Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

This overnight walk starts from Gordon train station and winds through bush filled valleys to Hornsby station. From Gordon station, the walk winds down past the Gordon golf course to the Great North Walk, then continues north through the Lane Cove Valley before staying overnight at the Baden Powell scout camp. The next day, the walk continues along the Great North Walk, through Thornleigh and down into the Berowra Valley Regional Park, following Berowra creek to the beautiful Fishponds waterhole. From here, the walk passes up through a piece of the old Blue Gum High Forest to Hornsby Quarry, and on to Hornsby train station.

(0km) Gordon Station → Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St

980 m
20 mins
6m
-54m

Easy track

From the top of the station, this walk heads towards the shops, down the stairs and to the road next to Gordon Station bus depot.
Continue straight: From Gordon Station bus depot, this walk heads up the hill of St Johns Ave to the Pacific Highway. The walk crosses to the other side at the pedestrian crossing. From here, this walk follows the shop fronts up the Pacific Highway, then turns left onto Moree St. This street is followed until the walk turns right onto Vale St. This walk continues along Vale St for a short time to the intersection with the bush track on the left of the street.

(0.98km) Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St → Int. Blackbutt Ck Pathway and Blackbutt Ck Trail

430 m
8 mins
0m
-12m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection next to house No. 31, this walk heads past a gate to follow a line of houses on the right. The track continues down a slight gradient for approximately 300m, turning left to come to the intersection, approximately 10m above a concrete sewerage inspection hole.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, passing a concrete sewerage inspection hole on the right. The trail continues along the creek line for another 20m, to the intersection which leads down to the creek on the right.

(1.41km) Int. Blackbutt Ck Pathway and Blackbutt Ck Trail → Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk

1.3 km
25 mins
7m
-42m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the creek downstream for approximately 200m to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the left-hand arrow on the ‘Blackbutt Creek Track’ sign, down the hill. The track contours with the creek on the right, and the houses high on the left, for approximately 1km to then steeply descend to the intersection above the concreted water-crossing.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, across the concrete ford (creek), to then turn right and follow along side the creek. The trail tends left away from the creek, up to a white gate.

(2.74km) Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk → Allen Park

1.2 km
23 mins
49m
-23m

Easy track

Turn left : From the white metal gate, this walk heads up the hill along Lady Game Dr, crossing to the right side where safe. This walk then turns right on De Burgh Rd, then right again onto Beaumont Rd. At the end of Beaumont Rd, this walk turns left onto Blaxland Rd, then comes to an intersection at ‘Allen Park’ at the end of Blaxland Rd.

(3.95km) Allen Park → Int of GNW and Ryde Road trail (west)

1.1 km
23 mins
22m
-55m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the corner of Terrace and Blaxland Roads, this walk heads around the locked gate[1] and then straight across the grassy clearing of ‘Allen Park’. The walk soon tends left at the ‘Lane Cove National Park’ sign[2] and follows a wide trail down through the bush for about 60m, coming to an intersection where a ‘Terrace Rd’ sign[3] points back up the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Great North Walk – Deburghs Bridge’ sign[4] downhill along the wide management trail. The trail soon bends right and follows the power lines[5] down, stepping over a partially buried, green metal pipeline[6] (sometimes hissing[7]). After this, the trail follows a GNW arrow[8] left as the trail significantly narrows and leads down a series of timbers steps[9] then across the rocky Blackbutt Creek[10][11]. Here, the walk follows the GNW arrow up onto the rock platform[12], where the track turns left then leads along the flat to a T-intersection with a GNW arrow post[13], and a set of steps[14] (up to your right AND down to your left).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post up the timber steps[15]. The track then leads up some stone steps[16] and comes to a three-way intersection, where a sign points back to ‘Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk’[17].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh via Great North Walk’ sign[18] down a couple of steps[19] and along the track towards Deburghs Bridge, keeping the valley to your left. After about 50m, the track leads under the large concrete Deburghs Bridge[20], with some graffiti[21]. On the other side of the bridge, the track bends right to head up over some rocks, following two sections of hand railing[22][23]. From the end of these handrails, the track leads gently up among the grass trees[24] for about 400m (and a weedy section of track) to come to a clear T-intersection[25] with a management trail, where a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[26] points back down the track.

