where the water flows over the solid rock platform, with naturally carved holes[51], to fall about 8m to the shallow pool[52] and boulders below. The track passes the top of the fall and does not provide a good view of the face of the fall, but it is still a very pleasant spot.

(2.42km) Lyrebird Waterfall → Lyrebird Caves

140 m
4 mins
14m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From near the top of Lyrebird Waterfall, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, away from the face of the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign up the timber steps. The track soon bends left to follow the side of the hill for about 50m and head through a sandstone overhang[53], then through a second smaller cave[54]. Continuing along the side of the hill for another 70m, this walk comes to another larger sandstone overhang[55].

Lyrebird Caves

The Lyrebird caves are a series of notable sandstone overhangs on the eastern side of Lyrebird Gully. There are 3 main overhangs[56][57][58], with the larger (more northern) one providing significant shelter[59]. The larger cave has a fairly flat base[60] in the centre and provides a pleasant place to rest on a hot or rainy day.

(2.57km) Lyrebird Caves → Calna Creek Campsite (south)

1.6 km
33 mins
39m
-106m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the large sandstone overhang, this walk follows the rocky track along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. After about 40m, the track leads steeply down a short rocky slope[61] where the track then continues along the side of the hill for another 200m before bending sharp left[62] and zigzagging steeply down the stone steps[63] to come to the edge of Calna Creek[64]. The track continues along the side of the creek (on your left) through the shaded forest[65] and past some large boulders for about 70m, to then follow a GNW arrow post across the creek using the boulders with carved steps[66]. The track continues downstream (with the creek on your right) among ferns[67], for almost 300m, where another GNW arrow post[68] leads back across Calna Creek using boulders with carved steps[69]. The track continues among more ferns and mossy boulders, now with creek on your left, for 400m to where the track comes to the wide, clearly tidal section of Calna Creek, where there is a small sandy beach and open views down the valley[70]. The mostly flat track[71] continues down beside the wide creek for another 400m to cross over a flat timber bridge[72], then just 25m later, this walk comes to the signposted[73] campsite[74], in casuarina forest[75].

Calna Creek Campsite (south)

This small signposted[76] campsite sits on a flat grassy clearing in a small casuarina forest which provides plenty of shade. There is a small fireplace set up. This creek-side campsite is a good spot for those wanting to get the most out of a relaxing, overnight camp, just a short stroll to Berowra Creek and the main spine of the Great North Walk. Bring your own water, as the creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(4.18km) Calna Creek campsite (south) → Calna Creek campsite (north)

400 m
9 mins
23m
-23m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk follows the clear track downstream, keeping Calna Creek to your left. After about 100m of walking through flat grassy area and casuarina forest[77], this walk leads over a timber bridge[78] (with handrails) that crosses a small tidal creek[79]. The now rocky track continues for another 180m, stepping over a fallen tree[80], to then climb up a short timber staircase[81]. At the top of these stairs[82], the track leads over a rocky rise then back down where the track mostly flattens out for another 100m to come to a large, unsignposted clearing[83] and campsite[84] (on your right), just before the southern tip of the saltmarsh[85].

Calna Creek Campsite (north)

This is a quaint little campsite, located on the Mt Kuring-gai access track to the Great North Walk, on the banks of Calna Creek. This campsite provides plenty of room for a few tents[86], and also a fire scar with logs for seating[87]. Carry in your own water as the salty creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(4.58km) Calna Creek campsite (north) → Int of GNW and Lyrebird Gully tracks

110 m
2 mins
0m
-3m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk follows the clear track south, keeping Calna Creek (though the trees) to your left. After about 100m, the track comes to a well signposted intersection just beside Calna Creek bridge[88].

(4.69km) Calna Creek Bridge intersection → Sams Creek Ridge Clearing

1.1 km
27 mins
67m
-58m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[89] along the timber boardwalk[90]. The boardwalk leads for about 80m across the large open flat saltmarsh[91] into the casuarina forest[92] on the other side. Here the track bends left and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[93] for almost 200m, where the rocky track leads a little further before coming alongside Berowra Creek’s mangroves[94]. The track continues to gently undulate along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[95] and grass tress[96], before heading up a fairly short, steep climb. At the top of this climb, the walk comes to a small, flat, pleasant clearing surrounded by large boulders[97].

(5.84km) Sams Creek ridge clearing → Sams Creek Crossing

500 m
11 mins
20m
-23m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk leads down the north eastern side of this ridge, keeping the main valley to your left. After about 100m this walk comes to another flat saltmarsh[98] , where the track bends right to soon come to a large flat clearing[99] beside Sams Creek[100] (subject to flooding).
The track then leads alongside Sams Creek (on your left) for about 350m when, just after climbing over a rock, the track comes to a ‘Crosslands’ sign[101] pointing back along the track, beside the creek.

(6.34km) Sams Creek Crossing → Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks

670 m
30 mins
181m
-44m

Hard track

Turn left: From the south side of the creek, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[102] across the rocky Sams Creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side, the track veers left, crossing a rocky gully[103] and heads up the timber steps[104]. The track now starts to climb steeply, zigzagging up the timber steps [105] and a couple of staircases[106] for just over 300m to find a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[107]. After a rest, this walk continues up more steps (and staircases) for just over 150m, coming to a T-intersection with a wide service trail, where a ‘Crosslands’ sign[108] points back down the track.

(7.01km) Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks → Int of Naa Badu Lookout

260 m
7 mins
19m
-22m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[109] gently down along the management trail, keeping the valley to your left. The trail gently undulates along the side of the hill, enjoying some glimpses up to the cliff faces[110] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[111], then leads up the hill to find the signposted ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[112] and its great view[113].

Naa Badu Lookout

Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views south over Berowra Creek as well as over Sams and Calna Creeks. Naa Badu means ‘See water’[114] in the Aboriginal tribal language of the Dharug people. It is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal peoples. The lookout is fenced[115], has a bench seat[116], picnic table[117] and a fair amount of natural shade.

(7.27km) Int of Naa Badu Lookout → Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track

320 m
7 mins
12m
-14m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[118], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[119] and across the concrete ditch[120], keeping the valley to your left. The trail leads around the side of the hill for about 300m, gently undulating to come to an intersection with a narrow track and small clearing (on your left, as the trail bends right), just past the large scribbly gum. (This informal track leads down to an unfenced rock platform, with filtered views over Berowra Creek).

