Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 hrs 45 mins
9 km One way
536 m
Hard track
(0km) Top of The Lakes Of Cherrybrook park → Lakes trackhead
50 m
1 mins
0m
-4m
Very easy
From below 50 Shepherds Drive, opposite the shopping centre, the walk follows the concrete footpath into ‘The Lakes Of Cherrybrook’ park, keeping the playground to the right. The footpath comes to the signpost for ‘Callicoma Walk’ just before the unfenced lakes.
The Lakes Of Cherrybrook
The Lakes Of Cherrybrook is a park at the intersection of Shepherds Dr and Macquarie Dr, Cherrybrook. The lakes featured in the park were formed when the local creek was dammed for the benefit of farmers. The park has a free electric BBQ, sheltered picnic tables, taps and bubblers as well as a playground for the kids. There is a large shopping centre nearby. There are several signposted buswalks in the area, including the 5.1km ‘Callicoma Walk’ loop track.
(0.05km) Lakes trackhead → Int at stone wall
120 m
2 mins
1m
-4m
Very easy
Veer left: From the ‘Callicoma Walk’ signpost, the walk follows the ‘Sydney Cove’ arrow along the concrete footpath, keeping the lakes on the right. The walk passes a free BBQ and picnic shelters on the left, and a couple of viewing platforms on the right before coming to an intersection just before the road and beside a low handmade stone wall.
(0.17km) Int at stone wall → Int. of Blackwattle Trail and Callicoma Walk
180 m
3 mins
4m
-7m
Moderate track
Turn right: From behind the low stone wall, the track follows the concrete footpath down the hill through the graffiti-covered tunnel, emerging in a clearing behind the ‘Cherrybrook Girl Guides’ building.
Veer right: From the clearing, the walk follows the bush track, initially keeping the Girl Guides hall on the left. The track passes a shortcut track on the right before coming to a ‘T’ intersection with a management trail marked with track arrows.
Veer right: From the clearing, the walk follows the bush track, initially keeping the Girl Guides hall on the left. The track passes a shortcut track on the right before coming to a ‘T’ intersection with a management trail marked with track arrows.
(0.35km) Int. of Blackwattle Trail and Callicoma Walk → Top of the Disturbed Creek stairs
230 m
4 mins
0m
-7m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill, keeping the houses to the left, arriving at the signposted intersection at the top of the stairs (with a track on the right).
(0.59km) Top of the Disturbed Creek stairs → Int of Callicoma Walk and McKinley trail
170 m
3 mins
0m
-8m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk goes down the steps towards the creek. Immediately after crossing the creek, on concrete stepping stones, the walk bends to the left, following the ‘Callicoma Walk’ arrow. The walk soon crosses some old concrete slabs and then drops down some more steps. After following the creek, on the left, for a short distance the walk comes to an intersection (with a management trail coming down the hill on the right).
(0.76km) Int of Callicoma Walk and McKinley trail → Int of Callicoma Walk and Disturbed Creek trail
100 m
2 mins
5m
-3m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill, keeping the creek on the left and soon arrives at a fork intersection.
(0.85km) Int of Callicoma Walk and Disturbed Creek trail → Int of Callicoma Walk and Pogson Dr management trail
180 m
4 mins
13m
-6m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track, keeping the creek on the left and immediately passes a ‘Callicoma Walk’ signpost. The walk continues along the well formed bush track and climbs steeply to an intersection marked with a ‘Callicoma Walk’ and red GNW signpost.
(1.04km) Int of Callicoma Walk and Pogson Dr management trail → Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
510 m
11 mins
8m
-37m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the asphalted management trail up, over the hill, keeping the houses up to the right and soon arrives at an intersection marked with a ‘Callicoma Walk’ and red GNW track marker.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Callicoma Walk’ arrow down the management trail (no asphalt), keeping the power lines to the left. The walk descends steeply for a while then flattens out and soon comes to an intersection with the Great North Walk.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Callicoma Walk’ arrow down the management trail (no asphalt), keeping the power lines to the left. The walk descends steeply for a while then flattens out and soon comes to an intersection with the Great North Walk.
