This fun walk covers a large section of the Great North Walk, starting from the official start in Circular Quay. After a short ferry trip the walk follows the Lane Cove River through the Lane Cove National Park, to Thornleigh. Here, the walk enters Berowra Valley National Park, continuing along the Great North Walk to before following the popular Blue Gum Walk up out of the valley, to Hornsby train station. Camp overnight at Lane Cove tourist park and at the Scout camp in Thornleigh.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
The Obelisk in Macquarie Place (Cnr of Bridge and Loftus Sts) is the original Mile Stone for 19th century roads in NSW. The surrounding park is the original town square built in 1810, while the Obelisk was erected by Governor Macquarie (well actually the Convicts did the heavy work) in 1818. For nearly 200 years this monument stood as the zero mile/km marker for all principal roads. There are a number of inscriptions including distance markers and "The Obelisk was erected in Macquarie Place A.D.1818, to Record that all the Public Roads Leading to the Interior of the Colony are measured from it. L.Macquarie Esq Governor". The park has a number of other historic items worth exploring.
(0 km)
The Obelisk
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Circular Quay Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 263 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
From The Obelisk, the walk heads up the steps to the Loftus street footpath where it turns left and continues down past the bus stops, and all the way down to the end of the street, where it passes McDonald's and crosses Alfred street to the Circular Quay Railway Station.
(0.26 km)
Circular Quay
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Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 4.81 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -2 m
From Circular Quay ferry terminal the Great North walk gets its feet wet for the first time. The track heads over to Warf 5 (nearer the Harbour Bridge) and catches a ferry to Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St. The ferry goes ever 30-60 mins during the day. The trip is very nice and passes the Opera House (on the Left), the under the Harbour Bridge, around Garden Island, near Cockatoo Island to the Mouth of the Lane Cove River. At Woolwich the walking begins again from the wharf. More info Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
(5.07 km)
Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St
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Int of Woolwich Rd and Serpentine Rd Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.41 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 58 m
Descent = -18 m
From Woolwich Wharf, this walk follows the footpath to the top of Valentia St and turns left onto The Point Rd. The walk continues along the footpath, veering left onto Gale St and then turning right onto Woolwich Road - this corner is marked by Woolwich Lookout on the south side. The walk continues along the footpath of Woolwich Rd, past Weil Park before turning right down Serpentine Rd.
Woolwich Lookout
Alt = 16 m
Woolwich Lookout
Woolwich Lookout can be found along the Great North Walk, and looks over the Woolwich dock on the edge of Sydney Harbour, and across to the city in the distance.
(6.48 km)
Int of Woolwich Rd and Serpentine Rd
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Int of Crescent St and Garrick Ave Walk: Easy - road
Length = 923 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 45 m
Descent = -62 m
At the end of Serpentine Rd, this walk follows the steep path down the hill to the bottom, where it flattens out. At the bottom, the walk turns right and follows the small path between the houses, connecting with the bush track. From here, the walk heads west for approximately 100m before turning away from the bay and along a small track between the houses. The walk then emerges onto Vernon St and heads right and then left, reconnecting back onto Woolwich Rd. This walk turns right onto Woolwich Rd, then right into Futuna Lane, and then left into Futuna Street. When Futuna St intersects with Crescent St, the walk turns downhill for approximately 30m before turning left into Garrick Av.
(7.41 km)
Int of Crescent St and Garrick Ave
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End of Mount St Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.44 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -53 m
At the end of Garrick Av, this walk follows the Great North Walk marker between the houses. After emerging from the houses, the walk turns right into Passy Av, then left onto Ambrose St and right onto Ferry St. From Ferry St, the walk then turns left onto Alexandra St, following this for nearly 600m, to Mount St, where the walk turns right. Once on Mount St, this walk follows the road down to the edge of the water to the carpark near the tennis courts.
(8.84 km)
End of Mount St
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End of Boronia Ave Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.82 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 50 m
Descent = -40 m
From the northern end of Mount St, this walk follows the asphalt path along the water's edge, initially keeping the courts on the left and the water to the right. At the small park at the end of they bay, the trail turns inland and up a small set of stairs to connect with Reiby Rd, where the walk turns right towards Fig Tree Bridge. The walk follows the footpath under Burns Bay Rd (Fig Tree Bridge), after which it heads slightly uphill to connect with Figtree Rd (after crossing Joubert Rd). The walk travels along Figtree Rd to the end (about 350m), then turns right onto Ryde Rd. After following Ryde Rd for a while (about 500m), this walk turns right at Boronia Ave and follows the road to the end, where it comes to the intersection of the Great North Walk bush track.
