Berowra to Berowra Waters

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2 hrs 45 mins

5.7 km One way

287 m

Hard track

This pleasant walk follows the Great North Walk from Berowra Station down to Berowra Waters. On this walk you will spend much of the time on ridges enjoying scattered views across the Berowra Creek Valley, there are especially good views from Naa Badu Lookout. The walk crosses a few moist and cool gullies and scrambles for a few rocky outcrops. There are some steep climbs, and some pleasant strolls alongside the Berowra Creek. A short side trip at the end of the walk uses the ferry to cross the creek, to a cafe where you can grab a well deserved ice cream or bite to eat.

Walking behind some houses on Crowley Rd

Grey Spider Flower (Grevillea Buxifolia)

walking along the management trail south of Berowra Heights

Intersection at the bottom of Joalah St trail

Lush gully on trail near Naa Badu Lookout

Enjoying the great views from Naa Badu Lookout

Scribly gum on trail north of Naa Badu Lookout

Tall open forest west of Berowra Heights

Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

Walking along the ridge north of Banggarai Creek

Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track

Rocky section west of Currawong Road track

Berowra Creek view from west of Currawong Road track

Track leading down through cleft in the rock

Circular patterns in sandstone cave west of Berowra Heights

View of Berowra Water west of Berowra Heights

Walking along the side of an unfenced cliff

Cave and rest stop south of Washtub Creek

Steep winding track south of Washtub Creek

Confluence of Berowra Waters and Washtub Creeks

Great North Walk Berowra Waters trackhead sign

(0km) Berowra Station → Crowley Road track head

710 m

14 mins

25m

-15m Very easy

From the entrance to Berowra train station[1], this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' arrow on the 'Great North Walk' sign, crossing the highway at the traffic lights[2]. On the other side of the highway, this walk turns left and follows the footpath past a series of local shops and cafes[3][4] for about 150m, then turns right onto Berowra Waters Rd[5]. The footpath passes the post office[6] then Caltex service station[7], then the walk crosses 'The Gully Rd'[8]. Continuing along the Berowra Waters Rd footpath, this walk passes the park[9][10] and then crosses the road just to the right of the roundabout[11]. Turning left in front of the community hall, this walk immediately turns right at Crowley Rd, and comes to the open grassy area[12] behind the community hall[13], where a sign in the park points back to 'Berowra Station'[14].

(1km) Crowley Road track head → Int of Berowra service trail and Great North Walk

900 m

21 mins

18m

-106m Moderate track

Turn right: From the small park on Crowley Rd, this walk follows the 'Crosslands' sign[15] downhill, tending left behind the houses[16]. The track soon bends right and leads quite steeply[17] down a series of steps for about 120m, then tends left and flattens out on an unfenced rock platform[18]. From here, the track leads down a metal staircase[19][20] then heads fairly steeply[21] down along a rocky track. The track begins to flatten out over the next 400m, crossing the gully twice, then leads down to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of arrow posts[22].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post[23] downhill and soon crosses a small creek[24]. The track then continues up the other side of the valley, over a small rise, then leads down to an intersection with a management trail[25], marked with a couple more arrow posts.

(2km) Int of Berowra service trail and Great North Walk → Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks

1.1 km

27 mins

69m

-57m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow[26] down the wide management trail for about 40m, then continues up the moderately steep hill to a wide three-way intersection[27], where a sign points back towards 'Berowra Station'[28].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Crosslands' sign [29] as the trail bends left, leading down the hill. The trail then undulates around the side of valley for about 300m and crosses a small creek (where the trail is gravel[30]). The trail then heads generally uphill for about 600m, before a last little downhill stretch leads to an intersection (with a track on your left) and a 'Berowra Station' sign[31] pointing back along the track.

(3km) Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks → Int of Naa Badu Lookout

260 m

7 mins

19m

-22m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[32] gently down along the management trail, keeping the valley to your left. The trail gently undulates along the side of the hill, enjoying some glimpses up to the cliff faces[33] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[34], then leads up the hill to find the signposted 'Naa Badu' lookout[35] and its great view[36].

Naa Badu Lookout

Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views south over Berowra Creek as well as over Sams and Calna Creeks. Naa Badu means 'See water'[37] in the Aboriginal tribal language of the Dharug people. It is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal peoples. The lookout is fenced[38], has a bench seat[39], picnic table[40] and a fair amount of natural shade.

(3km) Int of Naa Badu Lookout → Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

540 m

11 mins

16m

-26m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the 'Naa Badu' lookout[41], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[42] and across the concrete ditch[43], keeping the valley to your left. The trail leads around the side of the hill for about 300m, gently undulating to come to an intersection with a narrow track and small clearing (on your left, as the trail bends right), just past the large scribbly gum. (This informal track leads down to an unfenced rock platform, with filtered views over Berowra Creek).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[44], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[45] to an intersection (with some steps[46] on your left), where a 'The Great North Walk' sign[47] points back up along the trail.

(4km) Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail → Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track

570 m

18 mins

78m

-31m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[48] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[49], and leads up some timber steps[50]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[51] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[52] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[53], then leads down across a small gully[54] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[55], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[56] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[57]. After 60m, the track[58] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[59] and angophora forest[60] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[61].