(1.55km) Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail → Elouera Lookout
1 km
27 mins
81m
-58m
Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[1] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[2] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[3] – this creek may become impassable after rain. On the other side, the walk comes to an intersection on a small sandy beach. Here, the walk turns left, following the GNW arrows downstream for about 250m among the grass trees and crossing a flat timber bridge[4]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[5]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[6] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[7]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[8]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[9] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[10], where there is an intersection with the ‘Westleigh’ track[11] (on your right).
Elouera Lookout
This fenced lookout is on the Benowie Track close to Westleigh. There are uninterrupted views from the clifftop across the Berowra Creek valley, which is rare for the area[12]. As well as being on the Great North Walk, this lookout can be accessed by a short walk from Elouera Rd, Westleigh. This section of fenced rock platform is about 100m long[13], and there is some limited shade[14] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.
(2.59km) Elouera Lookout → Fishponds Lookout
3.8 km
1 hr 33 mins
216m
-290m
Hard track
Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[15], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[16] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[17]. At the end of the fence, the walk bends left following the rocky flat track for about 200m, where the track then becomes progressively steeper for about 250m, winding steeply down then across a flat timber bridge[18]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[19] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[20]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[21]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[22]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[23] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[24]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[25] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted ‘Quarter Sessions Rd’ track[26] (on your right).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track, keeping the valley down to your left. The track leads along beside a rock wall (which is on your right) and through a rock outcrop[27], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[28] for a short time. At the top of this steep section, the rocky track continues to meander much more gently up along the side of the hill[29] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[30], just below some houses[31]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[32] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear track, keeping the valley down to your left for about 100m, where the walk comes to a three-way intersection and ‘The Jungo’ sign[33] points back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[34] past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[35], gently uphill along the narrow ridge[36]. The track is mostly flat for about 200m before it starts to head fairly steeply down over some rocks[37] and down a set of rock steps[38]. This area comes alive with Patersonia lilies and pink wax flowers in early spring. The track then continues fairly gently down along the narrow ridge[39] for another 200m before leading through a crack in a rock, then down a bit further to climb down through a particularly steep rocky section[40]. Near the bottom of this descent, this walk passes a couple of arrow posts[41], where the track bends right to pass below a large rock overhang[42]. Just beyond this overhang, the track bends left and leads across Waitara Creek at the interesting holes in the rock know as ‘the spa’[43]. This creek may become impassable after heavy rain, the rocks can also be slippery. Across the creek, the walk comes to a large rock platform and a Blue Gum Track post[44]. After stopping to enjoy cool spot, this walk continues left along the unfenced rock platform[45] (keeping the creek down to your left). The walk soon steps off this large rock (at the far right-hand corner, through the fork in a tree[46]). This walk heads over another rock platform[47], then along a notably flat section of track[48] (now with Berowra Creek on your left), passing beside some cascades[49] for about 100m before climbing up and over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[50]. The track leads around the side of the hill for about 100m, then down to cross a small creek using the small flat timber bridge[51]. The walk then climbs up some timber steps[52] to a fenced lookout[53] over Fishponds, at a well-signposted intersection[54]. A sign points back along the track to ‘Thornleigh Station’[55].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track, keeping the valley down to your left. The track leads along beside a rock wall (which is on your right) and through a rock outcrop[27], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[28] for a short time. At the top of this steep section, the rocky track continues to meander much more gently up along the side of the hill[29] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[30], just below some houses[31]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[32] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear track, keeping the valley down to your left for about 100m, where the walk comes to a three-way intersection and ‘The Jungo’ sign[33] points back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[34] past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[35], gently uphill along the narrow ridge[36]. The track is mostly flat for about 200m before it starts to head fairly steeply down over some rocks[37] and down a set of rock steps[38]. This area comes alive with Patersonia lilies and pink wax flowers in early spring. The track then continues fairly gently down along the narrow ridge[39] for another 200m before leading through a crack in a rock, then down a bit further to climb down through a particularly steep rocky section[40]. Near the bottom of this descent, this walk passes a couple of arrow posts[41], where the track bends right to pass below a large rock overhang[42]. Just beyond this overhang, the track bends left and leads across Waitara Creek at the interesting holes in the rock know as ‘the spa’[43]. This creek may become impassable after heavy rain, the rocks can also be slippery. Across the creek, the walk comes to a large rock platform and a Blue Gum Track post[44]. After stopping to enjoy cool spot, this walk continues left along the unfenced rock platform[45] (keeping the creek down to your left). The walk soon steps off this large rock (at the far right-hand corner, through the fork in a tree[46]). This walk heads over another rock platform[47], then along a notably flat section of track[48] (now with Berowra Creek on your left), passing beside some cascades[49] for about 100m before climbing up and over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[50]. The track leads around the side of the hill for about 100m, then down to cross a small creek using the small flat timber bridge[51]. The walk then climbs up some timber steps[52] to a fenced lookout[53] over Fishponds, at a well-signposted intersection[54]. A sign points back along the track to ‘Thornleigh Station’[55].