(10.67 km)
End of Boronia Ave
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Int of Great North Walk and Meyers Avenue track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 844 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -41 m
From Boronia Park at the lower end of Boronia Avenue (away from Ryde Rd), this walk heads up the set of rough stairs at the end of the cul-de-sac and follows the bush track around the edge of the Lane Cove River for approximately 300m before coming to an intersection with the end of Princes Street (an asphalt road). The walk then turns left and continues for about 30m until coming to an intersection with a bush track. This is marked with a large green signpost saying 'The Great North Walk'. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Buffalo Ck. Park' arrow down the bush track for a short while to the Brickmakers Creek picnic area. From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow across Brickmakers Creek and up the wooden steps to the top of the hill. The walk continues down along the rocky path, then winds along a couple of rockshelves. Soon, this walk crosses a short boardwalk, continuing straight across another rockshelf and winding around to the intersection of the Myers Avenue track.
(11.51 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Meyers Avenue track
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Int of Great North Walk and Pains Road (south) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.45 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -38 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the rock platform around the riverside and down to a bush track. The walk follows this track as it winds up and down, keeping the Lane Cove River to the right), coming to the intersection with an unnamed track on the right. From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps to the top of the hill, to the signposted intersection of the 'Access to Barons Cres' track. With the Barons Crescent track on the left, this walk follows the Great North Walk, winding up and down alongside the Lane Cove River (keeping the river to the right), through to the small clearing at the banks of the Lane Cove River. From the river, this walk winds west, up and away from the river. The walk goes through the bush along the rocky track, following the Great North Walk arrows and traversing three boardwalks as the track continues to wind through to the intersection with Pains Road.
(12.96 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Pains Road (south)
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Buffalo Creek track head Track: Moderate - road,servicetrail
Length = 256 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow along the road for about 20m to the corner, where there is another intersection with the Great North Walk bush track (straight ahead). From the bend in Pains Rd (near house number 4), this walk follows the bush track on the corner, winding around behind the houses and up a hill to the Buffalo Creek Reserve. Here, the walk turns right and follows the Great North Walk arrow across the grass, passing a picnic bench and fire place, and coming to the signposted 'Buffalo Creek Track Head'.
Buffalo Creek Reserve
Alt = 3 m
pb_20080903_570
This reserve encompasses a wetland at the mouth of Buffalo Creek. The small parcel of land has ample parking and a large playground for children, as well as barbeques and picnic tables, making this a great spot for a family day out. Beside the picnic area, there is a large playing field and a second smaller picnic area on the far side, where the Buffalo Creek boardwalk starts.
(13.22 km)
Buffalo creek track head
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Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 453 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -26 m
From the Buffalo Creek track head, this walk heads down the three sets of wooden steps and along the boardwalk, winding through the mangroves and across the Buffalo Creek bridge. The walk continues up some rock steps and up along the bush track to the intersection of the Sugarloaf and Great North Walk tracks.
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sugarloaf Point' sign through the bush, winding up and around to the north, and continuing back down to the intersection of the Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point track, where there is a track marker.
(13.67 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks
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Sugarloaf Point Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 284 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sugarloaf Point' sign down the hill and along the service trail to the open waterfront clearing at Sugarloaf Point, which extends all the way along to the end of the grass clearing.
Sugarloaf Point
Alt = 2 m
Sugarloaf Point
Sugarloaf Point is a large grassy clearing with a picnic area on the edge of the Lane Cove River, just north of the Buffalo Creek junction. The riverside picnic area has a couple of picnic benches and a small beach, making it possible to pull a boat up to the point.
(13.67 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks
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Int of Great North Walk and Pittwater Road carpark path Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 198 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pittwater Road' sign along the service trail as it becomes a gravel trail. The trail winds up and around a power station, coming down to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Pittwater Road car park path.
(13.87 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Pittwater Road carpark path
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Magdala Park carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -37 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk sign past the picnic bench, down the wooden steps and along the footpath, following Pittwater Road up and down over a couple of wooden platforms. After a while, the track breaks away from Pittwater Rd and follows a boardwalk through the mangroves, until crossing the Kittys Creek bridge and coming to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Kittys Creek service trail tracks.
With the Kittys Creek bush track to the right, this walk follows the bush track, winding around away from the creek and through the dense bushland. After a little while, the walk climbs a hill and the track opens up to the back of the Magdala Park playing field, continuing around (keeping the field on the right), coming to the car park and the sports club.
Magdala Park
Alt = 3 m
pb_20080902_136
This park is comprised of a large playing field with a baseball diamond in the corner, and a smaller playing field to the north. This park has ample parking and a sports club with public toilets. There are also picnic benches and an opportunity to refill water bottles. The Great North Walk passes through this park and winds down to the Epping Road bridge over Lane Cove River .
