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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Epping to Hornsby Station are found in each of the tabs below
Epping to Hornsby Station
Time: 6 hrs 45 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.1 km ENE of Epping
Length: 17.5 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 17.5 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Berowra Valley National Park
Climb: 705 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 705 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

This long day walk follows the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek. The walk mostly follows the iconic Great North Walk, keeping mostly to bushland. With a train station at each end and a chance to fill the tummy at Thornleigh, this is an enjoyable day out. (open in app)


There are Closed areas in Berowra Valley National Park and Lane Cove National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Epping to Hornsby Station

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Epping to Hornsby Station bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Epping to Hornsby Station
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Map Scale 1 km
Epping Station
Int of Derby street service trail
Int. of Epping Trk and Belinda Cres Trail
Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail
Big Ducky Waterhole
Whale Rock
Int of Whale Rock and Pennant Hills service trail
Int of GNW and Whale Rock trail
Int of GNW and the Pennant Hills Park track
Int of the GNW and the Morona Ave trail
Conscript Pass
Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks
Int of GNW and BP scout camp tracks
Back of Thornleigh Oval
Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues
Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps
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 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)
Int of powerline bushtrack and Blue Gum Walk
Clearing
Int up from Jimmy Banks crk int
Jimmy Banks Crk int
Ginger Meggs Park
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: Int of Derby street service trail

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 
 Parramatta River 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91303N 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Tunnel under the M2
 
