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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Thornleigh to Hornsby are found in each of the tabs below
Thornleigh to Hornsby
Time: 4 hrs Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.5 km WNW of Thornleigh
Length: 10.2 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 10.2 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Berowra Valley National Park
Climb: 525 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 525 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: One way
Track: Hard

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 cascading creeks. The track undulates along the side of the valley visiting a range of environments from moist fern forest to the drier grass tree and eucalypt forests of the ridge. There is a short side trip to visit the Westleigh engravings and a chance to pop down to fishponds, before climbing up the depression era stone steps to Hornsby station. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Thornleigh to Hornsby

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Thornleigh to Hornsby bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Thornleigh to Hornsby
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Map Scale 1 km
Thornleigh Train Station
Morgan Rd
Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks
Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection
Jungo campsite
Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
Elouera Lookout
Int of GNW and the Quarter Sessions Rd track
Int of Great North Walk and Quarter Sessions road service trail
294 Quarter Sessions Road
280 Quarter Sessions Road
Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blackfellows Head lookout track
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
Fishponds Lookout
Fishponds Crossing
Int of Great North Walk and Pogsons Trig bushtrack
Fishponds Lookout
Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack
Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Int of Great North Walk and Quarry Road service trail
Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
Int of Quarry Rd and Old Man Valley Service Trail
Starting point for this hiking track: Thornleigh Train 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 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Thornleigh Track Head sign
 
Thornleigh Track Head sign +
 
Walking alongside Eddy Rd
 
Walking alongside Eddy Rd +
 
End of Morgan Street
 
End of Morgan Street +

 
An old sleeper and rail clamp, maybe part of the original Zig-Zag railway
 
An old sleeper and rail clamp, maybe part of the original Zig-Zag railway +
 
Walking alongside the creek behind Morgan Street
 
Walking alongside the creek behind Morgan Street +
 
Concrete trail near Zig Zag creek
 
Concrete trail near Zig Zag creek +

 
Intersection just before Zig Zag Creek
 
Intersection just before Zig Zag Creek +
 
Great North Walk sign near Zig Zag Creek
 
Great North Walk sign near Zig Zag Creek +
 
Small bridge Near Zig Zag Creek
 
Small bridge Near Zig Zag Creek +

 
Pleasent track beside Zig Zag Creek
 
Pleasent track beside Zig Zag Creek +
 
Rock formation near The Jungo beside Zig Zag Creek
 
Rock formation near The Jungo beside Zig Zag Creek +
 
The Great North Walk beside Zig Zag Creek
 
The Great North Walk beside Zig Zag Creek +

 
The Jungo
 
The Jungo +
 
Signs at the Jungo
 
Signs at the Jungo +
 
Crossing Berowra Creek just near the Jungo
 
Crossing Berowra Creek just near the Jungo +

 
Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
 
Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail +
 
Crossing Berowra Creek north downstream of Zig Zag Creeek
 
Crossing Berowra Creek north downstream of Zig Zag Creeek +
 
Grass Tree on the Great North Walk beside Berowa Creek
 
Grass Tree on the Great North Walk beside Berowa Creek +

 
Small Flat timber Bridge north of the Jungo
 
Small Flat timber Bridge north of the Jungo +
 
Climbing up the rocky track
 
Climbing up the rocky track +
 
Winding amoung the Grass trees
 
Winding amoung the Grass trees +

 
Elouera lookout
 
Elouera lookout +
 
Rocky track north of Elouera lookout
 
Rocky track north of Elouera lookout +
 
Rock steps north of Elouera lookout
 
Rock steps north of Elouera lookout +

 
Crossing a small creek
 
Crossing a small creek +
 
Berowra Creek in Westleigh
 
Berowra Creek in Westleigh +
 
Grass Tree after fire
 
Grass Tree after fire +

 
Tree trunk
 
Tree trunk +
 
Climbing up the side of the Berowra Creek Valley
 
Climbing up the side of the Berowra Creek Valley +
 
Walking through the open Casuarina forest
 
Walking through the open Casuarina forest +

 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track
 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track +
 
