Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

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Time 1 hr 45 mins
Circuit 4.2 km Circuit
Climb 123 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
A really nice loop walk in a corner of Berowra Valley Regional Park. The walk starts and finishes at the end of Schofield Pde, Pennant Hills. The scenery includes nice forest while going down Stringybark ridge and beautiful scenes along Zig Zag creek, as well as an optional side trip to see the remnants of the historic Thornleigh Quarry and Zig Zag railway.
Stringy Bark Ridge signpost Near the end of Schofield Pde Along the Stringybark ridge management trail The old pony club grounds The old pony club grounds Heading down Stringybark ridge Some grasstrees along the track Stringybark Ridge management trail Sunset from Stringybark ridge Near the bottom of Stringybark ridge Junction of Stringybark ridge management trail and the GNW Track intersection at the Jungo Concrete causeway near the Jungo Footbridge Bush in Berowra Creek valley Footbridge crossing Plenty of grasstrees in the area The Jungo pathway A well signposted intersection Picnic spot near the end of Bellamy St Near the end of Bellamy St Looking down Redgum Ave Crossing the creek at Redgum Ave Small parking bay in Redgum Ave Bush track near Redgum Ave Nice rocky section of the track Between Redgum Ave and Schofield Pde

(0km) End of Schofield Parade → The Jungo

distance 1.4 km time 27 mins climb 17m descent -81m Hard track
From the end of Schofield Parade, the walk follows the 'Stringybark Ridge' management trail for a short distance to reach an intersection just before a locked gate.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk passes around a gate and follows the 'Stringybark Ridge' management trail. At the car park, beside the old pony club grounds, the walk bends to the left, passing around another gate, and continues around the cleared grounds (keeping them to the right). At the intersection behind the grounds (marked with a 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign), the walk turns left, following the management trail down the hill. The walk descends, steeply in places, and immediately after a steep concrete section, arrives at the intersection (red Great North Walk track marker at the bush track to the left).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill, soon arriving at 'The Jungo'.

The Jungo

The Jungo
The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection[1]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[2]. 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.

(1km) The Jungo → Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection

distance 1.4 km time 25 mins climb 37m descent -16m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection at the Jungo, this walk follows the 'Bellamy Street' Great North Walk sign[3] through the campsite and along the pleasant track, leading into, then through, the ferny forest[4] for about 700m before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[5]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a T-intersection with a concrete bike track, beside a large bridge (over Zigzag Creek, on your left) where a sign points back along the 'Great North Walk'[6].

(3km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int → Thornleigh Quarry

distance 160 m time 4 mins climb 15m descent -8m Moderate track
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk heads gently downhill to then cross 'Zig Zag Creek'[7] on the 40m long bridge[8] (with handrails) to find the 'Zig Zag Siding' information sign[9][10] on the far side. The bridge path now merges back to the main wide trail[11] and heads steeply uphill[12] for about 50m
[Wheelchair Steep]Wheelchair Steep

A 45m long section of concrete trail (3.3m wide) that is very steep. There is a metal handrail on one side for most of the steep section. If using a wheelchair assistance is very likely required.
(with a handrail on the left side[13]). The trail then mostly flattens out for about 50m and leads gently up to the front of the old 'Thornleigh Quarry'[14], marked with a plaque on a large stone[15][16][17]
[Seat]Seat

Nine timber log seats in old quarry. The seats are 3.7m wide and typically 50cm high. Access is over a flat dirt path 40m from the concrete trail.
. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Old Thornleigh Quarry

Old Thornleigh Quarry
The old Thornleigh Quarry[18] is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track[19] that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry[20]. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre
[Seat]Seat

Nine timber log seats in old quarry. The seats are 3.7m wide and typically 50cm high. Access is over a flat dirt path 40m from the concrete trail.
making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Thornleigh zigzag railway

Thornleigh zigzag railway
The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

(3km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int. → End of Bellamy St