Tunnel under the M2 +
 
Tunnel under motorway
 
Tunnel under motorway +
 
Track along fence near M2
 
Track along fence near M2 +

 
Bushtrack away from M2
 
Bushtrack away from M2 +
 
Crow in this bush
 
Crow in this bush +
 
Weeds covering bush
 
Weeds covering bush +

 
Lane Cove National Park sign
 
Lane Cove National Park sign +
 
Service trail towards Lane Cove River
 
Service trail towards Lane Cove River +
 
Bush track through heath
 
Bush track through heath +

 
Signposted intersection for Whale Rock
 
Signposted intersection for Whale Rock +
 
Track down to service trail
 
Track down to service trail +
 
Weeds covering bush next to track
 
Weeds covering bush next to track +

 
Track viewing Devlin's Creek
 
Track viewing Devlin's Creek +
 
Track through some nice bushland towards Pennant Hills
 
Track through some nice bushland towards Pennant Hills +
 
Service track to Whale Rock
 
Service track to Whale Rock +

 
Signpost near Whale Rock
 
Signpost near Whale Rock +
 
Track towards Lane Cove River
 
Track towards Lane Cove River +
 
Whale Rock from the intersection
 
Whale Rock from the intersection +

 
Track below rock outcrop
 
Track below rock outcrop +
 
Creek crossing
 
Creek crossing +
 
Devlin's Creek Crossing
 
Devlin's Creek Crossing +

 
Passing the Pennant Hills turn off
 
Passing the Pennant Hills turn off +
 
Crossing the Lane Cove River
 
Crossing the Lane Cove River +
 
Creek crossing in Lane Cove Valley
 
Creek crossing in Lane Cove Valley +

 
Great north walk in Northern end of Lane Cove Valley
 
Great north walk in Northern end of Lane Cove Valley +
 
Thornleigh Station sign
 
Thornleigh Station sign +
 
Winding up to Thornleigh Oval
 
Winding up to Thornleigh Oval +

 
On the Great North walk Near Baden Powell Scout camp
 
On the Great North walk Near Baden Powell Scout camp +
 
Thornleigh oval
 
Thornleigh oval +
 
Streets of Thornliegh
 
Streets of Thornliegh +

 
End of Morgan Rd
 
End of Morgan Rd +
 
The Jungo pathway
 
The Jungo pathway +
 
Footbridge crossing
 
Footbridge crossing +

 
Bush in Berowra Creek valley
 
Bush in Berowra Creek valley +
 
Steps in the Berowra Creek valley
 
Steps in the Berowra Creek valley +
 
Footbridge
 
Footbridge +

 
Rock formations near The Jungo
 
Rock formations near The Jungo +
 
The Jungo
 
The Jungo +
 
crossing the creek
 
crossing the creek +

 
small bridged tributaries are all over the valley
 
small bridged tributaries are all over the valley +
 
great north walk bushtrack
 
great north walk bushtrack +
 
Track up from Berowra Creek
 
Track up from Berowra Creek +

 
Track on valley side
 
Track on valley side +
 
climbing up the valley
 
climbing up the valley +
 
Bushland in the Berowra Valley
 
Bushland in the Berowra Valley +

 
A first look at the Berowra Valley
 
A first look at the Berowra Valley +
 
winding around ridge
 
winding around ridge +
 
Great North Walk signpost
 
Great North Walk signpost +

 
Walker on the Great North Walk
 
Walker on the Great North Walk +
 
Ferns covering bush floor
 
Ferns covering bush floor +
 
Track up valley hill
 
Track up valley hill +

 
Bike jumps beside track
 
Bike jumps beside track +
 
Muddy service trail
 
Muddy service trail +
 
Bark
 
Bark +

 
Little waterfall
 
Little waterfall +
 
Water crossing
 
Water crossing +
 
Ducks in pond
 
Ducks in pond +

 
Reflection
 
Reflection +
 
Waitara Creek sign
 
Waitara Creek sign +
 
Servicetrail next to Ginger Meggs Park on Valley Rd
 
Servicetrail next to Ginger Meggs Park on Valley Rd +

 
Valley Rd
 
Valley Rd +
 
Rosemead Rd Park
 
Rosemead Rd Park +
 
Great North Walk sign
 
Great North Walk sign +

 
Blue Gum Walk Dedication plaque next to Great North Walk sign
 
Blue Gum Walk Dedication plaque next to Great North Walk sign +
 
Rosemead road park
 
Rosemead road park +
 
Rocky steps on Great North walk
 
Rocky steps on Great North walk +

 
Steps winding up out of the valley
 
Steps winding up out of the valley +
 
View from the track
 
View from the track +
 
stone steps leading up out of Berowra Valley
 
stone steps leading up out of Berowra Valley +

 
Track up to Hornsby
 
Track up to Hornsby +
 
Great North Walk sign beside road
 
Great North Walk sign beside road +
 
Great North Walk marker near Hornsby
 
Great North Walk marker near Hornsby +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Epping to Hornsby Station bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Epping to Hornsby Station bushwalking track



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

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Epping to Hornsby 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 18km
Time 6 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 6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 3.1km is flat with no steps and the remaining 720m is very steep.

Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (3.1km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
Around 9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 14km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.2km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 11km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the train to Epping Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Epping 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 Epping 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 Epping 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) Epping Station to Int of Derby street service trail
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 938 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -33 m
The walk exits Epping Station on the Oxford St side. The walk then crosses Cambridge St and continues down Oxford St. The walk follows the footpath past the shops down Oxford St passing Chester St, Surrey St. Just after Surry St the walk turns left onto Derby St to the end. Nearing the end of Derby St the walk tends left around the yellow gate and onto the concrete driveway which veers left off the road. The walk continues towards the tunnel to come to an intersection just before the tunnel entrance.

(0.94 km) Int of Derby street service trail to Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.49 km Time = 25 mins
Climb = 7 m Descent = -21 m
Veer right: From the intersection this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow up the couple of steps then down along the footpath through the tunnel under the M2 (keeping the creek and wider management trail to your left). Out of the tunnel this walk follows the track as it winds up and around the fenced sewage vent and then continues through the dense bushland in the gully passing a sign marking the entrance to Lane Cove National Park. A little while later the track leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Belinda Crs' management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Whale Rock sign down the service trail which narrows into a bushtrack and follows Devlin creek through the gully all the way along until it widens out into a rocky service trail again and comes to the intersection of the Cheltenham service trail.

(2.43 km) Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail to Big Ducky Waterhole
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 187 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Lane Cove River arrow along the servicetrail for a while before it loops around the top of Big Ducky Waterhole.

Big Ducky Waterhole Alt = 49 m
The servicetrail loops around the top of the Big Ducky waterhole and there is a nice rock overhang in which to break. Is also a popular bird watching area. Unfortunately, recently there has been large quantities of rubbish in the area. (If going down to the waterhole please consider carrying out some of the rubbish if every walker carrys out a bit it will make a difference)

(2.61 km) Big Ducky Waterhole to Whale Rock
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 479 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 6 m Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the top of Big Ducky Waterhole the continues through the valley keeping Devlins Creek below on the left of the track all the way to Whale Rock.

Whale Rock Alt = 48 m
This is a large boulder that looks eerily like a whale, complete with eye socket. It is a good place to break and climb around the Rock.

(3.09 km) Whale Rock to Conscript Pass
Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 3.29 km Time = 1 hr 3 mins
Climb = 102 m Descent = -65 m
Continue straight: From Whale Rock the track follows the Penant Hills Park arrow along the service trail as it winds through the valley, crossing several small concrete creek crossings until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Pennant Hills ovals service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Thornleigh via Great North Walk arrow down the short but steep hill and across the river at the causeway. On the other side of the river the track comes up to the intersection of the Great North Walk service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[1] 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[2]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[3] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[4] (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[5], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[6]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[7]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[8] (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[9] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[10] and a GNW arrow post[11].
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[12], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[13]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[14] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[15] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[16] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[17] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[18][19] 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[20] 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[21] 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[22][23] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens[24]. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang[25] in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

(6.39 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[26] 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[27].