Rock wall near Quarter Sessions Road
 
Rock wall near Quarter Sessions Road +
 
Rough rocky track in the Berowra Valley
 
Rough rocky track in the Berowra Valley +

 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) +
 
Steps on the track on the Quarter Sessions Road ridge
 
Steps on the track on the Quarter Sessions Road ridge +
 
Gap in rock south of the spa
 
Gap in rock south of the spa +

 
Couch in overhang on the western side of the Spa
 
Couch in overhang on the western side of the Spa +
 
Waitara Creek crossing at the Spa
 
Waitara Creek crossing at the Spa +
 
Waitara Creek Crossing
 
Waitara Creek Crossing +

 
Cascade on Waitara Creek
 
Cascade on Waitara Creek +
 
Tall overhang beside Waitara Creek
 
Tall overhang beside Waitara Creek +
 
Gully West of Fishponds Lookout
 
Gully West of Fishponds Lookout +

 
Fishponds Lookout
 
Fishponds Lookout +
 
Crossing Berowra Creek at Fishponds
 
Crossing Berowra Creek at Fishponds +
 
Fishponds
 
Fishponds +

 
Blue Gum walk just south of Fishponds Lookout
 
Blue Gum walk just south of Fishponds Lookout +
 
Steps on the Blue Gum walk south of Fishponds
 
Steps on the Blue Gum walk south of Fishponds +
 
Intersectinon of the Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack
 
Intersectinon of the Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack +

 
Turpentine forest on Joe's Mountain
 
Turpentine forest on Joe's Mountain +
 
Blue Gums and Bracken Ferns
 
Blue Gums and Bracken Ferns +
 
Rosemead Trail
 
Rosemead Trail +

 
Crossing Old Mans Creek
 
Crossing Old Mans Creek +
 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park +
 
Signs in Berowra Valley Bushland Park
 
Signs in Berowra Valley Bushland Park +

 
Bottom of the Hornsby stone steps
 
Bottom of the Hornsby stone steps +
 
Hornsby's depression era steps
 
Hornsby's depression era steps +
 
Great North walk arrow at Quarry Road
 
Great North walk arrow at Quarry Road +

 
Quarry Rd
 
Quarry Rd +
 
West side of Hornsby
 
West side of Hornsby +
 
Great North Walk track head sign at Hornsby Station
 
Great North Walk track head sign at Hornsby Station +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Thornleigh to Hornsby bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Thornleigh to Hornsby bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thornleigh to Hornsby bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Thornleigh to Hornsby 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 10km
Time 4 hrs
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
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 Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
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
6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.3km is very steep. Whilst another 1.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.2km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (410m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
Around 8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
4.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 4.4km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (990m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 990m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the train to Thornleigh Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Thornleigh 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 Thornleigh Train 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 Thornleigh Train 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) Thornleigh Train Station to Morgan Rd
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 989 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 7 m Descent = -47 m
From the western (north bound) side of Thornleigh Station[1], this walk follows the 'Jungo Rest Area' sign[2] along the footpath towards the car park and The Esplanade[3]. The walk then heads down a short distance further to turn left and cross 'The Esplanade' at the traffic lights[4], then continue straight along the footpath down along Eddy Rd[5]. Following a couple of GNW arrows[6] down Eddy Rd as it then bends left[7], turning into Tilock St, and shortly later this walk then turns right into Morgan St[8]. Continuing down till just before the end of this street[9][10], this walk comes to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow[11] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[12] (on the right).

(0.99 km) Morgan Rd to Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 355 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -13 m
Turn right: From the end of Morgan Street, the walk follows the GNW arrow[13] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[14] between houses[15] no. 28 and 26. Once behind the houses at a small clearing[16], the track turns left and follows down the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[17]. Soon after passing behind the third house, the track comes to an intersection with a wide concrete trail[18], where a sign points back along the track to 'Sydney Cove'[19].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Jungo' arrow[20] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[21] (with a green rail[22] on one side)[fac=8404]. The walk continues down into the valley[23] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[24][25] (on your left), just before 'Zig Zag Creek'[26] and the long bridge[27].

Thornleigh zigzag railway Alt = 120 m
The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

(1.34 km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection to The Jungo
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.43 km Time = 25 mins
Climb = 16 m Descent = -37 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[28] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[29] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[30]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[31], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a 'Bellamy Street' sign[32] pointing back through the campsite.

The Jungo Alt = 98 m
The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection[33]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[34]. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.

(2.78 km) Jungo campsite to Elouera Lookout
Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 1.15 km Time = 29 mins
Climb = 82 m Descent = -58 m
Veer right: From the campsite, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[35] down across the concrete ford, over the usually small creek[36]. Here, the concrete management trail[37] leads uphill, becoming dirt as it starts to flatten out[38]. This walk then comes to a signposted intersection[39] of the 'Great North Walk'[40] and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted 'Cherrybrook Lakes' trail[41]).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[42] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[43] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[44] - this creek may become impassable after rain. On the other side, the walk comes to an intersection on a small sandy beach. Here, the walk turns left, following the GNW arrows downstream for about 250m among the grass trees and crossing a flat timber bridge[45]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[46]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[47] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[48]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[49]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[50] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[51], where there is an intersection with the 'Westleigh' track[52] (on your right).