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 16m descent 0m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete trail uphill[21], directly away from 'Zig Zag Creek'[22]. The walk continues up out of the valley[23] along the concrete trail for 110m to cross over the culverted creek[24] (with a green rail[25] on one side)
[Trip Hazard]Trip Hazard

Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culverts edge when crossing.
. Just 25m past this culvert the walk comes to an intersection (with a dirt track on the left) marked with a few signs including a 'The Jungo' arrow[26] point back down along the trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bellamy Street' arrow[27] uphill along the wide concrete management trail. The walk almost immediately leads past the 'Natures Filter'[28] (on the right) then over the next 50m this walk continues uphill past the 'Halls Camp' information sign[29] to come to a picnic table
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 71cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.07m wide. On a 3x3m concrete slab about 7m walk over rough grass from the trail.
[30] (on the right). Here the walk continues up along the trail for another 25m to pass the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[31] then head around the locked metal gate[32]
[Pinch Point]Pinch Point

Pinchpoints beside metal gate. The flattest gap beside the gate is 85cm wide, the bollards closer to the fence are 1.1m apart, but require going over grass and uneven ground. Gate and bollards are 1m high.
and come to the end of Bellamy St (Pennant Hills).

(3km) End of Bellamy St → Int of Redgum Ave and Thorn St

distance 770 m time 14 mins climb 34m descent -3m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the end of Bellamy St, the walk follows Bellamy St, then turns right into Thorn St and continues to the intersection with Redgum Ave.

(4km) Int of Redgum Ave and Thorn St → End of Redgum Ave west

distance 140 m time 3 mins climb 0m descent -23m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection of Thorn St and Redgum Ave, the walk follows Redgum Ave down the hill, continuing over the grassed area when the asphalt ends. From the clearing at the bottom of the hill, the walk continues on the narrow bush track, almost directly under the lower set of power lines running down Redgum Ave. After crossing the small creek, the walk arrives at the end of the next asphalted section of Redgum Ave.

(4km) End of Redgum Ave west → Int of Laurence St and Redgum Ave

distance 100 m time 2 mins climb 5m descent 0m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the end of this section of Redgum Ave, the walk follows Redgum Ave for a short distance, keeping the houses to the left until reaching the point where the road bends sharply to the left (intersection with Laurence St).

(4km) Int of Laurence St and Redgum Ave → Int of Stringybark Ridge trail and Redgum Ave access trail

distance 160 m time 4 mins climb 14m descent 0m Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track from the back of a small parking bay at the bend in Redgum Ave (actually the intersection with Laurence St). The walk follows the bush track 'diagonally away (north-west) from' the intersection of Redgum Ave and Laurence St. and comes to an intersection with an asphalted management trail.

(4km) Int of Stringybark Ridge trail and Redgum Ave access trail → End of Schofield Parade

distance 60 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -1m Moderate track
Turn sharp left: From the intesection, whilst looking away from the locked gate, the walk follows the asphalted management trail (south), soon arriving at the end of Schofield Pde.

Maps for the Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St 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 Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

Altitude analysis for Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

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.

Length4.2 km
Time1 hr 45 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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

1.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.2km is very steep. Whilst another 980m is flat with no steps and the remaining 460m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

2.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.2km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (290m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

2.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.4km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (220m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.1km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 140m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 220m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St walk.

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

529 m One way, 15 mins

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

This short walk follows a concrete management trail between Bellamy St and De Saxe Close. This is one of a few dog friendly bushwalks in the Berowra Valley Regional Park. You walk through some beautiful bush with a good array of grass and eucalyptus trees. At the bottom of the valley a bridge spa

Total climbing: 36m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Bellamy fire trail

619 m One way, 30 mins

Bellamy fire trail

This walk follows a wide concrete trail through Berowra Valley Regional Park, through lovely bushland and the site of the historic Zig Zag railway. The railway is long gone, but the quarry site is interesting to explore and crossing Zig Zag Creek on the bridge gives a lovely view down on the fern tr