(15.18 km)
Magdala Park carpark
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Int. Epping Rd Access Trk and Fairyland Track Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 696 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -21 m
From the Magdala Park car park, this walk follows the driveway to approximately halfway up the short hill, where it crosses the short fence at the gap in the trees and heads across the grass to the base of the transmissions tower. From the transmissions tower, this walk heads down the hill following the concrete path away from Magdala Park, down some wooden steps and over the bridge. The bridge crosses the Lane Cove River and a factory, then turns right alongside a car park. The dark tarmac footpath heads along the back of the car park, then the walk turns left to Epping Rd and then left again down to the pedestrian crossing. From the pedestrian crossing, this walk heads down the hill towards the bridge. The walk crosses a factory's drive way before coming to the intersection marked by stairs off the left of the bridge. From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk marker down Epping Rd across the bridge. The walk comes to the other side of the bridge, where there is an intersection with another set of stairs off to the left of the bridge. From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs, off the bridge. At the bottom of the stairs, the walk heads under the bridge to come to a signposted intersection on the other side.
(15.87 km)
Int. Epping Rd Access Trk and Fairyland Track
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Fairylands Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 743 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -31 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Fairylands Track', down the hill and closer to the Lane Cove River on the right. The track leads over some sections of boardwalk before climbing a few rocky sections for approximately 300m, to the signposted intersection with a large 'No Dogs, No mountain bikes permitted' sign. From the intersection, this walk heads away from the buildings and the power line tower, following a small Great North Walk marker down the hill and over a small wooden bridge. The track wanders along the dry and rocky track before coming to a series of steps leading down to the start of Fairylands. At the bottom of the stairs, there is an information sign about Fairylands. The walk continues across the bridge and winds through the bush to an intersection with a track (which leads to the river), near a palm tree with a set of information signs.
Fairylands
Alt = 1 m
Fairylands and Lane Cove River
Once formally known as "Fairyland Pleasure Grounds", and casually as "The Rest", this site was similar to several others in Sydney. The land was purchased by Robert Swan in 1896 and encompassed about 17 acres in total. Part of the land was cleared for a market garden, growing strawberries and melons. By the early 1900s, this market garden had closed and the area was became a popular picnic and play ground, for people arriving mostly by boat. This was a very popular spot to visit for a special day out. Today, the buildings have (mostly) gone and the cleared area has grown back, but it still can offer a relaxing picnic and lunch spot by the river.
(16.62 km)
Fairylands
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Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 344 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk heads off, with the river on the right, through the flats of Fairylands, past some more signs and up a set of stairs. From the top of the stairs, the walk gently winds its way along the hillside with an occasional view of Lane Cove River. Soon, the track comes to an informal lookout on the right, providing nice views up the river - take care, as there is a large drop off the side, with no fence.
Lookout
Alt = 5 m
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This small, unofficial lookout is atop a large natural rock platform. There are a few in the area, but this is the most distinct. From here, there are nice views down the Lane Cove River. The area is unfenced and there is a significant drop off the side.
(16.96 km)
Lookout
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Int of Quebec Rd and Fairylands Track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 124 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -2 m
From the lookout, this walk heads east with the river on the right. The track winds through the bush, over a small wooden bridge and soon comes to a series of signs for 'Lane Cove National Park' and a Great North Walk arrow, then comes out onto Quebec Rd.
(17.08 km)
Int. of Quebec Rd and Fairylands Track
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End of Quebec Ave Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 490 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the sign for Quebec Rd. At the corner of Fairyland Rd and Quebec Rd on the top of the hill, the walk changes to service trail, leading to a large gate near the crematorium.
(17.57 km)
End of Quebec Ave
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Corner of Delhi and River Rds Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 299 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -40 m
From the gate, the trail narrows to become a bush track and heads along the ridge following the Great North Walk signs. This continues until it descends steeply down off the ridge, to an intersection with River Rd and Delhi Rd.
(17.87 km)
Corner of Delhi and River Rds
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Rivers Lane Walk: Easy - road
Length = 71 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads across River Ave, down through the car park (on the left) to the intersection. The intersection lies between the Lane Cove River Steak & Seafood Restaurant and the track under the bridge.
Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant
Alt = 1 m
The Lane Cove River Steak and Seafood Restaurant is open 7 days. Lunch is served 12-3pm (excluding Saturdays) and dinner 6-10pm. The restaurant serves a diversity of seafood and poultry with prices ranging from $14-30. Ph. 9412 3773 More info
(17.94 km)
Rivers Lane
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Lane Cove Weir South Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 339 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection, this walk heads under the bridge, following the Great North Walk marker, to the intersection between the two flights of stairs (one down to the water and the other up to the road). From the intersection between the stairs, this walk heads up to the road, turning to the bus stop before Fuller Bridge. From the bus stop, this walk heads along the footpath, away from Fullers Bridge. The walk soon crosses the entrance road to Lane Cove National Park before winding right, through the low bushes, to come to the toilet block. From the toilet blocks, this walk heads across the road to follow the footpath through the middle of the Koonjeree picnic area, to the intersection near the water's edge. From the intersection, this walk follows the river bank around the stone memorial on the left to come to the intersection above the weir, on the right.
