Berowra to Hornsby
Download & Print Map and Notes
9 hrs 18 mins
22.6 km One way
1423 m
Hard track
(0km) Berowra Station → Crowley Road track head
710 m
14 mins
25m
-15m
Very easy
From the entrance to Berowra train station[1], this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ arrow on the ‘Great North Walk’ sign, crossing the highway at the traffic lights[2]. On the other side of the highway, this walk turns left and follows the footpath past a series of local shops and cafes[3][4] for about 150m, then turns right onto Berowra Waters Rd[5]. The footpath passes the post office[6] then Caltex service station[7], then the walk crosses ‘The Gully Rd’[8]. Continuing along the Berowra Waters Rd footpath, this walk passes the park[9][10] and then crosses the road just to the right of the roundabout[11]. Turning left in front of the community hall, this walk immediately turns right at Crowley Rd, and comes to the open grassy area[12] behind the community hall[13], where a sign in the park points back to ‘Berowra Station’[14].
(0.71km) Crowley Road track head → Int of Berowra service trail and Great North Walk
900 m
21 mins
18m
-106m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the small park on Crowley Rd, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign[15] downhill, tending left behind the houses[16]. The track soon bends right and leads quite steeply[17] down a series of steps for about 120m, then tends left and flattens out on an unfenced rock platform[18]. From here, the track leads down a metal staircase[19][20] then heads fairly steeply[21] down along a rocky track.
The track begins to flatten out over the next 400m, crossing the gully twice, then leads down to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of arrow posts[22].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post[23] downhill and soon crosses a small creek[24]. The track then continues up the other side of the valley, over a small rise, then leads down to an intersection with a management trail[25], marked with a couple more arrow posts.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post[23] downhill and soon crosses a small creek[24]. The track then continues up the other side of the valley, over a small rise, then leads down to an intersection with a management trail[25], marked with a couple more arrow posts.
(1.61km) Int of Berowra service trail and Great North Walk → Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks
1.1 km
27 mins
69m
-57m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow[26] down the wide management trail for about 40m, then continues up the moderately steep hill to a wide three-way intersection[27], where a sign points back towards ‘Berowra Station’[28].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign [29] as the trail bends left, leading down the hill. The trail then undulates around the side of valley for about 300m and crosses a small creek (where the trail is gravel[30]). The trail then heads generally uphill for about 600m, before a last little downhill stretch leads to an intersection (with a track on your left) and a ‘Berowra Station’ sign[31] pointing back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign [29] as the trail bends left, leading down the hill. The trail then undulates around the side of valley for about 300m and crosses a small creek (where the trail is gravel[30]). The trail then heads generally uphill for about 600m, before a last little downhill stretch leads to an intersection (with a track on your left) and a ‘Berowra Station’ sign[31] pointing back along the track.
(2.72km) Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks → Sams Creek Crossing
670 m
30 mins
44m
-181m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign[32] down the narrower track. The track soon becomes quite steep as it leads down a series of steps and stairs for about 150m to come to a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[33]. After a rest, this walk continues down more steps (and staircases) as the track zigzags steeply down the hill for another 350m, and then flattens out beside a rocky gully. Here the walk crosses the mossy and rocky gully[34], then veers right following the GNW arrow across Sams Creek on the boulders[35]. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. The walk then comes to a flat area with a sign pointing back across the creek to ‘Berowra Waters’[36].
(3.39km) Sams Creek Crossing → Sams Creek ridge clearing
500 m
11 mins
23m
-20m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the south side of Sams Creek, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign[37] downstream (keeping Sams Creek to your right), as the track heads over a rocky point[38] then along the flat track. After about 350m, this track then leads to a large flat clearing[39] beside Sams Creek[40] (subject to flooding).
Continuing past this clearing through the saltmarsh[41], the walk heads left[42] (ignoring the track leading straight into the mangroves[43]) then goes up the side of the hill for about 100m to a small, flat, pleasant clearing, surrounded by large boulders[44].
(3.89km) Sams Creek Ridge Clearing → Calna Creek Bridge intersection
1.1 km
27 mins
58m
-67m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk follows the track south, down the side of this ridge, keeping Berowra Creek valley to your left. The track leads steeply down at first then gently undulating along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[45] and grass tress[46]. The track then begins to bend left away from Berowra Creek, and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[47] for almost 200m through the casuarina forest. Here the walk turns right to follow the boardwalk for about 80m across the large, open, flat saltmarsh[48] to find a three-way intersection just before a bridge[49], marked with a ‘Fragile Marsh’ information sign[50].
