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 playing field and along the streets to Thornleigh train station
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Lane Cove National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station
Cross sectional view of the De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station 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
3 hrs 45 mins
.
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
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
5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.3km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.
Quality of track
4.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.9km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
Catch the bus to Int. Opposite the end of Lady Game Drive
(0 km)
Int. Opposite the end of Lady Game Drive
to
Int of GNW and Christie Park track Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 1.77 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -64 m
From the intersection, this walk passes over the timber railing and turns left down the hill. The track winds down the hill for approximately 200m to the signposted intersection. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[1] north, gently downhill along the management trail. After about 80m, this trail crosses a concrete bridge[2] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[3]). From here, the trail leads uphill for just shy of 200m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), where a 'Lane Cove Weir' sign[4] points back down along the trail. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[5] west, gently down the track, away from the management trail. The track almost immediately passes the large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[6]) then winds down the rocky track[7] for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[8] with some limited views left over the valley, to come to a weedy section of track marked with a concrete sewerage access point[9]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the hill for about 400m to head down a few steps and cross Quarry Creek[10]. The walk then heads up some steps and follows the track for another 30m to come to a T-intersection[11] with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a GNW and NPWS arrow post[12]. Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[13] gently uphill along the management trail, away from the gate whilst keeping the power line poles on your left. After about 30m (just past the second power pole), this trail leads to an intersection with a track (on the left), marked with another set of NPWS & GNW arrow posts[14] (just under the high tension power lines[15]). Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[16] south, downhill along the track and under the high tension power lines[17]. The track winds gently downhill for almost 150m until, just after passing close to the the high tension power line tower[18], this walk comes to a locked green shed[19] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[20] (down in the valley to your left). Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track[21] along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your right). After about 150m, this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track on your right (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[22]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the mostly flat track, through the dense forest, and almost immediately passes a concrete sewerage access point[23]. After about 70m, this walk heads down a few timbers steps to cross a small gully[24], where the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[25]), then crosses two flat timber bridges[26] over Congham Creek. Here the walk veers left up onto the rock platform[27] and follows the track gently uphill for another 80m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[28] (and a sign pointing left to 'Marsfield'[29]).
(1.77 km)
Int of GNW and Christie Park track
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Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 761 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -36 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[30] north, uphill for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a GNW arrow post[31]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[32] gently uphill along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your left) for about 100m to come to a small clearing and three way intersection, marked with yet another GNW arrow post[33] and a pile of rocks[34] (on your left). Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[35] up the short rocky hill[36] and away from the high tension power lines[37]. The track (rocky early on[38]) leads along the side of the hill among some grass trees[39] for about 300m before passing under the power lines again. Here the track continues for another 300m along the side of the valley to come to a clear intersection with intersection with a wide management trail[40].
(2.53 km)
Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track
to
Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 697 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[41] downhill along the management trail. The trail leads down for about 70m to cross a small gully[42] then runs closely beside the Lane Cove River[43] (on your left) for another 120m to come to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post and a 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[44]. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, directly away from the face of the 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[45], down the track and timber steps[46] to a sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[47]. Here the walk turns right to cross the weir and bridge[48] over Avondale Creek, (this may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) then climb gently uphill for about 120m to come to a faint intersection with a faint track (on your left - this faint track leads down to another old weir). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill following the main track, whilst keeping the valley to your left for about 30m to come to a clear Y-intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[49]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[50] along the track, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your left[51]. After about 80m, the track steps up to and crosses a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[52]. Here the walk climbs up the rocky hill following a series of concrete access points[53] and timber steps[54] for about 230m to come to a T-intersection with a management trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[55].
(3.22 km)
Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail
to
Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road path Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 873 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -35 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[56] gently downhill along the management trail for about 40m to come to an intersection with a short trail (on the right, which leads to the gate[57] at the end of Koombalah Ave). Continue straight: From the intersection just below the Koombalah Ave gate, this walk follows the management trail gently downhill, whilst keeping the valley to your left. The trail initially leads over a rock platform, then about 50m later, leads down a steep hill[58]. The trail then heads gently down for about 400m before a short steep hill[59] leads down to a metal high tension power line tower[60]. Here the trail bends right and leads down and along the side of the hill for another 200m to pass another high tension power line tower[61] and head behind a few houses. Just behind the second house, this walk comes to ephemeral creek on a rock platform[62]. Continue straight: From here, this walk crosses the ephemeral creek[63] (keeping the houses up to your right) and continues along the trail for about 30m to come to a T-intersection with a wide, shared, concrete path, marked with several signposts[64].
(4.1 km)
Int of GNW and Kissing Point Road trail
to
Browns Waterhole int Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 263 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post downhill[65] along the wide, shared, concrete path. After about 50m, this path leads under some high tension power lines[66] then bends right[67]. About 50m after passing under the power lines, this path leads to an intersection with a track[68] (on your left, that leads to an informal unfenced lookout), just before a GNW arrow post[69]. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads fairly steeply downhill along the concrete path. The path passes a few signs[70] over about 100m, then comes to an intersection with a track (on your left), marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[71]. Veer right: From the intersection, this follows the concrete path downhill for just shy of 50m to come to a intersection with a dirt management trail[72]. This intersection is beside the Lane Cove River crossing[73] (on your left) and is marked with a 'The Great North Walk' sign here[74].
Browns Waterhole
Alt = 31 m
Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[75]. 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[76] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.