Total climbing: 34m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Cherrybrook to Thornleigh

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Cherrybrook to Thornleigh

This walk is mostly within the Berowra Valley Regional Park. It has some beautiful sections with great scenery, including sandstone rock features, lots of ferns and great scenery along Zig Zag creek. There is an optional side trip to visit the remnants of the historic Thornleigh Quarry and Zig Zag r

Total climbing: 128m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Moderate track

Callicoma Loop

5.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Callicoma Loop

This great circuit walk passes through some really nice forest around the fringe of Cherrybrook. Highlights of the walk include some beautiful rock overhangs at the 'Callicoma Caves', and the atmospheric 'Coachwood Grotto'. The walk starts and finishes at the pleasant Lakes of Cherrybrook park.

Total climbing: 153m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

6.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

A really nice loop walk in a corner of Berowra Valley Regional Park with good access by public transport. The walk starts and finishes at Thornleigh train station. The scenery includes beautiful scenes along Zig Zag creek and nice forest while going up Stringybark ridge, plus as an optional side tri

Total climbing: 187m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

8.6 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

This pleasant half day walk starts from Wareemba Avenue in Thornleigh and winds down into the valley along service trails and bush tracks. The walk then follows a section of the Blue Gum Walk to the Great North Walk. From here the walk follows the Great North Walk to Thornleigh train station. Along

Total climbing: 472m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Hornsby

10.2 km One way, 4 hrs

Thornleigh to Hornsby

Starting at Thornleigh station you walk through suburban streets for a short while before diving into the bush at the southern end of Berowra Valley Regional Park. Soon after visiting the site of the historic Zig Zag railway you start wandering through the Berowra Creek valley, passing a few cascadi

Total climbing: 525m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Galston Gorge

15.5 km One way, 6 hrs

Thornleigh to Galston Gorge

This walk follows the Great North Walk above Berowra Creek from Thornleigh to Galston Gorge, on bush tracks and service trails. The Steele Bridge is quite an interesting landmark of the area. Fishponds is a wonderful highlight, it is a lovely water hole surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. The walk

Total climbing: 768m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Epping to Hornsby Station

17.5 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

Epping to Hornsby Station

This long day walk follows the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek. The walk mostly follows the iconic Great North Walk, keeping mostly to bushland. With a train station at each end and a chance to fill the tummy at Thornleigh, this is an enjoyable day out.

Total climbing: 705m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Eastwood to Hornsby

20.6 km One way, 8 hrs

Eastwood to Hornsby

Initially following Terry's Creek, and then the Lane Cove River, this walk goes through some of the prettier sections of the Lane Cove National Park before climbing up to Thornleigh and continuing into the Berowra Valley Regional Park. Following Berowra Creek and the side of the valley, the surround

Total climbing: 810m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

This overnight walk starts from Gordon train station and winds through bush filled valleys to Hornsby station. From Gordon station, the walk winds down past the Gordon golf course to the Great North Walk, then continues north through the Lane Cove Valley before staying overnight at the Baden Powell

Total climbing: 1024m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai

This overnight walk starts from Thornleigh train station and follows the Great North Walk down through the Berowra Valley Regional Park and along Berowra creek. The walk passes through Fishponds and up to the top of Galston Gorge to the campsite. From there, the walk continues along the Great North

Total climbing: 1614m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Cowan

35.9 km One way, 2 Days

Thornleigh to Cowan

Following the Great North Walk and Berowra Creek through Berowra Valley Regional Park, this walk cuts straight through the length of the Park. The views are 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

Total climbing: 2336m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Circular Quay to Hornsby

44.4 km One way, 3 Days

Circular Quay to Hornsby

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

Total climbing: 1690m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Ferry

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St walk.

