Thornleigh to Cowan

Following the Great North Walk and Berowra Creek through Berowra Valley Regional Park, this walk cuts straight through the length of the Park. The views are good, providing a broad idea of what this park has to offer. Conserve your energy for the section between Berowra Waters and Cowan as there are several solid hills. You can refill the tummy in Berowra Waters with a couple cafes to choose from. 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) 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].

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

(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[28] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[29] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[30]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[31], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a ‘Bellamy Street’ sign[32] 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[33]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[34]. 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) Jungo campsite → Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail

100 m
2 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the campsite, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[35] down across the concrete ford, over the usually small creek[36]. Here, the concrete management trail[37] leads uphill, becoming dirt as it starts to flatten out[38]. This walk then comes to a signposted intersection[39] of the ‘Great North Walk’[40] and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted ‘Cherrybrook Lakes’ trail[41]).

(2.88km) Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail → Elouera Lookout

1 km
27 mins
81m
-58m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[42] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[43] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[44] – 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[45]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[46]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[47] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[48]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[49]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[50] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[51], where there is an intersection with the ‘Westleigh’ track[52] (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[53]. 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[54], and there is some limited shade[55] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.

(3.93km) Elouera Lookout → Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track

2.2 km
54 mins
152m
-130m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[56], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[57] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[58]. 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[59]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[60] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[61]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[62]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[63]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[64] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[65]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[66] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted ‘Quarter Sessions Rd’ track[67] (on your right).

(6.08km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track → Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)

690 m
18 mins
43m
-73m

Moderate track

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[68], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[69] 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[70] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[71], just below some houses[72]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[73] (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[74] points back along the track.

(6.77km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) → Fishponds Lookout

990 m
21 mins
21m
-87m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[75] past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[76], gently uphill along the narrow ridge[77]. The track is mostly flat for about 200m before it starts to head fairly steeply down over some rocks[78] and down a set of rock steps[79]. 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[80] 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[81]. Near the bottom of this descent, this walk passes a couple of arrow posts[82], where the track bends right to pass below a large rock overhang[83]. Just beyond this overhang, the track bends left and leads across Waitara Creek at the interesting holes in the rock know as ‘the spa’[84]. 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[85]. After stopping to enjoy cool spot, this walk continues left along the unfenced rock platform[86] (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[87]). This walk heads over another rock platform[88], then along a notably flat section of track[89] (now with Berowra Creek on your left), passing beside some cascades[90] for about 100m before climbing up and over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[91]. 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[92]. The walk then climbs up some timber steps[93] to a fenced lookout[94] over Fishponds, at a well-signposted intersection[95]. A sign points back along the track to ‘Thornleigh Station’[96].

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.

(7.76km) Fishponds Lookout → Fishponds crossing

70 m
2 mins
3m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout[97], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[98] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[99]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[100] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[101]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Fishponds

Fishponds is a long waterhole[102] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[103] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[104], and a small timber bridge[105] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[106]. 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.

(7.76km) Fishponds Lookout → Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd

500 m
19 mins
131m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the lookout, this walk follows the ‘Rosemead Rd Trackhead’ sign[108] directly away from the view over Berowra Creek. After about 70m, the track leads over a timber footbridge[109], then leads up the side of the valley for about 100m to climb up the steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[110]. 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[111] points back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Alternative Route’ arrow on the GNW sign[112]. 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.

(8.26km) Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd → End of Clarinda St

1.7 km
31 mins
36m
-49m

Easy track

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.

(9.91km) 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[113]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[114] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left.

(10.99km) 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[115]. 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[116].

(11.46km) 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[117] 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.

(11.86km) 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’[118] and turns right to follow the ‘Crosslands’ sign [119] 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[120] then concreted[121] 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’[122].

Tunks Ridge Rest Area

Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[123] 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)[124]. Please note that the composting toilet[125] has been removed and no longer available.