(5.07km) Int of GNW and Ryde Road trail (west) → Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth)

900 m
19 mins
35m
-30m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[27] north, gently downhill along the management trail. After about 80m, this trail crosses a concrete bridge[28] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[29]). From here, the trail leads uphill for just shy of 200m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), where a ‘Lane Cove Weir’ sign[30] points back down along the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[31] west, gently down the track, away from the management trail. The track almost immediately passes the large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[32]) then winds down the rocky track[33] for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[34] with some limited views left over the valley, to come to a weedy section of track marked with a concrete sewerage access point[35]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the hill for about 400m to head down a few steps and cross Quarry Creek[36]. The walk then heads up some steps and follows the track for another 30m to come to a T-intersection[37] with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a GNW and NPWS arrow post[38].
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[39] gently uphill along the management trail, away from the gate whilst keeping the power line poles on your left. After about 30m (just past the second power pole), this trail leads to an intersection with a track (on the left), marked with another set of NPWS & GNW arrow posts[40] (just under the high tension power lines[41]).

(5.97km) Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth) → Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track

690 m
15 mins
22m
-11m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[42] south, downhill along the track and under the high tension power lines[43]. The track winds gently downhill for almost 150m until, just after passing close to the the high tension power line tower[44], this walk comes to a locked green shed[45] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[46] (down in the valley to your left).
Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track[47] along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your right). After about 150m, this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track on your right (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[48].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the mostly flat track, through the dense forest, and almost immediately passes a concrete sewerage access point[49]. After about 70m, this walk heads down a few timbers steps to cross a small gully[50], where the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[51]), then crosses two flat timber bridges[52] over Congham Creek. Here the walk veers left up onto the rock platform[53] and follows the track gently uphill for another 80m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[54] (and a sign pointing left to ‘Marsfield’[55]).
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[56] north, uphill for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a GNW arrow post[57].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[58] gently uphill along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your left) for about 100m to come to a small clearing and three way intersection, marked with yet another GNW arrow post[59] and a pile of rocks[60] (on your left).

(6.66km) Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track → Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track

620 m
14 mins
29m
-36m

Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[61] up the short rocky hill[62] and away from the high tension power lines[63]. The track (rocky early on[64]) leads along the side of the hill among some grass trees[65] for about 300m before passing under the power lines again. Here the track continues for another 300m along the side of the valley to come to a clear intersection with intersection with a wide management trail[66].

(7.28km) Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track → Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail

210 m
4 mins
5m
-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[67] downhill along the management trail. The trail leads down for about 70m to cross a small gully[68] then runs closely beside the Lane Cove River[69] (on your left) for another 120m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post and a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ aluminum sign and map[70].

(7.48km) Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail → Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail

490 m
13 mins
46m
-12m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, directly away from the face of the ‘Lane Cove Valley’ aluminum sign and map[71], down the track and timber steps[72] to a sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[73]. Here the walk turns right to cross the weir and bridge[74] over Avondale Creek, (this may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) then climb gently uphill for about 120m to come to a faint intersection with a faint track (on your left – this faint track leads down to another old weir).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill following the main track, whilst keeping the valley to your left for about 30m to come to a clear Y-intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[75].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[76] along the track, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your left[77]. After about 80m, the track steps up to and crosses a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[78]. Here the walk climbs up the rocky hill following a series of concrete access points[79] and timber steps[80] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection with a management trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[81].

