Start | (-33.7035229,151.0980095) |
Mode | Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train |
Directions | From , Pearce’s Corner. |
Finish | (-33.664765,151.0804176) |
Mode (end) | Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.) |
Turn map | Directions & comments |
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Fishponds crossing. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
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At the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Great North Walk turn left, to head along Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 15 m find the "Unnamed waterfall" (on your left).
This waterfall is about 3 meters tall, with a square black face. The water cascades down to a rock platform and into the sandy creek. The waterfall is active after recent rain, and may offer a trickle at other times. At this section of the creek, the gully is quite steep, creating a wonderful environment for the green moss and ferns to grow. A great spot to rest and enjoy the cool on hot days.
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After another 370 m (at the intersection of Stewart Avenue Firetrail & Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail) veer right, to head along Stewart Avenue Firetrail.
After another 20 m find the "Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge" (8 m on your right).
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.
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After another 80 m (at the intersection of Helipad Firetrail & Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail) turn right, to head along Helipad Firetrail.
After another 20 m come to the "Tunks Ridge Camping Area" (25 m on your left).
This is a free campsite.
After another 15 m find the "Tunks Ridge Rest Area" (15 m on your left).
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite 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). Please note that the composting toilet has been removed and no longer available.
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After another 400 m (at the intersection of Helipad Firetrail & Tunks Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 310 m find the "Top of Galston Gorge Campsite" (20 m on your left).
This campsite can be found on the Great North Walk, off the service trail just before it descends into Galston Gorge (when coming from the south). There is plenty of room for a group of tents, however there is no available water or facilities. Although this is an official campsite for the Great North Walk, there are some threatened species in the area, therefore Tunks Ridge Reserve (1.4km South) would make a better alternative, with better facilities.
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"Galston Gorge track head".
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park 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. Keep an eye open for the local chickens.
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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Length | 9.8 km |
Time | 4 h to 6 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 | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) |
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) |
Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Seat
| -86 m | [seat] |
Seat
| -82 m | [seat] |
Seat
| -80 m | [seat] |
Seat
| -76 m | [seat] |
Seat
| -55 m | [seat] |
Shelter
| -51 m | [shelter] |
Seat
| -23 m | [seat] |
Seat
| -15 m | [seat] |
Shelter
| -2 m | [shelter] |
Shelter
| 15 m | [shelter] |
Toilet
| 15 m | [toilet] |
Shelter
| 30 m | [shelter] |
Shelter
| 1.3 km | [shelter] |
Camp site
| 7.9 km | Tunks Ridge Camping Area |
Campsite
| 7.9 km | Tunks Ridge Rest Area |
Campsite
| 9.2 km | Top of Galston Gorge Campsite |