(5.04km) Calna Creek Bridge intersection → Estuaries viewing platform
780 m
20 mins
57m
-54m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Crosslands’ sign[51] across the long, metal footbridge[52] over Calna Creek. The track then winds fairly steeply up the side of the hill, initially passing the ‘Rock n Roll’ information sign[53]. The track continues up the timber steps[54] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[55].
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow west downhill, initially keeping the ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[56] on your left. The track bends left and gently heads down the side of the hill for a short time before heading more steeply down the timber[57] and stone[58] steps. Then the rocky track mostly flattens out beside the wide creek to find the ‘Bush Supermarket’ information sign[59]. Next the track leads among some grass tress[60] for just over 100m to the ‘The Rock Club’ information sign[61], then the track leads up past a bench seat and onto a lookout and a ‘Catch the Threats’ information sign[62]. About 100m further along the track, this walk heads along a short section of timber boardwalk[63], then soon after, comes to the ‘All creatures great and small’ information sign[64]. The track leads for another 200m alongside the wide creek to a timber ramp[65] and an intersection[66] in the boardwalk with an estuaries viewing platform[67] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow west downhill, initially keeping the ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[56] on your left. The track bends left and gently heads down the side of the hill for a short time before heading more steeply down the timber[57] and stone[58] steps. Then the rocky track mostly flattens out beside the wide creek to find the ‘Bush Supermarket’ information sign[59]. Next the track leads among some grass tress[60] for just over 100m to the ‘The Rock Club’ information sign[61], then the track leads up past a bench seat and onto a lookout and a ‘Catch the Threats’ information sign[62]. About 100m further along the track, this walk heads along a short section of timber boardwalk[63], then soon after, comes to the ‘All creatures great and small’ information sign[64]. The track leads for another 200m alongside the wide creek to a timber ramp[65] and an intersection[66] in the boardwalk with an estuaries viewing platform[67] (on your right).
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[68], the timber fence is 95cm high[69]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[70] and the ‘Original Inhabitants’[71]. There are two timber bench seats[72] encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.
(5.82km) Estuaries viewing platform int. → Crosslands North
220 m
4 mins
5m
-7m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the timber boardwalk as it winds along beside the mangroves, keeping the water to the right. The boardwalk leads for about 70m past a ‘Mangrove Food Cycle’ information sign[73] to where the timber stops and the firm dirt track[74] starts. This walk leads along the dirt track for 60m about to then follow a second section of timber boardwalk[75] for another 60m, across the mangrove wetland[76] to the end of the boardwalk. Here there is a clear intersection marked with a large ‘Crosslands’ information board[77] and a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[78] pointing back along the boardwalk. This intersection is on the edge of the northern Crosslands picnic area[79], not far from the toilet block[80].
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[81][82] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[83]. Here you will find a few picnic tables and shelters[84], as well as garbage bins[85]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[86]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[87] .
(6.03km) Crosslands North → Northern end of Crosslands Carpark
260 m
4 mins
2m
-1m
Very easy
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk leads across about 20m of grass to then follow the old sealed road out of this picnic area, directly away from the face of the large ‘Crosslands’ information board[88]. The path soon leads past the ‘Place of Winds’ sign[89] and wetland[90] (on your left). The walk continues straight and over the next 150m this walk passes 4 picnic tables, then comes to a locked gate[91] and a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[92]. Here the walk leads around the locked gate to find the northern end of the car park[93] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights).
(6.3km) Northern end of Crosslands carpark → Crosslands Carpark
250 m
4 mins
0m
-1m
Very easy
Continue straight: From the northern end of Crosslands car park[94], this walk follows the ‘Sydney Cove’ sign[95] along the dirt path[96] between the road (car park) and the creek (on your right). After 120m this path leads past a boat ramp[97] then after another 120m, (just as the road bends left[98]), this walk comes to the start of the southern picnic area[99]. There is a ‘Crosslands Conventions Centre & Field Study’ sign[100] here, pointing across Berowra Creek.
Crosslands
Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[101], electric barbecues[102], toilets[103], car parking[104], a children’s playground[105], garbage bins[106], camping area, toilets and town water[107]. 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.
(6.54km) Crosslands Carpark → Crosslands southern toilet block
340 m
5 mins
5m
-2m
Very easy
Continue straight: From near the car park[111], this walk follows the concrete footpath through the open parkland, keeping the creek to your right (through the trees)[112]. The path leads past the tap[113], garbage bins[114] and children’s play area [115] and soon comes to a viewing platform[116] (on your right) with a ‘A place between the tides’ sign[117]. Here the walk continues on the path alongside the picnic shelters[118] and BBQ’s[119], to continue straight along the wide dirt path[120]. The path soon leads past another viewing platform[121][122] (on your right), then past the ‘Authorised fire pit’[123][124] and main camping area (on your left). This walk then follows the path to the left, up to the large corrugated iron toilet block[125].