(7.97km) Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail → Creek crossing

840 m
17 mins
23m
-35m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[82] gently downhill along the management trail for about 40m to come to an intersection with a short trail (on the right, which leads to the gate[83] at the end of Koombalah Ave).
Continue straight: From the intersection just below the Koombalah Ave gate, this walk follows the management trail gently downhill, whilst keeping the valley to your left. The trail initially leads over a rock platform, then about 50m later, leads down a steep hill[84]. The trail then heads gently down for about 400m before a short steep hill[85] leads down to a metal high tension power line tower[86]. Here the trail bends right and leads down and along the side of the hill for another 200m to pass another high tension power line tower[87] and head behind a few houses. Just behind the second house, this walk comes to ephemeral creek on a rock platform[88].

(8.81km) Creek crossing → Browns Waterhole int

300 m
6 mins
2m
-17m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From here, this walk crosses the ephemeral creek[89] (keeping the houses up to your right) and continues along the trail for about 30m to come to a T-intersection with a wide, shared, concrete path, marked with several signposts[90].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post downhill[91] along the wide, shared, concrete path. After about 50m, this path leads under some high tension power lines[92] then bends right[93]. About 50m after passing under the power lines, this path leads to an intersection with a track[94] (on your left, that leads to an informal unfenced lookout), just before a GNW arrow post[95].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the concrete path. The path passes a few signs[96] over about 100m, then comes to an intersection with a track (on your left), marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[97].
Veer right: From the intersection, this follows the concrete path downhill for just shy of 50m to come to a intersection with a dirt management trail[98]. This intersection is beside the Lane Cove River crossing[99] (on your left) and is marked with a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign here[100].

Browns Waterhole

Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[101]. There is a concrete shared cycle/footpath crossing over the top of the weir, linking Kissing Point Road, South Turramurra to Vimiera Rd, Macquarie Park. On the western side of the waterhole, there is a picnic table[102] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.

(9.11km) Browns Waterhole int → Int of GNW and the STEP track (east)

570 m
12 mins
24m
-14m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[103] along the dirt management trail, keeping the Lane Cove River to your left. After about 80m, the trail leads under some high tension power lines[104], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[105] (to your left). The trail then gently leads down through the valley[106] for about 400m to come to an intersection with Cove St trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[107].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[108] downhill along the management trail for about 30m to cross a small culverted creek[109]. The walk then follows the trail up the short hill to come to an intersection with the signposted ‘STEP track’[110][111] (on your right).

(9.68km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) → Int of GNW and the STEP track (west)

580 m
10 mins
8m
-9m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[112] and STEP Track markers[113] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[114]) and tall forest[115] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[116] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another ‘STEP Track’ map/sign[117] and a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[118].

(10.26km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (west) → Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail

2.2 km
39 mins
54m
-23m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘The Great North Walk’ sign gently downhill along the management trail, directly away from the face of the ‘STEP Track’ map/sign[119]. Keeping the river to your left, the trail leads downhill for about 80m to come to a Y-intersection[120], where there is a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map/sign[121] and a ‘Lane Cove River Park’ sign[122] pointing back along the trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh Station’ sign[123] past the ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map, initially keeping the other trail and river to your left. The trail follows the valley floor, keeping the river just to your left, for a bit over 500m, to then cross the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[124]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[125] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[126] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail, keeping the river just to your right. After about 60m, the trail bends right and crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[127], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[128]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[129]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[130] (with the river now on your left) for just over 150m to come to an intersection at the bottom of the sealed Morona Ave trail[131] (on your right), marked with a ‘Lane Cove Valley’ map/sign[132] and a GNW arrow post[133].

(12.46km) Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail → Conscript Pass

330 m
8 mins
24m
-8m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the valley floor, away from the two trails, keeping the river just to your left. The track soon narrows, leading past a water depth indicator[134], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[135]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[136] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the ‘Thornleigh Station’ sign[137] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[138] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[139] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the ‘Conscript Pass’ and ‘B Stevens’[140][141] engravings (at the third metal hand rail).

(12.79km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks

100 m
3 mins
19m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From ‘Conscript Pass’, this walk heads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[142] to follow the track and more stone steps uphill for about 100m, coming to a T-intersection with Lorna Pass track, marked with a GNW arrow post[143].