Callicoma caves

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Callicoma caves

This walk provides a beautiful mixture of scenery, including rainforest-like sections along the creek, as well as drier forest with grass trees and beautiful sandstone overhangs. The walk starts on Francis Greenway Dr and follows part of the Callicoma Walk. There are two main points of interest on t

Total climbing: 86m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Thornleigh to Marsfield

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Thornleigh to Marsfield

Following the Great North Walk, and the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River South, this walk explores dense bushland surrounding the river. You will experience a variety of trails along this walk, from steep bush tracks to wide biketrails. The common feature, however, is how well managed these trai

Total climbing: 106m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs

Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

Setting out from Pennant Hills train station, this walk loops around Pennant Hills Park, exploring the surrounding bush and visiting Whale rock on the way. The walk turns back towards the park after passing the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails.

Total climbing: 233m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Blackwattle Close loop

613 m Circuit, 30 mins

Blackwattle Close loop

This is a pleasant loop walk, close to Cherrybrook. The walk crosses Disturbed Creek (not officially named) a couple of times and includes some nice scenery along the creek with ferns, grasstrees and eucalypt forest.

Total climbing: 23m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Elouera Lookout

828 m Return, 30 mins

Elouera Lookout

A short walk to a beautiful lookout with views over the Berowra Creek valley, near Westleigh. This is a short and interesting walk to one on those really beautiful pockets of bush in the middle of the suburbs. The lookout is in the Berowra Valley Regional Park and also on the Great North Walk.

Total climbing: 44m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds

9 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds

A beautiful walk through the Berowra Valley Regional Park. The walk mostly follows the Great North Walk, between Cherrybrook and Hornsby. There are some fantastic lookouts along the way and some excellent scenery along Berowra creek, including the 'Fishponds'. The start and end of the walk are close

Total climbing: 536m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Cherrybrook to Refuge Rock

4.1 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Cherrybrook to Refuge Rock

A nice walk around the fringes of Cherrybrook plus the interesting and atmospheric Refuge Rock. The optional sidetrip to the natural rock arch adds some beautiful scenery to the walk. The walk passes through an interesting mixture of moist creek side scenery and drier forest before reaching Refuge R

Total climbing: 147m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

The Lakes of Cherrybrook loop

439 m Circuit, 15 mins

The Lakes of Cherrybrook loop

This short, pleasant loop walk is a nice one to do if you are having a picnic in the Lakes of Cherrybrook park, enjoying the atmosphere, free electric BBQs and playground. There is a good viewing platform extending onto the lake and there are usually ducks to be seen. The nearby shopping centre has

Total climbing: 10m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Blackwattle Trail

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

Blackwattle Trail

This walk follows the Blackwattle Trail around the fringe of Cherrybrook, starting at the Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade building, in Shepherds Drive, and finishing in Patricia Place. It is a nice walk and follows a management trail for its whole length. The walk passes through a mix of dry eucalypt

Total climbing: 98m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Daphne Place dog walking trail

515 m One way, 15 mins

Daphne Place dog walking trail

This is a pleasant dog-friendly walk, passing through some nice bush on the fringe of Cherrybrook. Despite being within the Berowra Valley Regional Park, this is an 'Authorised On-Lead Dog Walking Track'. The walk starts at the end of Daphne Pl, Cherrybrook and can be done as a one-way walk, finishi

Total climbing: 35m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Mambara Track

717 m Circuit, 20 mins

Mambara Track

The Mambara Track is a short walk, accessible to everyone, and a great walk for gaining some knowledge about the local bush. The walk follows a concrete footpath and has many signs with information about the surrounding bush. A great loop walk for the whole family and great introduction to the walki

Total climbing: 23m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus

Very easy

Refuge Rock and Natural Arch

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

Refuge Rock and Natural Arch

A very nice walk through a small part of the Berowra Valley Regional Park. The extensive rock platforms of Refuge Rock make a beautiful place to relax and explore. The optional side trip to see the natural rock arch is well worth it, adding some really beautiful scenery to the walk. Another great bu

Total climbing: 38m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St walk starts and ends at the End of Schofield Parade (gps: -33.729499, 151.06196)

car Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

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.

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