Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Thornleigh to Cowan hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Thornleigh to Cowan
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
16 Hrs
29.6 km
2673 m
One way
12.8 km SSW of Berowra
Berowra Valley Regional Park
Track: Hard
Following the Great North Walk and Berowra Creek through Berowra Valley Regional Park this track cuts straight through the length of the Park. Although long, the sites on it are very good, providing a broad idea of what this park has to offer. Conserve your energy for the section between Berowra Waters and Cowan as there are several hills, to end a solid day of walking.
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) Thornleigh Train Station to Morgan Rd Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 1 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -50 m
From the western side of Thornleigh Station the track heads norht along The Esplanade for approximately 60m before turning left at the traffic lights and following the footpath along Eddy St. At the end of Eddy the track turns left onto Tillock St following the Great North Walk markers as they turn right into Morgan St. The track continues to the end of this street where there is a small Great North Walk Marker indicating the start of the bushtrack.
(1.01 km) Morgan Rd to Bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack, servicetrail
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -12 m
From the end of Morgan St the bushtrack follows the Great North Walk signs behind the houses. Once behind the houses the grass trail changes to a narrow bushtrack following Zig-Zag Creek heading west. This continues until reaching an intersection with a wide asphalt servicetrack. From the intersection the track heads north-west down the hill along the asphalt servicetrail until coming to an intersection with a small bushtrack. The intersection is just before a small bridge that crosses Zig-Zag Creek.
(1.3 km) Bridge to The Jungo Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.4 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -56 m
From the intersection the track heads along the bushtrack north-west. In this section the track is climbs slightly up and away from the Zig-Zag Creek however they remain parallel. The track continues until comeing to a reasonably large clearing signposted as 'The Jungo'. At the northern end of this clearing the track intersects with a wide servicetrail.
(2.72 km) The Jungo to Currong Rd Track Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.2 km
Time = 1 Hrs
Climb = 200 m
Descent = -154 m
From 'The Jungo' the track follows the Great North Walk signs north-east along the servicetrail downhill to the creek and then immediately up the other side. At the top of the small hill the servicetrail splits into two parts with this trail veering off to the right and heading steeply down once again to Zig-Zag Creek. Once across the creek the track flattens out and continues north-east around the hill with only minor ups and down until going steeply up to the ridge. Once on the ridge the track becomes a very flat bushtrack until coming to an intersection with the Quarter Sessions Rd Track. The ridgeline section of this walk is extremely pleasant with some very nice lookouts over Berowra Creek and the surrounding bushland. At the intersection the track heads north following the signs to 'Fishponds' along the ridge for approximately 50m. At this point the track begins to head down along a rough bushtrack and rockstairs. The track continue down the hill until coming to 'Fishponds'. Fishponds a very pretty series of waterholes in Berowra Creek (a series of small rockpools developed through the erosion of the rock). From 'Fishponds' the track crosses the creek using the stepping stones and follows the Great North Walk signs around the edge of the ponds and onto a narrow bushtrack. The section of track along the rock can be quite slippery after rain. Once on the bushtrack the trail continues further north-east for a short while before climbing up to the ridge. Just after climbing the ridge the track comes up to an intersection with a servicetrail that leads off to Currong Rd. From the ridge this trail offers some good views over Berowra Creek and the valley.
(4.92 km) Currong Rd Track to Int of GNW and Blue Gum Walk (Nth) Track: Moderate - servicetrail, bushtrack, bushtrack
Distance = 2 km
Time = 45 mins
Climb = 142 m
Descent = -221 m
From the intersection the track heads north along the ridgeline along a small service trail. Due to the fact that the vegetation along the ridge is quite sparse there are some excellent views in this section over the valley. This is particularly the case where the track goes out and along the clifftop. In these sections metal safety railings have been installed. This track continues until coming to the intersection to north track point on Quarter Sessions Rd. These are clearly signposted with directional arrows pointing along the Great North Walk and up to the Blue Gum Track. From the intersection of the Quarter Sessions Rd Track and the Great North Walk the track heads north-east along the side of the ridge. At this point there are some good views around the Berowra Valley. Navigation in this section is relatively easy due to there being one, well signposted continuous track. This continues until reaching an intersection with several signposts indicating that this intersection is part of the Hornsby Blue Gum Walk. This is indicated by the marker which is a small tree on a metal plaque. From the intersection of the Blue Gum Walk (SW) and the Great North Walk the track heads north-east down the spur until reaching waterlevel. The track crosses a small and extremely creek which is a tributary of the Berowra Creek. Continuing north-east the track goes along at waterlevel until in the last section rising slightly and coming up to an extremely well-singposted intersection with a bushtrack. Signs at this intersection point towards Tunks Ridge Reserve and up to Hornsby.