Conscript Pass

Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock[144] as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly ‘Conscript Pass’ is followed with a downwards pointing arrow[145] and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved ‘B Stevens’ followed a surprisingly good caricature[146][147] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

(12.9km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → BP camping area

840 m
20 mins
55m
-34m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Thornleigh’ sign[150] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[151] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[152], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[153], and a stone ‘Lorna Pass’ arrow[154] pointing back down the track.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Baden Powell Scout Centre’ sign[155] gently down along the side of the hill for just shy of 40m to come to a four-way intersection, where a ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[156] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Baden-Powell Scout Centre’ sign[157] and the GNW arrow post[158] west along the narrow track. The track leads through the dense heath[159] for about 120m to come to an intersection and clearing at a rocky outcrop[160], marked with a GNW arrow post[161].
Turn right: From the clearing, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north, downhill along the narrow track. After about 120m the rocky track leads to a small flat clearing[162] where this walk turn left (following the GNW arrow post) passing through about 20m of heath to come to another clearing (with a campfire scar[163]). Following the GNW arrow post, this walk soon bends right to step down to the edge of a creek[164]. Here the walk turns left and follows the creek downstream for about 20m to then bend right and cross Scout Creek[165]. The walk then heads uphill along the widening track for about 130m (passing a few scout constructions[166], and a track on the left[167]) then walks up under the high ropes course[168]. About 20m after the ropes course, this walk comes to an intersection with a dirt driveway[169], beside the green Pioneer Hut[170] (shed on the left). There is also a tap and drinking fountain here[171].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel driveway[172] east, away from the Pioneer Hut[173] and towards the picnic shelters. After about 30m (just after the left bend), this walk comes to some of these picnic shelters[174] and several tiered platforms (on your right) – this is the camping area (there is a stone building up to your right).

Baden Powell Scout Centre

The Baden Powell Scout Centre is a large camping and training area on the edge of Pennant Hills and Thornleigh[175] (at the end of Pomona St). There are several large buildings including dining and training halls[176]. For walkers, there is dorm/hostel style accommodation and several bush camping areas[177]. Bush camping – is found near the lower (south-eastern) end of the grounds for $9 per person per night. Facilities include tap water[178], picnic shelters[179], toilets[180] and even a shower block[181]. They also provide an indoor area in case the weather turns during the night and you need to retreat. There are kitchen facilities available for an extra $5. Dorm-style accommodation – at $29 per person per night, you can share a room with other campers in a bunk room, you will need to bring a sleeping bag and towel. Hostel-style accommodation – at $35 per person per night, you will be provided a smaller room (still shared) with bedding (sheets and blankets) as well as access to a kitchen. The friendly staff here are also happy to put together a food hamper for your meals, or organise a delivery meal, just chat with them when booking. Pre-booking is essential, phone Michael New (02) 9484 2278 (weekdays).

End of day 1

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

(13.74km) BP camping area → Int of BP camp and unnamed track

450 m
10 mins
20m
-21m

Hard track

Turn around: From the camping area, this walk follows the gravel driveway south, whilst keeping the valley to your left. The driveway bends right and, after about 30m, comes to an intersection with a wide track (on your left) just before a green shed – the ‘Pioneer Hut’[182].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill, initially keeping the green Pioneer Hut[183] (shed) on your right. After about 20m, the track begins to narrow and heads under the high ropes course[184]. The walk continues downhill for about 130m (passing a track on the right[185] and a few scout constructions[186]) to cross Scout Creek[187]. Here the walk bends left and follows the creek for about 20m before turning right, and stepping up, at a faint intersection. The track then veers left to find a clearing (with a campfire scar[188]) then about 20m through the heath on the other side, this walk finds another flat clearing[189]. Here the walk turns right and follows the GNW arrow post up along the rocky track for about 120m to come to a rocky outcrop and clearing marked with another GNW arrow post[190].