(18.28 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
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Boat Shed Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 530 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -9 m
From the southern end of the weir, this walk heads upstream, with the river on the right, to pass over a section of decking with a veranda over the river, on the right. The track then continues for approximately 500m, passing through clearings along the river bank, to arrive at a large flat-roofed structure, the Boat Shed.
Lane Cove Boat Shed
Alt = 3 m
Boats outside the shed
Lane Cove Boat Shed, Lane Cove National Park, is situated on the bank of the similarly named river. Rowboats, kayaks, bikes, canoes and more can be hired from the shed. You can also buy ice-creams, chips and drinks. The shed is open on Saturdays 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm and on Sundays 10.30 am to 5.00 pm. For more information contact Greg on 0418600695 or Email: info@lanecoveboatshed.com.au
(18.81 km)
Boat Shed
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8 Ironbarks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 479 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -10 m
From the boat shed, this walk heads up the river, which is on the right hand side of the track. The walk passes through a clearing to then wind for a short time along a bush track next to the river. As the track follows the river, it winds left, climbing away from the river and onto a rock shelf, to then heading down through a rock outcrop and into the clearing of Ironbarks picnic area. The walk passes through the clearing to the intersection with the concrete footpath.
(19.29 km)
8 Ironbarks
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9 Carters Creek Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 165 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads away from the 'Ironbarks' sign, up the river, which is below on the right. The walk leads along the riverbank for approximately 100m, to a gate from where this walk continues right, to traverse the grass clearing until reaching the far side.
(19.46 km)
9 Carters Creek
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13 Cottonwood Glen Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 427 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -3 m
From the picnic area, this walk follows the track marker near the river bank, keeping the river on the right of the track, for approximately 200m. The walk comes out onto a cul-de-sac, which it crosses, to continue through the clearing over a small bridge to the far side of the Cottonwood Glen picnic area.
(19.88 km)
13 Cottonwood Glen
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Riverside Dr Walk: Easy - road
Length = 122 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = 0 m
From Cottonwood Glen picnic area, this walk heads up the road to Riverside Drive, opposite a railed sandstone steps.
(20.01 km)
Riverside Dr
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Lane Cove Tourist Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 445 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = 0 m
From the road, the walk crosses a metal bridge then contours across the hill for approximately 100m, to a signposted intersection. From the intersection, the track heads up the hill, tending left for approximately 100m. The track leads up the stairs to come out between sites 151 and 152 of the Lane Cove Tourist Park.
(20.45 km)
Lane Cove Tourist Park
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Lane Cove Weir South Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road,bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 2.17 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -78 m
From the intersection between sites 152 and 151, the track heads down the stairs, tending right for approximately 100m to the signposted intersection. From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Lane Cove River Weir' down the hill. The track contours across the hill for approximately 100m to a metal bridge. The walk crosses the bridge and then winds left, down to the road. From the intersection, this walk crosses the road, which it then follows down past the sign '12. Blackbutt'. The walk passes the sign and continues down to Cottonwood Glen picnic area. From the edge of the bush, this walk passes through the clearing and over a small bridge. The walk continues through a cul-de-sac to return to bush track. The track then follows the river bank for approximately 200m to another grassed picnic area, Carters Creek. From Carters Creek picnic area, this walk heads across the grass clearing, keeping the river on the left of the track. The walk comes to a fork in the road. This is where the track passes the gate on the left, to continue for approximately 100m to an intersection with a footpath, just before the 'Ironbarks' sign in the picnic area. From the intersection at Ironbarks picnic area, this walk passes through the clearing, keeping the river on the left, to climb up through a rocky outcrop. The track then winds up to a rock shelf before descending to the river bank once again. Along the river bank, the track winds for a short time before opening out onto a grass clearing. The walk continues through the clearing to a large flat-roofed structure, the Boat Shed. From the boat shed, this walk follows the river bank, which on the left, for approximately 500m. The walk passes through clearings before coming to a section of decking which leads past a small veranda over the water. The track then winds near a road to come to the intersection above the weir.
(22.62 km)
Lane Cove Weir South
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Lane Cove Weir North Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 63 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection, this walk heads down across the concrete road of the weir to the Great North Walk marker on the right.
Lane Cove Weir
Alt = 1 m
Lane Cove Wier
The Lane Cove River Weir, built in 1938, was originally constructed to create a lake, in order to make the popular picnic spot in the Lane Cove valley even more so. The weir, however, created environmental issues such as a decline in native fish populations. The south side of the weir now has a fish ladder to help rehabilitate these populations. The weir is part of the Great North Walk.
