This walk, from Epping Station to Gordon Station, passes below the homes which sit on the hills high above the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails which weave above and across the rivers and creeks which fill the valley. The walk then leaves Lane Cove River National Park and enters the Blackbutt Reserve before reaching Gordon, then Gordon Station.
(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 Epping to Gordon Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Gordon 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
12km
Time
4 hrs 15 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
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
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 4.8km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 100m is very steep.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.9km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.8km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 620m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.2km is clearly signposted. The remaining (100m) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.5km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 700m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Epping Station
to
End of Pembroke street Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 1.02 km
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -46 m
From the eastern side of Epping Station the walk crosses over the street at the pedestrian crossing and heads up Pembroke St. The walk heads up the slight hill passing a Dentist's and church on the left. The walk continues to follow the road passing through a round-a-bout with Essex St and then comes down to Epping Rd. Epping Rd is crossed using the pedestrian crossings. A sign to Macquarie Park and Marsfield is followed up Epping Rd and then right onto Pembroke St again. The walk heads up Pembroke St following the white signs and white bicycles painted on the ground. The walk continues down Pembroke St passing some side roads to come to an intersection with the bike bath (on your left) just before the end of the road.
(1.02 km)
End of Pembroke St
to
Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 113 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From near the end of Pembroke Street[1], this walk follows the 'Marsfield' sign[2] along the concrete cycle path. The path soon leads across a small bridge[3] then bends right to cross a much bigger bridge[4] (over Terrys Creek[5]) beside Epping Road. Once off the bridge this walk continues along the path for about 20m to the end of the green fence[6]. Here the walk comes to an intersection with a bush track (on the right[7])
(1.14 km)
Int on Epping Rd east of Terrys Creek
to
Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 37 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track gently downhill, directly away from Epping Road, initially keeping the green fence to your right[8]. The track winds down through a re-vegetating clearing for about 30m to come to an intersection marked with a no.13 post[9] and a 'Floodway' danger sign[10]
(1.17 km)
Int of Eastwood Station and Rest area tracks
to
Int of Terry's Creek Walking Track and Brown's Waterhole Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.97 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 37 m
Descent = -46 m
Turn right: 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. 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. 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. 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.
(3.14 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[11]. 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[12] and small clearing with a view over this section of the river.
(3.18 km)
Browns Waterhole
to
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.
(3.27 km)
Browns Waterhole int
to
Int of the GNW and the Turramurra High School service trail Track: Moderate - footpath,servicetrail,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 1.14 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 52 m
Descent = -25 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Great North Walk' sign[13] uphill along the wide concrete path, initially keeping the river to your right. The path leads up for about 50m, passing a few signs to come to an intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a timber barricade and a GNW arrow post[14]. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete path uphill. The path winds up for about 100m, passing a few signs before coming to an intersection with a track[15] (on your right, that leads to an informal, unfenced lookout), just after a GNW arrow post[16], where the path mostly flattens out. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the wide concrete path as it bends left. After about 50m, the path leads under some high tension power lines[17], then about 50m later, comes to an intersection with a track[18] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post and an aluminium 'Lane Cove Valley' map[19]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post away from the face of the aluminium 'Lane Cove Valley' map sign[20] along the dirt trail. After about 30m, this walk crosses an ephemeral creek on a rock platform[21], coming to a spot behind some houses[22]. Continue straight: From the creek, this walk follows the management trail along the side of the hill, initially keeping the houses up to your left. The trail soon leads past a high tension power line tower[23] and along the side of the hill and gently up for about 200m to another metal high tension power line tower[24]. Here the trail bends left and leads up a fairly steep but short hill[25], where the trail then leads more gently uphill for another 400m before another short, steep climb[26]. From the top of this climb, the trail continues for about 70m before crossing over a rock platform[27] and coming to an intersection (about 25m below the Koombalah Ave gate[28], on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main trail gently along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 40m, this trail leads to an intersection with a track[29] (on your right), marked with a GNW arrow post (just as this trail bends left).
(4.41 km)
Int of the GNW and the South Turramurra High School trail
to
Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 489 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -46 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[30] east down along the rocky track (away from the management trail). The rocky track[31] follows a series of concrete access points[32] and timber steps[33] for about 230m to then cross a short section to timber boardwalk/bridge[34]. After this the track continues, keeping the Lane Cove River[35] a short distance to your right, for about 80m to come to a three-way intersection marked with a GNW arrow post[36]. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[37] gently downhill, keeping the valley to your right for about 30m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your right - this faint track leads down to an old weir). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track east, keeping the valley to your right. After about 120m, this track leads down (becoming steeper as it goes) to the cross the weir and bridge[38] over Avondale Creek to find a pleasant sandy beach on the Lane Cove River[39]. This last crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Here the track bends left and climbs up the timber steps[40] a short distance to come to a T-intersection with a wide trail marked with a GNW arrow post and a 'Lane Cove Valley' aluminum sign and map[41].