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[126], electric barbecues[127], toilets[128], a children’s playground[129], garbage bins[130] and town water[131]. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit[132]. 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[134]. More info.
(6.88km) Crosslands southern toilet block → Berowra Creek campsite track
1.4 km
33 mins
84m
-85m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the toilet block[135], this walk follows the wide, dirt track[136] away from the main open area of Crosslands, whilst keeping the creek to your right. The track soon passes ‘Crosslands Reserve’ Sign[137] as the track starts to narrow. Soon the track starts to climb the side of the hill and comes to a high, unfenced view across the creek[138] (to Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre).
The walk then leads down the stone steps and along the flat track for about 100m, passing a small clearing used as a campsite[140] (on your left). Almost 200m later, the track crosses a small creek using a timber bridge with a handrail[141] and comes to an overgrown but signposted campsite[142] (on your right). After another 250m of walking through the the fern and turpentine forest, the track leads across a rocky gully[143]. Here the track continues to wind along near the creek[144] for about 300m then crosses another small flat timber bridge[145]. About 30m after this, the walk comes to an intersection[146] with a track on your left (which to a clearing[147] and campsite[148]).
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[149], flat ground[150] and an established fire scar[151], 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.
(8.24km) Berowra Creek campsite track → Unnamed Falls
3.4 km
1 hr 28 mins
297m
-217m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection near the campsite, this walk follows the clear track alongside Berowra Creek, whilst keeping the creek to your right. After about 300m, the track leads under a sandstone overhang[152], and uses the handrail to climb up and over a rocky point[153]. Over the next 600m, the track crosses a couple of small, flat timber bridges[154][155] and passes alongside the lovely creek[156] before climbing up a rock with a couple of metal pegs[157].
The track continues near the creek for another 300m (passing under the power lines), then crosses a rocky and mossy gully[158]. Continuing along the side of the valley, the track leads across another rocky gully[159]. As the track climbs out of the gully, it passes close to the creek a couple more times[160], then leads along a mostly flat section of track with plenty of grass trees[161] for about 300m. Here the track bends left and starts a fairly steep climb for about 120m, which leads to a clearing on a flat rock platform[162], marked with a GNW arrow post[163]. Here the walk turns right and leads up along the track for about 150m to come to a fenced rock platform, where there are some good valley views[164]. From the end of this fence, the track continues for about 600m along the series of unfenced rock platforms[165] (passing under the high-tension power lines[166]) to then climb down some carved steps[167] and find a long rock wall[168]. The rocky track soon leads down the the side of the hill[169] for about 600m, moderately steeply at times, to enter a mossy gully[170] with large boulders[171] and a small waterfall[172]. This gully is marked with a few GNW markers[173].
(11.67km) Unnamed Falls → Galston Gorge track head
1.3 km
41 mins
109m
-161m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the cool gully, this walk crosses the creek (keeping the falls up to your left) and follows the GNW arrows[177] up out of the gully. The track soon bends right and leads gently up and along the flat[178] for about 100m, through the more open forest[179]. Then, the track bends right and starts to lead downhill[180] before heading down a steep set of stone steps (through a gap in the rock)[181]. From here, the track continues a short distance further downhill through the now-moister forest[182] and crosses a smaller mossy and rocky gully[183]. The track continues out of the gully and around the side of the hill for about 100m, coming to a small, flat rock platform[184]. Here the walk bends left (ignoring the steep track down to the right). The rocky track winds up through a lovely grass tree[185] and boulder[186] forest for about 600m, then passes above an old rusted car[187] (some distance down the hill to your right). The walk continues along the widening, mostly flat track for almost 200m, then bends right and heads down the timber steps to find the paved Galston Gorge trackhead[188] and a ‘Crosslands’ sign[189] pointing back up the track.
Galston Gorge track head
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[190] 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[191]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[192].
(12.93km) Galston Gorge track head → Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track
550 m
16 mins
119m
-14m
Hard track
Turn right: From the Galston Gorge trackhead, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[193] down the steps towards the creek. The track then leads along the bank until just before the bridge, where this walk crosses the creek (usually a little more than ankle deep[194]). This creek may be impassable after rain – the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[195], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other side, the track turns left and heads under the bridge[196] then bends right and climbs up to a flat spot beside the road[197]. The track follows the ‘Fishponds Waterhole’ sign up the steps, following the fence on the rocky climb, and finds a metal peg ladder[198] just after passing through a crack in the rock[199]. This walk climbs the metal pegs then follows another fence[200] up the steep rocky climb, past a cave[201] to where the track flattens out for while. The walk then leaves the fence and heads along the rocky track, and after about 150m, the track turns left and passes through another crack in a rock[202]. The track leads up the fairly steep hill for about 70m to the ‘Great North Walk – Walkers Registration’ box[203]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues to climb up the rocky track and soon comes to a signposted T-intersection with a management trail. There is a ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[204] here, pointing back down the hill.