(7.6km) Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track → Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

220 m
4 mins
4m
-12m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[121], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[122] to an intersection (with some steps[123] on your left), where a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[124] points back up along the trail.

(7.82km) Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail → Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track

570 m
18 mins
78m
-31m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[125] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[126], and leads up some timber steps[127]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[128] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[129] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[130], then leads down across a small gully[131] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[132], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[133] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[134]. After 60m, the track[135] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[136] and angophora forest[137] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[138].

(8.38km) Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track → Washtub Gully Creek

1.3 km
33 mins
31m
-201m

Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[139], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[140] and leads fairly steeply down the hill for about 150m before mostly flattening out and coming close to the top of an unfenced cliff with good views over Berowra Creek[141]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[142] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[143]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[144][145], climbing down some steel pegs[146] to where the track flattens out again[147]. The track leads across the saddle[148] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[149] (on your right). Here the track leads down around the side of the ridge for just over 400m, passing some unfenced views for rock platforms[150][151][152] then down some sandstone steps[153] to find a tall sandstone overhang[154] with a timber seat[155]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[156], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[157] and timber steps[158] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a ‘no wash’ sign[159][160] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[161][162] in Washtub Gully.

(9.7km) Washtub Gully Creek → Berowra Waters trackhead

320 m
9 mins
31m
-30m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[163], this walk crosses the creek[164] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[165]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[166], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[167]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[168] behind the ‘Berowra Waters Garden House’ restaurant[169], then heads down the steps[170] to come to the signposted ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[171][172] on ‘Berowra Waters Rd’[173].

Berowra Waters Garden House

#######CLOSED###### This picturesque little restaurant sits on the eastern side of Berowra Creek and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Garden House Restaurant is a great spot for those looking to tap into the Berowra Valley’s full potential. For information on bookings and opening hours phone (02)9456 2955.

The Fish Café

This seafood restaurant is located on the western side of the Berowra Waters Ferry, and offers casual dining with a great menu, overlooking the marina and river. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, with dinner available on Friday through Sunday. The cafe is open 8:30 – 9pm Wed-Sun and closes at 3pm Mon & Tuesdays. Takeaway is also available, and the nearby reserve provides picnic tables, toilets, children’s playground and parking. Kayak hire is available from the marina building.
The Fish Café is located at 199 Bay Road, Berowra Waters, and the phone number is (02)9456 4665.

(10.02km) Berowra Waters track head → End of Kirkpatrick Way

390 m
8 mins
10m
-15m

Very easy

Continue straight: From ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[174], this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ sign along ‘Kirkpatrick Way’ and across the culverted Franks Gully creek. As the walk crosses the gully, there is a picnic area[175] and public toilet[176][177] (and tap water[178]) on your right. The walk continues along the road, keeping the water to your left[179] for about 180m, then passing under the yellow boom gate[180]. About 30m later, the walk stays left[181] to head alongside the fenced car park. At the far end of this car park, the walk comes to a turning area[182] at the end of Kirkpatrick Way.

(10.41km) End of Kirkpatrick Way → Berowra Waters view seat

470 m
9 mins
12m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of Kirkpatrick Way[183], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[184] along the track, keeping the water just to your left. This walk follows the rocky shoreline, enjoying the views of the water[185], the boats and houses on the other shore[186] and the large rocks[187] (up to your right). After about 450m, the track passes a large boulder[188] and then turns right and climbs up a staircase[189], finding a small seat and viewing platform[190].

(10.88km) Berowra Waters view seat → Deep Bay Creek crossing

730 m
26 mins
119m
-79m

Hard track

Veer right: From the seat and view[191], this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[192] steeply uphill, following the series of timber[193] and rock steps[194]. After about 50m, the track leads up beside a rock wall[195], and at the top, turns right and mostly flattens out[196] for about 80m before starting to climb again[197]. At the top of this hill, this walk comes to a small clearing[198] (on the left, that has been used as a campsite[199]) and a large unfenced rock platform with great views[200] back over the valley (on your right).
Continue straight: From the view at the top of the ridge, this walk follows GNW arrow post[201] east, directly away from the Berowra Water views and over the small rise. The track soon leads down off a rock[202], where the track bends right and starts to lead fairly gently downhill[203]. The track then leads down a few short, steep, rocky sections[204] before crossing a lovely creek[205], flowing over the sandstone rock platform[206][207]. This creek may be slippery and can be particularly risky to cross after rain.

(11.61km) Deep Bay Creek crossing → Int of GNW and Coreen Close western trail

840 m
32 mins
187m
-25m

Hard track

Continue straight: From beside the creek, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[208] east, away from the creek, up the steep rocky hill[209]. The track soon passes between two rock slabs[210], then passes a handrail to climb up two metal pegs beside some more hand railing[211]. The track then continues to climb up for another 50m before mostly flattening[212] out for about 150m. the track then starts to climb again and soon steps up a rock with two more metal pegs[213]. Then after another 70m, the track climbs up past a sandstone cave[214]
and heads up a crack in the rock with four metal pegs[215], then just past the next cave[216], goes up another rock with a single peg[217]. A short time later, this walk leads up another rock with two pegs[218], where the track then leads up the steps through a cleft of a rock[219]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads gently uphill for almost 200m until crossing a small saddle, marked with a two GNW arrow post beside each other[220]. The track then leads steeply up[221] to a fair sized rock platform, with rewarding views[222] back over Berowra Creek (on your left). From this view point, the track leads fairly gently uphill for almost 150m, coming to a T-intersection[223] with a wide sandy management trail.

(12.45km) Int of GNW and Coreen Close service trail → Int of ridge top campsite and GNW

220 m
4 mins
2m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow along the sandy management trail[224], heading south. The trail immediately bends left[225] and passes a track[226] (on your right, that runs generally parallel to this trail). This trail leads down through the scribbly gum and heath forest[227], where the trail widens (after about 70m) and then comes to an intersection[228] beside the large ridge top campsite[229][230]. There is a ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[231] here, pointing back along the trail.

Ridge Top Campground

About 800m from Turners Rd, Berowra Heights lies this pleasant ridge top campsite. This is a fairly popular campsite on the Great North Walk, providing a flat area[232] with plenty of shade. There are no facilities (or water) at this large campsite. A faint track leads west from the campsite to an unfenced cliff with great views over the Berowra Waters Valley[233].