(6.49 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[28] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[29] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[30], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[31], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[32] pointing back down the track.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[33] uphill along the wide rocky track[34]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[35]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[36], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[37].
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[38] (there are toilets[39] and a water tap[40] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[41] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[42] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[43].

Thornleigh Oval Alt = 155 m
Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[44], tap water[45], public toilets[46][47] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[48]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[49] and other local tracks[50].

(7.07 km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues to 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[51] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[52]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[53] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[54] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[55] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[56].

Zacs Great Food Alt = 170 m
This restaurant can be found on Pennont Hills road just a stones throw from the station. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a continental menu ranging from about $20. for a meal. The opening hours are from 6.oo am to 10.00 pm from Tuesdays to Saterdays, and closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information on bookings call (02) 9484 6799.

Subway Alt = 167 m
This branch of the popular sandwich chain Subway, who make a variety of subs and sandwiches as you order them. For more details contact the store on (02) 9481 4200 or visit at Shop 2, 291 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh, NSW 2120. More info

(7.88 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'[57], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[58] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[59], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[60].

(7.99 km) Thornleigh Train Station to Morgan Rd
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 989 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 7 m Descent = -47 m
Continue straight: From the western (north bound) side of Thornleigh Station[61], this walk follows the 'Jungo Rest Area' sign[62] along the footpath towards the car park and The Esplanade[63]. The walk then heads down a short distance further to turn left and cross 'The Esplanade' at the traffic lights[64], then continue straight along the footpath down along Eddy Rd[65]. Following a couple of GNW arrows[66] down Eddy Rd as it then bends left[67], turning into Tilock St, and shortly later this walk then turns right into Morgan St[68]. Continuing down till just before the end of this street[69][70], this walk comes to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow[71] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[72] (on the right).

(8.98 km) Morgan Rd to Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 226 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -7 m
Turn right: From the end of Morgan Street, the walk follows the GNW arrow[73] and the 'Elouera Bushland Natural Park' sign[74] between houses[75] no. 28 and 26. Once behind the houses at a small clearing[76], the track turns left and follows down the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[77]. Soon after passing behind the third house, the track comes to an intersection with a wide concrete trail[78], where a sign points back along the track to 'Sydney Cove'[79].

(9.21 km) Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks to Zig Zag Creek Bridge int.
Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 129 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'The Jungo' arrow[80] downhill along the wide concrete trail for 25m to cross over the culverted creek[81] (with a green rail[82] on one side)[fac=8404]. The walk continues down into the valley[83] along the concrete trail for another 110m to come to a signposted intersection marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[84][85] (on your left), just before 'Zig Zag Creek'[86] and the long bridge[87].

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

(9.34 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[88] along the narrower track, keeping the gully to your right. The pleasant track leads into, then through, the ferny forest[89] with tall trees for about 700m, before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[90]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a large clearing and campsite[91], The Jungo. On the far side of this clearing is a well-signposted intersection with a 'Bellamy Street' sign[92] 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[93]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[94]. 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.

(10.77 km) Jungo campsite to Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 103 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the campsite, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[95] down across the concrete ford, over the usually small creek[96]. Here, the concrete management trail[97] leads uphill, becoming dirt as it starts to flatten out[98]. This walk then comes to a signposted intersection[99] of the 'Great North Walk'[100] and the Stringybark Ridge management trail (signposted 'Cherrybrook Lakes' trail[101]).

(10.87 km) Int of GNW and Stringybark Ridge trail to Elouera Lookout
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.05 km Time = 27 mins
Climb = 81 m Descent = -58 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[102] down the narrower track. The track leads downhill for about 70m, getting steeper[103] as it goes, and then crosses Berowra Creek[104] - 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[105]. The rocky track then continues for just shy of 250m and crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[106]. The track then continues, staying fairly flat[107] for another 170m before bending right and heading steeply uphill[108]. At the top of this climb, the track soon leads to a section of fenced cliff[109]. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[110] for a short distance before passing alongside another (longer) fenced cliff and coming to the Elouera Lookout[111], where there is an intersection with the 'Westleigh' track[112] (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[113]. 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[114], and there is some limited shade[115] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.

(11.92 km) Elouera Lookout to Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.85 km Time = 1 hr 12 mins
Climb = 195 m Descent = -203 m
Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[116], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[117] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your left[118]. 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[119]. From here, the track leads beside Berowra Creek[120] for a short time before crossing another flat timber bridge[121]. The track then passes among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[122]) to then climb a few sets of timber steps and cross a small (often dry) creek[123]. From here, the track gently winds up along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[124] then heading across a rocky creek on another small, flat, timber bridge[125]. Just over 100m later, the track crosses a smaller (often dry) creek[126] to then wind uphill for about 100m to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track[127] (on your right).
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[128], where the track soon heads quite steeply uphill along the eroded track[129] 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[130] for about 300m, then crosses a small, rocky gully[131], just below some houses[132]. The track then continues gently uphill for about 100m to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[133] (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[134] points back along the track.

