Great North Walk: Crosslands

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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	(-33.6287773,151.1091593)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Galston Road Turn on to Somerville Road then drive for 6.6 km Turn left and drive for another 1 m
Finish	(-33.60062,151.1255487)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Somerville Road. Viewing Platform (about 115 m back from the start). This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible. Crosslands (about 10 m back from the start). Crosslands 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. There is a car park (about 5 m back from the start). Find the sign at the start. Find the Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre at the start. Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre 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 100 m (at the intersection of Somerville Road & Canoe entry point) turn left, to head along Canoe entry point (a vehicle track). After another 10 m head through the bollard.
	After another 2 m turn right. After another 45 m pass the car park (25 m on your right). After another 75 m find the "Wheelchair Rough" (on your right). Wheelchair Rough Link from carpark to path is across exposed ground (muddy after rain) and between timber bollards that are 80cm high and 1.5m apart.
	After another 2 m continue straight, to head along Benowie Walking Track. After another 25 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right). Picnic Table 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 180 m pass the shelter (40 m on your left). Then find the "Picnic Shelter" (50 m on your left). Picnic Shelter A roofed timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 81cm high, 84cm deep and 2.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 1.7m wide. On a paved area (5.6x5.6m) and about 25m (across grass) from the nearest path.
	After another 3 m continue straight. After another 10 m pass the BBQ (60 m on your left). Then find the "Picnic Shelter" (65 m on your left). Picnic Shelter Two roofed timber slat picnic tables and bench seats. The table is 81cm high, 84cm deep and 2.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 1.7m wide. On two joined paved area (~5.6x5.6m) and about 30m (across grass) from the nearest path. After another 15 m pass the shelter (60 m on your left). After another 7 m pass the water tap (60 m on your left). After another 6 m find the "Toilet" (75 m on your left). Toilet Male and female toilet block. Entrance is 90cm wide, hand basins 90cm high, cubical doors 80cm wide, toilet seat 42cm high. Male toilet has a urinal with 20cm step. No handrails. Toilet entrance is about 35m across grass from nearest path.
	Turn right, to head along The Great North Walk. Then find the "Crosslands North Picnic area" (10 m on your left). Crosslands North Picnic area 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 . After another 20 m find the "Trip Hazard" (on your left). Trip Hazard 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)
	Continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 6 m pass a seat (10 m on your left)., has a backrest. Then find the "Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout" (on your left). Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout 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" (15 m on your left). Seat 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 6 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 135 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest. After another 185 m head up the 65 steps (about 55 m long)
	After another 20 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 15 m head down the 72 steps (about 55 m long) Then pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest. After another 10 m cross the Calna Creek Bridge (about 30 m long)
	The starting point of an alternate access track. Alternate exit to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station. Follow the beautiful Calna Creek, past the Lyrebird Falls to the station. Details below. After another 3 m (at the intersection of Lyrebird Gully Track & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 1.1 km continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 490 m cross the ford.
	After another 10 m (at the intersection of Sams Creek Track & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then cross the "Sams Creek Crossing". This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways. After another 40 m head up the 10 earthen steps (about 3 m long) After another 20 m head up the 5 stone steps (about 10 m long) After another 8 m head up the 7 earthen steps After another 15 m head up the 18 earthen steps (about 10 m long) After another 20 m head up the 31 earthen steps (about 10 m long) After another 45 m head up the 41 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 40 m head up the 24 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 40 m head up the 7 surface\|wood steps After another 50 m head up the 11 stone steps (about 7 m long) After another 105 m head up the 30 stone steps (about 10 m long) After another 20 m find a seat., has a backrest. Then head up the 30 surface\|wood steps (about 15 m long) After another 10 m head up the 37 stone steps (about 15 m long) Then head up the 8 surface\|wood steps (about 7 m long) Then head up the 7 earthen steps (about 5 m long)
	The starting point of an alternate access track. Alternate access to Berowra Railway Station along Berkeley Fire trail and Crowley Trail past Berowra Park. Details below. After another 105 m (at the intersection of Berkeley Firetrail & The Great North Walk) turn left, to head along Berkeley Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 280 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your left). Then pass the sign (15 m on your left). After another 8 m pass a seat (20 m on your left)., has a backrest. Then find the "Naa Badu Lookout" (on your left). Naa Badu Lookout Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views south over Berowra Creek as well as over Sams and Calna Creeks. Naa Badu means 'See water' in the Aboriginal tribal language of the Dharug people. It is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal peoples. The lookout is fenced, has a bench seat, picnic table and a fair amount of natural shade. After another 225 m find the "Barnetts Lookout" (95 m on your right). Barnetts Lookout Barnetts Lookout provides stunning views over Berowra Creek and the surprisingly wild Berowra Valley NP. There are two stone seats, a concrete base (4.6x4m) and a 1.3m high metal fence (filtered views when seated in a wheelchair). To the left there are views upstream along Berowra Creek past Calna Creek, on a clear day you can just make out the Blue Mountains straight ahead and Berowra Waters to the right. After another 10 m find the "Seat" (95 m on your right). Seat A series of two stone bench seats, 41cm high, 45cm deep and 2.5m wide with a 20cm (and 46cm) high backrest. The seats are built into a retaining wall at the lookout.
	After another 310 m (at the intersection of Berkeley Firetrail & The Great North Walk) turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 7 m head down the 23 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 8 m head down the 14 earthen steps (about 6 m long) After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) Then head up the 17 earthen steps (about 9 m long) After another 30 m head up the 19 earthen steps (about 9 m long) After another 155 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest. After another 55 m cross the ford. After another 60 m head up the 37 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 15 m head up the 27 stone steps (about 10 m long)
	After another 120 m veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 245 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your left). After another 810 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your left). After another 80 m head down the 11 earthen steps (about 20 m long) Then head down the 27 stone steps (about 15 m long) Then pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest. Then come to the viewpoint (on your left). Then head down the 5 earthen steps After another 25 m head down the 27 earthen steps (about 10 m long) After another 20 m head down the 7 stone steps After another 135 m cross the ford. After another 270 m pass the pay phone (30 m on your left). After another 8 m pass the "A Chef Secrets" (25 m on your left). Then head down the 13 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 15 m find the "Berowra Waters Garden House" (25 m on your left). Berowra Waters Garden House #######CLOSED###### This picturesque little restaurant sits on the eastern side of Berowra Creek and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Garden House Restaurant is a great spot for those looking to tap into the Berowra Valley's full potential. For information on bookings and opening hours phone (02)9456 2955. After another 15 m come to a water tap. About 75 m past the end is a toilet. About 50 m past the end is a water tap.
	The end.

