This walk explores Terrys Creek and the Lane Cove National Park. From Eastwood station the track follows Terrys creek past a small waterfall, under the M2, past Browns Water hole and along the Lane Cove river before climbing up to Thornleigh Oval and the train station. There are picnic tables at Browns waterhole, not a bad place for lunch, otherwise there are a few nice creek banks to rest along the way
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Lane Cove National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Eastwood to Thornleigh bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Eastwood to Thornleigh 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
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
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
8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 630m has short steep hills and the remaining 230m is very steep.
Quality of track
4.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (2.3km) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.5km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.6km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 2.5km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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 :)
(0 km)
Eastwood Railway Station
to
Forrester Park Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.28 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -28 m
From the east side of Eastwood Railway Station, this walk heads east along Ethel Street and left into Blaxland Road. At the traffic lights at Balaclava Road, this walk turns right then immediately left Vimiera Road. As Vimiera Rd bends to the right (about 100m past Vanimo Place), this walk turns left onto a bridge, crossing Terry's Creek. This takes the walk onto a corner of Davis Avenue. The walk turns right and heads north-west along Davis Avenue, soon coming to Forrester Park.
(1.28 km)
Forrester Park
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Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 694 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -17 m
Veer right: From the back of Forrester park the track follows the Terrys creek walking track sign along the bushtrack that winds through the bush and down through the valley, crossing a small bridge creek and continuing through for a while until it comes to a wooden platform where it heads down the wooden steps and along the bushtrack heading down stream along Terrys creek all the way to the top of the waterfall. Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack down stream past the short rock wall and up a small rocky hill, through a few grass trees and down the other side coming to the un signposted intersection of the waterfall loop track.
(1.98 km)
Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks
to
Terrys Creek Waterfall Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 28 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading down towards the creek, winding around and down some rock steps to the intersection of the Terrys creek waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Terrys Creek Waterfall
Alt = 55 m
This is a small waterfall on Terrys Creek, and makes a good spot to break from the walk.
(1.98 km)
Int of Eastwood station and waterfall loop tracks
to
Int of Eastwood station and Dence park tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 236 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -6 m
Veer left: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading north east along the side of the valley for a short distance, turning back down towards the creek and winding through bracken ferns to the intersection of the Dense park track. Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading down stream and along side Terrys creek, winding through the bush and through a thick patch of bamboo, coming out the other side and along the creek for a short while to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole and Dence park tracks.
(2.21 km)
Int of Eastwood station and Dence park tracks
to
Int of Eastwood station and Pembroke park tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 22 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading down across the creek and up the other side to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole and Pembroke Park tracks.
(2.24 km)
Int of Eastwood station and Pembroke park tracks
to
Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 720 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow north along the bushtrack following the creek for a short while until it crosses to the other side and continues up the hill passing the number 11 signpost as it winds up and along the side of the valley for a short while, following the bushtrack as it turns back down the valley and along side the creek, passing a sewage access point and coming to a creek crossing at a thin wooden bridge. From here the track continues up the other side and along the bushtrack coming down to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack. Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading north along the right hand side of the creek, passing the number 12 signpost and a sewage access point as it heads through the bush to the intersection of the rest area and Terrys creek steps.
(2.96 km)
Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks
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Int of Eastwood Station and Epping road track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 112 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the intersection the track heads down the steps to the intersection of the Pembroke Street path at the bottom. Veer right: From the intersection the track heads under the Epping road bridge on the right side of the creek and onto the bushtrack which winds up the gentle hill to the intersection of the Epping Road bushtrack.
(3.07 km)
Int of Eastwood Station and Epping road track
to
Signpost 16 int Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 633 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow down the short hill passing a sewage access point and signpost 15, continuing along side the creek to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack. Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bush track north east along the bushtrack winding along the creek and down across a wooden bridge continuing up and along through the bush to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack. Veer right: From the intersection the track heads north down the short hill and past a sewage access point, winding along the creek to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole bushtrack. Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack north passing a sewage access point and continuing through the bush as the track winds along the right hand side of the creek, passing 2 more sewage access points along the track before coming to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
(3.7 km)
Signpost 16 int
to
Signpost 18 int Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 205 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection the track heads east down the gentle hill and around a sewage access point, continuing up the other side for a short while to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track. Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow through the bush, winding all the way through the bush as it winds around to a rock platform with views of the M2 motorway bridge and continues through the bush for a short while to the signposted intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
(3.91 km)
Signpost 18 int
to
Int of Terry's Creek Walking Track and Brown's Waterhole Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.02 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -37 m
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading down and across the creek and up the other side coming to the signposted intersection of the Crimea road and Browns Waterhole tracks Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Browns Waterhole arrow north along the bushtrack crossing underneath the M2 moter way and continuing along, down some steps and through to the intersection of a bushtrack winding down across the creek. Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads north east away from the M2 overpass, following the bushtrack through the valley as it winds down some wooden steps and joins onto a metal walkway which continues through dense bushland until joining back onto a dirt track and continues all the way along to the intersection of the Browns Waterhole track.