(13.63km) 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[126] along the wide management trail, keeping the valley to your right. The trail winds along the side of the ridge[127] (passing along the base of a long rock wall[128], 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[129] then up to a clear Y-intersection[130]. The walk takes the left branch and passes a few ‘Regeneration Area’ signs[131][132] over about 250m, coming to a well-signposted[133] intersection with narrower track (on your left), partway around the right-hand bend.

(14.99km) 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[134] down the steep rocky track[135] as it zigzags down towards the valley. About 40m down the hill, the track comes to a ‘Great North Walk – Walkers Registration’ box[136]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues downhill, passing through a crack in the rock[137] where the walk bends right and follows along the particularly rocky section for about 150m and comes to a fence[138]. The fence guides down a steep section, passing a cave[139], and comes to the top of a metal peg ladder[140]. This walk climbs down the ladder, then follows the rock wall (keeping the road to your left), heading down through a crack[141] and along another fence, then coming to a flat area beside the road[142]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow[143] to the right and down under the bridge[144]. The walk crosses the creek, usually a bit more than ankle deep[145]. This creek maybe impassable after rain – the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[146], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other bank, the walk turns left to follow the track uphill[147]. The track well-formed track climbs to the well-signposted and paved Galston Gorge trackhead[148], where a ‘Fishponds’ sign[149] points back down the track.

Galston Gorge track head

Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[150] 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[151]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[152].

(15.54km) 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[153] up the timber steps, away from the road[154]. 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[155] (some distance down the hill, to your left). Here the narrowing, rocky track winds down through a lovely grass tree[156] and boulder[157] forest for about 600m, coming to a small flat rock platform[158]. 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[159]. Once across this gully, the track begins to climb steeply[160], then up a steep set of steps (through a crack in the rock)[161]. At the top of the steps, the track continues to climb for another 70m before mostly flattening out[162]. Soon the track starts to wind downhill, crossing a wider mossy gully[163] with larger boulders[164] and a small waterfall[165]. The gully is marked with a few GNW markers[166].

Gulley Creek Falls

This is a nice little creek crossing[167] on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls[168][169] 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.

(16.8km) 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[170] out of the gully, initially keeping the waterfall[171] up to your right. The rocky track leads up the side of the hill[172], moderately steeply at times, for about 600m and then passes along the base of a long rock wall[173] (on your right). At the end of this wall, the walk climbs the carved steps[174]. The walk continues along the track for about 600m, walking along the series of unfenced rock platforms[175] (passing under the high-tension power-lines[176]) to then head down to a section of fenced track. There are some good valley views from this lookout[177]. 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[178]which is marked with a GNW arrow post[179]. Here, the walk turns left and winds quite steeply[180] downhill for about 120m, to then follow a flatter section of track with plenty of grass trees[181]. After about 300m (passing close to the creek a couple of times[182]), the walk crosses a rocky gully[183] (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[184] and finds another nice spot beside Berowra Creek just beyond[185]. 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[186]. Over the next 600m, the track crosses a couple of small, flat timber bridges[187][188] and passes alongside the lovely creek[189] to then climb up through a crack in a rock, where there is a handrail in place[190]. On the other side of this little climb, the track passes under a small overhang[191] and continues alongside the creek for another 300m, where it comes to an intersection[192] with a track on your right (which leads to a clearing[193] and campsite[194]).

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[195], flat ground[196] and an established fire scar[197], 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.

(20.23km) 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[198], then continues to wind along near the creek[199] for about 300m before crossing a rocky gully[200], with a small creek[201]. After another 250m of walking through the the fern and turpentine forest, the track leads to an overgrown but signposted campsite[202] (on your left). The track then crosses a small creek using a timber bridge with a handrail[203] then almost 200m later, the track passes a more open area that has been used as a campsite[204]. 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[206]). Here the walk climbs the stone steps[207], to pass another (unfenced) view across the creek[208]. The track continues to wind downhill[209] for another 250m, then heads along the flat[210], past the ‘Crosslands Reserve’ sign[211], to come to the large corrugated iron toilet block[212].

