Starting at Hornsby station, you soon head into the bush and down the steep depression era stone steps through the volcanic Old Mans Valley, to a picnic area at the end of Rosemead Rd. Here you follow the Blue Gum walk through one of Sydney’s rare Blue Gum Forest stands to then cross Berowra Creek a few times at Fishponds waterhole. 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.
Cross sectional view of the Hornsby to Galston Gorge bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hornsby to Galston Gorge bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
8km
Time
3 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.7km is very steep. Whilst another 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 180m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
4.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (180m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 70m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 4.2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Walk with a club - Enjoy bushwalking and make new friends (community announcement) The NPA is more than just a bushwalking club. We are a conservation group that helps protect natural places As a member you can join any of our 1000 guided walks each year and enjoy our quaterly Magazine 'Nature NSW'. Membership fee is just $65 per year, concession fee also available. Learn More...
(0 km)
Hornsby Train Station
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Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk Walk: Easy - road
Length = 717 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -34 m
From the western side of Hornsby Railway Station[1], this walk first crosses the bus lane, then follows the large 'To the Great North Walk' sign[2] across the Station St pedestrian crossing[3], and then across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[4]. Here the walk turns right and follows the footpath (across 'Dural Lane'[5]) past some shops to cross 'Dural St'[6]. The walk then turns left and follows the footpath down along 'Dural St'[7], past a few more shops. Continuing past the units, this walk then turns right onto 'Quarry Rd'[8][9] and follows the road down the gently hill for about 180m to an intersection with 'Old Mans Valley' management trail[10] and locked gate (on your right). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road down the gentle hill, leaving the houses[11][12] behind to come to an intersection with a track, signposted with a 'Great North Walk' sign[13] (on your left).
(0.72 km)
Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
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Berowra Valley Bushland Park Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 544 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -89 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[14] up the hill. The track leads up over the rise, then continues down to the intersection with the Quarry Rd Management trail[15]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[16] down the steep rock steps[17]. The walk winds steeply down a number of sets of stone steps, passing some large rock walls for a bit over 100m, to find a welcome flat section of track[18] midway the hill. As the track leads past some houses (through the trees on your left), this walk heads down more steps[19] before coming to the open area of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[20][21], at the end of Rosemead Road[22].
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Alt = 82 m
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[23] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[24], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[25], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[26], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[27]. There is a water tap[28] in the park, near the road. There is also a 'Welcome to Old Mans Valley' information sign with information about the traditional country of the Darug and Guringai peoples[29].
(1.26 km)
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
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Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 914 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 45 m
Descent = -42 m
Veer right: From the lower side of Berowra Valley Bushland Park[30] (at the end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby[31]), this walk follows the 'Fishponds 1.2km' arrow on the large sign[32], down the track[33] for approximately 30m, to the intersection with the Rosemead management trail[34], marked with a Great North Walk arrow. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide rocky management trail[35] as it bends left (and passing some houses off to the left). The trail then bends right[36] and leads across Old Mans Creek using some concrete stepping stones[37]. The walk then continues by heading up the moderately steep hill and then through a thick blue gum and bracken fern forest[38]. The wide trail leads to the top of the hill then bends left, (ignoring the track on the right[39]) to pass over a saddle[40]. Here the trail leads down the gentle hill[41], through the turpentine forest for just over 300m to find an intersection with narrower track on the right, marked with arrow posts[42]. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow[43] down the narrower track a short distance to find a three-way intersection marked with a large 'Great North walk' signpost[44].
