Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

8.2 km Circuit

233 m

Hard track

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.

Sign interpreting the bush on the Mambara Track

(0km) Pennant Hills station → Mambara east int.

1.6 km

27 mins

15m

-51m Very easy

From the platform the track heads out onto Railway street, turns right and continues up towards Pennant Hills road. Before it reaches the main road, the track heads up a short set of steps and up the ramp to the overpass, where it crosses the main road and continues down the other side to the bottom. Turning right at the main road, the track follows the footpath along the main road east for a short distance to the intersection of the Cresant. From the intersection the track follows the Cresant down the hill and along to the end of the road turning left and then immediately right onto Charlotte road which joins onto Brittania street and to the intersection of the Pennant Hills Park entry at the round about.
Continue straight: From the 'Pennant Hills Park’ entry sign[1] (beside the Britannia St roundabout, near the car park

[Parking]

), this walk leads gently downhill along the narrow concrete footpath[2], keeping the road to your right (and ignoring the short path on your right)[3]. After 10m this walk comes to a log seat[4]

[Seat]

(on your right), and ‘Wildlife Protection Area’[5], 'Mambara Track'[6] and 'Mambara Access Track'[7] signs (on your left). This walk continues for 40m along the path around the sharp left bend [8] then continues for another 20m to come to a 3-way intersection[9], marked with an arrow post[10] (on your left).
Turn right: From the intersection[11], this walk follows the arrow post[12] gently downhill along the concrete path[13], keeping the road (a short distance) to your right. After 5m this walk passes 'The Ultimate Jigsaw' sign[14] (on your left) then continues gently uphill[15] for about 140m over a series of rough concrete sections[16] to come to a 3-way intersection with a dirt track[17] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete path gently up over a rise[18] (keeping the road to your right). After about 15m this walk leads gently downhill and soon bends left[19]. This walk continues along the path for about 70m past a 'Bush Recycling' sign[20] (on the left) to come to a 4-way intersection[21] (with two dirt tracks on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads distinctly but gently downhill[22] along the concrete path as the track bends left. This walk then gently meanders downhill for about 20m through the open forest[23], passing a potential trip hazard

[Trip Hazard]

on the path. This walk then continues for about 35m along the path which soon bends right[24], then comes to a sharp left hand bend[25]. Half way through the bend there is a 3-way intersection with a dirt track[26] (on the right).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk leads downhill along the concrete path, immediately passing the turning rest bay[27] (on the left) and a 'You scratch my back' sign[28] (on the right). This walk then continues gently downhill through the open forest[29] for another 35m to a distinct 3-way intersection with a short concrete path (on the right)[30].

(2km) Int of Pennant Hills park and Mambara Tracks(south) → Int of North Epping service trail

920 m

22 mins

-83m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack down off the footpath and down the hill, winding along to the intersection of the unnamed bushtrack.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack winding south along the side of the valley through thick scrub until it opens out onto a thin rock platform at the top of a hill
Veer left: From the intersection the track off the rock platform and down the hill, winding through the bush following the cheltenham sign along the side of the valley for a long while until continuing down some wooden steps to the telegraph pole at the intersection of the bushtrack.
Veer right: From the intersection the bushtrack follows the powerlines, down the gentle hill and down the long set of steps to the bottom where it crosses the creek to the signposted intersection of the Cheltenham bushtrack.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the Cheltenham sign up the bushtrack and up some steps to the intersection of the North Epping service trail

(2km) Int of North Epping service trail → Big Ducky Waterhole

570 m

9 mins

-12m Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection the track follows the service trail down the hill for a short distance to the intersection of the Pennant Hills track
Veer right: From the intersection the track follows the service trail south east down the gentle hill and through the valley until it drops down across a creek and continues up the other side to the intersection of the Epping bushtrack.
Veer left: 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

-9m Easy track

Continue 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.

(4km) Whale Rock → Int of Pennant Hills park road

2.7 km

57 mins

138m

-63m Hard track

Continue 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.
Turn left : From the intersection the track follows the Pennant Hills ovals sign up the steep rocky service trail winding all the way up the side of the valley, flattening out to a gentle climb as it approaches the top and passing the intersection of a powerline service trail, continuing along the top of the ridge all the way to the intersection of the second second powerline service trail. From here the track continues along the ridge, following the service trail through the thick bushland all the way to the intersection of the third powerline service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the service trail winding up the gentle hill and turning right at the archery warning sign, continuing through the bush to the intersection of the airfield service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the service trail west through the bush up a long gentle hill and through a metal gate to the intersection of the Pennant Hills park road.

(6km) End of Pennant Hills Park → Pennant Hills Park Entry

750 m

13 mins

23m

-7m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection at the National Park gate the track follows the road up the gentle hill as it passes several tennis courts, football and hockey fields as it winds all the way up to the intersection of the bushtrack behind the "Pennant Hills Park walking track system" sign on the left side of the road.

