Great North Walk: Hornsby

After exploring the edge of the valley you will cross the Steele Military Bridge before climbing to Tunks Ridge rest area. Not far from here the walk starts to lead steeply down enjoying more sandstone caves to cross under Galston Road to find the Galston trackhead. Note this part of the 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 has upset many people and the protest continues.\r\nFrom Galston trackhead this walk then follows the eastern side of the steep Berowra Creek valley from Galston Gorge to Crosslands. This enjoyable section of The Great North Walk spends most of the time enjoying the wide tidal creeks in the deep valleys. There are many grass trees and sandstone caves to enjoy as well as several lovely places to camp. Crosslands provides road access, a chance to fill up the water bottle and an optional side trip to motel style accommodation at Crosslands Conventions centre. 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.

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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	At the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Clarinda Street (-33.6881045,151.0918163)
Mode	Bus Car
Directions	From Pacific Highway, Wahroonga. Turn on to Pacific Highway, B83 then drive for 1.3 km Turn left onto Bridge Road, B83 and drive for another 205 m Turn right onto Peats Ferry Road and drive for another 600 m Keep left onto Galston Road and drive for another 370 m Turn left onto Clarinda Street and drive for another 530 m
Finish	At the intersection of Somerville Road & Canoe entry point (-33.6278887,151.1098537)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Clarinda Street Start heading along Clarinda Firetrail (a vehicle track). Find the gate at the start.
	After another 245 m turn left, to head along Clarinda Firetrail. After another 105 m cross the ford. After another 75 m 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. Then head down the 31 stone steps (about 15 m long) Then find the "Unnamed waterfall" (on your left). Unnamed waterfall This waterfall is about 3 meters tall, with a square black face. The water cascades down to a rock platform and into the sandy creek. The waterfall is active after recent rain, and may offer a trickle at other times. At this section of the creek, the gully is quite steep, creating a wonderful environment for the green moss and ferns to grow. A great spot to rest and enjoy the cool on hot days.
	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 380 m (at the intersection of Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail & Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail. After another 30 m find the "Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge" (6 m on your right). Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek's edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 'Steele' bridges still in use in NSW. After another 225 m cross the ford. After another 660 m continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
	After another 870 m 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 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. After another 190 m cross the ford. After another 160 m come to the viewpoint (55 m on your left). After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail.
	After another 630 m continue straight, to head along Tunks Trail. After another 235 m find the "Top of Galston Gorge Campsite" (20 m on your right). Top of Galston Gorge Campsite This campsite can be found on the Great North Walk, off the service trail just before it descends into Galston Gorge (when coming from the south). There is plenty of room for a group of tents, however there is no available water or facilities. Although this is an official campsite for the Great North Walk, there are some threatened species in the area, therefore Tunks Ridge Reserve (1.4km South) would make a better alternative, with better facilities.
	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Tunks Trail veer left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 80 m head up the 87 rock steps (about 50 m long) After another 255 m head up the 35 steps (about 20 m long) After another 25 m head up the 21 stone steps (about 9 m long)
	Turn sharp right, to head along The Great North Walk. Then head down the 17 steps (about 35 m long) After another 20 m head down the 9 steps (about 3 m long) Then cross the stepping stones (about 10 m long) Then cross the stepping stones. This is flood prone; never cross flooded waterways. After another 15 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then find the "Galston Gorge track head" (15 m on your right). Galston Gorge track head Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park on the eastern side of Berowra Creek, near the bottom of the gorge on Galston Road. This track head is a good access point for those wanting to do sections of the Great North Walk and is well signposted. Keep an eye open for the local chickens. After another 25 m head down the 21 rock steps (about 40 m long)
	Turn right, to head along The Great North Walk. Then head down the 14 rock steps (about 15 m long)
	Veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 7 m pass the car park (about 10 m ahead). Turn left, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 1 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. Then head down the 32 earthen steps (about 20 m long) After another 360 m head up the 38 earthen steps (about 20 m long) After another 620 m cross the ford. After another 15 m head down the 33 stone steps (about 15 m long) After another 15 m head down the 35 stone steps (about 9 m long) After another 185 m find the "Gulley Creek Falls" (15 m on your right). Gulley Creek Falls 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. After another 910 m cross the ford.
	After another 310 m continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 165 m come to the viewpoint. After another 580 m cross the ford. After another 30 m head down the 19 earthen steps (about 15 m long) After another 255 m cross the ford. After another 150 m cross the ford. After another 95 m head up 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 70 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) After another 820 m find the "Berowra Creek campsite" (15 m on your right). Berowra Creek campsite 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 25 m cross the bridge After another 360 m cross the ford. After another 255 m come to the "Crosslands Reserve" (55 m on your right). W:www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au There is a fee to use this campsite. After another 50 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long) After another 165 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 330 m head up 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).
	Continue straight. After another 9 m find the "Crosslands Campsite" (15 m on your right). Crosslands Campsite 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. After another 185 m come to the "Viewing Platform" (20 m on your left). This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.
	After another 110 m continue straight. After another 35 m come to the "Viewing Platform" (7 m on your left). This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible. After another 55 m find the "Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre" (80 m on your left). 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Follow the ‘Crosslands Convention Centre & Field Study’ sign down the rough track directly to the water’s edge. Here wait for your pre-booked boat ride across Berowra Creek to the Convention centre. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 20 m continue straight. After another 8 m find the "Crosslands" (on your right). 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. After another 6 m head through/around the gate. Then pass the sign (9 m on your left). Then pass the car park (4 m on your right).
	Turn left, to head along Somerville Road. After another 120 m come to a car park.
	Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Somerville Road & Canoe entry point at the end.

Follow the ‘Crosslands Convention Centre & Field Study’ sign down the rough track directly to the water’s edge. Here wait for your pre-booked boat ride across Berowra Creek to the Convention centre. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a car park (about 7 m back from the start). Find the Crosslands at 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. Find the sign at the start.
	Turn left. About 85 m past the end is "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.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Great North Walk: Hornsby - Crosslands

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	12.7 km
Time	4 h 30 min to 7 h

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 6 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.5 km.

Toilet: There is one 12.2 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	3.9 km	Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Campsite	5.4 km	Top of Galston Gorge Campsite
Campsite	10.9 km	Berowra Creek campsite
Camp site	11.5 km	Crosslands Reserve
Toilet	12.2 km	[toilet]
Campsite	12.2 km	Crosslands Campsite
Campsite	12.6 km	Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
  
  Thursday 13 March
  
  Clear.
  
  Clear. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
  
  Friday 14 March
  
  18°C → 33°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of fog in the early morning, mainly in the west. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  20°C → 34°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  22°C → 36°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  17°C → 24°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  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.
  
  Thursday 20 March
  
  16°C → 28°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Berowra Valley National Park alerts
  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.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Berowra Valley Regional Park alerts
  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

Weather Forecast

Alerts