Elouera Lookout Alt = 116 m
This fenced lookout is on the Benowie Track close to Westleigh. There are uninterrupted views from the clifftop across the Berowra Creek valley, which is rare for the area[53]. As well as being on the Great North Walk, this lookout can be accessed by a short walk from Elouera Rd, Westleigh. This section of fenced rock platform is about 100m long[54], and there is some limited shade[55] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.

(3.93 km) Elouera Lookout to Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.16 km Time = 54 mins
Climb = 152 m Descent = -130 m
Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[56], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[57] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[58]. At the end of the fence, the walk bends left following the rocky flat track for about 200m, where the track then becomes progressively steeper for about 250m, winding steeply down then across a flat timber bridge[59]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[60] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[61]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[62]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[63]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[64] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[65]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[66] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track[67] (on your right).

(6.08 km) Int of GNW and the Quarter Sessions Rd track to Blackfellow Head Engravings
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,road,bushtrack
Length = 372 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 29 m Descent = -26 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Quarter Sessions Rd' sign[68] directly uphill along the faint track, up over the rocky outcrop, with the occasional rock step[69]. After about 50m, this track leads to a T-intersection with a wide management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail uphill[70]. The trail soon bends right and after about 90m (ignoring side tracks), the walk heads around a locked gate[71]. Here the walk follows the grassy (and rocky) trail between two houses[72] to an intersection with Quarter Sessions Rd[73] (between 394 & 396).
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows Quarter Sessions Road uphill. The road passes over the rise and, after 130m, comes to a point where the road bends right[74], just beside a 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[75] (on your left).
Turn left: From beside 280 Quarter Sessions Road (Westleigh)[76], this walk heads towards the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[77], over the grass towards the timber platform[78]. The walk steps onto the timber platform (with a handrail[79]) to find a filtered valley view[80] (to your right) and the engravings[81] in the sandstone (to your left).
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

Blackfellow Head Engravings Alt = 149 m
On the far north west corner of Quarter Sessions Road (beside no.280), there is a lookout and some Aboriginal engravings. The signposted site has a timber platform providing some filtered views across the valley[82]. On the left side of the platform is a sandstone block with the engraved images of two wallabies[83]. There are reports of other engravings in the area, but like many similar sites, their exact locations are not published to protect them. Please keep off the engravings area, to reduce wear.

(6.08 km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track to Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 691 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 43 m Descent = -73 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track, keeping the valley down to your left. The track leads along beside a rock wall (which is on your right) and through a rock outcrop[84], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[85] for a short time. At the top of this steep section, the rocky track continues to meander much more gently up along the side of the hill[86] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[87], just below some houses[88]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[89] (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the clear track, keeping the valley down to your left for about 100m, where the walk comes to a three-way intersection and 'The Jungo' sign[90] points back along the track.

(6.77 km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) to Fishponds Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 988 m Time = 21 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -87 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[91] past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[92], gently uphill along the narrow ridge[93]. The track is mostly flat for about 200m before it starts to head fairly steeply down over some rocks[94] and down a set of rock steps[95]. This area comes alive with Patersonia lilies and pink wax flowers in early spring. The track then continues fairly gently down along the narrow ridge[96] for another 200m before leading through a crack in a rock, then down a bit further to climb down through a particularly steep rocky section[97]. Near the bottom of this descent, this walk passes a couple of arrow posts[98], where the track bends right to pass below a large rock overhang[99]. Just beyond this overhang, the track bends left and leads across Waitara Creek at the interesting holes in the rock know as 'the spa'[100]. This creek may become impassable after heavy rain, the rocks can also be slippery. Across the creek, the walk comes to a large rock platform and a Blue Gum Track post[101].
After stopping to enjoy cool spot, this walk continues left along the unfenced rock platform[102] (keeping the creek down to your left). The walk soon steps off this large rock (at the far right-hand corner, through the fork in a tree[103]). This walk heads over another rock platform[104], then along a notably flat section of track[105] (now with Berowra Creek on your left), passing beside some cascades[106] for about 100m before climbing up and over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[107]. The track leads around the side of the hill for about 100m, then down to cross a small creek using the small flat timber bridge[108]. The walk then climbs up some timber steps[109] to a fenced lookout[110] over Fishponds, at a well-signposted intersection[111]. A sign points back along the track to 'Thornleigh Station'[112].