(22.68 km)
Lane Cove Weir North
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Int. National Parks Office Trk and Max Allen Dr Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 69 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -1 m
From the weir, this walk follows the footpath straight up the hill for approximately 20m to the large concrete area of the intersection. From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath to the road.
(22.75 km)
Int. National Parks Office Trk and Max Allen Dr
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Int. Great North Walk next to Naamaroo Track: Moderate - road
Length = 185 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the road up the hill, passing below the National Parks Conference Centre then following the road around to the left. The walk continues up the road to the signposted intersection opposite the staff parking.
(22.94 km)
Int. Great North Walk next to Naamaroo
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Int. Great North Walk and Naamaroo Service Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 20 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps away from the road, for approximately 10m, to continue up to the intersection with the service trail.
(22.96 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Naamaroo Service Trail
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Int. Great North Walk and Bradfield Rd Access Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 290 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the cliffs up the hill, tending right. The walk then heads straight up the hill to a signposted intersection. From the intersection, this walk leads up the hill following the 'Blue Hole' sign and Great North Walk markers, for approximately 80m to the signposted intersection.
(23.25 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Bradfield Rd Access Trk
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Northern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 100 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk marker down the stairs. The track meanders through the bush for approximately 30m to the signposted intersection at the road.
(23.35 km)
Northern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk
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Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk Walk: Easy - road
Length = 9 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill for approximately 30m to the signposted intersection on the right.
(23.35 km)
Southern Int. Bradfield Rd and Great North Walk
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Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 428 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -29 m
From the intersection, this walk takes the stairs up the hill, away from the road. The track meanders through the bush, passing a rocky outcrop on the right before heading down the stairs to a boardwalk bridge, and then leading to a signposted intersection.
(23.78 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Thistlethwaytes Picnic Area Trk
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Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 756 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -39 m
From the intersection, this walk heads straight and flat over speed bumps for approximately 40m. It then tends left, down to a small cul-de-sac, from where the walk continues as a bush track down into a gully. The track winds around the hillside for a short while, to a rocky surface, before climbing off it by stairs. The track leads into another gully before following the river around to a signposted intersection, next to a flight of stairs.
(24.54 km)
Fiddens Wharf Oval Trk
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Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.86 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 79 m
Descent = -57 m
From the intersection, the track follows the signs to 'Blue Hole', soon passing over a boardwalk bridge. The track winds along the riverside for a short time before turning right to follow a creek upstream. The track leads to a bridge in front of a small waterfall. From here, the track leads up and to the right, passing a sign to 'Blue Hole' on the left. The track continues to wind and undulate above the river, below on the left. The track comes to a small rock cliff which the track passes up the back of, onto a small rockshelf. On the rock shelf, the track turns right, up the hill, at a grass tree. The track then continues to a large boulder which the track passes on both sides. From the boulder, the track follows a section of slightly overhanging cliffs, above on the left of the track. From the cliffs, the track continues for approximately 100m to the signposted intersection.
(26.4 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail
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Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 368 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -23 m
From the intersection, the track follows the 'Blue Hole' sign down the hill. The track passes a green pipeline, perpendicular to the track, to continue left. As the track does so, it thins into a bush track. The track winds around the hill to descend to Blackbutt Creek, which it crosses. From the creek, the track follows the Great North Walk markers up and to the left before contouring right, around the hill to a signposted intersection.
(26.77 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
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Blue Hole Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 25 m
Time =
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Blue Hole' sign down hill to the creek.
Blue Hole
Alt = 10 m
Blue Hole, in Lane Cove National Park, is a small water hole which is polluted by run-off and rubbish from storm water drains. Exotic weeds also surround the watering hole, which is unsuitable for swimming.
(26.77 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
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Int of Great North Walk and Gloucester Ave service trail Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.46 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -36 m
From the intersection, the track follows the sign to De Burgh's Bridge up the hill for approximately 50m to the signposted intersection. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign towards Deburghs Bridge. The track sweeps under the bridge, passing some colourful graffiti before winding around the hillside for a short time and coming to a signposted intersection. Keeping the river in the valley below to the left and the hills above to the right, this walk heads along the bush track, winding around through the bush and down across a creek, coming back up the other side and continuing through the thick forest to the intersection of the Mountbatten Park track. From the intersection the track follows the Great North Walk arrow down the hill and around the corner, winding through the bush and along the rocky track as it undulates through the valley continuing down and across a creek and back up the other side and through the bush to the intersection of the Gloucester ave service trail
(28.23 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Gloucester Ave service trail
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Int of Gloucester Ave service trail and Great North Walk bushtrack Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 31 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection, the track follows the Great North Walk arrows up the hill for a short distance to the intersection of the Great North Walk bush track.
