This return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows the Great North Walk along Berowra creek. The walk includes some boardwalks. After climbing up the side of the valley, the walk comes back down into Berowra Waters. Here you can enjoy lunch by Berowra Creek, at the Garden House restaurant, or catch the free car-ferry across the river to find the fish cafe.
(open in app)
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the Crosslands to Berowra Waters return bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Crosslands to Berowra Waters return bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
14km
Time
6 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
2.6km of this walk is very steep and another 2.4km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 730m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 810m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 730m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 990m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
4.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 1.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 4.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Drive to Crosslands Carpark
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the start of this walk on this map
Crosslands
Alt = 1 m
Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[1], electric barbecues[2], toilets[3], car parking[4], a children's playground[5], garbage bins[6], camping area, toilets[fac=8086] and town water[7]. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council[8] and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park[9].
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building[10].
(0 km)
Crosslands Carpark
to
Northern end of Crosslands carpark Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 247 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path[11] between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp[12]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[13] at the northern end of the car park[14]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.
(0.25 km)
Northern end of Crosslands Carpark
to
Crosslands North Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 263 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the northern end of Crosslands car park[15] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the 'Newcastle' arrow[16] on the large 'Great North Walk' sign around the locked gate[fac=8043] and along the sealed old road[17]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables[fac=8044][fac=8045][fac=8046][fac=8047] to come to a y-intersection[18]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the 'Place of Winds' sign[19] and wetland[20] (on your right). This walk continues along this old road for a little longer, coming to an intersection marked with a large 'Crosslands' information board[21] and 'Great North walk' sign[22]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[23], not far from the toilet block[24][fac=8052].
Crosslands North Picnic area
Alt = 1 m
The northern section of Crosslands is in Berowra Valley NP and is a less formal picnic area compared with the southern area. There is a toilet block[fac=8052][25][26] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[27]. Here you will find a few picnic tables[fac=8044][fac=8045][fac=8046][fac=8047][fac=8049][fac=8048] and shelters[fac=8050][fac=8051][28], as well as garbage bins[29]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[30]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[31] .
(0.51 km)
Crosslands North
to
Estuaries viewing platform int. Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - duckboard
Length = 215 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[32], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[33] along the timber boardwalk[34][fac=8085]. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[35] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[36]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past 'Mangrove Food Cycle' information signs[37] to come to an 3-way intersection[38] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[39] (on your left).
Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout
Alt = 3 m
The Estuarie lookout over Berowara Creek is found at the end of the wheelchair-accessible walk in Crosslands area. The timber lookout platform provides great views over Berowra Creek[40], the timber fence is 95cm high[41]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[42] and the 'Original Inhabitants'[43]. There are two timber bench seats[fac=8053][44] encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.
(0.73 km)
Estuaries viewing platform
to
Calna Creek Bridge intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 781 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -57 m
Continue straight: From the intersection at the estuaries viewing platform, this walk follows the timber ramp down to the dirt track[45] and heads past the '..unsuitable for wheelchair access' sign[46]. The track leads alongside the wide creek for about 200m to the 'All creatures great and small' information sign[47], then down a little way further to head along a short section of timber boardwalk[48].
About 100m further along the rocky track, this walk comes to a lookout and a 'Catch the Threats' information sign[49], where the track continues past the bench seat[50] and alongside the creek to the 'The Rock Club' information sign[51]. The track then leads among some grass tress[52] for just over 100m to the 'Bush Supermarket' information sign[53]. Just past this sign, the track begins to climb fairly steeply up the stone[54] and timber steps[55] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a 'Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!' information sign[56]. Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow east downhill, initially keeping the 'Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!' information sign[57] on your right. The track bends left and follows the timber steps[58] as the track winds steeply down the side of the hill. Near the bottom of the hill, the track passes a 'Rock n Roll' information sign[59] then comes to a long, metal footbridge[60]. The walk crosses the bridge over Calna Creek and comes to a signposted intersection, with a 'Fragile Marsh' information sign[61]
(1.51 km)
Calna Creek Bridge intersection
to
Sams Creek Ridge Clearing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.15 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 67 m
Descent = -58 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[62] along the timber boardwalk[63]. The boardwalk leads for about 80m across the large open flat saltmarsh[64] into the casuarina forest[65] on the other side. Here the track bends left and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[66] for almost 200m, where the rocky track leads a little further before coming alongside Berowra Creek's mangroves[67]. The track continues to gently undulate along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[68] and grass tress[69], before heading up a fairly short, steep climb. At the top of this climb, the walk comes to a small, flat, pleasant clearing surrounded by large boulders[70].