(4.93 km)
Int of Terry's Creek Walking Track and Brown's Waterhole Servicetrail
to
Browns Waterhole Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 40 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete management trail down the gentle hill to the picnic tables and clearing signposted as 'Browns Waterhole'.
Browns Waterhole
Alt = 31 m
Browns Waterhole is a wide, shallow section of the Lane Cove River, downstream of a concrete weir[1]. There is a concrete shared cycle/footpath crossing over the top of the weir, linking Kissing Point Road, South Turramurra to Vimiera Rd, Macquarie Park. On the western side of the waterhole, there is a picnic table[2] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.
(4.97 km)
Browns Waterhole
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Browns Waterhole int Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 90 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From Browns Waterhole picnic area, this walk follows the management trail down to the causeway and across Browns Waterhole (caution is needed during and after rain, may become impassable). Immediately after the river, the walk comes to an intersection with the Great North Walk trail.
(5.06 km)
Browns Waterhole int
to
Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.35 km
Time = 1 hr 1 mins
Climb = 86 m
Descent = -46 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[3] 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[4], where there is a mostly clear view over the river[5] (to your left). The trail then gently leads down through the valley[6] for about 400m to come to an intersection with Cove St trail, marked with a GNW arrow post[7]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[8] downhill along the management trail for about 30m to cross a small culverted creek[9]. The walk then follows the trail up the short hill to come to an intersection with the signposted 'STEP track'[10][11] (on your right). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[12] and STEP Track markers[13] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[14]) and tall forest[15] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[16] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another 'STEP Track' map/sign[17] and a 'The Great North Walk' sign[18]. 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[19]. Keeping the river to your left, the trail leads downhill for about 80m to come to a Y-intersection[20], where there is a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[21] and a 'Lane Cove River Park' sign[22] pointing back along the trail. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[23] 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[24]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[25] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[26] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park). 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[27], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[28]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[29]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[30] (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[31] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[32] and a GNW arrow post[33].
(8.41 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[34], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[35]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[36] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[37] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[38] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[39] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[40][41] 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[42] 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[43] 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[44][45] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens[46]. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang[47] in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).
(8.74 km)
Conscript Pass
to
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[48] 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[49].
(8.84 km)
Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks
to
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 581 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 50 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Thornleigh' sign[50] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[51] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[52], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[53], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[54] pointing back down the track. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[55] uphill along the wide rocky track[56]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[57]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[58], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[59]. 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[60] (there are toilets[61] and a water tap[62] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[63] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[64] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[65].
Thornleigh Oval
Alt = 155 m
Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[66], tap water[67], public toilets[68][69] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[70]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[71] and other local tracks[72].
(9.42 km)
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
to
Thornleigh Train Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 923 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -5 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[73] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[74]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[75] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[76] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[77] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[78]. Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across 'Railway Pde'[79], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[80] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[81], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[82].
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.
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.
I think having walks like this one available within a major city makes us very lucky. However, after all the heavy rain we've had recently the area was a little bit messy (ie. plastic bags in trees etc.), but well worth the effort.
Thanks for another great video Alan, these are a great way to enjoy the walks.
Matt :)
Adso - Rubbish & Temporary Constructi
IP:110.33.138.xxx | 2012-01-16 03:49:29
- Nice Video Alan, and yes it makes me sad the rubbish and trolley etc along the waterways, the waterfall in particular would have been a wonderful swimming hole at some point, but id stay out of the water now. Do keep in mine that this waterway is within a stone-throw from houses on both sides (well if it wasnt for all the foliage).
- Another comment about this walk is that construction on the M2 (extra lanes) has been going for months (and I think most of this year, ill keep an eye out), anyway about 10 minutes back from Browns Waterhole (under the M2) there are 'gates' blocking the terrys creek trail while there is scaffolding up. However they are more for show/legality and you can take 1 step to walk around them. Because I walk in the evenings or weekends there is no construction workers there anyway, but just be aware that in theory the trail is 'officially' cut off.
Karen - construction on the M2
IP:121.45.178.xxx | 2012-08-30 21:42:22
I walked this on Sunday and I saw a little bobcat and building materials in the "blocked out" part. There weren't any workers, but perhaps during the week there could be some action. So be prepared to take the detour soon.
Steph - B -> A turn RIGHT off blaxland
IP:60.240.202.xxx | 2014-04-06 05:35:56
Typo in final track note instructions - turn right onto Ethel street. Easy to figure out - not possible to turn left. But this means you need to cross blaxland street latest at may st (May street is also a nice route to Eastwood station)
admin - re: B -> A turn RIGHT off blax
Super Administrator | 2014-04-06 09:54:34
Steph wrote:
Typo in final track note instructions
Hi Steph -- thanks - well that is embarrassing. I have fixed it online, in the PDF's and will push it to the iPhone app overnight. (will need to download it again to see the new version)
Thanks for taking the time to report it. Hope you enjoyed the walk.
Matt :)
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)