(28.26 km)
Int of Gloucester Ave service trail and Great North Walk bushtrack
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Int of Great North Walk and Christie Park tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 439 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -8 m
From the intersection, the track heads off the service trail, following the Great North Walk arrow down through the bush as the track winds through the valley, until it comes to a power line bush track opposite the fenced-off pipe bridge. From the intersection, the track heads up the small hill, along the bush track for a short while until it comes to the intersection of the power line bush track, at the Great North Walk arrow. From the intersection, the track follows the Great North Walk arrow down the small hill and along the bush track, winding through the bush and down across a bridged creek, heading up the other side and coming to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Christie Park bush tracks.
(28.7 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Christie Park tracks
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Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 737 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -20 m
From the intersection, the track heads up the hill following the bush track to the intersection of the power line service trail at the top of the hill. From the intersection, the track heads to the top of the hill and along the bush track, climbing up the gentle slope to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the link track which leads to the power line service trail (on the right). From the intersection, the track heads up the rocky hill and along the bush track winding through the Lane Cove Valley, undulating to the intersection of the short service trail linking to the West Pymble service trail.
(29.44 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track
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Int of the Great North Walk and the Avondale creek service trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 202 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection, the track follows the service trail down the hill and along the left-hand side of the Lane Cove River to the intersection of the Great North Walk.
(29.64 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the Avondale creek service trail
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Int of the Great North Walk and the Turramurra High School service trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 444 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = -13 m
From the intersection, the track follows the Great North Walk arrow down the bush track, winding around and across the Avondale Creek bridge at the weir, coming up the other side past a sewerage access point and up the bush track around the corner, winding along for a short while to the intersection of the Turramurra High School track From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the bush track for a short distance to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Turramurra High School bush track. From the intersection, this walk heads along the bush track following the Great North Walk arrows up the long rocky hill, passing over some sewerage access points and winding all the way up to the intersection of the Turramurra High School service trail.
(30.08 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the Turramurra High School service trail
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Int of Great North Walk and Kissing Point Road trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 845 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -28 m
From the intersection, the track follows the Great North Walk arrow down the gentle hill, along the service trail for a short distance to the intersection of the Koombalah Ave service trail. From the intersection, the track heads down the service trail, undulating all the way along to the intersection of the pipe bridge track, just before the 'T' intersection with the Great North Walk. From the intersection, the track heads up the hill for about 10m to the 'T' intersection of the Great North Walk and the Kissing Point Road trail.
(30.93 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Kissing Point Road trail
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Browns Waterhole int Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 257 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -16 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow down the concrete trail for a short distance to the intersection of the power line service trail. From the intersection, the track heads down along the concrete trail for a short distance to the intersection of the pipe bridge access track. From the intersection, the track heads down the concrete path to the intersection of the Great North Walk, just before the Lane Cove River crossing.
(31.19 km)
Browns Waterhole int
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Int of Great North Walk and the STEP track (west) Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.22 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -22 m
From the intersection, the track follows the service trail for a while, keeping Lane Cove River to the left, before it comes to the intersection of the Cove St service trail. From the intersection, the track heads down the hill and along the service trail, coming up the other side to the intersection of the STEP track. From the intersection, this walk follows the STEP Track markers (keeping the river to the left). After a short while, the walk comes to an intersection with a concrete walking path on the right, and signposts for the Great North Walk and STEP track.
(32.4 km)
Int of Great North Walk and the STEP track (west)
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Int of Great North Walk and the Pennant Hills Park bush track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.03 km
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -11 m
From the intersection, the track follows the service trail down the hill for a short distance to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Epping service trail. From the intersection, the track follows the 'Thornleigh station' sign along the service trail, which winds for a while with the Lane Cove River to the left, before crossing the river and continuing along to the unsignposted intersection of the Pennant Hills Park bush track.
(33.44 km)
Int of Great North Walk and the Pennant Hills Park bush track
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Int of the Great North Walk and the Comenarra Parkway track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.54 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 99 m
Descent = -50 m
From the intersection, the track follows the service trail, with the river to the left. The track crosses the river as it winds along the valley floor, crossing two more times before coming to the intersection of the Broadway service trail. From the intersection, the track heads north along the service trail following the Great North Walk signs, winding down across the Lane Cove River on steppingstones and up the other side, zigzagging up the hill to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Comenarra parkway bush track.
(34.98 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the Comenarra Parkway track
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Int of Great North Walk and BP scout camp tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 219 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, the track follows the Thornleigh sign, winding up the steep hill to the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Baden Powell scout centre tracks.
