Hornsby station to Crosslands

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Time 6 hrs 45 mins
One way 16.1 km One way
Climb 938 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Train Bus Car
no_pets
This section of the Great North Walk starts from Hornsby train station and winds down along the Blue Gum Walk into Fishponds. Enjoy the wonderful water hole at fishponds before continuing along Berowra Creek, passing through the Tunks Ridge Reserve and into Galston Gorge. From the Gorge the track keeps following the Berowra Creek past a waterfall to the Crosslands Campsite. People can drive down to Crosslands to pick you up at the end of the walk, or organise a taxi. Check the info at the end of the walk for crosslands closing times. Note this walk was re-routed in early 2016 to go via the streets of Hornsby Heights. This re-route is due to the multi-agency decision to close the Fishponds to Steele Bridge section of the Benowie Track. This decision has upset many people and the protest continues.

(0km) Hornsby Train Station → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk

distance 720 m time 14 mins climb 8m descent -34m Easy track
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).

(1km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Berowra Valley Bushland Park

distance 540 m time 14 mins climb 12m descent -89m Hard track
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

Berowra Valley Bushland Park
'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].

(1km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail

distance 890 m time 20 mins climb 45m descent -39m Moderate track
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].

(2km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail → Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack

distance 30 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -3m Easy track
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].

(2km) Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Fishponds crossing

distance 340 m time 8 mins climb 3m descent -40m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[45] along the flat narrow track past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[46]. 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)[47]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[48]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[49] and signposted intersection[50].
Turn right: From the lookout[51], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[52] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[53]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[54] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[55]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Fishponds

Fishponds
Fishponds is a long waterhole[56] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[57] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[58], and a small timber bridge[59] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[60]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities - please heed the signs and Cora's parents' plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

(2km) Int of GNW and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd

distance 230 m time 13 mins climb 95m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Alternative Route' arrow on the GNW sign[62]. The track dips before heading steeply uphill, zigzagging in several sections. The walk leads you up a large metal staircase to the top of the cliffs, coming to the intersection of Manor Rd and Dilkera Cl.

(2km) Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd → End of Clarinda St

distance 1.7 km time 31 mins climb 36m descent -49m Easy track
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.

(4km) End of Clarinda St → Int of Clarinda St trail and waterfall track

distance 1.1 km time 24 mins climb 51m descent -66m Easy track
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[63]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a 'Great North Walk' sign[64] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left.

(5km) Int of Clarinda St and waterfall track → Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track

distance 470 m time 13 mins climb 9m descent -98m Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the narrow track, following the 'Great North Walk' sign[65]. 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[66].

(6km) Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track → Steele Bridge

distance 400 m time 8 mins climb 5m descent -29m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge 4km' arrow[67] 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.

Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge

Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge
This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek's edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 'Steele' bridges still in use in NSW. More info.

(6km) Steele Bridge → Tunks Ridge Rest Area

distance 1.8 km time 44 mins climb 160m descent -33m Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the 'Historic Military Steele Bridge'[68] and turns right to follow the 'Crosslands' sign [69] 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[70] then concreted[71] 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'[72].

Tunks Ridge Rest Area

Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[73] at the junction of three management trails. There is no water or other facilities (you will need to carry your own in). A sign at the top of the campsite reminds campers that there is a one night limit and that it is a fuel stove only area (no campfires)[74]. Please note that the composting toilet[75] has been removed and no longer available.

(8km) Tunks Ridge Rest Area → Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track

distance 1.4 km time 28 mins climb 38m descent -68m Moderate track
Turn right: From the top of the rest area, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' AND 'Crosslands Reserve' signs[76] along the wide management trail, keeping the valley to your right. The trail winds along the side of the ridge[77] (passing along the base of a long rock wall[78], 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[79] then up to a clear Y-intersection[80]. The walk takes the left branch and passes a few 'Regeneration Area' signs[81][82] over about 250m, coming to a well-signposted[83] intersection with narrower track (on your left), partway around the right-hand bend.