(2.66 km)
Sams Creek ridge clearing
to
Sams Creek Crossing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 501 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk leads down the north eastern side of this ridge, keeping the main valley to your left. After about 100m this walk comes to another flat saltmarsh[71] , where the track bends right to soon come to a large flat clearing[72] beside Sams Creek[73] (subject to flooding).
The track then leads alongside Sams Creek (on your left) for about 350m when, just after climbing over a rock, the track comes to a 'Crosslands' sign[74] pointing back along the track, beside the creek.
(3.16 km)
Sams Creek Crossing
to
Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 670 m
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 181 m
Descent = -44 m
Turn left: From the south side of the creek, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[75] across the rocky Sams Creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side, the track veers left, crossing a rocky gully[76] and heads up the timber steps[77]. The track now starts to climb steeply, zigzagging up the timber steps [78] and a couple of staircases[79] for just over 300m to find a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[80]. After a rest, this walk continues up more steps (and staircases) for just over 150m, coming to a T-intersection with a wide service trail, where a 'Crosslands' sign[81] points back down the track.
(3.83 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks
to
Int of Naa Badu Lookout Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 263 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -22 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[82] gently down along the management trail, keeping the valley to your left. The trail gently undulates along the side of the hill, enjoying some glimpses up to the cliff faces[83] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[84], then leads up the hill to find the signposted 'Naa Badu' lookout[85] and its great view[86].
Naa Badu Lookout
Alt = 135 m
Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views south over Berowra Creek as well as over Sams and Calna Creeks. Naa Badu means 'See water'[87] in the Aboriginal tribal language of the Dharug people. It is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal peoples. The lookout is fenced[88], has a bench seat[89], picnic table[90] and a fair amount of natural shade.
(4.09 km)
Int of Naa Badu Lookout
to
Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 322 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From the 'Naa Badu' lookout[91], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[92] and across the concrete ditch[93], keeping the valley to your left. The trail leads around the side of the hill for about 300m, gently undulating to come to an intersection with a narrow track and small clearing (on your left, as the trail bends right), just past the large scribbly gum. (This informal track leads down to an unfenced rock platform, with filtered views over Berowra Creek).
(4.41 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track
to
Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 221 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[94], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[95] to an intersection (with some steps[96] on your left), where a 'The Great North Walk' sign[97] points back up along the trail.
(4.63 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail
to
Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 565 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = -31 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[98] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[99], and leads up some timber steps[100]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[101] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[102] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[103], then leads down across a small gully[104] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[105], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[106] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[107]. After 60m, the track[108] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[109] and angophora forest[110] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[111].
(5.2 km)
Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track
to
Washtub Gully Creek Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.32 km
Time = 33 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -201 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[112], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[113] and leads fairly steeply down the hill for about 150m before mostly flattening out and coming close to the top of an unfenced cliff with good views over Berowra Creek[114]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[115] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[116]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[117][118], climbing down some steel pegs[119] to where the track flattens out again[120]. The track leads across the saddle[121] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[122] (on your right). Here the track leads down around the side of the ridge for just over 400m, passing some unfenced views for rock platforms[123][124][125] then down some sandstone steps[126] to find a tall sandstone overhang[127] with a timber seat[128]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[129], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[130] and timber steps[131] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a 'no wash' sign[132][133] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[134][135] in Washtub Gully.
(6.51 km)
Washtub Gully Creek
to
Berowra Waters trackhead Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 321 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -30 m
Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[136], this walk crosses the creek[137] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[138]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[139], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[140]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[141] behind the 'Berowra Waters Garden House' restaurant[142], then heads down the steps[143] to come to the signposted 'Berowra Waters Trackhead'[144][145] on 'Berowra Waters Rd'[146].
Berowra Waters Garden House
Alt = 8 m
#######CLOSED###### This picturesque little restaurant sits on the eastern side of Berowra Creek and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Garden House Restaurant is a great spot for those looking to tap into the Berowra Valley's full potential. For information on bookings and opening hours phone (02)9456 2955.
