This section of the Great North Walk starts from Hornsby Train Station and winds down along the Blue Gum Walk into Berowra Vallery National Park. You walk down sandstone steps build during the depression, cross the 'Steele' bridge before walking past Tunks Ridge Campsite. The walk crosses under the bridge at Galston Gorge then follows the Berowra Creek valley to Crosslands Reserve. Crossland is a popular picnic and camping area. The walk is mostly flat before crossing Calna Creek then leading up the valley passing a series of caves on your way to Mt Kuring-gai. Note this walk was re-routed in early 2016 to go via the streets of Hornsby Heights. This re-route is due to the multi-agency decision to close the Fishponds to Steele Bridge section of the Benowie Track. This decision continues to upset many people. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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 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 following 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, keep following the Great North Walk signs.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Then cross the bridge (about 25 m long)
There is a car park (about 25 m back from the start).
There is a toilet (about 20 m back from the start). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
Find the emergency call device at the start.
Find the pay phone at the start.
Find the car park at the start.
Find the water tap at the start.
Find the shelter at the start.
Continue straight.
After another 5 m (from the Station Street) continue straight.
Then pass a seat (60 m on your left).
After another 4 m continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the shelter (10 m on your right).
Then pass the pay phone (10 m on your right).
From the Station Street continue straight.
After another 7 m pass the "Cenotaph Park" (7 m on your left).
From the Station Street continue straight.
Then pass the "Kiss and Ride" (40 m on your right). This car park is wheelchair accessible.
After another 3 m (from the Station Street) turn left, to head along Station Street.
After another 30 m pass the "Hamburgers Fish & Chips Kebabs" (5 m on your right).
From the Peats Ferry Road turn left.
After another 4 m (from the Peats Ferry Road) continue straight.
After another 7 m (from the Peats Ferry Road) continue straight.
After another 9 m pass the car park (about 75 m ahead).
Turn right.
After another 15 m (from the Dural Lane) continue straight.
After another 25 m pass the "Magic Kebab" (50 m on your right).
After another 8 m pass the "Curry Connection" (55 m on your right).
After another 10 m pass the "MeeChai" (55 m on your right).
After another 25 m pass the "Thai Tables" (10 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the "Bambino's Pizza & Pasta" (55 m on your right).
After another 15 m pass the "Bee's Knees Cafe" (45 m on your right).
Then pass the "Oki Oki Japanese Restaurant" (40 m on your right).
Then pass the "Asahi Sushi Bar" (20 m on your right).
Turn left.
After another 45 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
After another 15 m pass the "Hornsby Park" (65 m on your right).
After another 150 m (from the Quarry Road) veer right, to head along Quarry Road (a residential road).
After another 105 m (from the Quarry Road) continue straight, to head along Quarry Road.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Quarry Road & Old Mans Valley Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Quarry Road.
After another 195 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
At the intersection of Quarry Road & Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail - Difficult continue straight, to head along Quarry Road.
After another 7 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Quarry Road) veer left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 195 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Quarry Road Hornsby Firetrail) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 10 m head down the 147 stone steps (about 85 m long)
After another 120 m head down the 139 stone steps (about 90 m long)
After another 10 m (from the Hornsby Heritage Steps) continue straight.
After another 25 m pass the shelter (10 m on your right).
Then pass the picnic table (10 m on your right).
After another 15 m find the "Berowra Valley Bushland Park" (40 m on your left).
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park' is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees, making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats, and a sheltered free electric BBQ. There is a water tap 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.
Then pass the BBQ (15 m on your right).
After another 8 m pass the water tap (40 m on your left).
After another 150 m cross the ford.
From the Old Mans Creek continue straight.
After another 200 m turn left.
Fishponds
After another 135 m (from the Rosemead Firetrail) by following the "Fishponds" sign continue straight, to head along Rosemead Firetrail (a vehicle track).
After another 400 m (at the intersection of Rosemead Firetrail & Blue Gum Walk) continue straight, to head along Rosemead Firetrail.
After another 35 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Rosemead Firetrail) turn left, to head along Blue Gum Walk (a walking track).