Fishponds Lookout Alt = 49 m
Fishponds Lookout is a fenced rock platform at the intersection of the Benowie walking track and the Rosemead trackhead. It is marked with a number of Great North Walk signs. This informally named lookout has good views down over Fishponds, a large waterhole on Berowra Creek. Looking north across the creek, there are views to the upper waterhole and the cliffs on the other side.

(7.76 km) Fishponds Lookout to Fishponds Bridge
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 345 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 16 m Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From the lookout[113], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[114] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[115]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[116] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[117].
Veer right: From the cave, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[118] up the track and timbers steps. Soon the track turns left and follows a Great North Walk arrow up the hill[119], at the red and white 'Danger' sign[120](ignoring the other track). The track climbs up the carved steps[121] onto the rock platform and continues up the rocky track until just after passing through a narrow gap between two rocks[122], where this walk comes to the un-signposted (and faint) intersection with the Pogson's Trig track (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down along the side of the hill[123], whilst keeping the main valley to your right. The track leads down some rocky steps, passing just above a rock platform (a short distance down on your right, with a plaque dedicated to 'Cora'[124]). The track then leads down along the base of a cliff, passing under a rock overhang[125]. The track continues along the base of the cliff for another 50m then starts to wind downhill (with some handrails[126]) to come to a rock platform beside the creek[127]. This walk then crosses Berowra Creek on the flat timber bridge[128].
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)

Fishponds Alt = 49 m
Fishponds is a long waterhole[129] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[130] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[131], and a small timber bridge[132] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[133]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities[134] - please heed the signs and Cora's parents' plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

(7.76 km) Fishponds Lookout to Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 297 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 39 m Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the lookout, this walk follows the 'Rosemead Rd Trackhead' sign[135] directly away from the view over Berowra Creek. After about 70m, the track leads over a timber footbridge[136], then leads up the side of the valley for about 100m to climb up the steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[137]. Here the track leads along the top of this unfenced cliff and soon comes to a well signposted three-way intersection, where a 'Fishponds' sign[138] points back along the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Hornsby Station' sign up[139] along the track a short distance to come to an intersection with a wide management trail[140].

(8.06 km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail to Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 887 m Time = 20 mins
Climb = 39 m Descent = -45 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow south along the wide management trail, keeping the gully to your left[141]. The walk climbs up the gentle hill for just over 300m, passing through the turpentine forest[142] to a saddle and small clearing. Here the walk continues along the trail as it bends right[143] (ignoring the track to the left) to leads downhill through the blue gum and bracken fern forest[144]. The trail continues moderately steeply down until it bends left to cross Old Mans Creek at the concrete stepping stones[145]. The trail leads left and gently up the hill, passing some houses (on your right) and soon comes to an intersection with a narrower track (on your left) after about 150m.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow[146] along the narrower track[147] for a short distance, to Berowra Valley Bushland Park[148] at the end of Rosemead Road[149].

Berowra Valley Bushland Park Alt = 82 m
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[150] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[151], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[152], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[153], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[154]. There is a water tap[155] in the park, near the road. There is also a 'Welcome to Old Mans Valley' information sign with information about the traditional country of the Darug and Guringai peoples[156].

(8.94 km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park to Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 544 m Time = 14 mins
Climb = 89 m Descent = -12 m
Veer left: From the lower side of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[157], this walk follows the 'Hornsby Station' sign[158] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[159] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[160], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[161] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[162] the side of the valley, along the sheer rock walls for about 100m, and come to an intersection with the Quarry Road management trail, where a 'Great North Walk' sign[163] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[164] and then follows the track as it winds up over the gentle rise. Once over the rise, the track then leads down to the intersection with Quarry Rd, where a 'Great North Walk' sign[165] points back up the track.

(9.49 km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk to Hornsby Train Station
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 717 m Time = 14 mins
Climb = 34 m Descent = -8 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road gently uphill away from the face of the 'Great North Walk' sign[166] until just past a couple of house, this walk comes to an intersection with the gated 'Old Mans Valley' management trail[167] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[168] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[169] left onto Dural St[170]. The footpath leads past the unit block, then past a few shops to come to an intersection with the Pacific Hwy. Following the GNW arrow, this walk turns right across 'Dural St'[171], passes a few more shops, then crosses 'Dural Lane'[172] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[173]. Here the walk continues straight across the 'Station St' pedestrian crossing[174], past the large 'Great North Walk' sign[175] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[176].