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[213], electric barbecues[214], toilets[215], a children’s playground[216], garbage bins[217] and town water[218]. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit[219]. 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[221]. More info.

(21.59km) 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[222] 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[223], then past the only ‘Authorised fire pit’[224][225] and main camping area. This walk then continues along the path, passing the ‘Climate change and the river’ information sign[226] and timber viewing platform[227][228]. Here the path leads past the picnic shelters[229] and BBQ’s[230] to then continue along the concrete footpath[231]. The path leads past another viewing platform[232] (and information sign), then past the children’s play equipment [233] and comes to the end of the path where there is a car park[234](on your right) and sign pointing to ‘Crosslands Conventions Centre AND Field Study’ across the creek (on your left)[235]

Crosslands

Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[236], electric barbecues[237], toilets[238], car parking[239], a children’s playground[240], garbage bins[241], camping area, toilets

[Toilet Accessible]

and town water[242]. 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.

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(21.93km) 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[246] 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[247]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[248] at the northern end of the car park[249]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.

(22.18km) 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[250] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ arrow[251] on the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign around the locked gate

[Wheelchair Rough]

and along the sealed old road[252]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

to come to a y-intersection[253]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the ‘Place of Winds’ sign[254] and wetland[255] (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[256] and ‘Great North walk’ sign[257]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[258], not far from the toilet block[259]

[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]

[260][261] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[262]. Here you will find a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

and shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

[263], as well as garbage bins[264]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[265]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[266] .

(22.44km) Crosslands North → Estuaries viewing platform int.

220 m
4 mins
7m
-5m

Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[267], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[268] along the timber boardwalk[269]

[Trip Hazard]

. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[270] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[271]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past ‘Mangrove Food Cycle’ information signs[272] to come to an 3-way intersection[273] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[274] (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[275], the timber fence is 95cm high[276]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[277] and the ‘Original Inhabitants’[278]. There are two timber bench seats

[Seat]

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

(22.65km) 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[280] and heads past the ‘..unsuitable for wheelchair access’ sign[281]. The track leads alongside the wide creek for about 200m to the ‘All creatures great and small’ information sign[282], then down a little way further to head along a short section of timber boardwalk[283]. About 100m further along the rocky track, this walk comes to a lookout and a ‘Catch the Threats’ information sign[284], where the track continues past the bench seat[285] and alongside the creek to the ‘The Rock Club’ information sign[286]. The track then leads among some grass tress[287] for just over 100m to the ‘Bush Supermarket’ information sign[288]. Just past this sign, the track begins to climb fairly steeply up the stone[289] and timber steps[290] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[291].
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow east downhill, initially keeping the ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[292] on your right. The track bends left and follows the timber steps[293] 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[294] then comes to a long, metal footbridge[295]. The walk crosses the bridge over Calna Creek and comes to a signposted intersection, with a ‘Fragile Marsh’ information sign[296]

(23.44km) Calna Creek Bridge intersection → Sams Creek Ridge Clearing

1.1 km
27 mins
67m
-58m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[297] along the timber boardwalk[298]. The boardwalk leads for about 80m across the large open flat saltmarsh[299] into the casuarina forest[300] on the other side. Here the track bends left and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[301] for almost 200m, where the rocky track leads a little further before coming alongside Berowra Creek’s mangroves[302]. The track continues to gently undulate along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[303] and grass tress[304], 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[305].

(24.58km) 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[306] , where the track bends right to soon come to a large flat clearing[307] beside Sams Creek[308] (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[309] pointing back along the track, beside the creek.

(25.09km) 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[310] 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[311] and heads up the timber steps[312]. The track now starts to climb steeply, zigzagging up the timber steps [313] and a couple of staircases[314] for just over 300m to find a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[315]. 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[316] points back down the track.