(12.67km) Int of ridge top campsite and Great North Walk → Joe Crafts Creek crossing

1.7 km
37 mins
24m
-196m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan Station’ sign[234], directly away from the campsite along the clear track. The track leads over a small rise[235] and then heads down to a four-way intersection[236] with a management trail (and the GNW track continuing ahead).
Continue straight: From the intersection[237], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[238] east along the track as it leads very gently downhill along the top of the ridge. Over the next 300m, the track passes a rock platform[239] and comes to a second rock platform with more views[240] and a ‘Great North Walk’ log book box[241] on a post. After leaving your note (and reading through a few entries), this walk continues down along the top of the ridge for another 200m to step down off another rock platform[242] (ignoring the track to your left). Here the walk starts to head downhill for the next 1km – initially the track leads down a series of short rocky steep sections[243][244], and passes some interesting large rock boulders[245][246] along the way. As the track moves further into the valley, it becomes consistently steeper[247] until leading down leading into the ferns and beside Joe Crafts Creek[248][249].

(14.32km) Joe Crafts Creek crossing → Valley viewing area

660 m
26 mins
158m
-5m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses Joe Crafts Creek[250][251] and heads east up the clear track. This creek may be particularly dangerous to cross after heavy or prolonged rain. The track climbs up a series of stone steps[252], passing through a couple of cracks in the rock[253] before a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[254] about 60m from the creek. The rocky track continues to climb steeply up for about 300m, then climbs up a timber (and metal) staircase[255], followed by a few section of handrail[256]. Here the walk leads up around the base of rock wall[257] and then climbs up the side to the top of the large, unfenced rock platform with great valley views[258]. The walk continues up the ridge line for another 200m, very gently at first[259], then more steeply up the rocky sections[260]. The track heads along the base of another rock wall[261], then up the stone steps[262] and past the handrail to come to an intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk – Viewing Area’ sign[263]. The short track (on your right) leads to a seat at the edge of an unfenced cliff with views[264] and a seat[265].

(14.98km) Valley viewing area → Int of GNW and Glendale Road

880 m
16 mins
25m
-14m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection near the ‘viewing point’[266], this walk heads gently uphill directly away from the viewing area, keeping the valley on your right[267]. The track leads up a few short, moderately steep sections[268] for about 100m, then the track heads much more gently up through the open scribbly gum forest[269] for about 400m before passing under the power lines[270]. Here, the walk turns left and follows the wide trail[271] for about 40m and turns right[272] (before the locked gate), following a GNW arrow post[273] under another set of power lines[274]. The walk follows the track through the pleasant forest[275] for just shy of 300m then crosses the dirt Glendale Rd[276] to find ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[277] pointing back across the intersection.

(15.86km) Int of GNW and Glendale Road → Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail

830 m
19 mins
33m
-59m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[278] away from the dirt road and down along the rocky and sandy track. The track winds through the forest (with some interesting twisted, thin scribbly gums[279][280]) for about 600m before bending left and following under a set of power lines[281]. Near the Pacific Hwy (up to your right), this walk continues for about 150m and crosses over a very short section of timber boardwalk[282] before climbing up a few steps to a T-intersection with a wide management trail[283].

(16.69km) Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan trackhead

500 m
11 mins
27m
-13m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[284] gently downhill, keeping the valley views to your left[285]. The trail gently winds behind some houses (up to your right) for about 400m before bending right and heading up through a weedy section[286]. The walk then passes around a locked gate[287] to come to an intersection with a footpath, just before the Pacific Hwy[288] and across from Cowan station. There is a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[289] here, pointing back to ‘Sydney Cove’.

(17.19km) Int of Great North Walk and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan Station

40 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow across the Pacific Highway (be careful of traffic) to the ramp at the front of Cowan Railway Station.

Maps for the Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters) walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	17.2 km
		Time	8 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

6km of this walk is very steep and another 6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 4.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.2km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 6km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 1.5km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 16km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

13km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 3.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

13km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 3.4km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (660m) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 10km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters) walk starts at the Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station (gps: -33.653812, 151.13673)
Your transport options to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station are by;

Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters) ends at the Cowan Station (gps: -33.593766, 151.17169)
Your transport options to Cowan Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-mktcbw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-mktcbw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/mktcbw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

And Walk

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

Berowra Waters Garden House

Waterview Restaurant

On the western side of Berowra Waters Ferry (free trip), just a short walk up the road, is the Waterview Restaurant, upstairs at the marina. The restaurant specialises in seafood, but also caters for other tastes in restaurant style dinning.
Some sittings offers A la Carte meals from $25, and other sittings offer a fresh and cooked seafood buffet. Please call ahead, as the restaurant is also a popular venue for weddings.
Open Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Phone (02) 9456 2633
199 Bay Rd Berowra Waters, NSW 2082

The Fish Café

(0km) Berowra Waters track head → End of Kirkpatrick Way

390 m
8 mins
10m
-15m

Very easy

From ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[1], this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ sign along ‘Kirkpatrick Way’ and across the culverted Franks Gully creek. As the walk crosses the gully, there is a picnic area[2] and public toilet[3][4] (and tap water[5]) on your right. The walk continues along the road, keeping the water to your left[6] for about 180m, then passing under the yellow boom gate[7]. About 30m later, the walk stays left[8] to head alongside the fenced car park. At the far end of this car park, the walk comes to a turning area[9] at the end of Kirkpatrick Way.

(0.39km) End of Kirkpatrick Way → Berowra Waters view point

810 m
26 mins
127m
-24m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the end of Kirkpatrick Way[10], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[11] along the track, keeping the water just to your left. This walk follows the rocky shoreline, enjoying the views of the water[12], the boats and houses on the other shore[13] and the large rocks[14] (up to your right). After about 450m, the track passes a large boulder[15] and then turns right and climbs up a staircase[16], finding a small seat and viewing platform[17].
Veer right: From the seat and view[18], this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[19] steeply uphill, following the series of timber[20] and rock steps[21]. After about 50m, the track leads up beside a rock wall[22], and at the top, turns right and mostly flattens out[23] for about 80m before starting to climb again[24]. At the top of this hill, this walk comes to a small clearing[25] (on the left, that has been used as a campsite[26]) and a large unfenced rock platform with great views[27] back over the valley (on your right).