(35.2 km)
Int of Great North Walk and BP scout camp tracks
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BP scout camp amphitheatre Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 408 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -29 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Baden Powell scout centre' sign down the hill for a short distance, to the intersection of the City View lookout and Baden Powell scout centre tracks. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Baden Powell scout centre' sign through the bush, winding down the hill to the intersection of the Great North Walk and an unnamed bush track, marked with a Great North Walk arrow. From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow down the hill for a short while, to a clearing at the intersection of the Baden Powell scout centre and some unnamed tracks. From the intersection, this walk heads west down the hill as if cutting straight across the gulley, to the intersection of the bush track just before the creek. From the intersection, this walk crosses the creek and climbs up the other side of the gully to the 'T' intersection of the Albion Street track. From the intersection, this walk follows the track up the hill to the top, passing through a gap in a stone wall to the Baden Powell scout centre amphitheatre.
Baden Powell Scout Camp
Alt = 131 m
scoutcamp ampetheatre
The Baden Powell Scout Camp is a large camping ground on the edge of Pennant Hills. There are several large buildings for indoor accommodation and several camping areas towards the bottom of the grounds. By pre-booking, bush walkers can stay here while passing through on the Great North Walk. To contact the scout camp about using the site, phone Michael New (02) 9484 2278 (weekdays), or just drop by in person before you set off.
(35.6 km)
BP scout camp amphitheatre
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Int of BP scout camp and Albion Street tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 34 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the amphitheatre at the very bottom of the scout centre, this walk heads down through the gap in the wall, and down the hill alongside a gully to the intersection of the Baden Powell scout centre bush track.
(35.64 km)
Int of BP scout camp and Albion Street tracks
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Int of BP scout camp and unnamed bushtracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 204 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -5 m
From the intersection, this walk cuts down across the gulley, crossing the creek and coming to the intersection of the Boy Scout creek track just on the other side. From the intersection, this walk heads east up the hill to a clearing, and the intersection of the Baden Powell scout centre and some unnamed tracks. From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow up the hill, winding to the intersection of the Baden Powell scout centre and some unnamed tracks.
(35.84 km)
Int of BP scout camp and unnamed bushtracks
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Int of Great North Walk and BP scout camp tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 170 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill following the Great North Walk arrow to the signposted intersection of the 'Baden Powell Scout Centre' and the 'City View Lookout' tracks. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh oval' sign through the bush and up the hill to the intersection of the Great North Walk.
(36.01 km)
Int of Great North Walk and BP scout camp tracks
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Int of the Great North Walk and Thornleigh Oval Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 170 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, the track heads up the rocky hill following the Great North Walk arrow, all the way to the back of Thornleigh Oval.
(36.18 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and Thornleigh Oval
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Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 165 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, the track follows the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval on the left, and past the sports club to the corner of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
(36.35 km)
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
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Morgan Rd Walk: Easy - road,footpath,road
Length = 1.93 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -53 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign along Handley Avenue, along to the end of the road where it turns right onto Orchard Street and immediately left onto Station Street. From here, the walk continues north-west to the end of the road where it winds up the ramp and onto the bridge, coming down the other side and down some steps to Railway Parade. From the base of the steps, this walk crosses over the road, heading towards the railway line, turning left around the side of the corner store and following the footpath to the base of the railway bridge which it climbs up the steps to the top of, coming to the Thornleigh Train Station. From the western side of Thornleigh Station, this walk heads north along The Esplanade for approximately 60m before turning left at the traffic lights and following the footpath along Eddy Street. At the end of Eddy Street, the walk turns left onto Tillock Street, following the Great North Walk markers, and then right into Morgan Street. The walk continues to the end of this street, where there is a small Great North Walk marker indicating the start of the bush track.
(38.28 km)
Morgan Rd
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Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 222 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -6 m
From the end of Morgan Street, the walk follows the Great North Walk signs behind the houses (between no. 28 and 26). Once behind the houses, the track turns left and follows the grass trail and bush track down the side of Zig Zag Creek. The track soon intersects with a wide concrete management trail.
(38.5 km)
Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks
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Zig Zag Creek Bridge int Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 134 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -8 m
From the intersection, this walk heads north-west down the hill along the concrete service trail until coming to an intersection with a small bush track, just before the bridge that crosses Zig Zag Creek. At the time of walking, there was a noticeable smell of sewage along this section of the walk.
(38.64 km)
Zig Zag Creek Bridge int
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The Jungo Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.42 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -56 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the Great North Walk sign along the bush track, keeping Zig Zag Creek on the right, crossing a bridged tributary and continuing all the way to the campsite at the intersection of the Great North Walk and the Schofields Trail (signposted as the way to Cumberland State Forest).
The Jungo
Alt = 98 m
The Jungo
This campsite is a relatively small clearing on the Great North Walk, close to Thornleigh. The campsite is located close to the junction of Berowra Creek and Zig-Zag Creek. There is usually water in the creeks (treat before drinking) and there is no toilet. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.