(25.76km) 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[317] 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[318] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[319], then leads up the hill to find the signposted ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[320] and its great view[321].

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’[322] 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[323], has a bench seat[324], picnic table[325] and a fair amount of natural shade.

(26.02km) Int of Naa Badu Lookout → Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

540 m
11 mins
16m
-26m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[326], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[327] and across the concrete ditch[328], 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).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[329], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[330] to an intersection (with some steps[331] on your left), where a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[332] points back up along the trail.

(26.56km) Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail → Berowra Waters trackhead

2.2 km
1 Hr
140m
-262m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[333] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[334], and leads up some timber steps[335]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[336] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[337] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[338], then leads down across a small gully[339] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[340], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[341] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[342]. After 60m, the track[343] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[344] and angophora forest[345] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[346].
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[347], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[348] 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[349]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[350] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[351]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[352][353], climbing down some steel pegs[354] to where the track flattens out again[355]. The track leads across the saddle[356] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[357] (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[358][359][360] then down some sandstone steps[361] to find a tall sandstone overhang[362] with a timber seat[363]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[364], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[365] and timber steps[366] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a ‘no wash’ sign[367][368] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[369][370] in Washtub Gully.
Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[371], this walk crosses the creek[372] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[373]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[374], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[375]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[376] behind the ‘Berowra Waters Garden House’ restaurant[377], then heads down the steps[378] to come to the signposted ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[379][380] on ‘Berowra Waters Rd’[381].

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.

(28.76km) Berowra Waters track head → End of Kirkpatrick Way

390 m
8 mins
10m
-15m

Very easy

Continue straight: From ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[382], 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[383] and public toilet[384][385] (and tap water[386]) on your right. The walk continues along the road, keeping the water to your left[387] for about 180m, then passing under the yellow boom gate[388]. About 30m later, the walk stays left[389] to head alongside the fenced car park. At the far end of this car park, the walk comes to a turning area[390] at the end of Kirkpatrick Way.

(29.15km) End of Kirkpatrick Way → Deep Bay Creek crossing

1.2 km
35 mins
131m
-87m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the end of Kirkpatrick Way[391], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[392] along the track, keeping the water just to your left. This walk follows the rocky shoreline, enjoying the views of the water[393], the boats and houses on the other shore[394] and the large rocks[395] (up to your right). After about 450m, the track passes a large boulder[396] and then turns right and climbs up a staircase[397], finding a small seat and viewing platform[398].
Veer right: From the seat and view[399], this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[400] steeply uphill, following the series of timber[401] and rock steps[402]. After about 50m, the track leads up beside a rock wall[403], and at the top, turns right and mostly flattens out[404] for about 80m before starting to climb again[405]. At the top of this hill, this walk comes to a small clearing[406] (on the left, that has been used as a campsite[407]) and a large unfenced rock platform with great views[408] back over the valley (on your right).
Continue straight: From the view at the top of the ridge, this walk follows GNW arrow post[409] east, directly away from the Berowra Water views and over the small rise. The track soon leads down off a rock[410], where the track bends right and starts to lead fairly gently downhill[411]. The track then leads down a few short, steep, rocky sections[412] before crossing a lovely creek[413], flowing over the sandstone rock platform[414][415]. This creek may be slippery and can be particularly risky to cross after rain.

(30.36km) 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[416] east, away from the creek, up the steep rocky hill[417]. The track soon passes between two rock slabs[418], then passes a handrail to climb up two metal pegs beside some more hand railing[419]. The track then continues to climb up for another 50m before mostly flattening[420] out for about 150m. the track then starts to climb again and soon steps up a rock with two more metal pegs[421]. Then after another 70m, the track climbs up past a sandstone cave[422] and heads up a crack in the rock with four metal pegs[423], then just past the next cave[424], goes up another rock with a single peg[425]. A short time later, this walk leads up another rock with two pegs[426], where the track then leads up the steps through a cleft of a rock[427]. 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[428]. The track then leads steeply up[429] to a fair sized rock platform, with rewarding views[430] 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[431] with a wide sandy management trail.