(1.2km) Berowra Waters view point → Deep Bay Creek crossing

390 m
9 mins
4m
-63m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the view at the top of the ridge, this walk follows GNW arrow post[28] east, directly away from the Berowra Water views and over the small rise. The track soon leads down off a rock[29], where the track bends right and starts to lead fairly gently downhill[30]. The track then leads down a few short, steep, rocky sections[31] before crossing a lovely creek[32], flowing over the sandstone rock platform[33][34]. This creek may be slippery and can be particularly risky to cross after rain.

(1.59km) Deep Bay Creek crossing → Int of GNW and Coreen Close western trail

840 m
32 mins
187m
-25m

Hard track

Continue straight: From beside the creek, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[35] east, away from the creek, up the steep rocky hill[36]. The track soon passes between two rock slabs[37], then passes a handrail to climb up two metal pegs beside some more hand railing[38]. The track then continues to climb up for another 50m before mostly flattening[39] out for about 150m. the track then starts to climb again and soon steps up a rock with two more metal pegs[40]. Then after another 70m, the track climbs up past a sandstone cave[41]
and heads up a crack in the rock with four metal pegs[42], then just past the next cave[43], goes up another rock with a single peg[44]. A short time later, this walk leads up another rock with two pegs[45], where the track then leads up the steps through a cleft of a rock[46]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads gently uphill for almost 200m until crossing a small saddle, marked with a two GNW arrow post beside each other[47]. The track then leads steeply up[48] to a fair sized rock platform, with rewarding views[49] back over Berowra Creek (on your left). From this view point, the track leads fairly gently uphill for almost 150m, coming to a T-intersection[50] with a wide sandy management trail.

(2.43km) Int of GNW and Coreen Close service trail → Int of ridge top campsite and GNW

220 m
4 mins
2m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow along the sandy management trail[51], heading south. The trail immediately bends left[52] and passes a track[53] (on your right, that runs generally parallel to this trail). This trail leads down through the scribbly gum and heath forest[54], where the trail widens (after about 70m) and then comes to an intersection[55] beside the large ridge top campsite[56][57]. There is a ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[58] here, pointing back along the trail.

Ridge Top Campground

About 800m from Turners Rd, Berowra Heights lies this pleasant ridge top campsite. This is a fairly popular campsite on the Great North Walk, providing a flat area[59] with plenty of shade. There are no facilities (or water) at this large campsite. A faint track leads west from the campsite to an unfenced cliff with great views over the Berowra Waters Valley[60].

(2.65km) Int of ridge top campsite and Great North Walk → Joe Crafts Creek crossing

1.7 km
37 mins
24m
-196m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan Station’ sign[61], directly away from the campsite along the clear track. The track leads over a small rise[62] and then heads down to a four-way intersection[63] with a management trail (and the GNW track continuing ahead).
Continue straight: From the intersection[64], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[65] east along the track as it leads very gently downhill along the top of the ridge. Over the next 300m, the track passes a rock platform[66] and comes to a second rock platform with more views[67] and a ‘Great North Walk’ log book box[68] on a post. After leaving your note (and reading through a few entries), this walk continues down along the top of the ridge for another 200m to step down off another rock platform[69] (ignoring the track to your left). Here the walk starts to head downhill for the next 1km – initially the track leads down a series of short rocky steep sections[70][71], and passes some interesting large rock boulders[72][73] along the way. As the track moves further into the valley, it becomes consistently steeper[74] until leading down leading into the ferns and beside Joe Crafts Creek[75][76].

(4.31km) Joe Crafts Creek crossing → Valley viewing area

660 m
26 mins
158m
-5m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses Joe Crafts Creek[77][78] and heads east up the clear track. This creek may be particularly dangerous to cross after heavy or prolonged rain. The track climbs up a series of stone steps[79], passing through a couple of cracks in the rock[80] before a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[81] about 60m from the creek. The rocky track continues to climb steeply up for about 300m, then climbs up a timber (and metal) staircase[82], followed by a few section of handrail[83]. Here the walk leads up around the base of rock wall[84] and then climbs up the side to the top of the large, unfenced rock platform with great valley views[85]. The walk continues up the ridge line for another 200m, very gently at first[86], then more steeply up the rocky sections[87]. The track heads along the base of another rock wall[88], then up the stone steps[89] and past the handrail to come to an intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk – Viewing Area’ sign[90]. The short track (on your right) leads to a seat at the edge of an unfenced cliff with views[91] and a seat[92].

(4.96km) Valley viewing area → Int of GNW and Glendale Road

880 m
16 mins
25m
-14m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection near the ‘viewing point’[93], this walk heads gently uphill directly away from the viewing area, keeping the valley on your right[94]. The track leads up a few short, moderately steep sections[95] for about 100m, then the track heads much more gently up through the open scribbly gum forest[96] for about 400m before passing under the power lines[97]. Here, the walk turns left and follows the wide trail[98] for about 40m and turns right[99] (before the locked gate), following a GNW arrow post[100] under another set of power lines[101]. The walk follows the track through the pleasant forest[102] for just shy of 300m then crosses the dirt Glendale Rd[103] to find ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[104] pointing back across the intersection.

(5.84km) Int of GNW and Glendale Road → Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail

830 m
19 mins
33m
-59m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[105] away from the dirt road and down along the rocky and sandy track. The track winds through the forest (with some interesting twisted, thin scribbly gums[106][107]) for about 600m before bending left and following under a set of power lines[108]. Near the Pacific Hwy (up to your right), this walk continues for about 150m and crosses over a very short section of timber boardwalk[109] before climbing up a few steps to a T-intersection with a wide management trail[110].

(6.67km) Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan trackhead

500 m
11 mins
27m
-13m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[111] gently downhill, keeping the valley views to your left[112]. The trail gently winds behind some houses (up to your right) for about 400m before bending right and heading up through a weedy section[113]. The walk then passes around a locked gate[114] to come to an intersection with a footpath, just before the Pacific Hwy[115] and across from Cowan station. There is a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[116] here, pointing back to ‘Sydney Cove’.

(7.17km) Int of Great North Walk and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan Station

40 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow across the Pacific Highway (be careful of traffic) to the ramp at the front of Cowan Railway Station.