Pennant Hills Park

Pennant Hills Park is a large sporting complex located in the back of Pennant Hills and on the border of the Land Cove National Park. This large venue consists of four large ovals (3 with cricket pitches), 16 tennis courts, a hockey court and an archery range. If you would like to book a tennis court then contact David Cochrane (02) 9481 0970. There are also BBQ and picnic facilities provided at the park.

(7km) Pennant Hills Park Entry → Pennant Hills Park entry

80 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads up the road keeping the sports oval on the right of the road as it comes to the round about.

(7km) Pennant Hills Park entry → Pennant Hills station

1.2 km

20 mins

35m

-9m Very easy

Turn right: From the roundabout the track follows Britannia street up past the two large ovals and continuing all the way along, winding around the left and right hand bends in the road which becomes the Cresant, and heads up the hill to the intersection of Pennant Hills road. From the intersection the track turns left at the main road and follows it along the footpath for a short distance to the bottom of the overpass, turning left up the ramp that winds all the way up and over the road coming back down to the intersection of Railway street. From the intersection the track follows Railway street down the hill and past the bus stops to the entrance to the train station.

Maps for the Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River) 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 Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

Altitude analysis for Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

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	8.2 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
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

3.9km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.9km is flat with no steps. The remaining (1.3km) is very steep.

Quality of track

3.5km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (2.2km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 4.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.8km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.9km 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 790m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River) walk.

Mambara Track

717 m Circuit, 20 mins

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

Very easy

Belinda Cres to Whale Rock

2.8 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk starts from Belinda Cres and provides a lovely walk to Whale Rock. The walk first passes some exotic plants and then into more native bushland with some interesting canopies and dense growth. Whale Rock, one of the features of this walk, is quite a sight and is well worth exploring. It is

Total climbing: 41m

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

Epping to Pennant Hills Station

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk explores the bush between Epping and Pennant Hills stations. Sections of the walk pass through the Lane Cove National Park, although not down to the Lane Cove River. The walk explores a section of Devlins and Byles Creeks before passing near Pennant Hills park. The walk then takes the ro

Total climbing: 155m

Moderate track

Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

6.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk, to Cheltenham Station from Epping Station, visits Whale Rock and Lane Cove River. This is not the most direct route between the two stations, but it is a great way to explore Devlins Creek. With a train station at each end, this walk mostly follows well define management trails with a n

Total climbing: 184m

Hard track

Epping to Thornleigh Station

8 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk, between Epping and Thornleigh Stations, follows Devlins Creek then Lane Cove River as they wind through the valley. There are a number of interesting rock features to enjoy along the walk. The walk starts and ends near shops, so you can fill up with a coffee or a bite to eat at each end.

Total climbing: 209m

Hard track

Epping to Pennant Hills Station (via Lane Cove River)

8.4 km One way, 3 hrs 15 mins

This walk, from Epping to Pennant Hills Station, is a great way to see the upper Lane Cove River Valley. The walk does pass near major roads, but there are times along the track, near Browns Water Hole and along the Lane Cove River, where you forget how close you are to the city. Allow time to enjo

Total climbing: 249m

Hard track

Epping Station Lane Cove River Loop

8.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs

A great way to explore the Lane Cove Valley from Epping Station, this walk loops around North Epping, returning to the station. There are many sights to be seen along this walk, with Whale Rock and Brown's Waterhole being a couple of highlights. The walk explores Devlins Creek, upper Lane Cove River

Total climbing: 168m

Moderate track

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Lane Cove River)

10.2 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

Epping to Eastwood, via Lane Cove River, is the longer route through the bush between the stations. This walk visits Big Ducky Waterhole, Whale Rock, Browns Waterhole and the Lane Cove River. The water is a great feature of this walk as you explore the valleys between Epping and Eastwood Stations.

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate track

Epping to Hornsby Station

17.5 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

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

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River) walk.

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

6.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Thornleigh to Cowan

35.9 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Thornleigh to Galston Gorge

15.5 km One way, 6 hrs

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

Hard track

Thornleigh to Hornsby

10.2 km One way, 4 hrs

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

Hard track

Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Thornleigh to Marsfield

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Bellamy fire trail

619 m One way, 30 mins

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

Moderate track

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

529 m One way, 15 mins

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

Moderate track

Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

4.2 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

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 remn

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Callicoma caves

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

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

Hard track

Whale Rock

516 m Return, 15 mins

This rock formation really does look like a Whale. The walk down from Boundary Rd is the shortest and easiest way to see Whale Rock. The walk follows a management trail the short distance to an intersection where you will find Whale Rock. This walk starts at the end of Boundary Rd in North Epping.

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

Elouera Lookout

828 m Return, 30 mins

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

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River) walk starts and ends at the Pennant Hills station (gps: -33.738042, 151.07288)

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.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/phpllcr