The Fish Café
Alt = 5 m
This seafood restaurant is located on the western side of the Berowra Waters Ferry, and offers casual dining with a great menu, overlooking the marina and river. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, with dinner available on Friday through Sunday. The cafe is open 8:30 – 9pm Wed-Sun and closes at 3pm Mon & Tuesdays. Takeaway is also available, and the nearby reserve provides picnic tables, toilets, children's playground and parking. Kayak hire is available from the marina building.
The Fish Café is located at 199 Bay Road, Berowra Waters, and the phone number is (02)9456 4665.
Waterview Restaurant
Alt = 7 m
On the western side of Berowra Waters Ferry (free trip), just a short walk up the road, is the Waterview Restaurant, upstairs at the marina. The restaurant specialises in seafood, but also caters for other tastes in restaurant style dinning.
Some sittings offers A la Carte meals from $25, and other sittings offer a fresh and cooked seafood buffet. Please call ahead, as the restaurant is also a popular venue for weddings.
Open Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Phone (02) 9456 2633
199 Bay Rd Berowra Waters, NSW 2082
Drive from Crosslands Carpark
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the end of this walk on this map
Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk
Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Driving Directions
To the start of the walk
Since this walk starts on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan to the start.
View the location on a road map here --> See the start of the walk on a map
From the end of the walk
Since this walk ends on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan from the end.
View the location on a road map here --> See the end of the walk on a map
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Berowra Valley National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCamping Current Park Closure information for Berowra Valley National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Safety alerts: Quarry trail and Benowie walking track restricted access Access restrictions are in place along trails that traverse the land managed by the Hornsby Rifle Range. Restricted areas include:
an 800m section of trail, 2km in from the Quarry Road entrance at Dural
an 800m section of trail, 300m in from the Stewart Avenue entrance at Hornsby
a 750m section of the Benowie walking track between Steele Bridge and Fishponds Waterholes.
Shooting times are between 9am and 4.30pm, 7 days a week. All visitors wishing to access the restricted sections of trail during these times must request prior authorisation by contacting the Hornsby Rifle Range on their 24 hour contact number 0417 201 606. Consult the map on Page vii of the Berowra Valley National Park Draft Plan of Management to plan alternative routes during these hours. Visit the website for further information about the Hornsby Rifle Range.
Before setting off, note the 'how to get there' directions are wrong! You cannot access the start of this walk from Crosslands Road. If you try, you'll end up on private property (a religious youth camp). I know, because I followed the getting there directions. The start point is actually at the end of Somerville Road (off galston Road) in Hornsby Heights. It is a great walk - really lovely bush and creeek settings - but with a very hard and long climb if you're walking from the Hornsby end! Easier from the Berowra end which most people seemd to be doing.
admin - re: Getting there instructions
Super Administrator | 2011-07-18 07:34:18
Paul Sowerby wrote:
Before setting off, note the 'how to get there' directions are wrong! ...
Hi Paul
Sorry for the wrong directions to the start of the walk. As you may have noticed I use Google maps to create the "getting there". I test these before publishing walks to make sure we are getting good directions, but this time I obliviously stuffed up. In cases like this I switch of the directions, so you just get a point on the map, then you have to work out your own route. I have fixed this walk up now.
Glad you enjoyed the walk, I love that area.
Matt :)
alanm - Great Part of the GNW
IP:125.254.74.xxx | 2013-01-24 16:04:47
Loved this section of the GNW. To me it's a classic bush walk with all the various terrain and vegetation. Add to that a pleasant summer's day.
Video of my walks is available at
http://youtu.be/ac5dP_qvPQ8
Lucie - Calna Creek Bridhe
IP:203.3.178.xxx | 2015-03-22 21:46:50
Hi
I see that this walk includes a temporary alternate wet diversion at Calna Creek. I have read that the bridge is down.
Do the instructions on the PFD include this diversion?
Thanks
Lucie
Molly - Calna Creek footbridge replace
IP:129.78.233.xxx | 2015-09-01 08:02:53
There's now a new footbridge over Calna Creek. Many thanks to Matt of Wildwalks, who played a big role in getting the bridge replaced.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)