Maps for the Berowra Waters to Cowan Station walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Berowra Waters to Cowan Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	7.2 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

3.3km of this walk is very steep and another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 580m is flat with no steps and the remaining 390m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

4.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.2km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 720m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 430m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 430m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 660m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (390m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Berowra Waters to Cowan Station walk starts at the Berowra Waters track head (gps: -33.60055, 151.12561)
Your transport options to Berowra Waters track head are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Berowra Waters to Cowan Station ends at the Cowan Station (gps: -33.593766, 151.17169)
Your transport options to Cowan Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bwtcs
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-bwtcs

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/bwtcs

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

And Walk

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

Download & Print Map and Notes

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Hornsby train station and winds down along the Blue Gum Walk into Fishponds and along Berowra Creek. The walk passes through the Tunks Ridge Reserve and then into Galston Gorge. From here the walk keeps following the Berowra Creek through the Crosslands campsite to Calna creek, and then up to Mt Kuring-gai.
Note this walk was re-routed in early 2016 to go via the streets of Hornsby Heights. This re-route is due to the multi-agency decision to close the Fishponds to Steele Bridge section of the Benowie Track. This decision has upset many people and the protest continues.

(0km) Hornsby Train Station → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk

720 m
14 mins
8m
-34m

Easy track

(0.72km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Berowra Valley Bushland Park

540 m
14 mins
12m
-89m

Hard track

Berowra Valley Bushland Park

(1.26km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail

890 m
20 mins
45m
-39m

Moderate track

(2.15km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail → Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack

30 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Easy track

(2.18km) Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Fishponds crossing

340 m
8 mins
3m
-40m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[45] along the flat narrow track past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[46]. The track soon bends left (passing along the top of an unfenced cliff) then winds down some steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[47]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[48]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[49] and signposted intersection[50].
Turn right: From the lookout[51], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[52] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[53]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[54] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[55]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Fishponds

Fishponds is a long waterhole[56] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[57] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[58], and a small timber bridge[59] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[60]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities – please heed the signs and Cora’s parents’ plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

(2.18km) Int of GNW and Manor Rd Bushtrack → End of Clarinda St

1.9 km
44 mins
131m
-49m

Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Alternative Route’ arrow on the GNW sign[62]. The track dips before heading steeply uphill, zigzagging in several sections. The walk leads you up a large metal staircase to the top of the cliffs, coming to the intersection of Manor Rd and Dilkera Cl.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Manor Rd as it initially heads up a gentle hill. After about 600m, Manor Road turns to skirt about Mount Wilga Hospital, and the road changes name to Rosamond St. The walk continues along to the intersection with Stewart Ave on the left (this is a four-way intersection, with Carrington Rd on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along Rosamond St following the Great North Walk arrow. The walk then turns left into Clarinda St and follows it to the end of the road, to find the ‘Clarinda Wetlands’ sign.

(4.06km) End of Clarinda St → Int of Clarinda St trail and waterfall track

1.1 km
24 mins
51m
-66m

Easy track

Turn right: From the end of Clarinda St Hornsby, this walk heads around the green gate with the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign on it, keeping the ‘Clarinda wetlands’ to the left. The walk follows the management trail, which soon bends left and gently winds through the bushland. There are some interesting rock formations on the right and the occasional valley view on the left. The track is fairly flat most of the way, until a left-hand bend that leads down to cross a small creek, and then up the other side of the valley. Once the track flattens out again, it comes to an intersection with the Simon Pl management trail on the right, at a fairly large clearing.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat management trail, heading away from Simon Place past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’, ‘Dogs Prohibited’ sign[63]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[64] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left.

(5.14km) Int of Clarinda St and waterfall track → Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track

470 m
13 mins
9m
-98m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the narrow track, following the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[65]. The track is rocky and steep in a few places. Take care as the track turns at the top of some smaller cliffs while winding down the hill. Steps have been made from rocks and logs, making this track a bit more gentle, and there are some carved steps in the steeper sections. At the bottom of a small flight stone stairs, the walk crosses the creek on the rocks just in front of the waterfall.
Veer right: From the waterfall, this walk climbs the stone stairs (keeping the waterfall initially on the left) and then turns right, heading up out of the gully. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk heads through the bush until soon coming to a ‘T’ intersection with the Stewart St management trail, signposted with a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[66].

(5.61km) Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track → Steele Bridge

400 m
8 mins
5m
-29m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge 4km’ arrow[67] down the hill along the wide management trail. For the most part, the trail gently heads downhill then bends around to the left, leading to an intersection just before Steele Bridge.

Historic Military ‘Steele’ Bridge

This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek’s edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 ‘Steele’ bridges still in use in NSW. More info.

(6km) Steele Bridge → Tunks Ridge Rest Area

1.8 km
44 mins
160m
-33m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the ‘Historic Military Steele Bridge’[68] and turns right to follow the ‘Crosslands’ sign [69] uphill along the wide management trail. After about 200m, the trail becomes steeper (and is concreted) for around 150m, then flattens out just before the left bend. The trail continues to climb (enjoying the valley views to the right) for another 400m, after which the trail becomes quite steep again for for about 600m (here the trail is sealed[70] then concreted[71] in two sections). From the top of the second concreted section, the trail leads gently uphill for just shy of 300m to the well-signposted ‘Tunks Ridge Rest Area’, where a sign points back down the trail to ‘Stewart St Hornsby Trackhead’[72].

Tunks Ridge Rest Area

Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[73] at the junction of three management trails. There is no water or other facilities (you will need to carry your own in). A sign at the top of the campsite reminds campers that there is a one night limit and that it is a fuel stove only area (no campfires)[74]. Please note that the composting toilet[75] has been removed and no longer available.

(7.78km) Tunks Ridge Rest Area → Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track

1.4 km
28 mins
38m
-68m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the rest area, this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ AND ‘Crosslands Reserve’ signs[76] along the wide management trail, keeping the valley to your right. The trail winds along the side of the ridge[77] (passing along the base of a long rock wall[78], up to your left) for about 700m, until the trail comes to the top of the ridge. From here, the trail leads for another 500m, down across a saddle[79] then up to a clear Y-intersection[80]. The walk takes the left branch and passes a few ‘Regeneration Area’ signs[81][82] over about 250m, coming to a well-signposted[83] intersection with narrower track (on your left), partway around the right-hand bend.