(13.48km) Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track → Tunks Ridge Rest Area
1.4 km
28 mins
68m
-38m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[205] along the wide trail, as the trail bends left. Over the next 250m, the trail passes a few ‘Regeneration Area’ signs[206][207] before coming to a three-way intersection[208]. Here the trail continues straight for another 500m down across a saddle[209], then the trail bends left to avoid the tall rock wall. The trail now leads along the side of the hill for about 700m (passing along the base of a long rock wall[210], up to your right) to come to the well-signposted ‘Tunks Ridge Rest Area’ where the ‘Galston Gorge’ AND ‘Crosslands Reserve’ signs[211] point back along the trail.
Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[212] 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)[213]. Please note that the composting toilet[214] has been removed and no longer available.
(14.84km) Tunks Ridge Rest Area → Steele Bridge
1.8 km
44 mins
33m
-160m
Hard track
Turn left: From lower side of Tunks Ridge Rest Area, this walk follows the ‘Stewart St’ AND ‘Rosemead Rd Hornsby Trackhead’ signs[215] downhill along the wide management trail. The trail leads gently downhill for about 300m, and then quite steeply down for about 600m, over two concreted sections and to the bottom of the sealed section[216]. Here the trail continues fairly (though less) steeply for another 400m (enjoying the valley views to the left[217]). Then the trail bends right and flattens out for a short time. The trail soon heads down again (over another concreted section[218]), then heads more gently for another 200m, past a few nice rock formations[219] (on your right), to come to a couple of signs[220] just before a metal bridge[221]. This walk crosses the ‘Historic Military Steele Bridge’[222], and comes to a clearly signposted[223][224] T-intersection on the other side.
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.
(16.61km) Steele Bridge → Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track
400 m
8 mins
29m
-5m
Easy track
Veer left: From Steele Bridge, this walk head up the wide management trail following the ‘Alternative route’ and ‘Fishponds 4km’ arrows[225], initially keeping Berowra Creek to the left. The trail turns right and gently works its way up the hill, soon coming to another large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[226] at an intersection with a track on the left.
(17.01km) Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track → Int of Clarinda St and waterfall track
470 m
13 mins
98m
-9m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds 4km’ arrow[227] along the narrow track. The walk soon comes to the top of a small cliff and turns right, heading down a flight of stone steps to the bottom of an unnamed waterfall.
Veer left: From the waterfall, this walk heads up out of the gully using the stone stairs whilst keeping the waterfall on the right-hand side. Take care as the track climbs around some small cliffs while winding up 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. The track then heads through a banksia grove, coming to a ‘T’ intersection with the wide Clarinda St management trail.
Veer left: From the waterfall, this walk heads up out of the gully using the stone stairs whilst keeping the waterfall on the right-hand side. Take care as the track climbs around some small cliffs while winding up 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. The track then heads through a banksia grove, coming to a ‘T’ intersection with the wide Clarinda St management trail.
(17.48km) Int of Clarinda St trail and waterfall track → End of Clarinda St
1.1 km
24 mins
66m
-51m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail, keeping the small cliffs and house up the hill to the left. The track gently meanders around the hill, passing some lovely ferns and sandstone rocks until coming to a ‘Y’ intersection at a clearing just before Simon Pl.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow down the hill, keeping the road and houses up the hill to the left. The wide management trail heads down the hill and crosses a small creek before continuing up the other side of the valley. At the top of the climb, the walk flattens out and then gently meanders around the hill. There are nice rock formations on the left and the occasional view of the valley on the right. After a little while, the trail comes to a brick wall and turns right, coming to the end of Clarinda St and the signposted ‘Clarinda Wetlands’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow down the hill, keeping the road and houses up the hill to the left. The wide management trail heads down the hill and crosses a small creek before continuing up the other side of the valley. At the top of the climb, the walk flattens out and then gently meanders around the hill. There are nice rock formations on the left and the occasional view of the valley on the right. After a little while, the trail comes to a brick wall and turns right, coming to the end of Clarinda St and the signposted ‘Clarinda Wetlands’.
