De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

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3 hrs 45 mins

9.7 km One way

363 m

Hard track

This walk follows a section of the Great North Walk, starting from De Burghs bridge. The walk winds north west, through the Lane Cove Valley, passing through Browns Waterhole and continuing alongside Lane Cove river as it zigzags along the valley floor. The walk then climbs up to the Thornleigh playing field and along the streets to Thornleigh train station

(0km) Int. Opposite the end of Lady Game Drive → Int of GNW and Christie Park track

1.8 km

37 mins

47m

-64m Moderate track

From the intersection, this walk passes over the timber railing and turns left down the hill. The track winds down the hill for approximately 200m to the signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[1] north, gently downhill along the management trail. After about 80m, this trail crosses a concrete bridge[2] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[3]). From here, the trail leads uphill for just shy of 200m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), where a 'Lane Cove Weir' sign[4] points back down along the trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[5] west, gently down the track, away from the management trail. The track almost immediately passes the large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[6]) then winds down the rocky track[7] for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[8] with some limited views left over the valley, to come to a weedy section of track marked with a concrete sewerage access point[9]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the hill for about 400m to head down a few steps and cross Quarry Creek[10]. The walk then heads up some steps and follows the track for another 30m to come to a T-intersection[11] with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a GNW and NPWS arrow post[12].
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[13] gently uphill along the management trail, away from the gate whilst keeping the power line poles on your left. After about 30m (just past the second power pole), this trail leads to an intersection with a track (on the left), marked with another set of NPWS & GNW arrow posts[14] (just under the high tension power lines[15]).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[16] south, downhill along the track and under the high tension power lines[17]. The track winds gently downhill for almost 150m until, just after passing close to the the high tension power line tower[18], this walk comes to a locked green shed[19] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[20] (down in the valley to your left).
Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track[21] along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your right). After about 150m, this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track on your right (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[22].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the mostly flat track, through the dense forest, and almost immediately passes a concrete sewerage access point[23]. After about 70m, this walk heads down a few timbers steps to cross a small gully[24], where the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[25]), then crosses two flat timber bridges[26] over Congham Creek. Here the walk veers left up onto the rock platform[27] and follows the track gently uphill for another 80m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[28] (and a sign pointing left to 'Marsfield'[29]).

(2km) Int of GNW and Christie Park track → Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track

760 m

18 mins

42m

-36m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[30] north, uphill for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a GNW arrow post[31].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[32] gently uphill along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your left) for about 100m to come to a small clearing and three way intersection, marked with yet another GNW arrow post[33] and a pile of rocks[34] (on your left).
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[35] up the short rocky hill[36] and away from the high tension power lines[37]. The track (rocky early on[38]) leads along the side of the hill among some grass trees[39] for about 300m before passing under the power lines again. Here the track continues for another 300m along the side of the valley to come to a clear intersection with intersection with a wide management trail[40].

(3km) Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track → Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail

700 m

17 mins

51m

-19m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[41] downhill along the management trail. The trail leads down for about 70m to cross a small gully[42] then runs closely beside the Lane Cove River[43] (on your left) for another 120m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post and a 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[44].
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, directly away from the face of the 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[45], down the track and timber steps[46] to a sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[47]. Here the walk turns right to cross the weir and bridge[48] over Avondale Creek, (this may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) then climb gently uphill for about 120m to come to a faint intersection with a faint track (on your left - this faint track leads down to another old weir).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill following the main track, whilst keeping the valley to your left for about 30m to come to a clear Y-intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[49].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[50] along the track, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your left[51]. After about 80m, the track steps up to and crosses a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[52]. Here the walk climbs up the rocky hill following a series of concrete access points[53] and timber steps[54] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection with a management trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[55].