(14.77 km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) to Clearing
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 706 m Time = 17 mins
Climb = 39 m Descent = -70 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker along the bush track, leaving 'The Great North Walk' track behind. The track winds through the blue gum forest, keeping the valley down to the left and houses above on the right as it winds along the side of the hill. The walk comes to an intersection with a bush track, just below some overhead power lines.
Turn left : From the intersection the track winds down the steep bushtrack heading straight down the side of the ridge through thick bracken fern all the way down to the bottom of the valley where it flattens out and comes to some bike jumps. From here the track continues past the jumps to the intersection at the open clearing.

(15.47 km) Clearing to Ginger Meggs Park
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 239 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 5 m Descent = -19 m
Turn left: From the middle of the clearing the service trail heads heads north east down the hill and past some out of place, oak trees. The track soon comes to an intersection with another service trail just above waitra creek, which is marked with a blue gum walk post.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north, down the hill with the creek on the right, to the intersection just before the causeway over Waitara Creek. There are usually ducks and brush turkeys in this area.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail across Waitara Creek and up the hill, passing around the gate before arriving on Valley Road, at the lower corner of Ginger Meggs Park.

(15.71 km) Ginger Meggs Park to Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 578 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 26 m Descent = -15 m
Veer left: From Ginger Meggs Park, this walk follows Valley Road (past Lochness Pl on the right), keeping the children's playground on the left. Note that water is available from the park. The walk passes 'West Hornsby STP' before coming up to the intersection with Rosemead Road and turning left. The walk follows Rosemead Rd down the hill to the end and heads into Berowra Valley Bushland Park.

Berowra Valley Bushland Park Alt = 82 m
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[135] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[136], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[137], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[138], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[139]. There is a water tap[140] 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[141].

(16.29 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 right: From the lower side of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[142], this walk follows the 'Hornsby Station' sign[143] across the park, then follows the GNW arrow[144] up the stone steps, keeping the houses to your right. The walk winds steeply up the steps[145], leaving the view of the house and finding a welcome flat section of track[146] midway up. The steps then lead more steeply up[147] 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[148] points back down the the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up a couple of timber steps[149] 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[150] points back up the track.

(16.83 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[151] until just past a couple of house, this walk comes to an intersection with the gated 'Old Mans Valley' management trail[152] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Rd up the gentle hill[153] for about 180m, then follows the GNW arrow[154] left onto Dural St[155]. 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'[156], passes a few more shops, then crosses 'Dural Lane'[157] before turning left across the Pacific Hwy at the traffic lights[158]. Here the walk continues straight across the 'Station St' pedestrian crossing[159], past the large 'Great North Walk' sign[160] and across the bus lane to the western entrance of Hornsby Station[161].

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


Campsites in the park
Lane Cove River tourist park


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
One Stop Adventure Shop 1045 Victoria Rd , West Ryde (02) 9858 5844 3.8 km
All Camping Supplies 12 Railway Pde, Thornleigh (02) 9481 0473 4.6 km
Snowgum Rhodes Shopping Centre Level 1, Shop 66, Rhodes (02) 8765 1035 7.1 km
CampHikeClimb 20 George St, Hornsby (02) 9476 5767 7.8 km
Kathmandu 236 Pacific Hwy (Westfield), Hornsby (02) 9476 1399 7.7 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Epping to Hornsby Station.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Epping to Hornsby Station
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
4 km (to the NNE)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 16 km (to the W)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 18 km (to the NNE)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 22 km (to the S)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 42 km (to the W)

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 9 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

Lane Cove National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
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:
  • Terrys Creek walking track
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Bobbin Head Information Centre on (02) 9472 8949 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.



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 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.



Dog Pound Creek Reserve Dog Pound Creek reserve is managed by Hornsby Council and is home to a spectatular native Blue Gum stand. The valley has a number of walks and creeks running through it and joins Westleigh, Thronleigh and Hornsby. The reserve is named after a creek that runs from the former dog pound that was on Warrigal Dr, Westleigh.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Leigh Matheson - Epping to Hornsby IP:163.189.217.xxx | 2013-05-20 05:37:16
Matt
As we discussed on the track on Sunday:

Note 1: Near the bottom of page 4 of Epping to Hornsby: "...to a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track (on your right)."
Should then say "Continue straight" (instead of "Veer left") "From the intersection, this walk heads north..."

Note 2: Send people via Fishponds as per Thornleigh to Hornsby track notes.
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