Catch the train from Hornsby Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Hornsby 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 Hornsby Train 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 Hornsby Train 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
Map Car Shuffle
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)
All Camping Supplies 12 Railway Pde, Thornleigh (02) 9481 0473 0.1 km
CampHikeClimb 20 George St, Hornsby (02) 9476 5767 3.7 km
Kathmandu 236 Pacific Hwy (Westfield), Hornsby (02) 9476 1399 3.7 km
One Stop Adventure Shop 1045 Victoria Rd , West Ryde (02) 9858 5844 8.4 km
Castle Tarpaulin Warehouse 14/ 10 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill (02) 9899 3959 9.3 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Thornleigh to Hornsby.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Thornleigh to Hornsby
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
2 km (to the ESE)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 14 km (to the NNE)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 17 km (to the WSW)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 27 km (to the S)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 38 km (to the NNE)

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 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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      33°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|28°Possible shower.
Fri18°|33°Partly cloudy.
Sat16°|26°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.



Manor Road Bushland Manor Road Bushland is a small parcel of natural bushland between Manor road and the Hornsby quarry. The blue Gum walk and the Great North walk Hornsby track head pass through the section of land where there are some wonderful tall Blue gums and Black Buts. There is also a lovely array of ferns and Turpentine trees.
Region:
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Terry Fake - Saturday 21 November 2009 IP:58.173.128.xxx | 2009-11-22 03:00:31
Temps got to early 30's. by observing normal good bush walking practises no problems and took plenty of water.
Track is clean no vegetation over the track, no debris on the track.
Track notes mentioned at time of writing smell of sewage at bridge over ZigZag Creek; we observed nothing at this time.
Track is very well sign posted.
Notes & maps provided by this site are very good.

Enjoy.

22/11/09
Alan Monroe - Tuesday 23 November 2010 IP:125.254.75.xxx | 2010-11-25 22:48:40
Was pleasantly surprised now nice the track was - well maintained, no real sign of overuse and no gargage.

Video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmdZUSdsmqM
Ross - Local IP:121.217.57.xxx | 2011-10-04 11:33:41
The picture of the sleeper with the rail clamp on is suspect to me as I walked this bush 100s of times during the 1950s - 1960s and never saw any remnants of the supposed Zig Zag railway. The quarry was much cleaner then and the bush hadn't been messed around by that concrete track, whatever it is supposed to do
admin - re: Local Super Administrator | 2011-10-04 23:06:01
Ross wrote:
....I walked this bush 100s of times during the 1950s - 1960s and never saw any remnants of the supposed Zig Zag railway....

Hi Ross,
I assume this is the picture you are talking about.
Posted image
I am no historian and have assumed that the sleeper is from the old Zig-Zag railway. I found the sleeper as is, in the photo near the track. All I can really say is that I took the photo of the sleeper, from near the track, and assumed that it is from the Zig-Zag railway. I will update the photo label to make it clearer I am not 100% sure.
Matt :)
Paul - Thorleigh to Hornsby IP:58.111.148.xxx | 2012-07-15 10:06:07
We found this to be a very pleasant stroll through varied country and vegetation and recommend it as a great half-day walk. Track notes are amazingly detailed and accurate. Good work.
Paul
admin - re: Thorleigh to Hornsby Super Administrator | 2012-07-15 10:28:52
Paul wrote:
We found this to be a very pleasant stroll

Hi Paul
Thanks for the feedback. Glad the notes where helpful and that you enjoyed the walk. I was playing handball with my son at the end of Rosemead Rd, this afternoon, did we have a quick chat? I didn't swap names but chatted with a couple of people doing this walk. Anyway glad you enjoyed it.
Happy walking.
Matt :)
Nicole Bannister - Mrs IP:121.44.57.xxx | 2014-07-19 13:26:26
Did the walk today (Saturday 19th July 2014) and thoroughly enjoyed it thanks to the very clear route guide you expertly produced. Did the side walk to the Blackfellow Head Engravings but the site is fenced off and the look-out is inaccessible and damaged. Also, the grassy trail between the two houses is 294 and 296 (not 394 & 396). Didn't find the track hard as it is well defined and signposted all along. Thanks for all your great work!
Mr D - Thorleigh to Hornsby IP:203.213.116.xxx | 2014-08-11 00:11:34
I think there is a slight error in the directions at the 6.09KM marker.

It currently reads:

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track.

If you head left from the 3 way interchange then you will be heading into the valley. If you turn right then you will be heading up Quarter Sessions Road track.

I think it should read

Continue Straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the main rocky track.

Although I dont remember seeing this
http://gallery2.wildwalks.com/333408.jpg (although we might have gone DOWN IT and NOT up it as per the instructions)

or this http://gallery2.wildwalks.com/333375.jpg

My GF and I went on straight ahead and had the rock wall on our right hand side and the valley to our left. We still land up in the correct place at the 6.78km marker.
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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