Alternate exit to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station. Follow the beautiful Calna Creek, past the Lyrebird Falls to the station.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Lyrebird Gully Track Start heading along Lyrebird Gully Track (a walking track). After 145 m find the "Calna Creek Campsite (north)" (5 m on your left). Calna Creek Campsite (north) 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 80 m head down the 6 surface\|wood steps (about 3 m long) After another 5 m head down the 5 stone steps (about 3 m long) After another 190 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 145 m find the "Calna Creek Campsite (south)" (20 m on your left). Calna Creek Campsite (south) 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 840 m cross the ford. After another 135 m cross the ford.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Binya Firetrail Stretcher Access & Lyrebird Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Lyrebird Gully Track. After another 110 m cross the ford. After another 460 m find the "Lyrebird Caves" (6 m on your right). Lyrebird Caves The Lyrebird caves are a series of notable sandstone overhangs on the eastern side of Lyrebird Gully. There are 3 main overhangs, with the larger (more northern) one providing significant shelter. The larger cave has a fairly flat base in the centre and provides a pleasant place to rest on a hot or rainy day. After another 90 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 40 m find the "Lyrebird waterfall" (10 m on your right). Lyrebird waterfall 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. After another 10 m cross the ford. After another 25 m cross the ford. After another 195 m cross the ford. After another 140 m cross the bridge After another 310 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) Then cross the ford. After another 500 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 170 m cross the ford. After another 520 m pass the water tap (8 m on your left).
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Glenview Road & Lyrebird Gully Track) turn left, to head along Glenview Road (a residential road).
	After another 4 m turn right. After another 95 m pass a seat (6 m on your left)., has a backrest.
	Continue straight. Then head up the 10 concrete steps (about 5 m long)
	Continue straight. After another 30 m pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest. After another 10 m pass the pay phone (65 m on your right). Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
	Turn left.
	After another 7 m continue straight. After another 305 m head through the tunnel
	After another 25 m turn left. Then head through the tunnel About 90 m past the end is a pay phone. About 90 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end.