(40.05 km)
Jungo campsite
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Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 93 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
From the campsite, this walk follows the Fishponds arrow along the service trail, down the hill, crossing the creek and continuing up the other side until the track flattens out and comes to the signposted intersection of the Great North Walk and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted 'Cherrybrook Lakes').
(40.15 km)
Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
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Elouera Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 958 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 63 m
Descent = -38 m
From the intersection, the walk heads down the bush track and across the creek, turning left and continuing along the bush track, keeping the creek on the left. The track crosses a bridged tributary before turning uphill and winding to the top via some rock steps. The track follows the Great North Walk arrows, heading along the top of the hill until coming to the fenced-off cliff edge, where the track reaches the signposted intersection with the Westleigh track.
(41.1 km)
Elouera Lookout
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Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.01 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 133 m
Descent = -110 m
From the lookout, the walk follows the Great North Walk track, keeping the cliff line to the left. The track winds for some time to the bottom of the valley, then crosses a bridged tributary and climbs to the top of the next hill. The walk continues to the signposted intersection of the Great North Walk and the 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track.
(43.11 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track
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Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 718 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -66 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the track, keeping the valley down to the left. The walk follows the Great North Walk arrows down the long hill to the bottom and then up the other side. The track winds up to the top and comes to the unsignposted intersection with the Blackfellows Head lookout track. From the intersection, the walk heads north through the bush, keeping the valley down to the left and following the Great North Walk arrows, until it comes to the signposted intersection of 'The Great North Walk' and 'The Blue Gum Walk'(NTH).
(43.83 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
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Fishponds Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 747 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -76 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk 'Fishponds' sign, heading up the hill and along the rocky path. This section of open bushland comes alive with purple patersonia lilies and pink wax flowers in early spring. The walk scrambles down some rocks and heads under a rock overhang, coming to a spot known to locals as 'the spa', notable for the interesting holes in the sandstone.
The walk crosses Waitara Creek here, then turns left and follows the creek downstream along the rocky path, passing patterned sandstone walls and around some large boulders along the way. The walk passes over a small wooden bridge then climbs up to a fenced lookout and intersection, marked with many Great North Walk signs and the Blue Gum Walk (on the right).
(44.58 km)
Fishponds Lookout
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Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 298 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -3 m
From the lookout, this walk follows the 'alternative route' sign, travelling along the bush track, crossing a little wooden bridge and climbing up some steps and a steep rocky surface with some footholds cut in it. The walk continues on to the intersection with a bush track on the left, and another large GNW 'alternative route' sign.
From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Hornsby Station' sign up the wooden steps, to the intersection with a management trail.
(44.87 km)
Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
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Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 855 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -45 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow along the management trail, leaving the bush track directly behind. The walk climbs over the gentle hill through the blue gum and bracken fern forest, scattered with grass trees. The trail continues steeply down the other side, winding to the bottom where it crosses Old Mans Creek at the concrete stepping stones. The trail then continues up the other side, passing some houses off to the right, soon coming to an intersection with a bush track on the left.
(45.73 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail
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Berowra Valley Bushland Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 31 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow along the bush track for a short distance, to Berowra Valley Bushland Park at the end of Rosemead Road.
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Alt = 82 m
Rosemead Rd Park
Also known as Rosemead Rd Park, this park is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees, and would make a good spot for a break along the walk. It has two picnic tables with bench seats and shelter, and an electric BBQ. There is a water tap in the park, near the road.
(45.76 km)
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
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Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 490 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 90 m
Descent = -13 m
From the back end of the park, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow, heading up the stone steps next to the 'Hornsby Park Conservation Reserve' sign. The walk winds steeply to the top of the valley, where it comes to an intersection with the Quarry Road management trail. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow up the hill, winding along the bush track around the end of the ridge, before turning back down to the intersection with Quarry Road.
(46.25 km)
Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
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Hornsby Train Station Walk: Easy - road
Length = 717 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road up the gentle hill until coming to the gated 'Old Mans Valley' management trail, on the left. From the intersection, this walk follows the road up the long gentle hill to the top, then turns left onto Dural St and continues along to the Pacific Highway. At the highway, this walk turns right and heads past the shops to the first set of traffic lights, where it crosses the highway. The walk then continues across Station Street at the pedestrian crossing, coming to Hornsby Station.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 17 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
This small but picturesque city park is a haven of peaceful bushland along the winding Lane Cove River. Home to the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and 27 km of the Great North Walk, you can also hire a boat, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic by the weir.
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.
Hi Mark
Sorry that you are disapointed by the website. If you can provide my some more specific feedback I might be able to help you more. Have you tried looking at the PDF's??. Is it that we have not documented the walk that you want? or is that the maps are not have high enough quality? Or what is it that you are looking for? What do you mean by "to guide my own tour"??
Hiking near Sydney 
10 km
not too much longer now :)