Great North Walk: Thornleigh

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.7319279,151.0782952)
Mode	Bus Car Train
Directions	From Pennant Hills Road, A28, Thornleigh. Turn on to Wells Street then drive for 125 m Turn right onto Yarrara Road and drive for another 80 m
Finish	At the intersection of Clarinda Street & Clarinda Firetrail (-33.6881045,151.0918163)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then cross the bridge (about 45 m long) Then head down the 29 concrete steps (about 10 m long) Curl and Wisker Cafe (about 50 m back from the start). T:+61 2 9484 3869 There is a toilet (about 6 m back from the start)., female. There is a pay phone (about 6 m back from the start). There is a toilet (about 5 m back from the start)., male. Find the Zacs Great Food at the start. Zacs Great Food This restaurant can be found on Pennont Hills road just a stones throw from the station. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a continental menu ranging from about $20. for a meal. The opening hours are from 6.oo am to 10.00 pm from Tuesdays to Saterdays, and closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information on bookings call (02) 9484 6799. Find the The Great North Walk at the start.
	Turn right. Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 10 m long) Then head down the 29 concrete steps (about 10 m long) After another 10 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 15 m pass the pay phone (15 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the car park (on your right). After another 5 m pass the "Monday Morning" (35 m on your left).
	Veer right. After another 50 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	Turn left. After another 330 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 350 m turn right. After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	After another 265 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Morgan Street) turn right, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 35 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 80 m find the "Picnic Table" (70 m on your left). Picnic Table A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 71cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.07m wide. On a 3x3m concrete slab about 7m walk over rough grass from the trail. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your left).
	At the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk veer right, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 15 m find the "Trip Hazard" (on your right). Trip Hazard Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culvert's edge when crossing. Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 125 m find the "Thornleigh zigzag railway" (10 m on your right). 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
	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 7 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 680 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 295 m cross the ford. After another 120 m cross the ford. After another 335 m pass the sign (9 m on your left). Then find the "The Jungo" (about 6 m ahead). The Jungo The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities. 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.
	At the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & The Great North Walk turn right, to head along Schofield Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 20 m cross the ford.
	After another 80 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Schofield Firetrail) veer right, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 85 m cross the ford. After another 9 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (7 m on your right).
	After another 3 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 245 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 270 m cross the ford. After another 185 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (10 m on your left). After another 255 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Great North Walk access) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then find the "Elouera Lookout" (6 m on your left). 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. 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, and there is some limited shade from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest. After another 75 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 470 m cross the ford. Then cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Rough Very Steep Track) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then cross the bridge (about 4 m long) Then head down the 8 earthen steps (about 4 m long) After another 60 m cross the bridge Then cross the bridge
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Track) veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 125 m head down the 31 earthen steps (about 35 m long) After another 160 m cross the ford.
	After another 470 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 400 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 135 m cross the ford. After another 70 m head down the 6 earthen steps (about 3 m long) After another 50 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to a lookout with filtered views across the valley and some Aboriginal engravings of wallabies. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 530 m cross the ford. After another 165 m pass the sign (on your left). At the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Walk. After another 230 m head up the 22 stone steps (about 10 m long) After another 230 m head up the stone steps (about 9 m long) After another 65 m head up the rock steps (about 8 m long) After another 30 m pass the cave (on your right). After another 25 m cross the ford. This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways. After another 35 m head down the rock steps (about 4 m long) After another 295 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) Then head down the 13 earthen steps (about 7 m long) After another 30 m find the "Fishponds" (about 80 m ahead). Fishponds Fishponds is a long waterhole on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek, and a small timber bridge at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by. 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Fishponds waterhole on Berowra Creek. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek, and a small timber bridge at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole have resulted in fatalities – please heed the signs and Cora’s parents’ plea and enjoy the water from the edge. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. At the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Great North Walk turn sharp right, to head along Blue Gum Walk. Then pass the "Signposts" (10 m on your left). After another 10 m find the "Fishponds Lookout" (on your left). 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.
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Negotiable) continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Walk. Then cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 145 m head down the steps (about 10 m long)
	Galston Gorge After another 15 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Blue Gum Walk) by following the "Galston Gorge" sign turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. Then pass the "Signposts" (on your left). After another 7 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) Then head up the 9 steps (about 4 m long) After another 8 m head up the 7 steps (about 3 m long) After another 20 m head up the 14 stone steps (about 3 m long) After another 9 m head up the 37 steps (about 20 m long) After another 15 m head up the 39 steps (about 35 m long) After another 10 m head up the 20 steps (about 10 m long) After another 35 m head up the 25 steps (about 15 m long) After another 20 m head up the 7 stone steps (about 2 m long) After another 7 m head up the 40 steps (about 30 m long) After another 10 m head up the 9 steps (about 5 m long) After another 6 m head up the 19 earthen steps (about 20 m long) Then head up the 15 surface\|wood steps (about 4 m long) Then head up the 13 surface\|wood steps (about 4 m long) Then head up the 14 stone steps (about 10 m long)
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Manor Road & The Great North Walk) veer left, to head along Manor Road (a residential road).
	After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Clarinda Street & Rosamond Street) turn left, to head along Clarinda Street.
	Continue another 580 m to find at the intersection of Clarinda Street & Clarinda Firetrail at the end.

