Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout

3 h 45 min to 5 h 15 min

7.9 km
return

↑ 409 m
↓ -409 m

Hard track
This half day return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows a section of the Great North Walk along side Berowra creek, across boardwalks and bush tracks, before climbing steeply up the side of the valley to the Naa Badu Lookout. The lookout provides a great view down, across the valley and along Berowra creek. There are picnic benches and seats making it a great place for lunch. 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.
Show all
Crosslands Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2008.
start of Crosslands boardwalk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crosslands boardwalk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
short flat bushtrack. | Photo by admin, 2008.
short sections of boardwalk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
following berowra creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2015.
Photo by admin, 2015.
Great North Walk boardwalk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grass trees along track near Berowra Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
winding through the bush. | Photo by admin, 2007.
steps up out of valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
winding up the valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
GNW sheltered chair. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Naa Badu Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.6287773,151.1091593)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Galston Road
  • Turn on to Somerville Road then drive for 6.6 km
  • Turn left and drive for another 2 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate at the northern end of the car park. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
Find the bollard at the start.
Find the gate at the start.
Find the Windeyer Scout Camp at the start.
Turn right.
After another 8 m come to the "Crosslands".
Crosslands
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.
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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 8 m come to the "Viewing Platform" (105 m on your left).
This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.
Continue straight.
After another 20 m find the "Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre" (90 m on your left).
Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre
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.
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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.

Then pass the sign (7 m on your right).
After another 8 m come to the "Crosslands Youth Camp" (140 m on your left).
This campsite has showers.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 120 m turn left.
After another 6 m find the "Wheelchair Rough" (on your right).
Wheelchair Rough
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.
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Link from carpark to path is across exposed ground (muddy after rain) and between timber bollards that are 80cm high and 1.5m apart.

Then pass the cave (175 m on your right).
After another 60 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right).
Picnic Table
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.
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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 35 m pass the "tap" (on your right).
After another 135 m pass the shelter (40 m on your left).
Then find the "Picnic Shelter" (50 m on your left).
Picnic Shelter
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.
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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.

Continue straight.
After another 30 m pass the BBQ (60 m on your left).
Turn right.
After another 20 m pass the toilet (70 m on your left).
Then pass the water tap (60 m on your left).
Then find the "Toilet" (75 m on your left).
Toilet
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.
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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.

Then find the "Crosslands North Picnic area" (15 m on your left).
Crosslands North Picnic area
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 .
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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
Trip Hazard

There is a 4cm step from between the dirt path and the northern end of the timber boardwalk.
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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 85 m long)
Then come to the viewpoint (195 m on your right).
After another 55 m continue straight.
After another 10 m pass a seat (10 m on your left)., has a backrest.
After another 8 m continue straight.
After another 6 m find the "Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout" (on your left).
Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout
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.
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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 pass a seat (9 m on your left)., has a backrest.
After another 210 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 145 m continue straight.
After another 175 m head down the 65 steps (about 60 m long)
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 15 m head down the 72 steps (about 65 m long)
Continue straight.
After another 15 m pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest.
After another 10 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
Continue straight.
After another 70 m find the "Calna Creek Campsite (north)" (130 m on your right).
Calna Creek Campsite (north)
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.
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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 580 m cross the ford.
After another 500 m continue straight.
After another 500 m turn left.
After another 550 m continue straight.
After another 225 m pass the car park (170 m on your right).
After another 10 m find the "Parking Accessible" (200 m on your right).
Parking Accessible
Parking Accessible

There are a series of nine marked car parks at the end of Barnetts Road, Berowra including one mobility parking bay. The parking area is tarmac, 3.4m wide and 5m deep.
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There are a series of nine marked car parks at the end of Barnetts Road, Berowra including one mobility parking bay. The parking area is tarmac, 3.4m wide and 5m deep.

After another 20 m find the "Picnic Table" (190 m on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 73cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide (no backrest).
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A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 73cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide (no backrest).

Then pass the water tap (170 m on your right).
Then find the "Seat" (190 m on your right).
Seat
Seat

A series of three timber slat bench seats, 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Each seat is on a concrete slab and about 5m (across grass) from the path.
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A series of three timber slat bench seats, 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2m wide with a 52cm high backrest. Each seat is on a concrete slab and about 5m (across grass) from the path.

Then find the "Barnetts Picnic area" (175 m on your right).
Barnetts Picnic area
Barnetts Picnic area

The Barnetts Road Reserve picnic area, boasts three picnic tables, a drinking fountain, a playground and seats a short distance from the road. The area is surrounded by some open grass area and native forest. Easy flat and smooth access from the road.
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The Barnetts Road Reserve picnic area, boasts three picnic tables, a drinking fountain, a playground and seats a short distance from the road. The area is surrounded by some open grass area and native forest. Easy flat and smooth access from the road.

Turn left.
Then pass the playground (160 m on your right).
After another 20 m find the "Picnic Table" (185 m on your right).
Picnic Table
Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 70cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2.2m wide (no backrest).
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A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 70cm deep and 2.7m wide. The seats are 46cm high, 29cm deep and 2.2m wide (no backrest).

About 195 m past the end is a seat.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 4 km to get back to the start.
About 20 m past the end is "Naa Badu Lookout".
Naa Badu Lookout
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.
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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.

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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 7.9 km
Time 3 h 45 min to 5 h 15 min
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 Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2 km apart with the largest gap of 6.4 km.

Shelter: There is one 500 m from the start.

Entity|toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.6 km apart with the largest gap of 7.4 km.

Seat: There are 5 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 3.9 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Campsite
40 mCrosslands Youth & Convention Centre
Camp site
50 mCrosslands Youth Camp
Shelter
500 m[shelter]
Toilet
540 m[toilet]
Entity|toilet
540 mToilet
Seat
760 m[seat]
Seat
770 m[seat]
Seat
1.5 km[seat]
Campsite
1.6 kmCalna Creek Campsite (north)
Seat
4 kmSeat
Seat
4 km[seat]
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