Epping to Hornsby Station
Download & Print Map and Notes
6 hrs 45 mins
17.5 km One way
705 m
Hard track
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.
(0km) Epping Station → Int of Derby street service trail
940 m
18 mins
3m
-33m
Very easyThe walk exits Epping Station on the Oxford St side. The walk then crosses Cambridge St and continues down Oxford St. The walk follows the footpath past the shops down Oxford St passing Chester St, Surrey St. Just after Surry St the walk turns left onto Derby St to the end. Nearing the end of Derby St the walk tends left around the yellow gate and onto the concrete driveway which veers left off the road. The walk continues towards the tunnel to come to an intersection just before the tunnel entrance.
(1km) Int of Derby street service trail → Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail
1.5 km
25 mins
7m
-21m
Moderate trackVeer right: From the intersection this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow up the couple of steps then down along the footpath through the tunnel under the M2 (keeping the creek and wider management trail to your left). Out of the tunnel this walk follows the track as it winds up and around the fenced sewage vent and then continues through the dense bushland in the gully passing a sign marking the entrance to Lane Cove National Park. A little while later the track leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Belinda Crs' management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Whale Rock sign down the service trail which narrows into a bushtrack and follows Devlin creek through the gully all the way along until it widens out into a rocky service trail again and comes to the intersection of the Cheltenham service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Whale Rock sign down the service trail which narrows into a bushtrack and follows Devlin creek through the gully all the way along until it widens out into a rocky service trail again and comes to the intersection of the Cheltenham service trail.
(2km) Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail → Big Ducky Waterhole
190 m
3 mins
3m
-1m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Lane Cove River arrow along the servicetrail for a while before it loops around the top of Big Ducky Waterhole.
Big Ducky Waterhole
The servicetrail loops around the top of the Big Ducky waterhole and there is a nice rock overhang in which to break. Is also a popular bird watching area. Unfortunately, recently there has been large quantities of rubbish in the area. (If going down to the waterhole please consider carrying out some of the rubbish if every walker carrys out a bit it will make a difference)
(3km) Big Ducky Waterhole → Whale Rock
480 m
8 mins
6m
-9m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the top of Big Ducky Waterhole the continues through the valley keeping Devlins Creek below on the left of the track all the way to Whale Rock.
Whale Rock
This is a large boulder that looks eerily like a whale, complete with eye socket. It is a good place to break and climb around the Rock.
(3km) Whale Rock → Conscript Pass
3.3 km
1 hr 3 mins
102m
-65m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From Whale Rock the track follows the Penant Hills Park arrow along the service trail as it winds through the valley, crossing several small concrete creek crossings until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Pennant Hills ovals service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Thornleigh via Great North Walk arrow down the short but steep hill and across the river at the causeway. On the other side of the river the track comes up to the intersection of the Great North Walk service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[1] 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[2]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[3] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[4] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).
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[5], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[6]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[7]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[8] (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[9] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[10] and a GNW arrow post[11].
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[12], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[13]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[14] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[15] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[16] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[17] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[18][19] engravings (at the third metal hand rail).
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Thornleigh via Great North Walk arrow down the short but steep hill and across the river at the causeway. On the other side of the river the track comes up to the intersection of the Great North Walk service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[1] 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[2]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[3] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[4] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).
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[5], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[6]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[7]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[8] (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[9] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[10] and a GNW arrow post[11].
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[12], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[13]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[14] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[15] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[16] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[17] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[18][19] 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[20] 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[21] 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[22][23] 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).
(6km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks
(6km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
580 m
14 mins
50m
0m
Hard trackVeer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Thornleigh' sign[28] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[29] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[30], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[31], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[32] pointing back down the track.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[33] uphill along the wide rocky track[34]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[35]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[36], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[37].
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[38] (there are toilets[39] and a water tap[40] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[41] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[42] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[43].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[33] uphill along the wide rocky track[34]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[35]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[36], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[37].
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[38] (there are toilets[39] and a water tap[40] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[41] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[42] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[43].