(6.92 km) Int of GNW and Blue Gum Walk (Nth) to Fishponds Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -26 m
From the intersection the track heads north-west along the bushtrack for a short while before winding down the hill along a narrow bushtrack to Fishponds to a creek crossing of Berowra Creek. This is dones on small stepping stones that have been installed across the creek. On the northern side of the creek the track winds up to the top of the hill, following the Great North Walk markers. At the top of the hill it is possible to see down below you Fishponds. The track continues north, winding down the hill to Fishponds which is a set of waterholes and a small creek crossing.
Fishponds
Alt = 54
Fishponds is a very pretty series that has become a populour swimming spot for locals. The waterholes have developed through the erosion of the rock over time. Unfortunately, this area has also a dangerous reputation and has claimed the lives of many people who have used the place as a jumping rock. For more information follow the link. More info
(7.1 km) Fishponds to Baily Bridge Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 76 m
Descent = -95 m
From Fishponds the track follows the Great North Walk markers and heads north-west alongside Berowra Creek offering some good views of the sandstone country in the Berowra Valley Regional Park. The creek becomes quite wide along sections of this track. Just before Baily Bridge the the track comes to a clearing and an intersection with a servicetrail (Baily Bridge is a large military steel bridge that crosses Berowra Creek).
(8.85 km) Baily Bridge to Tunks Ridge Reserve Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 156 m
Descent = -32 m
From the intersection the track crosses Berowra Creek via Bailey Bridge and from there begins to climb steadily north to the ridge along the servicetrail. In various points this track becomes quite steep however as the track reaches the ridge this flattens dramatically. Gradually the trail turns to the south-west and continues along the servicetrail until reaching Tunks Ridge Reserve which is a large clearing and toilet that is authorised for camping. At the northern end of the reserve there is another servicetrail.
Tunks Ridge Reserve campsite
Alt = 163
This is an extremely large, shady and flat campsite with servicetrails coming in from the east, north and south. In the western corner of the campsite there is a pit toilet. There is no water (You will need to carry your own in). There are also no rubbish bins.
(9.23 km) Tunks Ridge Reserve to Galston Gorge Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.9 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 104 m
Descent = -220 m
From the intersection the track heads north along the ridgeline on a wide servicetrail until coming to a small clearing and the start of a narrow bushtrack. From the beginning of the bushtrack the track descends very steeply down an often unstable track. In various points along this track it is very steep and the council has therefore put in manufactured rockstairs as well as handrails in some sections. Once reaching the bridge across Galston Gorge Rd the track goes under the bridge and crosses the creek at the bottom of the valley via a set of stepping stones. Once on the northern bank of the creek the track follows the bushtrack up the logstairs to a small rest area on the side of the road. (it is possible to walk across the top of the bridge from the southern to the northern bank without descending down to the creek level.)
(11.15 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.
Crosslands
Alt = 1
Crosslands is a large open reserve next to Berowra Creek. Access is by the multiple bushtracks,creek or Somerville Rd Hornsby Heights. Facilities at the reserve include picnic shelters, wood barbecues, toilets, parking and a children's playground. For more enquiries including information on camping contact Hornsby Shire Council on (02) 9847 6791.
(17.01 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.
(18.7 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.
(20.53 km) Sam's Creek Int to Naa Badu Lookout Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -25 m
From the intersection, the track heads west along the servicetrail for approximately 200m until coming to the Naa Badu lookout.