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.
(6.42km) Fishponds Lookout → Fishponds crossing
70 m
2 mins
3m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the lookout[56], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[57] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[58]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[59] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[60].
Fishponds
Fishponds is a long waterhole[61] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[62] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[63], and a small timber bridge[64] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[65]. 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.
(6.5km) Fishponds crossing → Fishponds Lookout
70 m
2 mins
4m
-3m
Moderate track
Turn around: From the cave, this walk follows the ‘Hornsby Railway Station’ sign[67] across Berowra Creek using the concrete stepping stones[68]. This creek may be impassable after rain[69]. The walk then climbs the side of the hill (tending right), heading up the rocky track to a fenced rock shelf. The walk follows the fence to a well-signposted intersection[70] and lookout over Fishponds[71].
(6.57km) Fishponds Lookout → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
300 m
7 mins
39m
0m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the ‘Rosemead Rd Trackhead’ sign[72] directly away from the view over Berowra Creek. After about 70m, the track leads over a timber footbridge[73], then leads up the side of the valley for about 100m to climb up the steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[74]. Here the track leads along the top of this unfenced cliff and soon comes to a well signposted three-way intersection, where a ‘Fishponds’ sign[75] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign up[76] along the track a short distance to come to an intersection with a wide management trail[77].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign up[76] along the track a short distance to come to an intersection with a wide management trail[77].
(6.86km) 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[78]. The walk climbs up the gentle hill for just over 300m, passing through the turpentine forest[79] to a saddle and small clearing. Here the walk continues along the trail as it bends right[80] (ignoring the track to the left) to leads downhill through the blue gum and bracken fern forest[81]. The trail continues moderately steeply down until it bends left to cross Old Mans Creek at the concrete stepping stones[82]. 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.
(7.72km) 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’[87] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[88], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[89], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[90], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[91]. There is a water tap[92] 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[93].
(7.75km) 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’[94], this walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign[95] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[96] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[97], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[98] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[99] 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[100] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[101] 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[102] points back up the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[101] 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[102] points back up the track.
(8.29km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Int of Quarry Rd and Old Man Valley Service Trail
180 m
4 mins
9m
-4m
Very easy
(8.47km) Int of Quarry Rd and Old Man Valley Service Trail → Hornsby Train Station
540 m
10 mins
25m
-4m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[105] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[106] left onto Dural St[107]. 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’[108], passes a few more shops, then crosses ‘Dural Lane’[109] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[110]. Here the walk continues straight across the ‘Station St’ pedestrian crossing[111], past the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[112] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[113].
Maps for the Cherrybrook to Hornsby via 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 Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cherrybrook to Hornsby via 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 | 9 km | ||
| Time | 3 hrs 45 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 | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| 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
6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.3km is very steep and the remaining 350m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (350m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.2km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (990m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.4km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds walk starts at the Top of The Lakes Of Cherrybrook park (gps: -33.721735, 151.04418)Your transport options to Top of The Lakes Of Cherrybrook park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds 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/cthvf
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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