(2.18 km)
Int of GNW and Manor Rd Bushtrack
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Steele Bridge Alternate Route:
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road,road,servicetrail,servicetrail,bushtrack,bushtrack,servicetrail
( Show detail)
Length = 3.83 km
Time = 1 hr 29 mins
Climb = 193 m
Descent = -242 m
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Alternative Route' arrow on the GNW sign[45]. The track dips before heading steeply uphill, zigzagging in several sections. The walk climbs a ladder to the top of the cliffs, coming to the intersection of Manor Rd and Dilkera Cl. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Manor Rd as it initially heads up a gentle hill. After about 600m, Manor Road turns to skirt about Mount Wilga Hospital, and the road changes name to Rosamond St. The walk continues along to the intersection with Stewart Ave on the left (this is a four-way intersection, with Carrington Rd on the right). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along Rosamond St following the Great North Walk arrow. The walk then turns left into Clarinda St and follows it to the end of the road, to find the 'Clarinda Wetlands' sign. Turn right: From the end of Clarinda St Hornsby, this walk heads around the green gate with the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign on it, keeping the 'Clarinda wetlands' to the left. The walk follows the management trail, which soon bends left and gently winds through the bushland. There are some interesting rock formations on the right and the occasional valley view on the left. The track is fairly flat most of the way, until a left-hand bend that leads down to cross a small creek, and then up the other side of the valley. Once the track flattens out again, it comes to an intersection with the Simon Pl management trail on the right, at a fairly large clearing. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat management trail, heading away from Simon Place past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park', 'Dogs Prohibited' sign[46]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a 'Great North Walk' sign[47] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the narrow track, following the 'Great North Walk' sign[48]. The track is rocky and steep in a few places. Take care as the track turns at the top of some smaller cliffs while winding down the hill. Steps have been made from rocks and logs, making this track a bit more gentle, and there are some carved steps in the steeper sections. At the bottom of a small flight stone stairs, the walk crosses the creek on the rocks just in front of the waterfall. Veer right: From the waterfall, this walk climbs the stone stairs (keeping the waterfall initially on the left) and then turns right, heading up out of the gully. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk heads through the bush until soon coming to a 'T' intersection with the Stewart St management trail, signposted with a large 'Great North Walk' sign[49]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge 4km' arrow[50] down the hill along the wide management trail. For the most part, the trail gently heads downhill then bends around to the left, leading to an intersection just before Steele Bridge. Veer right to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 4.56km 'Steele Bridge'.
(2.18 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack
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Fishponds Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 270 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -36 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[51] along the flat narrow track past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[52]. The track soon bends left (passing along the top of an unfenced cliff) then winds down some steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[53]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[54]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[55] and signposted intersection[56].
Fishponds Lookout
Alt = 49 m
Fishponds Lookout is a fenced rock platform at the intersection of the Benowie walking track and the Rosemead trackhead. It is marked with a number of Great North Walk signs. This informally named lookout has good views down over Fishponds, a large waterhole on Berowra Creek. Looking north across the creek, there are views to the upper waterhole and the cliffs on the other side.
(2.45 km)
Fishponds Lookout
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Fishponds Bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 345 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn right: From the lookout[57], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[58] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[59]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[60] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[61]. Veer right: From the cave, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[62] up the track and timbers steps. Soon the track turns left and follows a Great North Walk arrow up the hill[63], at the red and white 'Danger' sign[64](ignoring the other track). The track climbs up the carved steps[65] onto the rock platform and continues up the rocky track until just after passing through a narrow gap between two rocks[66], where this walk comes to the un-signposted (and faint) intersection with the Pogson's Trig track (on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down along the side of the hill[67], whilst keeping the main valley to your right. The track leads down some rocky steps, passing just above a rock platform (a short distance down on your right, with a plaque dedicated to 'Cora'[68]). The track then leads down along the base of a cliff, passing under a rock overhang[69]. The track continues along the base of the cliff for another 50m then starts to wind downhill (with some handrails[70]) to come to a rock platform beside the creek[71]. This walk then crosses Berowra Creek on the flat timber bridge[72].
Fishponds
Alt = 49 m
Fishponds is a long waterhole[73] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[74] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[75], and a small timber bridge[76] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[77]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities[78] - please heed the signs and Cora's parents' plea and enjoy the water from the edge.
(2.79 km)
Fishponds Bridge
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Steele Bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.77 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 143 m
Descent = -156 m
Turn left: From the river bank, this walk follows the track (and GNW arrow[79]) downstream, keeping the creek to your left[80]. The rock track starts to climb the side of the hill and soon passes a fairly large sandstone overhang[81]. About 30m after the cave, this walk starts to climb up the side of the hill quite steeply. The climb starts with some steps leading up through a crack in the rock[82], where the track then continues to wind up the hill for just over 200m until the track mostly flattens out and passes a rock wall[83]. Here the track contours the side of the hill for about 70m to cross a small timber bridge[84]. Over the next 400m, the rocky track leads down the side of the hill, then mostly flattens out for another 600m, passing through a few changes in forest then across a short, flat, green timber bridge[85]. About 100m further on, the track crosses a second green timber bridge (with a handrail)[86]. About 230m further along the track, this walk comes to a clear intersection with a management trail next to the large 'Steele Bridge'(on your left)[87]. There is a 'Fishponds 2km' sign pointing back along the track[88]. Danger, Rifle Range: A section of this track (north of Fishponds and south of Steele Bridge) passes through a safety template for the North Shore District Rifle range. A safety audit in 1995 suggested walkers use the alternate route via Manor Rd.
Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge
Alt = 38 m
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. More info
(4.56 km)
Steele Bridge
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Tunks Ridge Rest Area Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.78 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 160 m
Descent = -33 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk crosses the 'Historic Military Steele Bridge'[89] and turns right to follow the 'Crosslands' sign [90] uphill along the wide management trail. After about 200m, the trail becomes steeper (and is concreted) for around 150m, then flattens out just before the left bend. The trail continues to climb (enjoying the valley views to the right) for another 400m, after which the trail becomes quite steep again for for about 600m (here the trail is sealed[91] then concreted[92] in two sections). From the top of the second concreted section, the trail leads gently uphill for just shy of 300m to the well-signposted 'Tunks Ridge Rest Area', where a sign points back down the trail to 'Stewart St Hornsby Trackhead'[93].
Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Alt = 165 m
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[94] at the junction of three management trails. In the south western corner of the campsite is a composting toilet[95]. 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)[96].
(6.34 km)
Tunks Ridge Rest Area
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Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.36 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -68 m
Turn right: From the top of the rest area, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' AND 'Crosslands Reserve' signs[97] along the wide management trail, keeping the valley to your right. The trail winds along the side of the ridge[98] (passing along the base of a long rock wall[99], up to your left) for about 700m, until the trail comes to the top of the ridge. From here, the trail leads for another 500m, down across a saddle[100] then up to a clear Y-intersection[101]. The walk takes the left branch and passes a few 'Regeneration Area' signs[102][103] over about 250m, coming to a well-signposted[104] intersection with narrower track (on your left), partway around the right-hand bend.
(7.69 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track
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Galston Gorge track head Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 546 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -119 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[105] down the steep rocky track[106] as it zigzags down towards the valley. About 40m down the hill, the track comes to a 'Great North Walk - Walkers Registration' box[107]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues downhill, passing through a crack in the rock[108] where the walk bends right and follows along the particularly rocky section for about 150m and comes to a fence[109]. The fence guides down a steep section, passing a cave[110], and comes to the top of a metal peg ladder[111]. This walk climbs down the ladder, then follows the rock wall (keeping the road to your left), heading down through a crack[112] and along another fence, then coming to a flat area beside the road[113]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow[114] to the right and down under the bridge[115]. The walk crosses the creek, usually a bit more than ankle deep[116]. This creek maybe impassable after rain - the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[117], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other bank, the walk turns left to follow the track uphill[118]. The track well-formed track climbs to the well-signposted and paved Galston Gorge trackhead[119], where a 'Fishponds' sign[120] points back down the track.
Galston Gorge track head
Alt = 24 m
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[121] 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[122]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[123].
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 49 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
Berowra Valley National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Following the Berowra Creek the Berowra Valley National Park is located on the Hornsby Plateau and is made up of typical Hawkesbury Sandstone. The great North walk, Benowie walking track, and many other great walks stretch spann this park. The area has varied vegetation including many different sorts of Eucalyptus and plenty of native animals, includingl swamp wallibies, water dragons, bandicoots, Lyre Birds, and bush turkeys. There are several campsites within the Park, and Crosslands Reserve is also a popular spot near the middle of the park. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCamping Current Park Closure information for Berowra Valley Regional Park Closure information last downloaded Wednesday 19th of June 2013 08:00 AM CLOSED AREAS Impass of Calna Bridge, Crosslands Reserve
Due to unforeseen weather conditions the Calna Creek footbridge connecting Crosslands Reserve, Hornsby Heights and the Great North Walk north of Sam’s Creek is impassable. Therefore access to the Great North Walk is from Glenview Road at Mount Ku-ring-gai. It is currently not known how long will be required to rectify this situation.
Manor Road Bushland Manor Road Bushland is a small parcel of natural bushland between Manor road and the Hornsby quarry. The blue Gum walk and the Great North walk Hornsby track head pass through the section of land where there are some wonderful tall Blue gums and Black Buts. There is also a lovely array of ferns and Turpentine trees. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Did this about 2 years ago. First proper bushwalk I had done. Horrible since I had to do the return as well! And made the mistake of not packing enough water and food. Painful shin splints for the next week. Almost got lost as well but it was worth the effort. Towards the end (Galston Gorge bit) there is a tendency for the path t seem a little vague going up hill (dry/rocky/shrubby parts) but I managed to stay positive and also ran into a peacock. This one's probably best done on an overcast day.
Hiking near Sydney 
NEW
Track: Hard
1 km
not too much longer now :)