After another 6 m head down the 22 surface|compacted steps (about 30 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Fishponds. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Galston Gorge
After another 3 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Blue Gum Walk) by following the "Galston Gorge" sign turn right, to head along The Great North Walk.
Then cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
Then pass the sign (on your left).
Then head up the 9 steps (about 15 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 10 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 wooden steps (about 4 m long)
Then head up the 13 wooden 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 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 Rosamond Street & Watson Avenue) continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
After another 195 m (at the intersection of Rosamond Street & Kerr Street) continue straight, to head along Rosamond Street.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Stewart Avenue & Rosamond Street) turn left, to head along Stewart Avenue.
After another 310 m (at the intersection of Stewart Avenue & Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail) continue straight (a walking track).
After another 170 m turn right.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Clarinda Street) turn left, to head along Clarinda Firetrail.
After another 30 m head through/around the gate.
After another 245 m (from the Clarinda Firetrail) turn left, to head along Clarinda Firetrail.
After another 105 m cross the ford.
From the Clarinda Firetrail continue straight, to head along Clarinda Firetrail.
After another 85 m (from the Clarinda Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Clarinda Firetrail.
After another 620 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Clarinda Firetrail) turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 345 m head down the 9 stone steps (about 6 m long)
After another 25 m head down the 25 steps (about 10 m long)
After another 10 m head down the 8 stone steps (about 5 m long)
After another 15 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
Then head up the 31 stone steps (about 15 m long)
Then 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.
After another 75 m (at the intersection of Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail & The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail (a vehicle track).
After another 390 m cross the Steele Bridge (about 20 m long)
Then find the "Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge" (6 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.
After another 225 m cross the ford.
From the Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
After another 1.5 km (from the Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
After another 130 m find the "Tunks Ridge Rest Area" (10 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.
At the intersection of Tunks Trail & Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail veer right, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 260 m cross the ford.
From the Tunks Trail continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 210 m cross the ford.
From the Tunks Trail continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 255 m (from the Tunks Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 440 m (from the Tunks Trail) continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
After another 235 m find the "Top of Galston Gorge Campsite" (20 m on your right).
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 The Great North Walk & Tunks Trail veer left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
After another 80 m head down the 87 rock steps (about 50 m long)
After another 255 m (from the The Great North Walk) veer right, to head along The Great North Walk (a steps).
Then head down the 35 steps (about 20 m long)
After another 25 m head down the 21 stone steps (about 9 m long)
From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Galston Road & The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Galston Road (a highway|primary).
Then cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
Then cross the "The Great North Walk".
After another 25 m (from the Galston Road) turn left (a walking track).
After another 10 m find the "Galston Gorge track head" (on your left).
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.
After another 2 m continue straight.
After another 10 m (from the The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 1 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk (a steps).
After another 10 m head up the 32 earthen steps (about 8 m long)
After another 360 m head down the 38 earthen steps (about 20 m long)
After another 620 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk veer left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 30 m head up the 33 stone steps (about 15 m long)
After another 15 m head up the 35 stone steps (about 9 m long)
After another 185 m find the "Gulley Creek Falls" (15 m on your right).
This is a nice little creek crossing on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls flow just upstream of the track, even after a small amount of rain. Enjoy the cool shade of the trees at the creek crossing from the track.
After another 30 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk turn left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 820 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 490 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 580 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Provest Creek veer left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 45 m head up the 19 earthen steps (about 15 m long)
After another 220 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk veer left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 165 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 120 m head down the 20 earthen steps (about 15 m long)
Then cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 65 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 5 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 90 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 600 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 30 m find the "Berowra Creek campsite" (15 m on your right).
This shady campsite is located on the Benowie Track a short distance back from Berowra Creek, south of the Crosslands Reserve. Providing plenty of tree cover, flat ground and an established fire scar, this campsite is a great spot for those walkers who want a quiet night's sleep away from the more popular Crosslands Reserve. The creek water is brackish at this point, so it is not drinkable (except after heavy rain and lower tide, but then the water is more polluted) - best to bring your own water.
After another 20 m (from the The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 5 m cross the bridge
After another 15 m (from the The Great North Walk) veer right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 340 m cross the ford.