Alternate access to Berowra Railway Station along Berkeley Fire trail and Crowley Trail past Berowra Park.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Berkeley Firetrail & The Great North Walk Start heading along Berkeley Firetrail (a vehicle track). After 640 m cross the ford.
	After another 255 m (at the intersection of Berkeley Firetrail & Joalah Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Berkeley Firetrail. After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Berkeley Firetrail.
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Berkeley Firetrail & Crowley Trail) veer left, to head along Crowley Trail (a walking track). After another 105 m cross the ford. After another 170 m cross the ford. After another 190 m cross the ford. After another 95 m cross the ford. Then head up the 48 earthen steps (about 40 m long) After another 45 m head up the 10 stone steps (about 4 m long) After another 250 m pass the car park (250 m on your left). Then head up the 11 metal steps (about 3 m long) After another 235 m continue straight, to head along Crowley Trail.
	After another 10 m (at the intersection of Crowley Road & Crowley Trail) turn left, to head along Crowley Road (a residential road). After another 45 m pass the toilet (45 m on your left). After another 30 m turn right.
	After another 20 m turn right. After another 65 m continue straight. After another 70 m pass the toilet (100 m on your left). After another 45 m pass the car park (on your left). After another 20 m continue straight. After another 35 m pass the playground (8 m on your left). After another 265 m pass the car park (270 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 20 m pass the car park (40 m on your left). Then pass the picnic table (115 m on your left). After another 105 m pass the park (100 m on your left). Then pass the "Wise Monkey Cafe" (on your left). After another 45 m pass the "Berowra Chinese Resturant" (20 m on your left).
	Veer left. After another 2 m turn right.
	After another 7 m turn left, to head along Pacific Highway. After another 6 m pass the car park (30 m on your right).
	After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Pacific Highway. After another 40 m come to a pay phone. About 85 m past the end is a toilet. This toilet is wheelchair accessible. About 120 m past the end is a car park.
	The end.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Crosslands - Berowra Waters

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	6.8 km
Time	2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

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	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 5.8 km.

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 6.2 km.

Toilet: There are 6 on route, on average they are 3.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.8 km.

Seat: There are 11 on route, on average they are 1.5 km apart with the largest gap of 5.8 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	20 m	Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre
Shelter	480 m	[shelter]
Shelter	510 m	[shelter]
Entity\|toilet	530 m	Toilet
Seat	740 m	[seat]
Seat	750 m	Seat
Seat	1.1 km	[seat]
Seat	1.5 km	[seat]
Campsite	1.5 km + 145 m	Calna Creek Campsite (north)
Campsite	1.5 km + 580 m	Calna Creek Campsite (south)
Seat	1.5 km + 4.3 km	[seat]
Seat	1.5 km + 4.3 km	[seat]
Toilet	1.5 km + 4.7 km	[toilet]
Seat	3.6 km	[seat]
Toilet	3.8 km + 2 km	[toilet]
Toilet	3.8 km + 2.2 km	[toilet]
Toilet	3.8 km + 2.6 km	[toilet]
Seat	4 km	[seat]
Seat	4.3 km	Seat
Seat	4.8 km	[seat]
Seat	6.3 km	[seat]
Toilet	6.8 km	[toilet]

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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

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