(4.9 km)
Int of the GNW and the Avondale creek service trail
to
Int of the GNW and the West Pymble service trail link track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 208 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[42] downhill along the management trail, keeping the Lane Cove River a short distance to your right[43]. After about 120m, the trail crosses a small gully[44] then leads gently uphill for about 70m to come to an intersection with a track (on your right) marked with a GNW arrow post[45].
(5.11 km)
Int of the Great North Walk and the West Pymble service trail link track
to
Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -51 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[46] south along the track (leaving the wide trail behind). The track gently winds along the side of the hill for about 300m to pass under some high tension power lines. Then over the next 300m, the track becomes rockier[47] and undulates more, passing among some grass trees[48] to come to the top of a small rocky rise. Here the walk heads down these rocks[49] to find a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[50] (almost under the high tension power lines[51]). Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post south, gently downhill for about 100m to come to a faint intersection with a track (on your left) marked with a GNW arrow post[52]. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post[53] south, downhill for about 30m to come to a three-way intersection, marked with a GNW arrow post[54] (and a sign pointing right to 'Marsfield'[55]). Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the GNW arrow post east, gently down along the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right). After about 80m, this walk steps off a small rock platform[56] then crosses two flat timber bridges[57] over Congham Creek. Here the track continues for another 100m (passing close to a few houses[58]) to cross a small gully then climb up a few timber steps. About 70m further along the track, this walk passes a concrete sewerage access point[59] to come to an intersection with a faint track on your left (that leads a short distance to a management trail), marked with a GNW arrow post[60]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[61] along the mostly flat track, keeping the valley to your left (running parallel with the high tension power lines, up to your left). After about 150m, this track leads close to a high tension power line tower[62], then comes to a locked green shed[63] opposite a fenced-off pipe bridge[64] (down in the valley to your right). Continue straight: From the green shed, this walk follows the track as it winds along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right and initially keeping the high tension power line tower[65] on your left. After about 150m, this track winds up to a clear intersection with the Gloucester Ave fire trail, marked with a set of NPWS AND GNW arrow posts[66] (just under the high tension power lines[67]).
(6.42 km)
Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave service trail (sth)
to
Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail (east) Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 34 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows GNW arrow post[68] gently downhill along the wide trail[69], keeping the power poles to your right. After about 30m, the trail leads to an intersection with a track (on the right, near the second power pole), marked with another set of NPWS & GNW arrow posts[70] (before the locked gate).
(6.45 km)
Int of GNW and Gloucester Ave fire trail
to
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 1.53 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -57 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post, heading under the power lines and along track whilst leaving the management trail behind. After about 30m, this track leads down the hill and a few stone steps to cross Quarry Creek[71] then climbs up a few steps and follows the mostly flat track through the bush for about 400m, to come to the end of a weedy section marked with a concrete sewerage access point[72]. Here the rocky track climbs up the side of the hill for about 200m, through open eucalypt forest[73] with some limited views right over the valley, for about 200m before passing large metal pipe (crossing the Lane Cove River[74]). About 30m after passing the pipe, the track winds up to come to a clear intersection with a wide management trail, where a 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[75] points back down the hill. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Lane Cove Weir' sign[76] south and gently downhill along the management trail. The trail winds downhill for about 200m to cross a concrete bridge[77] over Rudder Creek (beside a concrete sewerage pipe[78]). Here the trail leads uphill for another 80m to come to an intersection with the GNW track (on your left), marked with 'The Great North Walk' sign[79]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[80] south, gently downhill past the NPWS no bikes or pets post[81] and along the track which soon bends left. The track leads gently down through a weedy section[82], then among the rocks and grass trees[83] for about 400m to come to a metal handrail[84]. The walk follows the two sections of handrail down this steeper stretch of rocky track, then the track mostly flattens out and leads under the large concrete Deburghs Bridge[85], with some graffiti[86]. Once on the other side of the bridge, this track leads along the side of the valley for another 50m to climb up a couple of steps[87] and come to three-way intersection, where a 'Thornleigh via Great North Walk' sign[88] points back along the track. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Lane Cove River Weir via Great North Walk'[89] down the hill and steps, keeping the valley to your right. The track soon leads down some stone steps[90], then a little further along, partway down some timber steps, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[91], marked with a GNW arrow post.
