Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Galston Gorge to Berowra Station hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Galston Gorge to Berowra Station
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
6 Hrs 30 mins
11.8 km
1305 m
One way
4.4 km NNW of Hornsby
Berowra Valley Regional Park
Track: Hard
Following the ridge above Berowra Creek along a section of the Great North Walk this track is worth spending the day on. Crosslands is a good spot to break, about the half-way mark. Highlights include the views from the top of the ridges between Galston Gorge and Crosslands and the section of track west of Calana Creek.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
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(0 km) Galston Gorge to Crosslands Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 5.9 km
Time = 3 Hrs
Climb = 635 m
Descent = -679 m
From the rest area beside Galston Gorge Rd the track heads north up the set of log stairs to the ridge. Once on the ridge the track follows the Great North Walk signs north along the bushtrack. This section of the walk has some some excellent views over the Berowra Valley. Additionally it is very easy to navigate due to there only being one trai and being well said. However, this changes slightly as the track descends from the ridge as at various points it is less clear. Once down on the valley floor the track runs closely parallel to Berowra Creek. During this section there are numerous small ups and and down as well as several small creek crossings. At these points the stepping stones can be quite slippery. Just before reaching Crosslands Reserve there are several small campsites. From the campsites the track heads north-east alongside Berowra Creek. At this point the track is a narrow flat trail that goes through the undergrowth of ferns. The end of this section of the track is when the trail emerges into Crosslands Reserve quite suddenly. Just north of this point there is a small public toilet block as well fresh water. Next to this is a table and chair set. Continueing through the reserve the track comes across the carpark at the end of Somerville Rd.
(5.87 km) Crosslands to Calna Creek int Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.7 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 130 m
Descent = -130 m
From the carpark at the end of Somerville Rd the track heads to the north-eastern end of Crosslands Reserve connecting with a boardwalk. This is marked by Great North Walk signposts as well as some very useful information on the wetlands of the area. The track follows the boardwalk and connects with the bushtrack at the end. Approximately halfway along the footbridge there is a very nice lookout over Berowra Creek. Once on the bushtrack the trail runs closely parallel to Berowra Creek heading north. During this section there are several informational signs on the flora, fauna and rock formation of the area. At this point the track is at waterlevel however this changes towards the end of the section with the track climbing steeply to the top of the knoll to the before climbing to the east. Once at the top the trail steeply descends to the waterlevel and crosses the footbridge across Calna Creek to the intersection on the eastern bank. This intersection is marked by a large Great North Walk sign.
(7.56 km) Calna Creek int to Sam's Creek Int Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 1 Hrs 10 mins
Climb = 352 m
Descent = -207 m
From the intersection the track heads north-east along the boardwalk through the grasslands. At the end of the boardwalk the track turns to the slightly to the north and begins to run parallel Berowra Creek. Due to the fact that this section of the walk is right at the bottom of the hill to the east and at waterlevel sections of this are quite muddy frequently. This changes however as the track rises slightly above the waterline and becomes a better managed bushtrack. This continues with several small ups and downs until arriving at the Sam's Creek. At Sam's Creek the track heads north crossing the creek using the large boulders and following the Great North Walk markers. At first glance the way the track heads is not totally clear from the southern bank however on the northern bank the bushtrack is highly visible. Immediately on the north bank the track goes up steeply and steadily in a zig-zag pattern until reaching an intersection with a servicetrail just below the ridgeline. The climb in this section is very steep however the council has put in place handrails in several sections as well as installed a chair halfway up. During the climb there are some good views over Berowra Creek and the bushland to the south.
(9.39 km) Sam's Creek Int to Crowley Rd Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 178 m
Descent = -103 m
From the intersection the track heads east along the servicetrail following the signs to Berowra. Approximately 250m before the track changes to a bushtrack the track bypasses a large servicetrail heading up to the north. Continuing on from this intersection the track comes to an intersection marked by a small Great North marker with the track changing to being a bushtrack heading up to the south-east. This is in contrast to the servicetrail that turns to the south. Once on the bushtrack the trail continues along the flat before rising steeply up to the ridge. During the climb there as several instances where handrails have been installed. Once on the ridge the track widens and goes behind the houses before emerging onto Crowley Rd, Berowra.
(11.17 km) Int of Crowley Rd and Benowie Walking Track to Berowra Station Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -22 m
From the intersection of the bushtrack and Crowley Rd the track heads north-east along Crowley for a very short period before coming to a roundabout at the junction of Crowley and Berowra Waters Rd. At this point turn right and head past Berowra Park Oval until reaching the Pacific Hwy where the track turns left and heads past the shopfronts until reaching the traffic lights. Use these to cross the Highway and onto the north-western side of Berowra Station.
Following the Berowra River the Berowra River National Park is located on the Hornsby Plateau and is made up of typical Hawkesbury Sandstone . Through this walking tracks stretch from Pennant Hills to Brooklyn with the main track, The Great North Walk spanning the entire park. The area has varied vegetation including many different sorts of Eucalyptus as well as native animals however these are largely nocturnal. There are several campsites within the Park with the main one being Crosslands Reserve, in northern Hornsby Heights.
Hiking near Sydney 
5 km