(14.19km) Int of BP camp and unnamed track → Back of Thornleigh Oval

370 m
7 mins
27m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[191] up over the rocky outcrop to head east (ignoring the faint track on your right). This narrow track leads through the dense heath[192] for about 120m to come to a four-way intersection, where a ‘Baden-Powell Scout Centre’ sign[193] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[194] gently up along the side for the hill for about 40m to come to an intersection with ‘Lorna Pass’ (on your right), and a large Great North Walk sign pointing back to the ‘Baden Powell Scout Centre’[195].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and ‘Thornleigh Station’ sign[196] uphill along the wide rocky track[197]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[198]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[199], marked with a ‘Lane Cove National Park’ signpost[200].

(14.55km) Back of Thornleigh Oval → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues

160 m
3 mins
3m
0m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your left. After about 100m, this walk passes in front of the clubhouse[201] (there are toilets[202] and a water tap[203] on your right) to pass a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[204] and come to the corner of ‘Handley’ and ‘Ferguson’ Avenues[205] in front of the ‘Thornleigh Oval’ sign[206].

Thornleigh Oval

Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[207], tap water[208], public toilets[209][210] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[211]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[212] and other local tracks[213].

(14.71km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Thornleigh Train Station

920 m
16 mins
19m
-5m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thornleigh Station’ sign across the road to follow the footpath beside ‘Handley Ave’. After about 130m, the walk crosses Clifford Ave[214] then after about 250m, crosses ‘Orchard St’ to follow ‘Station St’ almost directly ahead[215]. About 190m along ‘Station St’, this walk continues straight across ‘Wood St’[216] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[217] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[218] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[219].
Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across ‘Railway Pde’[220], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[221] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[222], coming to the ‘Thornleigh’ Train Station[223].

(15.63km) Thornleigh Train Station → Morgan Rd

990 m
18 mins
7m
-47m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the western (north bound) side of Thornleigh Station[224], this walk follows the ‘Jungo Rest Area’ sign[225] along the footpath towards the car park and The Esplanade[226]. The walk then heads down a short distance further to turn left and cross ‘The Esplanade’ at the traffic lights[227], then continue straight along the footpath down along Eddy Rd[228]. Following a couple of GNW arrows[229] down Eddy Rd as it then bends left[230], turning into Tilock St, and shortly later this walk then turns right into Morgan St[231]. Continuing down till just before the end of this street[232][233], this walk comes to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow[234] and the ‘Elouera Bushland Natural Park’ sign[235] (on the right).

(16.62km) 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[236] and the ‘Elouera Bushland Natural Park’ sign[237] between houses[238] no. 28 and 26. Once behind the houses at a small clearing[239], the track turns left and follows down the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[240]. Soon after passing behind the third house, the track comes to an intersection with a wide concrete trail[241], where a sign points back along the track to ‘Sydney Cove’[242].

(16.85km) 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[243] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[244] (with a green rail[245] on one side)

[Trip Hazard]

. The walk continues down into the valley[246] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[247][248] (on your left), just before ‘Zig Zag Creek’[249] and the long bridge[250].

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

(16.97km) 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[251] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[252] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[253]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[254], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a ‘Bellamy Street’ sign[255] 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[256]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[257]. 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.

(18.41km) 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[258] down across the concrete ford, over the usually small creek[259]. Here, the concrete management trail[260] leads uphill, becoming dirt as it starts to flatten out[261]. This walk then comes to a signposted intersection[262] of the ‘Great North Walk’[263] and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted ‘Cherrybrook Lakes’ trail[264]).

(18.51km) 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[265] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[266] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[267] – 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[268]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[269]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[270] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[271]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[272]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[273] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[274], where there is an intersection with the ‘Westleigh’ track[275] (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[276]. 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[277], and there is some limited shade[278] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.

(19.56km) Elouera Lookout → Int of the Great North Walk and the Blackfellows Head lookout track

2.8 km
1 hr 10 mins
188m
-194m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[279], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[280] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[281]. 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[282]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[283] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[284]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[285]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[286]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[287] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[288]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[289] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted ‘Quarter Sessions Rd’ track[290] (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[291], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[292] 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[293] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[294], just below some houses[295]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[296] (on your right).