(4km) Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track → Washtub Gully Creek

1.3 km

33 mins

31m

-201m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[62], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[63] and leads fairly steeply down the hill for about 150m before mostly flattening out and coming close to the top of an unfenced cliff with good views over Berowra Creek[64]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[65] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[66]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[67][68], climbing down some steel pegs[69] to where the track flattens out again[70]. The track leads across the saddle[71] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[72] (on your right). Here the track leads down around the side of the ridge for just over 400m, passing some unfenced views for rock platforms[73][74][75] then down some sandstone steps[76] to find a tall sandstone overhang[77] with a timber seat[78]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[79], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[80] and timber steps[81] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a 'no wash' sign[82][83] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[84][85] in Washtub Gully.

(5km) Washtub Gully Creek → Berowra Waters trackhead

320 m

9 mins

31m

-30m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[86], this walk crosses the creek[87] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[88]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[89], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[90]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[91] behind the 'Berowra Waters Garden House' restaurant[92], then heads down the steps[93] to come to the signposted 'Berowra Waters Trackhead'[94][95] on 'Berowra Waters Rd'[96].

Berowra Waters Garden House

#######CLOSED###### This picturesque little restaurant sits on the eastern side of Berowra Creek and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Garden House Restaurant is a great spot for those looking to tap into the Berowra Valley's full potential. For information on bookings and opening hours phone (02)9456 2955.

(6km) Berowra Waters trackhead → Berowra Waters Marina

480 m

9 mins

-11m Very easy

Turn left: From 'Berowra Waters trackhead'[97], this walk follows 'Berowra Waters Rd' downhill for 100m past the 'Berowra Waters Garden House'[98], letter box and phone box[99] to the ferry[100]. After waiting to be directed onto the ferry[101][102], this walk crosses Berowra Waters[103]. The ferry runs 24hrs a day 7 days a week, but is closed for service on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 2.30pm. There is no charge. On the other side, this walk follows the footpath[105] between the road and the water for 150m to come to the shops at the Berowra Waters Marina[106] (on your right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp left.

The Fish Café

This seafood restaurant is located on the western side of the Berowra Waters Ferry, and offers casual dining with a great menu, overlooking the marina and river. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, with dinner available on Friday through Sunday. The cafe is open 8:30 – 9pm Wed-Sun and closes at 3pm Mon & Tuesdays. Takeaway is also available, and the nearby reserve provides picnic tables, toilets, children's playground and parking. Kayak hire is available from the marina building. The Fish Café is located at 199 Bay Road, Berowra Waters, and the phone number is (02)9456 4665.

Maps for the Berowra to Berowra Waters walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Berowra to Berowra Waters bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Berowra to Berowra Waters

Altitude analysis for Berowra to Berowra Waters

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.7 km
		Time	2 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.9km is very steep. Whilst another 940m has short steep hills and the remaining 710m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.9km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 710m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 970m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 3.1km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Berowra to Berowra Waters walk.

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This half day return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows a section of the Great North Walk along side Berowra creek, across boardwalks and bush tracks, before climbing steeply up the side of the valley to the Naa Badu Lookout. The lookout provides a great view down, across the valley

Total climbing: 561m

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk explores three valleys, with great displays of wild flowers in spring, and some nice sandstone overhangs. The section between Mt Kuring-gai and the end of Calna Creek is particularly nice, and Naa Badu Lookout is well worth the small side trip. Take the time to enjoy the many creek side r

Total climbing: 553m

Hard track

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

12.9 km One way, 6 hrs

With train station at each end this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk so be sure to allow enough time. Berowra Wate

Total climbing: 884m

Hard track

Galston Gorge to Berowra Station

12.9 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Following mostly along the side of Berowra Creek, along a section of the Great North Walk, this walk is worth spending the day on. Crosslands is a good spot to break at about the half-way mark. Highlights include the views from the top of the ridges between Galston Gorge and Crosslands, and the sect

Total climbing: 974m

Hard track

Crosslands to Berowra Waters return

13.7 km Return, 6 hrs

This return walk starts from the Crosslands Reserve and follows the Great North Walk along Berowra creek. The walk includes some boardwalks. After climbing up the side of the valley, the walk comes back down into Berowra Waters. Here you can enjoy lunch by Berowra Creek, at the Garden House restaura

Total climbing: 1005m

Hard track

Crosslands to Cowan

14 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Crosslands camping area and winds north alongside Berowra creek, passing through Berowra Waters and climbing up into Cowan. This day walk provides great views of the Berowra creek from the Naa Badu lookout and, as it finishes at the Cowan train st

Total climbing: 1103m

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

17.2 km One way, 8 hrs

Ridge tops, grasslands, creek crossings and spectacular views are all part of this walk as it ventures from the ridge above Berowra Creek down to water level and back up again. Take the short and free ferry ride across the creek to get lunch at Berowra Waters. Conserve your energy for the steep sect