(3km) Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail → Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road path

870 m

18 mins

24m

-35m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[56] gently downhill along the management trail for about 40m to come to an intersection with a short trail (on the right, which leads to the gate[57] at the end of Koombalah Ave).
Continue straight: From the intersection just below the Koombalah Ave gate, this walk follows the management trail gently downhill, whilst keeping the valley to your left. The trail initially leads over a rock platform, then about 50m later, leads down a steep hill[58]. The trail then heads gently down for about 400m before a short steep hill[59] leads down to a metal high tension power line tower[60]. Here the trail bends right and leads down and along the side of the hill for another 200m to pass another high tension power line tower[61] and head behind a few houses. Just behind the second house, this walk comes to ephemeral creek on a rock platform[62].
Continue straight: From here, this walk crosses the ephemeral creek[63] (keeping the houses up to your right) and continues along the trail for about 30m to come to a T-intersection with a wide, shared, concrete path, marked with several signposts[64].

(4km) Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road trail → Browns Waterhole int

260 m

5 mins

-17m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post downhill[65] along the wide, shared, concrete path. After about 50m, this path leads under some high tension power lines[66] then bends right[67]. About 50m after passing under the power lines, this path leads to an intersection with a track[68] (on your left, that leads to an informal unfenced lookout), just before a GNW arrow post[69].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the concrete path. The path passes a few signs[70] over about 100m, then comes to an intersection with a track (on your left), marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[71].
Veer right: From the intersection, this follows the concrete path downhill for just shy of 50m to come to a intersection with a dirt management trail[72]. This intersection is beside the Lane Cove River crossing[73] (on your left) and is marked with a 'The Great North Walk' sign here[74].

Browns Waterhole

Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[75]. There is a concrete shared cycle/footpath crossing over the top of the weir, linking Kissing Point Road, South Turramurra to Vimiera Rd, Macquarie Park. On the western side of the waterhole, there is a picnic table[76] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.

(4km) Browns Waterhole int → Int of GNW and the STEP track (east)

570 m

12 mins

24m

-14m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[77] along the dirt management trail, keeping the Lane Cove River to your left. After about 80m, the trail leads under some high tension power lines[78], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[79] (to your left). The trail then gently leads down through the valley[80] for about 400m to come to an intersection with Cove St trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[81].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[82] downhill along the management trail for about 30m to cross a small culverted creek[83]. The walk then follows the trail up the short hill to come to an intersection with the signposted 'STEP track'[84][85] (on your right).

(5km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) → Int of GNW and the STEP track (west)

580 m

10 mins

-9m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[86] and STEP Track markers[87] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[88]) and tall forest[89] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[90] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another 'STEP Track' map/sign[91] and a 'The Great North Walk' sign[92].

(6km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (west) → Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track

1 km

18 mins

25m

-8m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign gently downhill along the management trail, directly away from the face of the 'STEP Track' map/sign[93]. Keeping the river to your left, the trail leads downhill for about 80m to come to a Y-intersection[94], where there is a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[95] and a 'Lane Cove River Park' sign[96] pointing back along the trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[97] past the 'Lane Cove Valley' map, initially keeping the other trail and river to your left. The trail follows the valley floor, keeping the river just to your left, for a bit over 500m, to then cross the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[98]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[99] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[100] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).

(7km) Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track → Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail

1.2 km

21 mins

29m

-15m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail, keeping the river just to your right. After about 60m, the trail bends right and crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[101], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[102]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[103]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[104] (with the river now on your left) for just over 150m to come to an intersection at the bottom of the sealed Morona Ave trail[105] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[106] and a GNW arrow post[107].

(8km) Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail → Conscript Pass

330 m

8 mins

24m

-8m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the valley floor, away from the two trails, keeping the river just to your left. The track soon narrows, leading past a water depth indicator[108], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[109]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[110] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[111] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[112] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[113] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[114][115] engravings (at the third metal hand rail).

