Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.1 km One way

178 m

Hard track

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 the Brown's Waterhole area as this is a popular bike riding trail.

Great North Walk with a reminder of technology

(0km) End of Vimiera Rd → Browns Waterhole

670 m

15 mins

-42m Moderate track

From the end of Vimiera Road, this walk follows the footpath through the tunnel under the M2 Motorway. The walk then follows the concrete path past the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign, zigzagging down the side of the valley. The track continues down until it flattens to a gentle downward slope, and comes to intersection with a bush track signposted as the 'Terrys creek walking track'.
From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete management trail down the gentle hill to the picnic tables and clearing signposted as 'Browns Waterhole'.

Browns Waterhole

Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[1]. 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[2] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.

(1km) Browns Waterhole → Browns Waterhole int

90 m

2 mins

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Browns Waterhole picnic area, this walk follows the management trail down to the causeway and across Browns Waterhole (caution is needed during and after rain, may become impassable). Immediately after the river, the walk comes to an intersection with the Great North Walk trail.

(1km) Browns Waterhole int → Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road trail

260 m

5 mins

17m

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[3] uphill along the wide concrete path, initially keeping the river to your right. The path leads up for about 50m, passing a few signs to come to an intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[4].
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete path uphill. The path winds up for about 100m, passing a few signs before coming to an intersection with a track[5] (on your right, that leads to an informal, unfenced lookout), just after a GNW arrow post[6], where the path mostly flattens out.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the wide concrete path as it bends left. After about 50m, the path leads under some high tension power lines[7], then about 50m later, comes to an intersection with a track[8] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post and an aluminium 'Lane Cove Valley' map[9].

(1km) Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road path → Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail

870 m

18 mins

35m

-24m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post away from the face of the aluminium 'Lane Cove Valley' map sign[10] along the dirt trail. After about 30m, this walk crosses an ephemeral creek on a rock platform[11], coming to a spot behind some houses[12].
Continue straight: From the creek, this walk follows the management trail along the side of the hill, initially keeping the houses up to your left. The trail soon leads past a high tension power line tower[13] and along the side of the hill and gently up for about 200m to another metal high tension power line tower[14]. Here the trail bends left and leads up a fairly steep but short hill[15], where the trail then leads more gently uphill for another 400m before another short, steep climb[16]. From the top of this climb, the trail continues for about 70m before crossing over a rock platform[17] and coming to an intersection (about 25m below the Koombalah Ave gate[18], on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main trail gently along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 40m, this trail leads to an intersection with a track[19] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post (just as this trail bends left).

(2km) Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail → Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track

700 m

17 mins

19m

-51m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[20] east down along the rocky track (away from the management trail). The rocky track[21] follows a series of concrete access points[22] and timber steps[23] for about 230m to then cross a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[24]. After this the track continues, keeping the Lane Cove River[25] a short distance to your right, for about 80m to come to a three-way intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[26].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[27] gently downhill, keeping the valley to your right for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right - this faint track leads down to an old weir).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track east, keeping the valley to your right. After about 120m, this track leads down (becoming steeper as it goes) to the cross the weir and bridge[28] over Avondale Creek to find a pleasant sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[29]. This last crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Here the track bends left and climbs up the timber steps[30] a short distance to come to a T-intersection with a wide trail marked with a GNW arrow post and a 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[31].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[32] downhill along the management trail, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your right[33]. After about 120m, the trail crosses a small gully[34] then leads gently uphill for about 70m to come to an intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a GNW arrow post[35].

(3km) Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track → Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track

620 m

14 mins

36m

-29m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[36] south along the track (leaving the wide trail behind). The track gently winds along the side of the hill for about 300m to pass under some high tension power lines. Then over the next 300m, the track becomes rockier[37] and undulates more, passing among some grass trees[38] to come to the top of a small rocky rise. Here the walk heads down these rocks[39] to find a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[40] (almost under the high tension power lines[41]).