Thornleigh Oval
Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[44], tap water[45], public toilets[46][47] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[48]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[49] and other local tracks[50].
(7km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps
810 m
14 mins
18m
-4m
Very easyContinue 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[51] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[52]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[53] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[54] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[55] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[56].
(8km) Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps → Thornleigh Train Station
110 m
2 mins
1m
-1m
Easy trackVeer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across 'Railway Pde'[57], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[58] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[59], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[60].
(8km) Thornleigh Train Station → Morgan Rd
990 m
18 mins
7m
-47m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the western (north bound) side of Thornleigh Station[61], this walk follows the 'Jungo Rest Area' sign[62] along the footpath towards the car park and The Esplanade[63]. The walk then heads down a short distance further to turn left and cross 'The Esplanade' at the traffic lights[64], then continue straight along the footpath down along Eddy Rd[65]. Following a couple of GNW arrows[66] down Eddy Rd as it then bends left[67], turning into Tilock St, and shortly later this walk then turns right into Morgan St[68]. Continuing down till just before the end of this street[69][70], this walk comes to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow[71] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[72] (on the right).
(9km) Morgan Rd → Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks
230 m
4 mins
3m
-7m
Moderate trackTurn right: From the end of Morgan Street, the walk follows the GNW arrow[73] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[74] between houses[75] no. 28 and 26. Once behind the houses at a small clearing[76], the track turns left and follows down the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[77]. Soon after passing behind the third house, the track comes to an intersection with a wide concrete trail[78], where a sign points back along the track to 'Sydney Cove'[79].
(9km) Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.
130 m
2 mins
0m
-6m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Jungo' arrow[80] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[81] (with a green rail[82] on one side). The walk continues down into the valley[83] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[84][85] (on your left), just before 'Zig Zag Creek'[86] and the long bridge[87].
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
(9km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection → The Jungo
1.4 km
25 mins
16m
-37m
Moderate trackTurn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[88] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[89] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[90]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[91], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a 'Bellamy Street' sign[92] pointing back through the campsite.
The Jungo
The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection[93]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[94]. 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.
(11km) Jungo campsite → Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
100 m
2 mins
1m
0m
Moderate trackVeer right: From the campsite, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[95] down across the concrete ford, over the usually small creek[96]. Here, the concrete management trail[97] leads uphill, becoming dirt as it starts to flatten out[98]. This walk then comes to a signposted intersection[99] of the 'Great North Walk'[100] and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted 'Cherrybrook Lakes' trail[101]).
(11km) Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail → Elouera Lookout
1 km
27 mins
81m
-58m
Moderate trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[102] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[103] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[104] - this creek may become impassable after rain. On the other side, the walk comes to an intersection on a small sandy beach. Here, the walk turns left, following the GNW arrows downstream for about 250m among the grass trees and crossing a flat timber bridge[105]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[106]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[107] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[108]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[109]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[110] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[111], where there is an intersection with the 'Westleigh' track[112] (on your right).
Elouera Lookout
This fenced lookout is on the Benowie Track close to Westleigh. There are uninterrupted views from the clifftop across the Berowra Creek valley, which is rare for the area[113]. As well as being on the Great North Walk, this lookout can be accessed by a short walk from Elouera Rd, Westleigh. This section of fenced rock platform is about 100m long[114], and there is some limited shade[115] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.