Side trip to a lookout with filtered views across the valley and some Aboriginal engravings of wallabies.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Great North Walk. After another 40 m continue straight.
	After another 25 m turn left, to head along Western Firetrail. After another 100 m head through/around the gate. After another 55 m pass the "Great North Walk" (5 m on your left).
	After another 2 m (at the intersection of Quarter Sessions Road & Western Firetrail) turn left, to head along Quarter Sessions Road (a road).
	After another 135 m turn left. After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right). Then cross the bridge "Blackfellow Head Engravings". Blackfellow Head Engravings On the far north west corner of Quarter Sessions Road (beside no.280), there is a lookout and some Aboriginal engravings. The signposted site has a timber platform providing some filtered views across the valley. On the left side of the platform is a sandstone block with the engraved images of two wallabies. There are reports of other engravings in the area, but like many similar sites, their exact locations are not published to protect them. Please keep off the engravings area, to reduce wear.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 370 m to the main route.

Side trip to Fishponds waterhole on Berowra Creek. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek, and a small timber bridge at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole have resulted in fatalities – please heed the signs and Cora’s parents’ plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Dural At the intersection of Great North Walk & Blue Gum Walk by following the "Dural" sign Start heading along Great North Walk (a walking track). Fishponds Lookout (about 10 m back from the start). 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. Find the Signposts at the start. After another 55 m cross the stepping stones (about 10 m long) This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways. After another 50 m find the "Fishponds" (15 m on your right). Fishponds Fishponds is a long waterhole on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek, and a small timber bridge at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by. 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.
	Veer right.
	After another 95 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 195 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Thornleigh - Hornsby

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	10.4 km
Time	3 h 15 min to 5 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 2.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.5 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.

Seat: There is one 55 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-6 m	[toilet]
Toilet	-5 m	[toilet]
Seat	55 m	[seat]
Campsite	2.9 km	The Jungo

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Sunday 22 December
  
  Clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Winds east to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  18°C → 30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny morning. The chance of fog in the early morning, most likely in the west. Slight chance of a shower in the late morning and early afternoon. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h in the late morning, reaching up to 50 km/h along the coastal fringe, then tending south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Extreme
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:40am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 10 [Very High]
  
  Tuesday 24 December
  
  15°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h early in the morning then tending southeast to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning.
  
  Wednesday 25 December
  
  15°C → 28°C
  Sunny.
  0% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Thursday 26 December
  
  16°C → 32°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
  
  Friday 27 December
  
  20°C → 40°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northerly 15 to 25 km/h increasing to 30 km/h before shifting southerly 15 to 25 km/h later.
  