(3km) Int of the GNW and mid Gloucester Ave fire trail access track → Green Shed

550 m

12 mins

-21m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently downhill for about 100m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your left) marked with a GNW arrow post[42].
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[43] south, downhill for about 30m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[44] (and a sign pointing right to 'Marsfield'[45]).
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post east, gently down along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right). After about 80m, this walk steps off a small rock platform[46] then crosses two flat timber bridges[47] over Congham Creek. Here the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[48]) to cross a small gully then climb up a few timber steps. About 70m further along the track, this walk passes a concrete sewerage access point[49] to come to an intersection with a faint track on your left (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[50].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[51] along the mostly flat track, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your left). After about 150m, this track leads close to a high tension power line tower[52], then comes to a locked green shed[53] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[54] (down in the valley to your right).

(4km) Green shed → Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth)

140 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track as it winds along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right and initially keeping the high tension power line tower[55] on your left. After about 150m, this track winds up to a clear intersection with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a set of NPWS AND GNW arrow posts[56] (just under the high tension power lines[57]).

(4km) Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth) → Int of GNW and Ryde Road trail (west)

900 m

19 mins

30m

-35m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows GNW arrow post[58] gently downhill along the wide trail[59], keeping the power poles to your right. After about 30m, the trail leads to an intersection with a track (on the right, near the second power pole), marked with another set of NPWS & GNW arrow posts[60] (before the locked gate).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, heading under the power lines and along track whilst leaving the management trail behind. After about 30m, this track leads down the hill and a few stone steps to cross Quarry Creek[61] then climbs up a few steps and follows the mostly flat track through the bush for about 400m, to come to the end of a weedy section marked with a concrete sewerage access point[62]. Here the rocky track climbs up the side of the hill for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[63] with some limited views right over the valley, for about 200m before passing large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[64]). About 30m after passing the pipe, the track winds up to come to a clear intersection with a wide management trail, where a 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[65] points back down the hill.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lane Cove Weir' sign[66] south and gently downhill along the management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 200m to cross a concrete bridge[67] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[68]). Here the trail leads uphill for another 80m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), marked with 'The Great North Walk' sign[69].

(5km) Int of Great North Walk and Ryde Road track → Int. Opposite the end of Lady Game Drive

320 m

7 mins

23m

-3m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the service trail following the sign to 'Ryde Rd, West Pymble'. The track tends right before slowly turning left, as it heads up the hill for approximately 200m to the intersection opposite the Lady Game Drive intersection.

Maps for the Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge 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.

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 Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

Altitude analysis for Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

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	5.1 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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

3.3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (280m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 1km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 3.3km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 700m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.4km 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 Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge 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

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

De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Following the Lane Cove River, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk and is well maintained and signposted. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf which is a very pleasant spot to sit and watch the ducks. The walk passes by Lane Cove National Park Headquarters, so pop by an

Total climbing: 200m

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

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

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 Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge walk.

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

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

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

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

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

4.1 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk, via Terry's Creek, is the most direct bush route between the two stations. Terry's Creek waterfall features as a wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy the bush. The walk up to Eastwood Station visits the open grassy Forrester Park, another nice place to take a break along this walk.

Total climbing: 71m

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 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

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 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

Sheldon Cascades walk

360 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk explores a set of cascades, finishing at the top of a small waterfall. From the road, the walk follows the creek to a bridge just near the waterfall. You will often see rosellas feeding in the clearing near the first bridge.

Total climbing: 4m

Easy track

Riverside Walking Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs

This is a scenic walk which takes in views of the Lane Cove River and some heritage buildings. Porters Creek bridge is a fantastic example of extravagant stone work, cut locally from the creek itself. The walk generally follows the Lane Cove River, passing many favourite sun baking spots for the loc

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

Blackbutt Creek Return

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a popular track being close to roads, yet surrounded by nice tall trees. The walk heads down hill with tall eucalyptus surrounding the track and providing shade for most of the walk. Convenient access to the start of the walk from Gordon Railway station is another feature of this walk.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge walk starts at the End of Vimiera Rd (gps: -33.764966, 151.10605)

The Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge ends 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)

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.

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