(31.19km) 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[432], heading south. The trail immediately bends left[433] and passes a track[434] (on your right, that runs generally parallel to this trail). This trail leads down through the scribbly gum and heath forest[435], where the trail widens (after about 70m) and then comes to an intersection[436] beside the large ridge top campsite[437][438]. There is a ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[439] 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[440] 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[441].

(31.42km) 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[442], directly away from the campsite along the clear track. The track leads over a small rise[443] and then heads down to a four-way intersection[444] with a management trail (and the GNW track continuing ahead).
Continue straight: From the intersection[445], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[446] 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[447] and comes to a second rock platform with more views[448] and a ‘Great North Walk’ log book box[449] 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[450] (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[451][452], and passes some interesting large rock boulders[453][454] along the way. As the track moves further into the valley, it becomes consistently steeper[455] until leading down leading into the ferns and beside Joe Crafts Creek[456][457].

(33.07km) Joe Crafts Creek crossing → Int of GNW and Glendale Road

1.5 km
42 mins
183m
-19m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses Joe Crafts Creek[458][459] 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[460], passing through a couple of cracks in the rock[461] before a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[462] about 60m from the creek. The rocky track continues to climb steeply up for about 300m, then climbs up a timber (and metal) staircase[463], followed by a few section of handrail[464]. Here the walk leads up around the base of rock wall[465] and then climbs up the side to the top of the large, unfenced rock platform with great valley views[466]. The walk continues up the ridge line for another 200m, very gently at first[467], then more steeply up the rocky sections[468]. The track heads along the base of another rock wall[469], then up the stone steps[470] and past the handrail to come to an intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk – Viewing Area’ sign[471]. The short track (on your right) leads to a seat at the edge of an unfenced cliff with views[472] and a seat[473].
Turn left: From the intersection near the ‘viewing point’[474], this walk heads gently uphill directly away from the viewing area, keeping the valley on your right[475]. The track leads up a few short, moderately steep sections[476] for about 100m, then the track heads much more gently up through the open scribbly gum forest[477] for about 400m before passing under the power lines[478]. Here, the walk turns left and follows the wide trail[479] for about 40m and turns right[480] (before the locked gate), following a GNW arrow post[481] under another set of power lines[482]. The walk follows the track through the pleasant forest[483] for just shy of 300m then crosses the dirt Glendale Rd[484] to find ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[485] pointing back across the intersection.

(34.6km) 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[486] 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[487][488]) for about 600m before bending left and following under a set of power lines[489]. Near the Pacific Hwy (up to your right), this walk continues for about 150m and crosses over a very short section of timber boardwalk[490] before climbing up a few steps to a T-intersection with a wide management trail[491].

(35.44km) 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[492] gently downhill, keeping the valley views to your left[493]. The trail gently winds behind some houses (up to your right) for about 400m before bending right and heading up through a weedy section[494]. The walk then passes around a locked gate[495] to come to an intersection with a footpath, just before the Pacific Hwy[496] and across from Cowan station. There is a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[497] here, pointing back to ‘Sydney Cove’.

Maps for the Thornleigh to Cowan 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 Thornleigh to Cowan bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thornleigh to Cowan

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	8 hrs 43 mins	22 km
2	6 hrs 6 mins	14 km

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	35.9 km
		Time	2 Days
		.
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

14km of this walk has short steep hills and another 9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 9km is very steep and the remaining 3.8km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

17km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 6km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 3.3km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 27km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

21km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 13km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.7km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

34km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 1.4km 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 23km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 13km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Thornleigh to Cowan walk starts 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)

The Thornleigh to Cowan ends at the Cowan trackhead (gps: -33.593647, 151.17134)
Your transport options to Cowan trackhead are by;

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Fire Danger

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.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

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

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 🙂