  Saturday 28 December
  
  18°C → 30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Slight chance of a shower during the morning. Mostly sunny day. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h turning easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Sunday 29 December
  
  18°C → 33°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Great North Walk Alerts
  Fire Season: The Great North Walk is automatically closed on days of Total Fire Bans (TOBAN); walkers are responsible for knowing the current fire danger and fire bans. The Great North Walk spans two fire regions. Greater Sydney fire region from Sydney to just north of Cedar Brush Trackhead. Hunter fire region from just north of Cedar Brush Trackhead to Newcastle. Total Fire bans are usually only declared the day before. Fire danger ratings are forecast 4 days ahead; if you see an Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, a TOBAN will likely be declared, but it depends on many factors. Check the RFS website for current and forecast fire danger ratings and TOBANs. You can also see NPWS alerts on their website.
  The current status of the Great North Walk is;
  
  Berowra Vallery NP - Steele Bridge Closed 8th of October 2024 and the 30th of December 2024. There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk, Quarry Trail section in Hornsby between Simon Trail, Hornsby and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge. Detour via Simon Trail, Sydney Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, Mckay Road and Mckay Trail in Hornsby Heights.
  
  Mooney Mooney North & South campgrounds Closed: These campsites are no longer to be used due to flood risk; the infrastructure and signage are being removed. The nearest alternative camping locations are Mt Wondabyne (or near Wondabyne Station) to the south and the Quarry Campsite to the north.
  
  Open to walkers between Cherry Lane, Kulnura to Newcastle, however:
  
  Some areas of GNW in the Watagans remain currently inaccessible by private vehicles and only accessible to walkers. Walkers must be self-sufficient and also be aware of local track damage from recent rain/flood events.
  
  Many forest roads (outside of closure notice https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/closures/olney-state-forest-partially-closed) are open and accessible. Access to the Watagan Forestry HQ Campsite and general areas is via Watagan Forest Road Only - Due to weather damage, there is no access from Quorrobolong, Cooranbong or Freemans Waterhole via Mount Faulk Road or Heatons Road. Visitors are to remain on alert for heavy vehicle movements, road grading and vegetation road edge maintenance.
  
  The following roads are accessible for 4WD only - they are damaged and not currently scheduled for upgrades:
  
  Hammonds Road
  
  Barniers Road
  
  Archery Road, Wakefield
  
  Gap Rd off Freemans Drive
- Berowra Valley National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - All tracks and trails closed in Berowra Valley National Park - Monday 23 December 2024
  All tracks and trails in Berowra Valley National Park are closed on Monday 23 December 2024 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.
  
  Please review RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:
  https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app
  
  Closed areas: Quarry trail and Great North Walk closure in Berowra Valley National Park
  Due to upgrade works on Steele Bridge on the Quarry trail in Berowra Valley National Park, there will be changed access to the surrounding trail network from Tuesday 8 October until Tuesday 31 December 2024.
  There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk (GNW) from the Quarry trail section in Hornsby, between Simon trail and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge campground.
  Walkers using the GNW will be required to detour via Simon trail, Sydney Road or Ulolo Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, McKay Road or McKay trail in Hornsby Heights.
  Walkers planning to use Tunks Ridge campground can only access this area from the north, via Galston Road GNW entrance and Tunks Ridge trail.
  Access between Tunks Ridge campground and Quarry Road, Dural via Quarry trail through the Rifle Range safety template is prohibited at all times.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Berowra Valley Regional Park alerts
  Closed areas: Quarry trail and Great North Walk closure in Berowra Valley National Park
  Due to upgrade works on Steele Bridge on the Quarry trail in Berowra Valley National Park, there will be changed access to the surrounding trail network from Tuesday 8 October until Tuesday 31 December 2024.
  There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk (GNW) from the Quarry trail section in Hornsby, between Simon trail and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge campground.
  Walkers using the GNW will be required to detour via Simon trail, Sydney Road or Ulolo Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, McKay Road or McKay trail in Hornsby Heights.
  Walkers planning to use Tunks Ridge campground can only access this area from the north, via Galston Road GNW entrance and Tunks Ridge trail.
  Access between Tunks Ridge campground and Quarry Road, Dural via Quarry trail through the Rifle Range safety template is prohibited at all times.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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