Total climbing: 1147m

Hard track

Berowra to Hornsby

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 18 mins

One of the longer day walks in Berowra Valley National Park, this walk mostly follows Berowra Creek along the Great North Walk. Excellent views of the creek can be expected, especially at places like Crosslands and Fishponds. Be sure to pace yourself and take regular breaks. Crosslands and Tunks Rid

Total climbing: 1423m

Hard track

Crosslands to Brooklyn

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

From the Crosslands Reserve, this walk heads along the Great North Walk via Berowra Waters, Cowan, Jerusalem Bay and onto Brooklyn. This is one of the prettiest multi-day walks in the area. The walk explores two rivers and ridge tops, giving a great variety of views. The campsite is not the best, a

Total climbing: 1757m

Hard track

Thornleigh to Cowan

35.9 km One way, 2 Days

Following the Great North Walk and Berowra Creek through Berowra Valley Regional Park, this walk cuts straight through the length of the Park. The views are good, providing a broad idea of what this park has to offer. Conserve your energy for the section between Berowra Waters and Cowan as there are

Total climbing: 2336m

Hard track

Hornsby to Brooklyn three day walk

43.1 km One way, 3 Days

This three day walk follows the Great North Walk from Hornsby Station to Brooklyn, staying overnight at the Crosslands Reserve and the Great North Walk ridge top campsite. Some of the highlights along this walk are the sandstone cliffs at Fishponds, the great restaurants at Berowra Waters, and the b

Total climbing: 2695m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Berowra to Berowra Waters walk.

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

9.4 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

From the ridges above Cowan Creek, this walk takes in some great lookouts (especially around Mt Kuring-gai) as well as enjoying an extremely pleasant bush track along the creek. Easily accessible by public transport, this track gives walkers a good taste of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has t

Total climbing: 551m

Hard track

Berowra to Bobbin Head

8.7 km One way, 4 hrs

Following Cowan Creek, this walk is one of the most pleasant in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with great views over the water as well as nice views from the ridge at Berowra. Be sure to stop at the cafe for a cuppa in Bobbin Head before going home. Apple Tree Bay is also a very pleasant spot

Total climbing: 473m

Hard track

Barnetts Lookout

420 m Return, 15 mins

A very pleasant and easy stroll along a path to a stunning view. Starting from Barnetts Road car park you follow the footpath through the picnic area, past the playground then meander gently downhill through the open forest among the scribbly gum trees. You soon discover a fenced lookout platform

Total climbing: 14m

Very easy

Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

980 m Return, 30 mins

This great walk starts from Crosslands Reserve. The walk follows a section of the Great North Walk along an old road, timber boardwalk and firm dirt tracks to a lovely timber lookout platform on the edge of Berowra Creek. Along the way are signs providing interesting information about the mangroves

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk enjoys some great views and quiet bushland in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. From Apple Tree Bay, the walk soon heads over the hill and loops down to Bobbin Head, with the option of a bite to eat at the kiosk before returning along a similar but different route to Apple Tree Bay. The wal

Total climbing: 281m

Hard track

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This is a hilly walk out of the beautiful Berowra Waters valley to Cowan Station. There are many wide views across Berowra Creek providing some great excuses for well deserved rest stops. Take your time to enjoy the views, and rock formations, and creek crossings along the way as the track leads a

Total climbing: 597m

Hard track

Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

13.4 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This Cowan to Brooklyn Station walk is a popular section of the Great North Walk, with scenery ranging from foreshore to ridge top lookouts. You will follow the Great North Walk from Cowan Station down to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay, then climb up over a series of ridges before descending into Bro

Total climbing: 654m

Hard track

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and

Total climbing: 1523m

Hard track

Jerusalem Bay Track (to Jerusalem Bay and back)

4.9 km Return, 2 hrs

This track takes you to one of the most iconic views along the the Great North Walk. From Cowan Station, the walk passes through a variety of environments, with dryer vegetation near the freeway and moister rainforest-like plants near the water. Jerusalem Bay is a pretty area, shared by walkers and

Total climbing: 306m

Moderate track

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

9.4 km Return, 4 hrs

From the ridge above Berowra Creek, this walk goes steeply down into the valley following Calna Creek. The narrow bush track section is quite beautiful with plenty of small creek crossings and sandstone overhangs. The grasslands section, just before coming to the junction of Calna and Berowra Creeks

Total climbing: 425m

Hard track

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Exploring Cockle Creek at water level and Ku-ring-gai National Park from the ridge, this is an enjoyable short walk to Mt Kuring-gai. Pop into the cafe at Bobbin Head for a cup of coffee or a light meal. The short side trip to the lookout up on the ridge offers an amazing view. As there are no buses

Total climbing: 364m

Hard track

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great walk for visitors looking for a reasonably short adventure after lunch. The leisurely walk starts from the cafe and information centre at Bobbin Head and follows the Warrimoo Track up the hill to the Cockle Creek Lookout, before returning along the same route.

Total climbing: 94m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Berowra to Berowra Waters walk starts at the Berowra Station (gps: -33.623180, 151.15328)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

The Berowra to Berowra Waters ends at the Berowra Waters trackhead (gps: -33.600550, 151.12561)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Berowra Valley National Park

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.

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