(12km) Elouera Lookout → Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
2.8 km
1 hr 12 mins
195m
-203m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From Elouera Lookout[116], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[117] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[118]. At the end of the fence, the walk bends left following the rocky flat track for about 200m, where the track then becomes progressively steeper for about 250m, winding steeply down then across a flat timber bridge[119]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[120] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[121]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[122]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[123]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[124] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[125]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[126] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track[127] (on your right).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track, keeping the valley down to your left. The track leads along beside a rock wall (which is on your right) and through a rock outcrop[128], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[129] for a short time. At the top of this steep section, the rocky track continues to meander much more gently up along the side of the hill[130] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[131], just below some houses[132]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[133] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear track, keeping the valley down to your left for about 100m, where the walk comes to a three-way intersection and 'The Jungo' sign[134] points back along the track.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track, keeping the valley down to your left. The track leads along beside a rock wall (which is on your right) and through a rock outcrop[128], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[129] for a short time. At the top of this steep section, the rocky track continues to meander much more gently up along the side of the hill[130] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[131], just below some houses[132]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[133] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear track, keeping the valley down to your left for about 100m, where the walk comes to a three-way intersection and 'The Jungo' sign[134] points back along the track.
(15km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) → Clearing
710 m
17 mins
39m
-70m
Hard trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker along the bush track, leaving 'The Great North Walk' track behind. The track winds through the blue gum forest, keeping the valley down to the left and houses above on the right as it winds along the side of the hill. The walk comes to an intersection with a bush track, just below some overhead power lines.
Turn left : From the intersection the track winds down the steep bushtrack heading straight down the side of the ridge through thick bracken fern all the way down to the bottom of the valley where it flattens out and comes to some bike jumps. From here the track continues past the jumps to the intersection at the open clearing.
Turn left : From the intersection the track winds down the steep bushtrack heading straight down the side of the ridge through thick bracken fern all the way down to the bottom of the valley where it flattens out and comes to some bike jumps. From here the track continues past the jumps to the intersection at the open clearing.
(15km) Clearing → Ginger Meggs Park
240 m
5 mins
5m
-19m
Moderate trackTurn left: From the middle of the clearing the service trail heads heads north east down the hill and past some out of place, oak trees. The track soon comes to an intersection with another service trail just above waitra creek, which is marked with a blue gum walk post.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north, down the hill with the creek on the right, to the intersection just before the causeway over Waitara Creek. There are usually ducks and brush turkeys in this area.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail across Waitara Creek and up the hill, passing around the gate before arriving on Valley Road, at the lower corner of Ginger Meggs Park.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north, down the hill with the creek on the right, to the intersection just before the causeway over Waitara Creek. There are usually ducks and brush turkeys in this area.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail across Waitara Creek and up the hill, passing around the gate before arriving on Valley Road, at the lower corner of Ginger Meggs Park.
(16km) Ginger Meggs Park → Berowra Valley Bushland Park
580 m
12 mins
26m
-15m
Easy trackVeer left: From Ginger Meggs Park, this walk follows Valley Road (past Lochness Pl on the right), keeping the children's playground on the left. Note that water is available from the park. The walk passes 'West Hornsby STP' before coming up to the intersection with Rosemead Road and turning left. The walk follows Rosemead Rd down the hill to the end and heads into Berowra Valley Bushland Park.
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[135] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[136], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[137], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[138], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[139]. There is a water tap[140] 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[141].
(16km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
540 m
14 mins
89m
-12m
Hard trackVeer right: From the lower side of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[142], this walk follows the 'Hornsby Station' sign[143] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[144] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[145], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[146] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[147] the side of the valley, along the sheer rock walls for about 100m, and come to an intersection with the Quarry Road management trail, where a 'Great North Walk' sign[148] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[149] and then follows the track as it winds up over the gentle rise. Once over the rise, the track then leads down to the intersection with Quarry Rd, where a 'Great North Walk' sign[150] points back up the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[149] and then follows the track as it winds up over the gentle rise. Once over the rise, the track then leads down to the intersection with Quarry Rd, where a 'Great North Walk' sign[150] points back up the track.
