Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

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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	(-33.7097534,151.0806154)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Duffy Avenue Turn on to Chilvers Road then drive for 390 m Turn right onto Sefton Road and drive for another 35 m Turn left onto Larool Crescent and drive for another 245 m Turn right onto Wareemba Avenue and drive for another 1.2 km
Finish	(-33.7319587,151.0783407)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the small bridge on Wareemba Ave, just down the hill from Vale Rd, this walk follows the management trail around the green gate, past the large fern tree, and crosses Larool Creek at the concrete causeway. On the other side of the creek, the track soon comes to an intersection with a less-used management trail, on the right.
From the intersection, the walk follows the clear management trail up the hill, away from the houses. The trail passes through a pine and acacia forest before coming to an intersection with an indistinct track on the left - this is just after the end of the flat section of track.
From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the fairly steep hill to an intersection at the causeway over the creek.
From the intersection, the walk crosses Larool Creek using the concrete causeway and follows the management trail along the rock face. The track heads down the hill with the occasional view of the creek (below on the left) and soon passes a concrete column supporting the rock on the right. The tracks passes a few round concrete pipe covers and then comes to an indistinct intersection, where there are two round pipe covers, an electrical junction box and a pipe bridge crossing the creek on the left.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the gate at the start. After 65 m cross the ford.
	After another 10 m continue straight. After another 175 m pass the "Dog Pound Creek Conservation Reserve" (8 m on your left).
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Westleigh Hornsby Link Track & Dog Pound Creek Firetrail) turn right, to head along Westleigh Hornsby Link Track (a vehicle track). After another 9 m cross the ford.
	After another 120 m continue straight. After another 35 m cross the ford.
	After another 235 m turn sharp left. After another 45 m head into the "Dog Pound Creek Conservation Reserve".
	After another 140 m continue straight, to head along Ginger Meggs Trail.
	After another 90 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & Ginger Meggs Trail) turn right, to head along Blue Gum Walk (a steps). Then head up the 16 earthen steps (about 3 m long) After another 295 m head into the "Dog Pound Creek Conservation Reserve".
	The Jungo After another 510 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Walk & The Great North Walk) by following the "The Jungo" sign turn sharp left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 50 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Track) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 115 m cross the ford.
	After another 500 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 8 m pass the "Great North Walk" (on your right). After another 35 m head down the 6 earthen steps (about 3 m long) After another 100 m cross the ford. After another 100 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
	After another 400 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 480 m cross the ford. After another 115 m head down the 31 earthen steps (about 35 m long)
	After another 125 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Track) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 25 m cross the bridge Then cross the bridge After another 60 m head down the 8 earthen steps (about 4 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
	After another 2 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Rough Very Steep Track) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) After another 10 m cross the ford. After another 480 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (5 m on your right). After another 35 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (5 m on your right).
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Great North Walk access) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 45 m find the "Elouera Lookout" (7 m 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. 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 440 m cross the ford. After another 220 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
	After another 205 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 30 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (8 m on your left). Then cross the ford.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & The Great North Walk) veer left, to head along Schofield Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 105 m cross the ford.
	At the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & The Great North Walk turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 20 m find the "The Jungo" (7 m on your right). 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. After another 530 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	After another 680 m (at the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 50 m find the "Thornleigh zigzag railway" (10 m on your left). 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 After another 50 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	Sydney Cove After another 9 m (at the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk) by following the "Sydney Cove" sign veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. Then find the "Trip Hazard" (on your left). Trip Hazard Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culvert's edge when crossing. After another 40 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 160 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	At the intersection of Morgan Street & The Great North Walk turn left, to head along Morgan Street (a residential road). After another 145 m continue straight, to head along Morgan Street. After another 15 m (at the intersection of Morgan Street & Dale Close) continue straight, to head along Morgan Street.
	After another 120 m (at the intersection of Tillock Street & Morgan Street) continue straight (a footpath). After another 270 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (5 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 380 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 190 m continue straight.
	After another 15 m turn right.
	After another 25 m veer left. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). About 90 m past the end is a car park. Then cross the bridge (about 45 m long) Then head up the 29 concrete steps (about 10 m long) Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right). After another 15 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right). Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long) Then pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest. After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) Then head down the 29 concrete steps (about 10 m long) About 15 m past the end is "The Great North Walk". A toilet., female. A pay phone.
	The end. A toilet., male. About 55 m past the end is "Zacs Great Food". 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. About 55 m past the end is "Curl and Wisker Cafe". T:+61 2 9484 3869

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	8.6 km
Time	3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
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 is one 5.8 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.9 km apart with the largest gap of 8.6 km.

Seat: There is one 8.5 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	5.8 km	The Jungo
Seat	8.5 km	[seat]
Toilet	8.6 km	[toilet]
Toilet	8.6 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

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

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Monday 23 December
  
  30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Cloud clearing during the early morning to a mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe, most likely in the early afternoon. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning, shifting southerly 30 to 40 km/h in the early afternoon before tending south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon. Winds reaching up to 50 km/h along the coastal fringe with the southerly change during the 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
- 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
  
  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.
  
  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
  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.
  
  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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