Thornleigh to Marsfield

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

6.1 km One way

106 m

Hard track

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 trails are. The section just south of Thornleigh is the highlight of the walk as the bushtrail winds its way around the hill.

Great North Walk track and sign below Thornleigh Oval

int of the great north walk and comenara track

(0km) Thornleigh Train Station → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues

920 m

16 mins

-19m Easy track

From the the top of the bridge over 'Thornleigh' Train Station[1], this walk heads towards the Pennant Hills Rd, keeping the main building of the station to your left. The walk soon heads down some steps[2] and turns left, following a 'The Great North Walk' sign[3] down along the pedestrian alley[4] for about 60m to come to 'Railway Parade'[5]. Here the walk crosses the road to find a GNW arrow post at the bottom of the pedestrian overpass bridge[6].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up the concrete steps (or ramp) to cross Pennant Hills Rd using the overpass. On the other side of the road, this walk follows 'Station St' down away from the main road. Just over 200m along this footpath, this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[7] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn left here) and, just under 200m further along 'Station St', crosses 'Orchard St' to continue (almost) straight ahead beside 'Handley Avenue'. After about 250m, the walk cross Clifford Ave[8] then about 130m later, crosses the intersection of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues to find the signposted gate at the front of 'Thornleigh Oval'[9].

Thornleigh Oval

Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[10], tap water[11], public toilets[12][13] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[14]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[15] and other local tracks[16].

(1km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks

350 m

7 mins

-16m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads around the gate towards 'Thornleigh Oval' to follow the 'Sydney Cove' sign in front of the clubhouse[17] (there are toilets[18] and a water tap[19] on your left). Here the walk follows the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your right, for 100m to come to an intersection with a track (on your left, at the south-east corner of the oval) marked with a large 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[20].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[21], downhill past the 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[22] and heading into the bush. The rocky track leads downhill for about 40m before bending right (ignoring a faint track on your left[23]) and heading down the side of the hill for another 150m to three-way intersection, where a 'Thornleigh Station' sign[24] points back up along the track.

(1km) Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks

230 m

7 mins

-34m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post and the stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[25] downhill[26] along the track. The track leads fairly gently down at first, but soon leads moderately steeply[27] down a series of timber steps, becoming less steep again to come to an intersection with a track (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post[28] and a 'Thornleigh' sign[29] pointing back up the track.

(2km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → Conscript Pass

100 m

3 mins

-19m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[30] directly down the stone steps[31]. The walk leads fairly steeply down the steps for about 100m, then flattens out for a few meters and heads down a set of stone steps through a cleft in the rock[32], to find a metal metal hand rail and the pass marked with 'Conscript Pass'[33] and 'B Stevens'[34][35] engravings.

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[36] 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[37] 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[38][39] 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).

(2km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail

330 m

8 mins

-24m Moderate track

Continue straight: From 'Conscript Pass', this walk heads downhill along the rocky track as it zigzags down for about 30m to a GNW registration box[42] (damaged at time of writing). Here, the track bends sharply left and continues downhill for about 40m to then follow the 'Browns Waterhole' sign[43] across the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[44] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). On the other side of the river, this walk turns right, following the GNW arrow post[45] along the track (with the river just to your right) for about 150m to come to a Y-intersection[46] with the sealed Morona Ave trail[47] (on your left), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[48] and a GNW arrow post[49].

(2km) Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail → Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track

1.2 km

21 mins

15m

-29m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[50] along the mostly flat trail, keeping the river a short distance to your right. The trail leads along the valley floor[51] for about 150m to cross Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[52], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[53]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[54]. Here the trail bends left (keeping the river on your left) and leads along the valley for about 60m to come to an intersection with a faint track[55] (on your right, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).

(3km) Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track → Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail

960 m

17 mins

-25m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the mostly flat management trail down through the valley, keeping the river a short distance to your left. After about 400m, the trail crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[56] (This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) then continues through the valley for another 500m to come to a three-way intersection. This intersection is just past a 'Lane Cove Valley' map[57], and above a concrete ford[58] (on your right) and has a 'Thornleigh station' sign[59] pointing back along the trail.

