Hornsby to Galston Gorge

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the western side of Hornsby Railway Station, this walk first crosses the bus lane, then follows the large 'To the Great North Walk' sign across the Station St pedestrian crossing, and then across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights. Here the walk turns right and follows the footpath (across 'Dural Lane') past some shops to cross 'Dural St'. The walk then turns left and follows the footpath down along 'Dural St', past a few more shops. Continuing past the units, this walk then turns right onto 'Quarry Rd' and follows the road down the gently hill for about 180m to an intersection with 'Old Mans Valley' management trail and locked gate (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road down the gentle hill, leaving the houses behind to come to an intersection with a track, signposted with a 'Great North Walk' sign (on your left).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 4 m turn left. There is a car park (about 140 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 90 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 85 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 85 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 80 m back from the start). There is a car park (about 70 m back from the start). There is a park (about 65 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 60 m back from the start). There is a shelter (about 55 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 25 m back from the start). There is a seat (about 20 m back from the start). There is water tap (about 20 m back from the start). There is a shelter (about 6 m back from the start). Find the shelter at the start. Find the toilet at the start. Find the car park at the start. Find the car park at the start. Then pass the "Cenotaph Park" (15 m on your left). Then pass the pay phone (15 m on your right). After another 8 m pass the shelter (15 m on your right).
	Continue straight.
	After another 7 m turn left. After another 15 m pass the "Hamburgers Fish & Chips Kebabs" (15 m on your right). After another 220 m pass the car park (235 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the "Hornsby TAFE parking" (275 m on your right). Then pass the park (235 m on your left). Then pass the car park (205 m on your right).
	Turn left. After another 210 m pass the "Hornsby Park" (210 m on your right).
	Continue straight. After another 25 m pass the car park (90 m on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 65 m continue straight. After another 30 m pass the "Magic Kebab" (55 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the "Curry Connection" (55 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the "Thai Tables" (15 m on your left). Then pass the "MeeChai" (60 m on your right).
	Continue straight.
	After another 9 m turn left. After another 20 m pass the "Bee's Knees Cafe" (50 m on your right). Then pass the "Chaat Corner" (35 m on your right). W:chaatcornerhornsby.com.au Fr-Su 12:00-16:00 Tu-Su 17:00-22:00 Then pass the "Zi Teresa Pizza and Pasta" (35 m on your right). Then pass the "Brewhaha Cafe" (40 m on your right). W:www.brewhaha.com.au Then pass the "Refinery Espresso" (40 m on your right). W:refineryespresso.wordpress.com Mo-Fr 05:30-16:00 Sa 06:00-14:00 Then pass the "Mori Japanese Restaurant" (45 m on your right). Then pass the "Oki Oki Japanese Restaurant" (45 m on your right). W:okioki.com.au T:+61 2 9476 6900 Mo-We 11:00-14:30,17:00-21:00 Th-Sa 11:00-14:30,17:00-21:30 Then pass the "Armeros Eatery" (55 m on your right). Then pass the car park (95 m on your right). Then pass the "Bambino's Pizza & Pasta" (60 m on your right). Then pass the "Asahi Sushi Bar" (25 m on your right). After another 245 m pass the car park (230 m on your left). Then pass the restaurant (on your right). After another 125 m pass the car park (100 m on your right). After another 190 m pass the "Old Mans Valley Park (proposed)" (230 m on your right).
	Veer right, to head along Quarry Road. After another 255 m pass the car park (255 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the playground (265 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Old Mans Valley Firetrail & Quarry Road continue straight, to head along Quarry Road.
	After another 85 m (at the intersection of Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail - Intermediate & Quarry Road) continue straight, to head along Quarry Road.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Quarry Road & Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Great North Walk (a walking track).
	After another 35 m (at the intersection of Great North Walk & Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail - Difficult) continue straight, to head along Great North Walk. After another 75 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).
	After another 125 m (at the intersection of Great North Walk & Quarry Road Hornsby Firetrail) veer right, to head along Great North Walk. After another 9 m head down the steps (about 85 m long) After another 160 m pass the "Hornsby Park" (210 m on your left).
	Veer left, to head along Benowie Track. After another 200 m pass the park (200 m on your left). Then head down the steps (about 130 m long)
	After another 10 m veer left, to head along Benowie Track. After another 25 m pass the shelter (15 m on your right).
	Fishponds After another 30 m (at the intersection of Rosemead Firetrail - Blue Gum Walk & Benowie Track) by following the "Fishponds" sign turn right, to head along Rosemead Firetrail - Blue Gum Walk (a vehicle track). Then pass the BBQ (on your right). After another 45 m find the "Berowra Valley Bushland Park" (15 m on your right). After another 55 m pass the water tap (on your right). After another 60 m cross the ford.
	After another 335 m veer left, to head along Rosemead Firetrail - Blue Gum Walk.
	After another 410 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Rosemead Firetrail - Blue Gum Walk) continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Walk (a walking track). After another 6 m head down the steps (about 20 m long)
	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. Galston Gorge After another 5 m by following the "Galston Gorge" sign turn right. After another 25 m pass the "Signposts" (on your left). After another 180 m head up the metal steps (about 45 m long)
	After another 35 m (at the intersection of Manor Road & Great North Walk) veer left, to head along Manor Road (a residential road).
	After another 350 m (at the intersection of Manor Road & Arrionga Place) continue straight, to head along Manor Road.
	After another 500 m (at the intersection of Watson Avenue & Rosamond Street) continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
	After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
	After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Rosamond Street & Kerr Street) continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Carrington Road & Rosamond Street) continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
	After another 220 m (at the intersection of Rosamond Street & Clarinda Street) turn left, to head along Clarinda Street.
	After another 140 m (at the intersection of Alan Avenue & Clarinda Street) continue straight, to head along Clarinda Street. After another 180 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 440 m continue straight, to head along Clarinda Firetrail. After another 145 m pass the "Hopeville Park" (145 m on your right). After another 550 m pass the "Hopeville Park" (130 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Great North Walk turn left, to head along Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 235 m head down the steps (about 170 m long) After another 15 m find the "Unnamed waterfall" (on your left). Unnamed waterfall 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. Then pass the waterfall (20 m on your left).
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail & Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail (a vehicle track).
	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 9 m cross the Steele Bridge (about 15 m long) After another 20 m find the "Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge" (8 m on your right). 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.
	After another 770 m continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
	After another 860 m continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
	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 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. After another 690 m come to the viewpoint (60 m on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along Helipad Firetrail.
	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). Top of Galston Gorge Campsite 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.
	At the intersection of Tunks Trail & Helipad Firetrail turn right (a walking track).
	After another 490 m veer right.
	After another 6 m continue straight. After another 8 m cross the stepping stones (about 15 m long) After another 20 m cross the stepping stones. This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways.
	Veer left. After another 20 m head up the 21 rock steps (about 25 m long)
	Turn right. Then head up the 14 rock steps (about 15 m long)
	Veer left.
	After another 5 m continue straight.
	After another 9 m veer right. After another 15 m come to a car park.
	The end. "Galston Gorge track head". 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.