(9.14km) Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track → Galston Gorge track head

550 m
16 mins
14m
-119m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[84] down the steep rocky track[85] as it zigzags down towards the valley. About 40m down the hill, the track comes to a ‘Great North Walk – Walkers Registration’ box[86]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues downhill, passing through a crack in the rock[87] where the walk bends right and follows along the particularly rocky section for about 150m and comes to a fence[88]. The fence guides down a steep section, passing a cave[89], and comes to the top of a metal peg ladder[90]. This walk climbs down the ladder, then follows the rock wall (keeping the road to your left), heading down through a crack[91] and along another fence, then coming to a flat area beside the road[92]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow[93] to the right and down under the bridge[94]. The walk crosses the creek, usually a bit more than ankle deep[95]. This creek maybe impassable after rain – the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[96], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other bank, the walk turns left to follow the track uphill[97]. The track well-formed track climbs to the well-signposted and paved Galston Gorge trackhead[98], where a ‘Fishponds’ sign[99] points back down the track.

Galston Gorge track head

Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[100] on the eastern side of Berowra Creek, near the bottom of the gorge on Galston Road. This track head is a good access point for those wanting to do sections of the Great North Walk and is well signposted[101]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[102].

(9.68km) Galston Gorge track head → Unnamed Falls

1.3 km
41 mins
161m
-109m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the Galston Gorge trackhead, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign[103] up the timber steps, away from the road[104]. The track soon bends left then mostly flattens out as it winds along the side of the valley for almost 200m, where it passes above an old rusted car[105] (some distance down the hill, to your left). Here the narrowing, rocky track winds down through a lovely grass tree[106] and boulder[107] forest for about 600m, coming to a small flat rock platform[108]. The walk then bends right (ignoring the steep track down to the left). The track then leads among more grass trees for another 100m and crosses a mossy and rocky gully[109]. Once across this gully, the track begins to climb steeply[110], then up a steep set of steps (through a crack in the rock)[111]. At the top of the steps, the track continues to climb for another 70m before mostly flattening out[112]. Soon the track starts to wind downhill, crossing a wider mossy gully[113] with larger boulders[114] and a small waterfall[115]. The gully is marked with a few GNW markers[116].

Gulley Creek Falls

This is a nice little creek crossing[117] on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls[118][119] flow just upstream of the track, even after a small amount of rain. Enjoy the cool shade of the trees at the creek crossing from the track.

(10.95km) Unnamed Falls → Berowra Creek campsite track

3.4 km
1 hr 28 mins
217m
-297m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the waterfall, this walk follows the GNW markers[120] out of the gully, initially keeping the waterfall[121] up to your right. The rocky track leads up the side of the hill[122], moderately steeply at times, for about 600m and then passes along the base of a long rock wall[123] (on your right). At the end of this wall, the walk climbs the carved steps[124]. The walk continues along the track for about 600m, walking along the series of unfenced rock platforms[125] (passing under the high-tension power-lines[126]) to then head down to a section of fenced track. There are some good valley views from this lookout[127]. From the end of the fence, the track soon starts to lead further downhill for about 150m, coming to a clearing on a flat rock platform[128]which is marked with a GNW arrow post[129]. Here, the walk turns left and winds quite steeply[130] downhill for about 120m, to then follow a flatter section of track with plenty of grass trees[131]. After about 300m (passing close to the creek a couple of times[132]), the walk crosses a rocky gully[133] (where you can see the creek again on your left). Continuing along the side of the valley for about 250m, the track then leads across another rocky gully[134] and finds another nice spot beside Berowra Creek just beyond[135]. The track continues near the creek (passing under the power lines) for another 300m and climbs down a rock with a couple of metal pegs[136].
Over the next 600m, the track crosses a couple of small, flat timber bridges[137][138] and passes alongside the lovely creek[139] to then climb up through a crack in a rock, where there is a handrail in place[140]. On the other side of this little climb, the track passes under a small overhang[141] and continues alongside the creek for another 300m, where it comes to an intersection[142] with a track on your right (which leads to a clearing[143] and campsite[144]).

Berowra Creek campsite

This shady campsite is located on the Benowie Track a short distance back from Berowra Creek, south of the Crosslands Reserve. Providing plenty of tree cover[145], flat ground[146] and an established fire scar[147], this campsite is a great spot for those walkers who want a quiet night’s sleep away from the more popular Crosslands Reserve. The creek water is brackish at this point, so it is not drinkable (except after heavy rain and lower tide, but then the water is more polluted) – best to bring your own water.

(14.38km) Berowra Creek campsite track → Crosslands southern toilet block

1.4 km
33 mins
85m
-84m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection near the campsite, this walk follows the clear track alongside Berowra Creek, whilst keeping the creek to your left. After about 30m, the track crosses a small, flat, timber bridge[148], then continues to wind along near the creek[149] for about 300m before crossing a rocky gully[150], with a small creek[151]. After another 250m of walking through the the fern and turpentine forest, the track leads to an overgrown but signposted campsite[152] (on your left). The track then crosses a small creek using a timber bridge with a handrail[153] then almost 200m later, the track passes a more open area that has been used as a campsite[154]. The track continues mostly flat for another 100m, coming to a view across the creek (to the grassy area of Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre[156]). Here the walk climbs the stone steps[157], to pass another (unfenced) view across the creek[158].
The track continues to wind downhill[159] for another 250m, then heads along the flat[160], past the ‘Crosslands Reserve’ sign[161], to come to the large corrugated iron toilet block[162].

Crosslands Campsite

On the far southern end of Crosslands Reserve is a toilet block and campsite. The campsite is well set up and managed by Hornsby Council. There are picnic tables[163], electric barbecues[164], toilets[165], a children’s playground[166], garbage bins[167] and town water[168]. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit[169]. The campsite must be booked and fees apply – $9 per night for adults and $6 for children (infants under 4 are free). The gate at the top of the hill is locked at 5.30pm EST and 7.30pm (daylight savings time). A pleasant and well established campsite beside the river[171]. More info.

(15.74km) Crosslands southern toilet block → Crosslands Carpark

340 m
5 mins
2m
-5m

Very easy

Veer left: From the toilet block, this walk follows the dirt footpath[172] nearest the creek, towards the main area of Crosslands reserve, whilst keeping the creek to your left. The track soon leads past a ‘Boats destroyed’ information sign[173], then past the only ‘Authorised fire pit’[174][175] and main camping area. This walk then continues along the path, passing the ‘Climate change and the river’ information sign[176] and timber viewing platform[177][178]. Here the path leads past the picnic shelters[179] and BBQ’s[180] to then continue along the concrete footpath[181]. The path leads past another viewing platform[182] (and information sign), then past the children’s play equipment [183] and comes to the end of the path where there is a car park[184](on your right) and sign pointing to ‘Crosslands Conventions Centre AND Field Study’ across the creek (on your left)[185]

Crosslands

Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[186], electric barbecues[187], toilets[188], car parking[189], a children’s playground[190], garbage bins[191], camping area, toilets

[Toilet Accessible]

and town water[192]. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park.
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.