(4km) Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail → Int of GNW and the STEP track (east)

660 m

11 mins

-8m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lane Cove River Park' sign[60], gently uphill along the management trail, keeping the river to your right. After about 80m, the trail leads to a Y-intersection with sealed management trail[61] (on the left), marked with a STEP Track map/sign[62].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[63] along the mostly flat management trail, initially keeping the sealed 'Canoon Rd' trail up to your left. The trail undulates through the tall forest[64] and valley (weedy in places[65]), keeping the river to your right, for just shy of 600m to come to an intersection marked with a 'STEP track' sign[66][67] (on your left).

(5km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) → Browns Waterhole int

570 m

12 mins

14m

-24m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows GNW arrow post[68] down the short, fairly steep hill, following the management trail over a small culverted creek[69]. The walk then heads gently uphill for about 30m to come to a clear three-way intersection[70], marked with a GNW arrow post.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[71] south-east, gently up along the wide trail, keeping the main valley to your right. The trail leads gently up through the valley for about 400m, then under some high tension power lines[72], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[73] (to your right). Here the trail continues for another 80m to come to an intersection with a wide concrete path (just past the 'Caution' sign[74]), beside the Lane Cove River crossing[75] (on your right), marked with a 'The Great North Walk' sign[76].

(5km) Browns Waterhole int → Browns Waterhole

90 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the the causeway of Browns Waterhole. (Caution is needed during and after rain, may become impassable) From here the track continues up the hill on the other side until reaching a small picnic area signposted as 'Browns Waterhole'.

Browns Waterhole

Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[77]. 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[78] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.

(5km) Browns Waterhole → Int of Terry's Creek Walking Track and Brown's Waterhole Servicetrail

40 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From Browns Waterhole, at the picnic tables, this walk follows the concrete management trail away from the river, up the gentle hill until reaching the large green 'Terrys Creek Walking Track' sign.

(5km) Int of Terry's Creek Walking Track and Brown's Waterhole Servicetrail → End of Vimiera Rd

630 m

14 mins

39m

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south up the concrete track. The track soon starts to zigzag up the side of the valley and past a 'Lane Cove National Park' sign, just before the tunnel under the M2. The track the heads through the tunnel and follows the foot path to the end of Vimiera Road, Epping.

Maps for the Thornleigh to Marsfield 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 Thornleigh to Marsfield bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thornleigh to Marsfield

Altitude analysis for Thornleigh to Marsfield

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	6.1 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 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

3.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.3km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.

Quality of track

3.5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (860m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 660m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.5km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 3.5km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 2.5km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Thornleigh to Marsfield 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

Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

5.1 km One way, 2 hrs

A well maintained and signposted track that follows the Lane Cove River, along a section of the Great North Walk. The section of bush track just west of De Burghs Bridge has great views of the river. Brown's Waterhole is a good spot to break, although early in the walk. Watch out for cyclists in th

Total climbing: 178m

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

De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

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 play

Total climbing: 363m

Hard 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

Eastwood to Thornleigh

10.3 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores Terrys Creek and the Lane Cove National Park. From Eastwood station the track follows Terrys creek past a small waterfall, under the M2, past Browns Water hole and along the Lane Cove river before climbing up to Thornleigh Oval and the train station. There are picnic tables at B

Total climbing: 285m

Hard track

Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

11.6 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge.

Total climbing: 413m

Hard track

Epping to Gordon Station

11.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk, from Epping Station to Gordon Station, passes below the homes which sit on the hills high above the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails which weave above and across the rivers and creeks which fill the valley. The walk then leaves Lane Cove River National Park and e

Total climbing: 365m

Hard track

Chatswood to Epping Station

16.3 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk, from Chatswood to Epping, is a long but enjoyable walk along the Lane Cove valley. The walk mostly follows the Lane Cove River to Terry's Creek, then follows Terry's creek, under some major roads, to Epping. A great walk exploring bushland so close to the suburbs.

Total climbing: 533m

Hard 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

Chatswood Station to Eastwood Station

18.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

Following the Lane Cove River and Terry's Creek, this walk uses the valleys between the stations to explore some suburban bushland. From Chatswood Station, the walk soon leaves the suburban area and passes through the bush along the Lane Cove River. A great station-to-station walk with a few options

Total climbing: 554m

Hard track

Eastwood to Hornsby

20.6 km One way, 8 hrs

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

Hard track

Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Thornleigh to Marsfield 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

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

Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs

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

Hard 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

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

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

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 Thornleigh to Marsfield walk starts 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)

The Thornleigh to Marsfield ends at the End of Vimiera Rd (gps: -33.764966, 151.10605)

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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