(18.56km) End of Clarinda St → Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd
1.7 km
31 mins
49m
-36m
Easy track
Turn left: From the end of the road, this walk heads up Clarinda St, then turn right onto Rosamond St. Soon the walk comes to the intersection with Stewart Ave on the right (and Carrington Rd on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south along Rosamond St (initially keeping Stewart Avenue on the right), soon passing Mount Wilga Hospital, where the road changes name to Manor Rd. The walk follows Manor Rd around the hospital and for another 600m to the intersection with Dilkera Close.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south along Rosamond St (initially keeping Stewart Avenue on the right), soon passing Mount Wilga Hospital, where the road changes name to Manor Rd. The walk follows Manor Rd around the hospital and for another 600m to the intersection with Dilkera Close.
(20.22km) Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd → Int of GNW and Manor Rd Bushtrack
230 m
13 mins
0m
-95m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the corner of Manor Rd and Dilkera Cl, this walk follows the Great North Walk marker west to the cliffs and down the metal staircase. At the bottom of the cliffs, the track continues down the steep hill, zigzagging in several section. Just past the dip (small creek), the walk comes to a T-intersection at a large Great North Walk signpost[228].
(20.44km) Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Fishponds crossing
340 m
8 mins
3m
-40m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[229] along the flat narrow track past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[230]. 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)[231]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[232]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[233] and signposted intersection[234].
Turn right: From the lookout[235], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[236] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[237]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[238] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[239]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Turn right: From the lookout[235], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[236] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[237]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[238] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[239]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Fishponds
Fishponds is a long waterhole[240] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[241] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[242], and a small timber bridge[243] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[244]. 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.
(20.44km) Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
30 m
1 mins
3m
0m
Easy track
(20.47km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail → Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail
850 m
19 mins
35m
-45m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow south along the wide management trail, keeping the gully to your left[248]. The walk climbs up the gentle hill for just over 300m, passing through the turpentine forest[249] to a saddle and small clearing. Here the walk continues along the trail as it bends right[250] (ignoring the track to the left) to leads downhill through the blue gum and bracken fern forest[251]. The trail continues moderately steeply down until it bends left to cross Old Mans Creek at the concrete stepping stones[252]. The trail leads left and gently up the hill, passing some houses (on your right) and soon comes to an intersection with a narrower track (on your left) after about 150m.
(21.32km) Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail → Berowra Valley Bushland Park
30 m
1 mins
4m
0m
Easy track
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
‘Berowra Valley Bushland Park’[257] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[258], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[259], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[260], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[261]. There is a water tap[262] 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[263].
(21.36km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
540 m
14 mins
89m
-12m
Hard track
Veer left: From the lower side of ‘Berowra Valley Bushland Park’[264], this walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign[265] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[266] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[267], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[268] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[269] the side of the valley, along the sheer rock walls for about 100m, and come to an intersection with the Quarry Road management trail, where a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[270] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[271] and then follows the track as it winds up over the gentle rise. Once over the rise, the track then leads down to the intersection with Quarry Rd, where a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[272] points back up the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[271] and then follows the track as it winds up over the gentle rise. Once over the rise, the track then leads down to the intersection with Quarry Rd, where a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[272] points back up the track.
(21.9km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Hornsby Train Station
720 m
14 mins
34m
-8m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road gently uphill away from the face of the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[273] until just past a couple of house, this walk comes to an intersection with the gated ‘Old Mans Valley’ management trail[274] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[275] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[276] left onto Dural St[277]. The footpath leads past the unit block, then past a few shops to come to an intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Following the GNW arrow, this walk turns right across ‘Dural St’[278], passes a few more shops, then crosses ‘Dural Lane’[279] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[280]. Here the walk continues straight across the ‘Station St’ pedestrian crossing[281], past the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[282] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[283].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[275] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[276] left onto Dural St[277]. The footpath leads past the unit block, then past a few shops to come to an intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Following the GNW arrow, this walk turns right across ‘Dural St’[278], passes a few more shops, then crosses ‘Dural Lane’[279] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[280]. Here the walk continues straight across the ‘Station St’ pedestrian crossing[281], past the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[282] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[283].
Maps for the Berowra to Hornsby 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 Berowra to Hornsby bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Berowra to Hornsby
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 | 22.6 km | ||
| Time | 9 hrs 18 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 | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
| 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
10km of this walk has short steep hills and another 7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3.3km is very steep and the remaining 3.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 3.6km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 3.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 15km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
11km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 11km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 23km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 13km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 10km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Berowra to Hornsby walk starts at the Berowra Station (gps: -33.62318, 151.15328)Your transport options to Berowra Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Berowra to Hornsby 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)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/bth
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 🙂
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