Naa Badu Lookout
Alt = 132
Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views over the southern aspect of Berowra Creek as far as Crosslands Reserve. Naa Badu means 'See water' in the Aboriginal Tribe the Dharug's language. It is named this as it is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal Peoples.
(20.82 km) Naa Badu Lookout to Berkey Cls Track Int Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -28 m
From the lookout the track heads north-west along the servicetrail until coming to a small intersection with a bushtrack heading down and off to the north-west.
(21.4 km) Berkey Cls Track Int to Berowra Waters Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.2 km
Time = 55 mins
Climb = 129 m
Descent = -260 m
At this point the track heads north-west down the short and gradual set of stairs to Bang garai Creek. After crossing the creek the track continues to the north-west before beginning to climb steeply. This climb is assisted by stairs and occasional iron handholds. Accompanying this there is a chair on the top of this section. Once reaching the top of the ridge the track flattens out and continues along the bushtrack. This continues with views over Berowra Waters township until descending steeply down to waterlevel. At this point the track heads alongside the water on a narrow bushtrack through the grasslands until coming out onto Berowra Waters Rd, next to the ferry and the Marina.
Water View Cafe
Alt = 7
On the western side of Berowra Waters Ferry (free trip) and a short walk up the road is the Water View Cafe at the Marina. This offers a range of food in cafe or restaurant style dinning. Average price for lunch is $10-12 (cafe). Open from 9am everyday. Kayak Hire available Phone (02) 9456 2633 199 Bay Rd Berowra Waters, NSW 2082
(23.58 km) Berowra Waters to Ridge top campsite Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.2 km
Time = 1 Hrs 15 mins
Climb = 356 m
Descent = -149 m
From the ferry at Berowra Waters the track heads north along the road next to the marina. This heads past the toilets and the rural fire station before coming to a small carpark. At the northern end of this carpark the track joins onto a small bushtrack marked with several Great North Walk signs and continues north. This continues until the track turns abruptly away from the water and heads very steeply up the hill to the east. Once reaching the top of this hill there is a small rough and unofficial campsite that is used by walkers doing the Great North Walk. From the small bush campsite the track heads east descending steeply along a narrow bushtrack to a small creek which is a tributary of Berowra Creek. After crossing the creek the track begins to go steeply up the hill to the east. This continues until the track flattens out and turns slightly to the south for a short while before climbing a small hill which joins onto a servicetrail which the track follows for a short while before coming to a large campsite off to the right of the track.
(25.8 km) Ridge top campsite to Glendale Rd Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 2.8 km
Time = 1 Hrs 15 mins
Climb = 221 m
Descent = -231 m
From the Ridge Top Campsite the track heads east along the bushtrack. After several hundred metres this intersects and crosses a servicetrail and continues following the Great North Walk markers further east for just under a kilometre. At this point the track begins to gradually descend. This continues until the final section of the descent the track steepens considerably before a tributary of Berowra Creek. On the other side of this section the track very steeply heads up the hill to the east and at various points there are metal handholds thats have been drilled into the rock forming into small ladders. In the final section of this ascent the track climbs up onto the rockshelf overlooking the surrounding area and Berowra Creek. From the lookout the track turns south-east and heads along a meandering bushtrack with only a slight ascent. This continues until coming to an intersection with the Glendale Rd servicetrail.
(28.58 km) Glendale Rd to Cowan Station Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 66 m
Descent = -83 m
From the intersection at Glendale Rd the track heads north-east along the bushtrack following the Great North Walk markers. This track is relatively flat and at various points runs quite close to the railway and the Pacific Hwy however there is dense vegetation between the track and the developments so the nature feel is maintained and only slightly disturbed by the noise. This continues with the track crossing several small creeks including Bujwa Creek until merging with a servicetrail. At this point the track continues north-east for a short period before turning towards the Hwy to the right and heading up the hill for approximately 50m before coming to a large boom gate, with several large green Great North Walk signs and the Pacific Hwy. Just across the highway Cowan Station is located.
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.
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