An optional side trip to Fishponds crossing.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Fishponds By following the "Fishponds" sign Start heading along Blue Gum Walk. Find the Signposts at the start. After another 8 m head down the steps (about 10 m long) After another 155 m come to the viewpoint (50 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Negotiable continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Walk. Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	Dural After another 65 m (at the intersection of Great North Walk & Blue Gum Walk) by following the "Dural" sign turn right, to head along Great North Walk. After another 15 m find the "Fishponds Lookout" (6 m 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. Then come to the "Fishponds Lookout" (on your left). Then pass the "Signposts" (on your right). After another 35 m cross the stepping stones This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways. About 35 m past the end is "Fishponds". 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 end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 320 m to the main route.

	Class 4/6 Hard track
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
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

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  Clear.
  
  Clear. Winds southeast to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Tuesday 24 December
  
  15°C → 26°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: High
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:40am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 11 [Extreme]
  
  Wednesday 25 December
  
  16°C → 29°C
  Sunny.
  0% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  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 → 36°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h shifting southerly 25 to 35 km/h during the afternoon.
  
  Saturday 28 December
  
  18°C → 29°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower during the morning. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h turning easterly during the day.
  
  Sunday 29 December
  
  17°C → 31°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 30 December
  
  19°C → 30°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. 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
- Berowra Valley National 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 7 January 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.
  
  Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - All tracks and trails closed in Berowra Valley Regional and National Park - Monday 23 December 2024
  All tracks and trails in Berowra Valley National Park AND Regionals 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
  
  Fire bans: Total Fire Ban
  A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  
  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 7 January 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.
  
  Fire bans: Total Fire Ban
  A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  
  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

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.)

Weather Forecast

Alerts