(9km) Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track → Galston Gorge track head

distance 550 m time 16 mins climb 14m descent -119m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[84] down the steep rocky track[85] as it zigzags down towards the valley. About 40m down the hill, the track comes to a 'Great North Walk - Walkers Registration' box[86]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues downhill, passing through a crack in the rock[87] where the walk bends right and follows along the particularly rocky section for about 150m and comes to a fence[88]. The fence guides down a steep section, passing a cave[89], and comes to the top of a metal peg ladder[90]. This walk climbs down the ladder, then follows the rock wall (keeping the road to your left), heading down through a crack[91] and along another fence, then coming to a flat area beside the road[92]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow[93] to the right and down under the bridge[94]. The walk crosses the creek, usually a bit more than ankle deep[95]. This creek maybe impassable after rain - the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[96], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other bank, the walk turns left to follow the track uphill[97]. The track well-formed track climbs to the well-signposted and paved Galston Gorge trackhead[98], where a 'Fishponds' sign[99] points back down the track.

Galston Gorge track head

Galston Gorge track head
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[100] 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[101]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[102].

(10km) Galston Gorge track head → Unnamed Falls

distance 1.3 km time 41 mins climb 161m descent -109m Moderate track
Turn left: From the Galston Gorge trackhead, this walk follows the 'Crosslands' sign[103] up the timber steps, away from the road[104]. The track soon bends left then mostly flattens out as it winds along the side of the valley for almost 200m, where it passes above an old rusted car[105] (some distance down the hill, to your left). Here the narrowing, rocky track winds down through a lovely grass tree[106] and boulder[107] forest for about 600m, coming to a small flat rock platform[108]. The walk then bends right (ignoring the steep track down to the left). The track then leads among more grass trees for another 100m and crosses a mossy and rocky gully[109]. Once across this gully, the track begins to climb steeply[110], then up a steep set of steps (through a crack in the rock)[111]. At the top of the steps, the track continues to climb for another 70m before mostly flattening out[112]. Soon the track starts to wind downhill, crossing a wider mossy gully[113] with larger boulders[114] and a small waterfall[115]. The gully is marked with a few GNW markers[116].

Gulley Creek Falls

Gulley Creek Falls
This is a nice little creek crossing[117] on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls[118][119] flow just upstream of the track, even after a small amount of rain. Enjoy the cool shade of the trees at the creek crossing from the track.

(11km) Unnamed Falls → Berowra Creek campsite track

distance 3.4 km time 1 hr 28 mins climb 217m descent -297m Hard track
Continue straight: From the waterfall, this walk follows the GNW markers[120] out of the gully, initially keeping the waterfall[121] up to your right. The rocky track leads up the side of the hill[122], moderately steeply at times, for about 600m and then passes along the base of a long rock wall[123] (on your right). At the end of this wall, the walk climbs the carved steps[124]. The walk continues along the track for about 600m, walking along the series of unfenced rock platforms[125] (passing under the high-tension power-lines[126]) to then head down to a section of fenced track. There are some good valley views from this lookout[127]. From the end of the fence, the track soon starts to lead further downhill for about 150m, coming to a clearing on a flat rock platform[128]which is marked with a GNW arrow post[129]. Here, the walk turns left and winds quite steeply[130] downhill for about 120m, to then follow a flatter section of track with plenty of grass trees[131]. After about 300m (passing close to the creek a couple of times[132]), the walk crosses a rocky gully[133] (where you can see the creek again on your left). Continuing along the side of the valley for about 250m, the track then leads across another rocky gully[134] and finds another nice spot beside Berowra Creek just beyond[135]. The track continues near the creek (passing under the power lines) for another 300m and climbs down a rock with a couple of metal pegs[136]. Over the next 600m, the track crosses a couple of small, flat timber bridges[137][138] and passes alongside the lovely creek[139] to then climb up through a crack in a rock, where there is a handrail in place[140]. On the other side of this little climb, the track passes under a small overhang[141] and continues alongside the creek for another 300m, where it comes to an intersection[142] with a track on your right (which leads to a clearing[143] and campsite[144]).