(22.33km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blackfellows Head lookout track → Fishponds Lookout

1.1 km
23 mins
28m
-96m

Hard track

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[297] points back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Fishponds’ sign[298] past the ‘Berowra Valley Regional Park’ sign[299], gently uphill along the narrow ridge[300]. The track is mostly flat for about 200m before it starts to head fairly steeply down over some rocks[301] and down a set of rock steps[302]. 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[303] 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[304]. Near the bottom of this descent, this walk passes a couple of arrow posts[305], where the track bends right to pass below a large rock overhang[306]. Just beyond this overhang, the track bends left and leads across Waitara Creek at the interesting holes in the rock know as ‘the spa’[307]. 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[308]. After stopping to enjoy cool spot, this walk continues left along the unfenced rock platform[309] (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[310]). This walk heads over another rock platform[311], then along a notably flat section of track[312] (now with Berowra Creek on your left), passing beside some cascades[313] for about 100m before climbing up and over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[314]. 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[315]. The walk then climbs up some timber steps[316] to a fenced lookout[317] over Fishponds, at a well-signposted intersection[318]. A sign points back along the track to ‘Thornleigh Station’[319].

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.

(23.39km) Fishponds Lookout → Fishponds crossing

70 m
2 mins
3m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout[320], this walk follows the ‘Galston Gorge’ sign[321] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[322]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[323] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[324]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Fishponds

Fishponds is a long waterhole[325] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[326] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[327], and a small timber bridge[328] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[329]. 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.

(23.39km) Fishponds Lookout → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail

300 m
7 mins
39m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the lookout, this walk follows the ‘Rosemead Rd Trackhead’ sign[331] directly away from the view over Berowra Creek. After about 70m, the track leads over a timber footbridge[332], then leads up the side of the valley for about 100m to climb up the steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[333]. 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[334] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign up[335] along the track a short distance to come to an intersection with a wide management trail[336].

(23.69km) 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[337]. The walk climbs up the gentle hill for just over 300m, passing through the turpentine forest[338] to a saddle and small clearing. Here the walk continues along the trail as it bends right[339] (ignoring the track to the left) to leads downhill through the blue gum and bracken fern forest[340]. The trail continues moderately steeply down until it bends left to cross Old Mans Creek at the concrete stepping stones[341]. 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.

(24.54km) Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail → Berowra Valley Bushland Park

30 m
1 mins
4m
0m

Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow[342] along the narrower track[343] for a short distance, to Berowra Valley Bushland Park[344] at the end of Rosemead Road[345].

Berowra Valley Bushland Park

‘Berowra Valley Bushland Park’[346] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[347], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[348], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[349], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[350]. There is a water tap[351] 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[352].

(24.57km) 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’[353], this walk follows the ‘Hornsby Station’ sign[354] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[355] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[356], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[357] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[358] 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[359] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[360] 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[361] points back up the track.

(25.12km) 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[362] until just past a couple of house, this walk comes to an intersection with the gated ‘Old Mans Valley’ management trail[363] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[364] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[365] left onto Dural St[366]. 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’[367], passes a few more shops, then crosses ‘Dural Lane’[368] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[369]. Here the walk continues straight across the ‘Station St’ pedestrian crossing[370], past the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[371] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[372].

Maps for the Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp) 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
Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	4 hrs 39 mins	13.7 km
2	4 hrs 24 mins	12.2 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	25.8 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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		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

13km of this walk has short steep hills and another 8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3.6km is flat with no steps and the remaining 1.6km is very steep.

Quality of track

11km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 10km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 2.7km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 1.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

14km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 11km is clearly signposted. The remaining (800m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

16km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 9km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (990m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 22km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 4.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 16km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 10km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp) walk starts at the Gordon Station (gps: -33.756038, 151.15425)
Your transport options to Gordon Station are by;

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp) ends at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)
Your transport options to Hornsby Train Station are by;

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Fire Danger

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/gthwoabpsc

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 🙂