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Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek are found in each of the tabs below
Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek
Time: 4 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
6.2 km NNE of Hornsby
Length: 9.4 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 9.4 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Berowra Valley National Park
Climb: 425 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 425 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk There is a train station near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Hard

From the ridge above Berowra Creek, this walk goes steeply down into the valley following Calna Creek. The narrow bush track section is quite beautiful with plenty of small creek crossings and sandstone overhangs. The grasslands section, just before coming to the junction of Calna and Berowra Creeks, is also very pretty. (open in app)


There are Safety alerts in Berowra Valley National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station
Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy
Lyrebird Clearing
Lyrebird Waterfall
Lyrebird Caves
Calna Creek campsite (south)
Calna Creek campsite (north)
Starting point for this hiking track: Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Hornsby 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91304S 
 Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map 1:40 000 Map Series CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Benowie Walking Track, Mt Ku-ring-gai
 
Benowie Walking Track, Mt Ku-ring-gai +
 
Pink Boronia in flower
 
Pink Boronia in flower +
 
Mt Kuring Gai link track
 
Mt Kuring Gai link track +

 
rock overhangs
 
rock overhangs +
 
wandering  through the bush
 
wandering through the bush +
 
Mt Kuring Gai link track
 
Mt Kuring Gai link track +

 
following Calna creek
 
following Calna creek +
 
 
+
 
int of great north walk
 
int of great north walk +

Terrain


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 Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek 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 9km
Time 4 hrs
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
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)
*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
3.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 630m is flat with no steps. The remaining (400m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
3km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 1km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 540m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 110m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 4.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 630m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 3.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 3km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 1.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 2.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the train to Mount Kuring-gai Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Mount Kuring-gai Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk 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 --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station to Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 518 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -9 m
From the middle of the tunnel at the bottom of the stairs at Mt Kuring-gai railway station, this walk follows the 'To the Great North Walk' sign[1] through the tunnel[2] to the Pacific Hwy. Here the walk turns left and follows the footpath[3] between the highway and train line for about 200m to pass the traffic lights at Glenview Rd[4]. The walk then continues straight up the ramp[5] for another 100m and turns right[6] onto the pedestrian bridge[7]. Here the walk crosses the Pacific Hwy[8] on the footbridge, then follows the concrete ramp[9] as it zigzags back down to the ground. This ramp ends just near the Aldi shopping complex[10].
From the bottom of the footbridge near the Aldi shopping complex, this walk follows the footpath alongside the Pacific Hwy[11], under the footbridge and away from the shops. Keeping the highway to your right for 100m, this walk then crosses[12] 'Glenview Rd'[13] (at the intersection with the Pacific Hwy) to find the top of 'Lyrebird Gully track'[14], marked with a locked green metal gate[15].

(0.52 km) Int of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy to Lyrebird Clearing
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 529 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -84 m
Continue straight: From the intersection (of Glenview Rd and the Pacific Hwy), this walk follows the GNW arrow post[16] around the locked 'Lyrebird Gully Track' gate[17], to head down the sealed management trail. The trail leads past a large 'To the Great North Walk' sign[18] where the trail then bends left[19] behind the houses and heads steeply downhill[20] for about 500m, coming to the end of the sealed trail[21] and a large flat clearing[22].

(1.05 km) Lyrebird Clearing to Lyrebird Waterfall
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.38 km Time = 27 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -92 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of the sealed management trail, this walk follows the GNW arrow post across the clearing[23] following the old dirt trail. After about 120m, this walk comes to another small clearing[24], where this walk turns left following the 'The Great North Walk' sign[25]. The track then bends right and leads down to cross over a short flat timber bridge[26] across a concrete channel[27]. From here, the rocky track leads down along the side of the hill[28] for about 150m before heading down some stone steps[29] (with a handrail, under a set of power lines[30]) to come to the 'Great North Walk register' box on a pole[31][32]. After filling in your intentions (and reading others entries), this walk continues down along the track beside a rock wall[33], past a short section of handrail[34] then down a series of timber[35] and rock[36] steps for about 300m to then cross Lyrebird Gully creek[37] on the sandstone platform. This creek crossing and other crossing further down the valley can become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. The walk then leads over the short section of green timber boardwalk[38], following the GNW arrow post[39] uphill. The walk then follows the rocky track along the side of hill[40] for about 250m to pass beside a rock wall[41] (on your right) and a section of handrail[42] and steep valley (on your left). Here the walk steps down a rock (with metal peg)[43] to follow the rocky track downhill and come close to a creek[44]. Here the walk follows the edge of creek (keeping the creek to your left) [45] for just shy of 100m to then cross the creek using boulders with carved steps[46]. Once one the other side of the creek, this walk crosses back again, almost immediately, following the handrail and flat timber bridge[47] (note: this boardwalk/bridge was washed away during a flood in 2012, the hand rail is still in place) at the top of Lyrebird Gully falls[48] to then find a 'The Great North walk' sign[49] back on the other side.