From the The Great North Walk turn left, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 265 m come to the "Crosslands Reserve" (55 m on your right).
The reserve has a little boat to pick people up and transfer them to the campsite.
After another 50 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
The reserve has a little boat to pick people up and transfer them to the campsite.
After another 145 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 330 m head down the 15 earthen steps (about 8 m long)
After another 130 m pass the toilet (10 m on your right). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
After another 10 m pass the water tap (15 m on your right).
From the The Great North Walk continue straight.
After another 9 m find the "Crosslands Campsite" (15 m on your right).
On the far southern end of Crosslands Reserve is a toilet block and campsite. The campsite is well set up and managed by Hornsby Council. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, a children's playground, garbage bins and town water. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit. The campsite must be booked and fees apply - $9 per night for adults and $6 for children (infants under 4 are free). The gate at the top of the hill is locked at 5.30pm EST and 7.30pm (daylight savings time). A pleasant and well established campsite beside the river.
Continue straight.
After another 75 m continue straight.
After another 15 m come to the "Viewing Platform" (20 m on your left). This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.
After another 110 m continue straight.
After another 90 m find the "Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre" (80 m on your left).
Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre is a wonderful facility run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The centre provides a large tent-based campsite ($12 pp/pn), large group dorm-style and unit-style accommodation. The units have 5 beds (plus sofa bed) and cost $36 a night per person. The units are equipped with a kitchen, TV, blankets, supplies for hot drinks, pillows, blankets and a balcony with views over Berowra Creek. You will need your own sheets, pillow cases and towels. Meal packs range from $5-$10 per person per meal. Breakfast includes juice, fresh fruit, cereal, toast and optional hash browns, eggs and sausages. Dinner includes juice, dinner rolls, salad, pie or sausage (or optional steak) and desert. No cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs are allowed on site. For more information, call your hosts John & Margaret on (02) 9653 1041.
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 8 m find the "Crosslands" (on your right).
Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, car parking, a children's playground, garbage bins, camping area, toilets and town water. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park.
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.
After another 6 m head through/around the gate.
Then pass the sign (9 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the car park (4 m on your right).
From the Somerville Road turn left, to head along Somerville Road (a service road).
After another 120 m (at the intersection of Somerville Road & Canoe entry point) continue straight, to head along Somerville Road.
After another 120 m head through/around the gate.
At the intersection of Benowie Walking Track & Somerville Road continue straight, to head along Benowie Walking Track (a vehicle track).
After another 8 m (from the Benowie Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Benowie Walking Track.
After another 20 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right).
A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (3x5.5m) and about 7m (across grass) from the path.
After another 25 m pass the "tap" (on your right).
After another 195 m pass the BBQ (50 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the water tap (50 m on your left).
Then find the "Crosslands North Picnic area" (about 9 m ahead).
The northern section of Crosslands is in Berowra Valley NP and is a less formal picnic area compared with the southern area. There is a toilet block and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water. Here you will find a few picnic tables and shelters, as well as garbage bins. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places .
Then pass the toilet (60 m on your left).
From the The Great North Walk turn right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 20 m find the "Trip Hazard" (on your left).
There is a 4cm step from between the dirt path and the northern end of the timber boardwalk.
Then cross the bridge (about 55 m long)
After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 80 m long)
After another 35 m pass a seat (8 m on your left)., has a backrest.
From the The Great North Walk veer right, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 8 m find the "Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout" (on your left).
The Estuarie lookout over Berowara Creek is found at the end of the wheelchair-accessible walk in Crosslands area. The timber lookout platform provides great views over Berowra Creek, the timber fence is 95cm high. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna and the 'Original Inhabitants'. There are two timber bench seats encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.
Then find the "Seat" (10 m on your left).
Two timber slat bench seats built into timber viewing platform. Each seat are 41cm high, 28cm deep and 2.5m wide with a 54cm high backrest.
After another 4 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Abandoned Track) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 225 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 130 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest.
After another 7 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight.
After another 15 m (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 165 m head up the 65 steps (about 55 m long)
After another 35 m head down the 72 steps (about 55 m long)
From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
After another 10 m pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest.