(7.98 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
to
Blue Hole Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 28 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads straight down the timber steps[92]. Partway down the hill, metal steps[93] lead between a couple of rocks, where the track then comes to a sandy beach[94] and water hole, 'Blue Hole' on the Lane Cover River, in view of Deburghs Bridge[95]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Blue Hole
Alt = 9 m
Blue Hole[96] is found in the Lane Cove River, downstream of De Burghs Bridge[97]. Within Lane Cove National Park this small pleasent waterhole has a flat rock and small sandy beach[98] on the north side of the river. The water is polluted by run-off and rubbish, especially after rain, so it is not suitable for swimming. It is still a pleasent place to relax and enjoy the valley.
(7.98 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blue Hole Trk
to
Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 319 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the flat track[99], keeping the valley to your right. The track soon bends left then follows a GNW arrow post down off a rock platform[100] to cross the rocky Blackbutt Creek[101][102]. Here, the walk heads up a series of timber steps[103], then the track flattens out and turns right at another GNW arrow post[104]. Here the track widens into a trail and leads up over a partially buried, green metal pipeline[105] (sometimes hissing[106]) then follows the power lines[107] for about 50m before turning left and coming to a signposted intersection partway up the hill[108]. There is a 'Great North Walk - Deburghs Bridge' sign pointing back downhill[109].
(8.3 km)
Int. Great North Walk and Blaxland Rd Service Trail
to
Allen Park Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 130 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the wide trail following the 'Terrace Rd' sign[110], for approximately 50m through the bush[111]. At the 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[112], this walk bends right and heads across the grassy clearing of Allen Park to the gate locked gate (and 'Allen Park' signpost) at the corner of Terrace and Blaxland Roads[113].
Allen Park
Alt = 48 m
Allen Park is a very small grassed clearing at the end of Blaxland Rd. The park is not shaded and backs onto a house. The park is a thoroughfare to access the Great North Walk from Blaxland Rd.
(8.43 km)
Allen Park
to
House No.1 Blaxland Rd Walk: Easy - road
Length = 360 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer left: From Allen Park the track heads up Blaxland Rd away from the park to house number 1, on the left.
(8.79 km)
House No.1 Blaxland Rd
to
House No.52 Lady Game Drive Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 100 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -23 m
Turn left: From the corner of the Beaumont and Blaxland Streets the track follows the powerlines across the grass beside house No. 1, Blaxland St. The track takes the stairs down the hill passing through another grassed area before descnding more stairs to the nature strip next to Lady Game Drive and house No. 52.
(8.89 km)
House No.52 Lady Game Drive
to
Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk Track: Moderate - road
Length = 113 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -15 m
Veer left: From the house the track follows down the hill next to the road for approximately 50m to a white gate on the other side. The track crosses to road to the gate.
(9 km)
Int. Lady Game Drive and Falls Creek Trk
to
Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 33 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn right: From the gate, this walk heads down the management trail, tending right. The walk soon meets a creek on the left, as it winds left over a concrete watercourse to the signposted intersection on the other side. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, tending right, while keeping the valley of the creek below on the left. The walk then comes to a section of concrete track, winding up the hill for a short time, to then contour along the hillside for approximately 1km. This walk continues, with the creek below on the right and the houses high on the right, to the signposted intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill on the service trail, tending left for approximately 200m. The trail comes to an intersection, which is approximately 20m before a large, concrete drain head. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill towards the concrete sewerage inspection hole and then continues approximately 10m up to the rocky intersection on the left. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the creek, to tend right. The track then continues on a slight upward gradient for approximately 300m, then follows a line of a house on the left, and passes a gate to the road, next to house No. 31.
(10.76 km)
Int. Blackbutt Creek Trk and Vale St
to
Gordon Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 980 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down Vale St, keeping the bush on the right until the walk turns left onto Moree St. Moree St is followed up to the Pacific Highway, where this walk turns right to the pedestrian crossing. The walk crosses the highway to continue down St Johns Ave to Gordon Station bus depot. Continue straight: From the Gordon Station bus depot, this walk heads up the railed stairs to the ticket office for Gordon Station.
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.
Blackbutt Reserve Blackbutt Reserve is a large area of natural bushland owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The park extends from Lady Game drive up to Vale St, west of Gordon Golf course. The park is supports a number of service trail and bush track allowing visitors to explore large areas of the park. The park is also home to vulnerable Large Forest Owls. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Hi, I did this walk today and your track notes were excellent and easy to follow.
However, FYI there is a closure of the section of the track under the M2 at Terry's Creek Bridge (from 2011 to early 2013) due to work on the M2. This means there is a significant detour via the local streets.
Also the Blaxland Road Service trail leading up to Allen park has signs everywhere warning to stay out due to revegetation. It wasn't clear if the signs were referring to the track as well as well as the revegetated area but my impression from the location of the signs at track entrances is the track is also off limits - I am going to try to confirm with National parks/Ku-ring-gai Council during the week as I was planning taking a group on this track.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 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 :)