Lyrebird waterfall Alt = 58 m
This informally named waterfall is found on Lyrebird Gully creek about 300m upstream of its confluence with Calna Creek. The top of the fall is partially fenced with a timber handrail[50] where the water flows over the solid rock platform, with naturally carved holes[51], to fall about 8m to the shallow pool[52] and boulders below. The track passes the top of the fall and does not provide a good view of the face of the fall, but it is still a very pleasant spot.

(2.42 km) Lyrebird Waterfall to Lyrebird Caves
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 141 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 14 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From near the top of Lyrebird Waterfall, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, away from the face of the 'The Great North Walk' sign up the timber steps. The track soon bends left to follow the side of the hill for about 50m and head through a sandstone overhang[53], then through a second smaller cave[54]. Continuing along the side of the hill for another 70m, this walk comes to another larger sandstone overhang[55].

Lyrebird Caves Alt = 72 m
The Lyrebird caves are a series of notable sandstone overhangs on the eastern side of Lyrebird Gully. There are 3 main overhangs[56][57][58], with the larger (more northern) one providing significant shelter[59]. The larger cave has a fairly flat base[60] in the centre and provides a pleasant place to rest on a hot or rainy day.

(2.57 km) Lyrebird Caves to Calna Creek Campsite (south)
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.61 km Time = 33 mins
Climb = 39 m Descent = -106 m
Continue straight: From the large sandstone overhang, this walk follows the rocky track along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. After about 40m, the track leads steeply down a short rocky slope[61] where the track then continues along the side of the hill for another 200m before bending sharp left[62] and zigzagging steeply down the stone steps[63] to come to the edge of Calna Creek[64]. The track continues along the side of the creek (on your left) through the shaded forest[65] and past some large boulders for about 70m, to then follow a GNW arrow post across the creek using the boulders with carved steps[66]. The track continues downstream (with the creek on your right) among ferns[67], for almost 300m, where another GNW arrow post[68] leads back across Calna Creek using boulders with carved steps[69]. The track continues among more ferns and mossy boulders, now with creek on your left, for 400m to where the track comes to the wide, clearly tidal section of Calna Creek, where there is a small sandy beach and open views down the valley[70]. The mostly flat track[71] continues down beside the wide creek for another 400m to cross over a flat timber bridge[72], then just 25m later, this walk comes to the signposted[73] campsite[74], in casuarina forest[75].

Calna Creek Campsite (south) Alt = 7 m
This small signposted[76] campsite sits on a flat grassy clearing in a small casuarina forest which provides plenty of shade. There is a small fireplace set up. This creek-side campsite is a good spot for those wanting to get the most out of a relaxing, overnight camp, just a short stroll to Berowra Creek and the main spine of the Great North Walk. Bring your own water, as the creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(4.18 km) Calna Creek campsite (south) to Calna Creek campsite (north)
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 402 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 23 m Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk follows the clear track downstream, keeping Calna Creek to your left. After about 100m of walking through flat grassy area and casuarina forest[77], this walk leads over a timber bridge[78] (with handrails) that crosses a small tidal creek[79]. The now rocky track continues for another 180m, stepping over a fallen tree[80], to then climb up a short timber staircase[81]. At the top of these stairs[82], the track leads over a rocky rise then back down where the track mostly flattens out for another 100m to come to a large, unsignposted clearing[83] and campsite[84] (on your right), just before the southern tip of the saltmarsh[85].

Calna Creek Campsite (north) Alt = 4 m
This is a quaint little campsite, located on the Mt Kuring-gai access track to the Great North Walk, on the banks of Calna Creek. This campsite provides plenty of room for a few tents[86], and also a fire scar with logs for seating[87]. Carry in your own water as the salty creek water is not suitable for drinking.

(4.58 km) Calna Creek campsite (north) to Int of GNW and Lyrebird Gully tracks
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 110 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk follows the clear track south, keeping Calna Creek (though the trees) to your left. After about 100m, the track comes to a well signposted intersection just beside Calna Creek bridge[88].

Catch the train from Mount Kuring-gai Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Mount Kuring-gai Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus from Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk 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 --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Kathmandu 236 Pacific Hwy (Westfield), Hornsby (02) 9476 1399 6.6 km
CampHikeClimb 20 George St, Hornsby (02) 9476 5767 6.5 km
All Camping Supplies 12 Railway Pde, Thornleigh (02) 9481 0473 10.1 km
Paddlecraft 3B / 1714 Pittwater Road, Bayview 02 9997 8015 15 km
Mountain Equipment 72 Archer St , Chatswood (02) 9419 6955 16.5 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek
Click to re-center search
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 4 km (to the N)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
10 km (to the SSW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 26 km (to the SW)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 28 km (to the NNE)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 35 km (to the S)

Weather and Park info

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 8 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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      29°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|25°Possible shower.
Fri18°|30°Partly cloudy.
Sat16°|24°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Berowra Valley National Park Link 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 fees Camping
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.


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Hamish - Good half day walk IP:123.243.76.xxx | 2009-08-16 13:15:29
Very enjoyable, good half day walk.
We are reasonably fit people but unless you are a lycra-and-walking-pole level of person, I would recommend setting aside another half hour for the return trip on this walk. A good range of scenery and environments but quite steep and rocky in places. Allow 1.5-2 hours there, 2 - 2.5 back including a lunch break.
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