(16.07km) Crosslands Carpark → Northern end of Crosslands carpark

250 m
4 mins
1m
0m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path[196] between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp[197]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[198] at the northern end of the car park[199]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.

(16.32km) Northern end of Crosslands Carpark → Crosslands North

260 m
4 mins
1m
-2m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the northern end of Crosslands car park[200] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ arrow[201] on the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign around the locked gate

[Wheelchair Rough]

and along the sealed old road[202]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

to come to a y-intersection[203]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the ‘Place of Winds’ sign[204] and wetland[205] (on your right). This walk continues along this old road for a little longer, coming to an intersection marked with a large ‘Crosslands’ information board[206] and ‘Great North walk’ sign[207]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[208], not far from the toilet block[209]

[Toilet]

Crosslands North Picnic area

The northern section of Crosslands is in Berowra Valley NP and is a less formal picnic area compared with the southern area. There is a toilet block

[Toilet]

[210][211] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[212]. Here you will find a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

and shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

[213], as well as garbage bins[214]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[215]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[216] .

(16.58km) Crosslands North → Estuaries viewing platform int.

220 m
4 mins
7m
-5m

Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[217], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[218] along the timber boardwalk[219]

[Trip Hazard]

. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[220] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[221]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past ‘Mangrove Food Cycle’ information signs[222] to come to an 3-way intersection[223] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[224] (on your left).

Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout

The Estuarie lookout over Berowara Creek is found at the end of the wheelchair-accessible walk in Crosslands area. The timber lookout platform provides great views over Berowra Creek[225], the timber fence is 95cm high[226]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[227] and the ‘Original Inhabitants’[228]. There are two timber bench seats

[Seat]

[229] encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.

(16.8km) Estuaries viewing platform → Calna Creek Bridge intersection

780 m
20 mins
54m
-57m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection at the estuaries viewing platform, this walk follows the timber ramp down to the dirt track[230] and heads past the ‘..unsuitable for wheelchair access’ sign[231]. The track leads alongside the wide creek for about 200m to the ‘All creatures great and small’ information sign[232], then down a little way further to head along a short section of timber boardwalk[233].
About 100m further along the rocky track, this walk comes to a lookout and a ‘Catch the Threats’ information sign[234], where the track continues past the bench seat[235] and alongside the creek to the ‘The Rock Club’ information sign[236]. The track then leads among some grass tress[237] for just over 100m to the ‘Bush Supermarket’ information sign[238]. Just past this sign, the track begins to climb fairly steeply up the stone[239] and timber steps[240] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[241].
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow east downhill, initially keeping the ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[242] on your right. The track bends left and follows the timber steps[243] as the track winds steeply down the side of the hill. Near the bottom of the hill, the track passes a ‘Rock n Roll’ information sign[244] then comes to a long, metal footbridge[245]. The walk crosses the bridge over Calna Creek and comes to a signposted intersection, with a ‘Fragile Marsh’ information sign[246]

(17.58km) Int of GNW and Lyrebird Gully tracks → Calna Creek campsite (north)

110 m
2 mins
3m
0m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection beside the Calna Creek bridge[247], this walk follows the ‘Mt Kuring-Gai’ sign[248] along the clear track[249], keeping Calna Creek (through the trees) to your right. After about 100m, the track passes the southern tip of the saltmarsh[250] (on your left) and comes to a large clearing[251] and campsite[252] (also on your left), surrounded by casuarina trees.

Calna Creek Campsite (north)

This is a quaint little campsite, located on the Mt Kuring-gai access track to the Great North Walk, on the banks of Calna Creek. This campsite provides plenty of room for a few tents[253], and also a fire scar with logs for seating[254]. Carry in your own water as the salty creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(17.69km) Calna Creek campsite (north) → Calna Creek campsite (south)

400 m
9 mins
23m
-23m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk follows the track south along the clear track, keeping Calna Creek to your right[255]. The track leads along the flat for about 100m to the climb over a rocky rise[256] then down a short timber staircase[257]. The rocky track continues for another 180m, stepping over a fallen tree[258], to then cross a timber bridge[259] (with handrails) over a small tidal creek[260]. Here the track leads through flat grassy area and casuarina forest[261] for about 100m to come to a signposted[262] camping area[263].

Calna Creek Campsite (south)

This small signposted[264] campsite sits on a flat grassy clearing in a small casuarina forest which provides plenty of shade. There is a small fireplace set up. This creek-side campsite is a good spot for those wanting to get the most out of a relaxing, overnight camp, just a short stroll to Berowra Creek and the main spine of the Great North Walk. Bring your own water, as the creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(18.09km) Calna Creek Campsite (south) → Lyrebird Caves

1.6 km
33 mins
106m
-39m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the signposted[265] campsite[266], this walk follows the clear flat track upstream, keeping the wide Calna Creek to your right. After just 25m, the track leads over flat timber bridge[267] then continues along the mostly flat track for another 400m, passing a few sandy beaches[268] to come to the point where the track leads up away from open valley views[269] and into the denser forest[270]. Here the walk leads up the rocky track[271] among the ferns and mossy boulders for 400m to follow a GNW arrow post[272] across Calna Creek using boulders with carved steps[273]. This creek crossing and other crossing further up the valley can become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Here the track continues upstream (with the creek on your left) among more ferns[274], for almost 300m to follow another GNW arrow post across creek, again using boulders with carved steps[275]. Back on the other side, this walk heads along the side of the creek (on your right) through the shaded forest[276] and past some large boulders for about 70m, where the track then bends left to follow some stone steps[277] steeply as they zigzag[278] up the hill a fairly short distance. The track then mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the hill for about 200m, to then head up another shorter but steep hill[279]. About 40m past the top of this climb (just past a small overhang), this walk leads under a large sandstone overhang[280], the larger of a few Lyrebird gully caves in the area.

Lyrebird Caves

The Lyrebird caves are a series of notable sandstone overhangs on the eastern side of Lyrebird Gully. There are 3 main overhangs[281][282][283], with the larger (more northern) one providing significant shelter[284]. The larger cave has a fairly flat base[285] in the centre and provides a pleasant place to rest on a hot or rainy day.