Berowra Creek campsite

Berowra Creek campsite
This shady campsite is located on the Benowie Track a short distance back from Berowra Creek, south of the Crosslands Reserve. Providing plenty of tree cover[145], flat ground[146] and an established fire scar[147], this campsite is a great spot for those walkers who want a quiet night's sleep away from the more popular Crosslands Reserve. The creek water is brackish at this point, so it is not drinkable (except after heavy rain and lower tide, but then the water is more polluted) - best to bring your own water.

(14km) Berowra Creek campsite track → Crosslands southern toilet block

distance 1.4 km time 33 mins climb 85m descent -84m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection near the campsite, this walk follows the clear track alongside Berowra Creek, whilst keeping the creek to your left. After about 30m, the track crosses a small, flat, timber bridge[148], then continues to wind along near the creek[149] for about 300m before crossing a rocky gully[150], with a small creek[151]. After another 250m of walking through the the fern and turpentine forest, the track leads to an overgrown but signposted campsite[152] (on your left). The track then crosses a small creek using a timber bridge with a handrail[153] then almost 200m later, the track passes a more open area that has been used as a campsite[154]. The track continues mostly flat for another 100m, coming to a view across the creek (to the grassy area of Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre[156]). Here the walk climbs the stone steps[157], to pass another (unfenced) view across the creek[158]. The track continues to wind downhill[159] for another 250m, then heads along the flat[160], past the 'Crosslands Reserve' sign[161], to come to the large corrugated iron toilet block[162].

Crosslands Campsite

Crosslands Campsite
On the far southern end of Crosslands Reserve is a toilet block and campsite. The campsite is well set up and managed by Hornsby Council. There are picnic tables[163], electric barbecues[164], toilets[165], a children's playground[166], garbage bins[167] and town water[168]. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit[169]. The campsite must be booked and fees apply - $9 per night for adults and $6 for children (infants under 4 are free). The gate at the top of the hill is locked at 5.30pm EST and 7.30pm (daylight savings time). A pleasant and well established campsite beside the river[171]. More info.

(16km) Crosslands southern toilet block → Crosslands Carpark

distance 340 m time 5 mins climb 2m descent -5m Very easy
Veer left: From the toilet block, this walk follows the dirt footpath[172] nearest the creek, towards the main area of Crosslands reserve, whilst keeping the creek to your left. The track soon leads past a 'Boats destroyed' information sign[173], then past the only 'Authorised fire pit'[174][175] and main camping area. This walk then continues along the path, passing the 'Climate change and the river' information sign[176] and timber viewing platform[177][178]. Here the path leads past the picnic shelters[179] and BBQ's[180] to then continue along the concrete footpath[181]. The path leads past another viewing platform[182] (and information sign), then past the children's play equipment [183] and comes to the end of the path where there is a car park[184](on your right) and sign pointing to 'Crosslands Conventions Centre AND Field Study' across the creek (on your left)[185]

Crosslands

Crosslands
Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[186], electric barbecues[187], toilets[188], car parking[189], a children's playground[190], garbage bins[191], camping area, toiletsand town water[192]. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park. The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.

Maps for the Hornsby station to Crosslands walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Hornsby1:25 000 Map Series91304S HORNSBYNSW-91304S
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Hornsby station to Crosslands bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Hornsby station to Crosslands

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hornsby station to Crosslands

Altitude analysis for Hornsby station to Crosslands

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length16.1 km
Time6 hrs 45 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.7km is very steep and the remaining 1.7km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 3.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 2.2km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 8km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 16km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hornsby station to Crosslands walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Hornsby station to Crosslands walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Hornsby station to Crosslands walk starts at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)

The Hornsby station to Crosslands ends at the Crosslands Carpark (gps: -33.628707, 151.10905)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Berowra Valley National Park

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.

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.

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