(17km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Hornsby Train Station
720 m
14 mins
34m
-8m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road gently uphill away from the face of the 'Great North Walk' sign[151] until just past a couple of house, this walk comes to an intersection with the gated 'Old Mans Valley' management trail[152] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[153] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[154] left onto Dural St[155]. The footpath leads past the unit block, then past a few shops to come to an intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Following the GNW arrow, this walk turns right across 'Dural St'[156], passes a few more shops, then crosses 'Dural Lane'[157] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[158]. Here the walk continues straight across the 'Station St' pedestrian crossing[159], past the large 'Great North Walk' sign[160] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[161].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[153] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[154] left onto Dural St[155]. The footpath leads past the unit block, then past a few shops to come to an intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Following the GNW arrow, this walk turns right across 'Dural St'[156], passes a few more shops, then crosses 'Dural Lane'[157] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[158]. Here the walk continues straight across the 'Station St' pedestrian crossing[159], past the large 'Great North Walk' sign[160] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[161].
Maps for the Epping to Hornsby 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 Epping to Hornsby Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Hornsby 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 | 17.5 km | ||
| Time | 6 hrs 45 mins | ||
| . | |||
Grade 4/6 Hard track | AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
| 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
8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 3.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 720m is very steep.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (3.1km) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 9km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 14km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.2km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 11km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 7km 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 Epping to Hornsby Station walk.
Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail
529 m One way, 15 mins
Moderate track
Bellamy fire trail
619 m One way, 30 mins
Moderate track
Belinda Cres to Whale Rock
2.8 km Return, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Canoon Rd to Whale Rock
3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)
4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs
Hard track
Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St
4.2 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
Cherrybrook to Thornleigh
4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
Callicoma Loop
5.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs
Hard track
Epping to Pennant Hills Station
5.3 km One way, 2 hrs
Moderate track
Hornsby to Fishponds
5.6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Thornleigh to Marsfield
6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station
6.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Hornsby Blue Gum Walk
6.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs
Hard track
Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock
6.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Epping to Thornleigh Station
8 km One way, 3 hrs
Hard track
Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)
8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs
Hard track
Epping to Pennant Hills Station (via Lane Cove River)
8.4 km One way, 3 hrs 15 mins
Hard track
Epping Station Lane Cove River Loop
8.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs
Moderate track
Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station
8.6 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds
9 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station
9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Hornsby to Galston Gorge
9.7 km One way, 4 hrs
Hard track
Thornleigh to Hornsby
10.2 km One way, 4 hrs
Hard track
Epping to Eastwood Station (via Lane Cove River)
10.2 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Moderate track
Eastwood to Thornleigh
10.3 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Macquarie Park to Thornleigh
11.6 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Thornleigh to Galston Gorge
15.5 km One way, 6 hrs
Hard track
Hornsby station to Crosslands
16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Eastwood to Hornsby
20.6 km One way, 8 hrs
Hard track
Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai
22.3 km One way, 9 hrs
Hard track
Berowra to Hornsby
22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 18 mins
Hard track
Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)
25.8 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai
28.1 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park
33 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Thornleigh to Cowan
35.9 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Hornsby to Brooklyn three day walk
43.1 km One way, 3 Days
Hard track
Circular Quay to Hornsby
44.4 km One way, 3 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Epping to Hornsby Station walk.
Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)
4.1 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
Epping to Gordon Station
11.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins
Hard track
Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge
5.1 km One way, 2 hrs
Hard track
Whale Rock
516 m Return, 15 mins
Moderate track
De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge
6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Browns Waterhole Track
1.3 km One way, 30 mins
Moderate track
Kissing Pt Rd to De Burghs Bridge
4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
Mambara Track
717 m Circuit, 20 mins
Very easy
Riverside Walking Track
5.5 km One way, 2 hrs
Hard track
STEP Track
2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Lane Cove National Park Heritage Walk
2.6 km One way, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Two Creeks Track
6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Epping to Hornsby Station walk starts at the Epping Station (gps: -33.772529, 151.08242)
The Epping to Hornsby Station ends at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)
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.
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.
Dog Pound Creek Reserve
Dog Pound Creek reserve is managed by Hornsby Council and is home to a spectatular native Blue Gum stand. The valley has a number of walks and creeks running through it and joins Westleigh, Thronleigh and Hornsby. The reserve is named after a creek that runs from the former dog pound that was on Warrigal Dr, Westleigh.
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