Conscript Pass

Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock[116] as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly 'Conscript Pass' is followed with a downwards pointing arrow[117] and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved 'B Stevens' followed a surprisingly good caricature[118][119] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

(8km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks

100 m

3 mins

19m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From 'Conscript Pass', this walk heads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[122] to follow the track and more stone steps uphill for about 100m, coming to a T-intersection with Lorna Pass track, marked with a GNW arrow post[123].

(8km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks

230 m

7 mins

34m

0m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Thornleigh' sign[124] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[125] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[126], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[127], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[128] pointing back down the track.

(8km) Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues

350 m

7 mins

16m

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[129] uphill along the wide rocky track[130]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[131]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[132], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[133].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your left. After about 100m, this walk passes in front of the clubhouse[134] (there are toilets[135] and a water tap[136] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[137] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[138] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[139].

Thornleigh Oval

Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[140], tap water[141], public toilets[142][143] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[144]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[145] and other local tracks[146].

(9km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps

810 m

14 mins

18m

-4m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign across the road to follow the footpath beside 'Handley Ave'. After about 130m, the walk crosses Clifford Ave[147] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[148]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[149] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[150] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[151] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[152].

(10km) Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps → Thornleigh Train Station

110 m

2 mins

-1m Easy track

Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across 'Railway Pde'[153], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[154] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[155], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[156].

Maps for the De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station 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.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

Altitude analysis for De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

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.

		Length	9.7 km
		Time	3 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.3km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.

Quality of track

4.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.3km 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 De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station walk.

Browns Waterhole Track

1.3 km One way, 30 mins

This is a short walk down into the Lane Cove Valley, crossing the Lane Cove River, and out the other side. The entire track is concrete, making it a favourite trail for bike riders taking the short cut from Turramurra to Maquarie University. There are picnic tables at Browns Water Hole.

Total climbing: 49m

Moderate track

STEP Track

2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

One of the most enjoyable walks in the Lane Cove valley, this relatively short trail ventures down into the valley and explores a variety of bushland. Spend a short while and go out to the scenic lookout and take your time around the waterfall. The track is pretty well signposted with a few inform

Total climbing: 95m

Moderate track

Canoon Rd to Whale Rock

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk goes to Whale Rock, from the sporting complex at the end of Canoon Rd, Turramurra. The walk follows Devlin's Creek for the most part, winding through the valley. A great way to see the Lane Cove Valley, and explore the sandstone and fern filled scenery.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Kissing Pt Rd to De Burghs Bridge

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Following a section of the Great North Walk, this popular walk is well signposted and maintained. There are good views of the Lane Cove River as the track passes along the side of the ridge to the north. In several sections the track goes down to smaller creeks (some of which are polluted). Watch th

Total climbing: 155m

Hard track

Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

5.1 km One way, 2 hrs

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

33 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from the Obelisk in Macquarie Park, Sydney, at the official start of the Great North Walk. The walk soon boards the ferry from Circular Quay to Woolwich, and follows the Great North Walk through the streets of Hunters Hill and into the Lane Cove National Park. After stayi

Total climbing: 1110m

Hard track

Circular Quay to Hornsby

44.4 km One way, 3 Days

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

Hard track

The track connecting Gordon to Roseville Railway Station is a surising scenic walk through remnant bushland. The walk escapes the urban centres to wind through the valleys and along the Lane Cove River with its abundance of water dragons, ducks and other birds. The walk is a great way to do a statio

Total climbing: 345m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station walk starts at the Int. Opposite the end of Lady Game Drive (gps: -33.773380, 151.13520)

Bus. (get details)

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

The De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station ends at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731948, 151.07815)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Lane Cove National Park

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.

Bradley Reserve

Bradley Reserve is a large natural bushland area owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve extends from Lane Cove River to the end of Kissing Point Road north to George Christie playing fields. The reserve is home to the locally well know STEP track, and is cared for by the STEP inc, the "South Turramurra Environment Protection". The Great north walk also heads through this reserve, and is also home to Browns water hole.

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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