(19.71km) Lyrebird Caves → Lyrebird Waterfall

140 m
4 mins
1m
-14m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the cave, this walk follows the track out of the cave to head along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 70m, the track leads through a smaller cave[286], then just a few metres later through another (bit larger) sandstone overhang[287]. The track then continues along the side of the hill for another 50m before bending right and leading down the timber steps[288] to find a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[289] on the handrail. This is at the top of Lyrebird Gully waterfall[290].

Lyrebird waterfall

This informally named waterfall is found on Lyrebird Gully creek about 300m upstream of its confluence with Calna Creek. The top of the fall is partially fenced with a timber handrail[291] where the water flows over the solid rock platform, with naturally carved holes[292], to fall about 8m to the shallow pool[293] and boulders below. The track passes the top of the fall and does not provide a good view of the face of the fall, but it is still a very pleasant spot.

(19.85km) Lyrebird Waterfall → Lyrebird Clearing

1.4 km
27 mins
92m
-21m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the top of the Lyrebird Gully falls[294], this walk follows the ‘The Great North walk’ sign[295] and the handrail across the creek using the flat timber bridge[296] (note: this boardwalk/bridge was washed away during a flood in 2012, the hand rail is still in place). Once on the other side of the creek, this walk bends left and almost immediately crosses the creek again using boulders with carved steps[297]. Once back on the other side, this walk follows the edge of creek upstream (keeping the creek to your right) [298] for just shy of 100m, where the rocky track then bends left and leads up the hill then up a rock (with metal peg)[299]. The walk then leads along the side of the hill and soon passes beside a rock wall[300] (on your left) and a section of handrail[301] and steep valley (on your right). Here the rocky track continues along side of hill[302] for about 250m before bending right and leading down to and across a short section of green timber boardwalk[303], then follows the GNW arrow post[304] across Lyrebird Gully creek[305] on the sandstone platform. Here the track leads up the other side of the gully, up a series of rock[306] and timber[307] steps for about 300m to pass a short section of handrail[308]. Just past this handrail, the track leads along a rock wall[309] to find a ‘Great North Walk register’ box on a pole[310][311]. After filling in your intentions (and reading others entries), this walk continues up the stone steps with a handrail[312], where the track bends left and along the side of the hill[313] for about 150m to cross a short flat timber bridge[314] over a concrete channel[315]. Here the track leads up the short hill, bends left and soon comes to a clearing to turn right at the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[316]. Here the track continues for another 120m through the larger clearing to come to the the start of a sealed management trail[317], beside the tall green sewage vent[318].

(21.22km) Lyrebird Clearing → Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy

530 m
12 mins
84m
-2m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk follows GNW arrow post[319] uphill along the sealed management trail, from beside the tall green sewage vent[320]. The trail winds steeply uphill[321] for about 500m, then behind the houses it bends right[322], mostly flattening out at the large ‘To the Great North Walk’ sign[323]. Here the walk continues a short distance further to head around the locked ‘Lyrebird Gully Track’ gate[324] coming to Glenview Rd[325] (just beside the intersection with the Pacific Hwy).

(21.75km) Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy → Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station

520 m
9 mins
9m
-8m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the locked gate (near the intersection of ‘Glenview Rd’ and the Pacific Hwy), this walk crosses ‘Glenview Rd’[326] and follows the footpath beside the Pacific Hwy[327] to come to the base of the pedestrian bridge[328] (just before the Aldi shopping complex).
From the bottom of the footbridge near the Aldi shopping complex, this walk follows the ramp[329] as it zigzags up to the bridge[330] that then leads over the Pacfic Hwy[331]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk turns left then crosses the road[332], following the footpath down beside the road[333]. The walk soon crosses Glenview Rd at the traffic lights[334] (intersection with the Pacific Hwy). Here the walk continues along the footpath between the Pacific Hwy and the railway line for about 200m to come to the entrance of ‘Mt Kuring-gai Station’[335]. Here the walk heads down through the tunnel[336] to come to a signposted intersection[337], midway through the tunnel, at the base of the steps (that lead up to the train station).

Maps for the Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	22.3 km
		Time	9 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

11km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3km is flat with no steps and the remaining 2.7km is very steep.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 3.9km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 14km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 12km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 10km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 19km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 11km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 11km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai walk starts at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)
Your transport options to Hornsby Train Station are by;

Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai ends at the Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station (gps: -33.653812, 151.13673)
Your transport options to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-htmkg
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bvrp-htmkg

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/htmkg

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

And Walk

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

Download & Print Map and Notes

Crosslands

Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[1], electric barbecues[2], toilets[3], car parking[4], a children’s playground[5], garbage bins[6], camping area, toilets

[Toilet Accessible]

and town water[7]. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park.
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.

(0km) Crosslands Carpark → Northern end of Crosslands carpark

250 m
4 mins
1m
0m

Very easy

From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path[11] between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp[12]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[13] at the northern end of the car park[14]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.

(0.25km) Northern end of Crosslands Carpark → Crosslands North

260 m
4 mins
1m
-2m

And Walk

Bellamy fire trail

(0km) End of Bellamy St → Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks

Easy track

(0.09km) Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.

Easy track

Thornleigh zigzag railway

(0.22km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

Moderate track

Old Thornleigh Quarry

(0.37km) Thornleigh Quarry → Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail

Very easy

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of Timbarra Rd

Easy track

Maps for the Bellamy fire trail walk

Cross sectional view of the Bellamy fire trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bellamy fire trail

Accessibility summary information for the Bellamy fire trail

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

(0km) End of Bellamy St → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.

Easy track

(0.22km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

Moderate track

Old Thornleigh Quarry

(0.37km) Thornleigh Quarry → Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail

Very easy

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of Timbarra Rd

Easy track

(0.48km) Int of Heritage Trail and De Saxe Cl trail → End of De Saxe Close

Moderate track

Maps for the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail walk

Cross sectional view of the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Clarinda St dog walking trail

(0km) End of Clarinda St → Int of Clarinda St and Simon Pl trails

Easy track

(0.44km) Int of Clarinda St and Simon Pl trails → End of Simon Place

Easy track

Maps for the Clarinda St dog walking trail walk

Cross sectional view of the Clarinda St dog walking trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Clarinda St dog walking trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required