After another 10 m cross the Calna Creek Bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 3 m (at the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 135 m find the "Calna Creek Campsite (north)" (4 m on your left).
This is a quaint little campsite, located on the Mt Kuring-gai access track to the Great North Walk, on the banks of Calna Creek. This campsite provides plenty of room for a few tents, and also a fire scar with logs for seating. Carry in your own water as the salty creek water is not suitable for drinking.
After another 90 m head down the 6 wooden steps (about 3 m long)
After another 5 m head down the 5 stone steps (about 3 m long)
After another 155 m (from the Lyrebird Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 120 m find the "Calna Creek Campsite (south)" (20 m on your left).
This small signposted campsite sits on a flat grassy clearing in a small casuarina forest which provides plenty of shade. There is a small fireplace set up. This creek-side campsite is a good spot for those wanting to get the most out of a relaxing, overnight camp, just a short stroll to Berowra Creek and the main spine of the Great North Walk. Bring your own water, as the creek water is not suitable for drinking.
Then cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 850 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Calna Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 145 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Donnelly Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 75 m (at the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Binya Firetrail Stretcher Access) continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 155 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Calna Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 560 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 50 m find the "Lyrebird waterfall" (8 m on your right).
This informally named waterfall is found on Lyrebird Gully creek about 300m upstream of its confluence with Calna Creek. The top of the fall is partially fenced with a timber handrail where the water flows over the solid rock platform, with naturally carved holes, to fall about 8m to the shallow pool and boulders below. The track passes the top of the fall and does not provide a good view of the face of the fall, but it is still a very pleasant spot.
Then cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Lyrebird Gully Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
Then pass the "Lyrebird Falls" (on your right).
After another 30 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Lyrebird Gully Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 215 m cross the ford.
From the Lyrebird Gully Track continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 140 m cross the bridge
After another 310 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 8 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Lyrebird Gully Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 500 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 180 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & Lyrebird Gully Creek continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 520 m (from the Lyrebird Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 10 m pass the water tap (on your left).
After another 3 m (from the Lyrebird Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Glenview Road & Lyrebird Gully Track) turn left, to head along Glenview Road (a residential road).
After another 4 m (from the Glenview Road) continue straight, to head along Glenview Road.
After another 10 m (at the intersection of Glenview Road & Pacific Highway) continue straight, to head along Glenview Road.
After another 20 m turn right.
After another 85 m pass a seat (35 m on your right)., has a backrest.
Turn left.
After another 300 m turn right.
Then head through the tunnel (about 40 m long)
Turn left.
Then head through the tunnel (about 15 m long)
Then head up the 29 concrete steps (about 15 m long)
About 65 m past the end is a pay phone.
About 65 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.
An optional side trip to Fishponds.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Fishponds
At the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & The Great North Walk by following the "Fishponds" sign Start heading along Blue Gum Walk (a walking track).
After another 15 m head down the steps (about 10 m long)
After another 145 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 4 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Negotiable) continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Walk.
After another 85 m find the "Fishponds Lookout" (on your right).
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.
Dural
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 65 m cross the stepping stones (about 10 m long)
This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways.
At the intersection of Great North Walk & Berowra Creek continue straight, to head along Great North Walk.
About 20 m past the end is "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.
Continue another 0 m to find from the Great North Walk at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 335 m to the main route.
Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
22.3 km
Time
9 h, 12 h to 2 days
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
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
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 8 on route, on average they are 2.5 km apart with the largest gap of 8 km.
Shelter: There are 3 on route, on average they are 5.6 km apart with the largest gap of 21 km.
Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 4.5 km apart with the largest gap of 15.8 km.
Seat: There are 6 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 16.8 km.
Slight chance of a shower in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h shifting south to southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
Tuesday 18 March
14°C → 24°C
Mostly sunny. 20% chance of rain
Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
Wednesday 19 March
14°C → 28°C
Sunny. 10% chance of rain
Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
Closed areas: Oxley Trail maintenance Surface and vegetation works will be carried out on the Oxley Trail from Wednesday 12 March to Wednesday 26 March inclusive, weather permitting.
Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area 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.
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.