(4.36 km)
Browns Waterhole int
to
Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 573 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -14 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[77] along the dirt management trail, keeping the Lane Cove River to your left. After about 80m, the trail leads under some high tension power lines[78], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[79] (to your left). The trail then gently leads down through the valley[80] for about 400m to come to an intersection with Cove St trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[81]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[82] downhill along the management trail for about 30m to cross a small culverted creek[83]. The walk then follows the trail up the short hill to come to an intersection with the signposted 'STEP track'[84][85] (on your right).
(4.93 km)
Int of GNW and the STEP track (east)
to
Int of GNW and the STEP track (west) Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 582 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[86] and STEP Track markers[87] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[88]) and tall forest[89] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[90] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another 'STEP Track' map/sign[91] and a 'The Great North Walk' sign[92].
(5.51 km)
Int of GNW and the STEP track (west)
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Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.03 km
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -8 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign gently downhill along the management trail, directly away from the face of the 'STEP Track' map/sign[93]. Keeping the river to your left, the trail leads downhill for about 80m to come to a Y-intersection[94], where there is a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[95] and a 'Lane Cove River Park' sign[96] pointing back along the trail. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[97] past the 'Lane Cove Valley' map, initially keeping the other trail and river to your left. The trail follows the valley floor, keeping the river just to your left, for a bit over 500m, to then cross the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[98]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[99] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[100] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).
(6.54 km)
Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track
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Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.17 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail, keeping the river just to your right. After about 60m, the trail bends right and crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[101], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[102]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[103]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[104] (with the river now on your left) for just over 150m to come to an intersection at the bottom of the sealed Morona Ave trail[105] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[106] and a GNW arrow post[107].
(7.71 km)
Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail
to
Conscript Pass Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 329 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -8 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the valley floor, away from the two trails, keeping the river just to your left. The track soon narrows, leading past a water depth indicator[108], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[109]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[110] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[111] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[112] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[113] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[114][115] engravings (at the third metal hand rail).
Conscript Pass
Alt = 85 m
Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock[116] as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly 'Conscript Pass' is followed with a downwards pointing arrow[117] and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved 'B Stevens' followed a surprisingly good caricature[118][119] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens[120]. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang[121] in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).
(8.04 km)
Conscript Pass
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Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 104 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From 'Conscript Pass', this walk heads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[122] to follow the track and more stone steps uphill for about 100m, coming to a T-intersection with Lorna Pass track, marked with a GNW arrow post[123].
(8.15 km)
Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks
to
Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 228 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Thornleigh' sign[124] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[125] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[126], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[127], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[128] pointing back down the track.
(8.37 km)
Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks
to
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 353 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[129] uphill along the wide rocky track[130]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[131]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[132], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[133]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your left. After about 100m, this walk passes in front of the clubhouse[134] (there are toilets[135] and a water tap[136] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[137] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[138] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[139].
Thornleigh Oval
Alt = 155 m
Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[140], tap water[141], public toilets[142][143] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[144]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[145] and other local tracks[146].
(8.73 km)
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
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Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 813 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign across the road to follow the footpath beside 'Handley Ave'. After about 130m, the walk crosses Clifford Ave[147] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[148]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[149] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[150] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[151] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[152].
(9.54 km)
Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps
to
Thornleigh Train Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 110 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across 'Railway Pde'[153], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[154] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[155], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[156].
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.
Lane Cove National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Lane Cove National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Terrys Creek walking track maintenance Some areas of this park will experience temporary disruptions and delays due to walking track maintenance, unless the closure is otherwise extended or removed. Closed areas are:
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. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
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.
The 500m section of track after the "Thornleigh Station" sign at ~5.5km leading to the rocky ford to cross the Lane Cove River was effectively a creek in itself today. The water would have been about ankle to knee high (depending on location) although the plantlife on the side of the track indicated it had been MUCH higher recently particularly at the rocky ford. The ford to go along the side track to Epping Station was under about a foot of water, but had also been much higher recently (as indicated by plantlife). Although the past 2 days have been sunny, we have had prolonged rain/showers in the week leading up to today. I think that after heavy/prolonged rain this 500m section of track and fords would be impassable. I'm also wondering whether the weir at ~2.5km over Avondale creek becomes impassable with heavy/prolonged rain. The fence/handrail along it has been ripped off and is slightly downstream. If you are interested, I have some photos of all this, but don't know how to upload them.
admin - re: Impassable track after rai
Super Administrator | 2012-02-05 10:07:21
HI Elle
Thanks for the feedback, hope you enjoyed the walk still.
Elle wrote:
..at ~5.5km leading to the rocky ford to cross the Lane Cove River was effectively a creek in itself today......
Yep you are right, I had a note for the next two crossings and should have mentioned this one can also become impassable. I have updated the notes now. This is the crossing not in flood .
If you are happy for me to publish your photos please e-mail them me and I can include them as a reference photo in the tracknotes, to show people the river when it is higher.
Elle wrote:
I'm also wondering whether the weir at ~2.5km over Avondale creek becomes impassable with heavy/prolonged rain. The fence/handrail along it has been ripped off and is slightly downstream. If you are interested, I have some photos of all this, but don't know how to upload them.
Can you please send me the images of the damaged handrail as well, I will share them with the parks people responsible for the area, so they can get in their and repair the damage. I have also added a warning about potential crossing issue to the notes here as well.
Thanks for helping make these notes better for other people walking in the area.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
Check out the facilities at 
.
not too much longer now :)