Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

980 m Return

17 m

Very easy

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, estuaries and other surrounding flora and fauna. Make a day of it by enjoying the picnic areas and playground at the start of the walk. You can even book a campsite and enjoy the area for longer.

int of Berowra creek lookout and Great North Walk

Crosslands

Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[1], electric barbecues[2], toilets[3], car parking[4], a children's playground[5], garbage bins[6], camping area, toilets

[Toilet Accessible]

and town water[7]. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park. The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.

(0km) Northern end of Crosslands Carpark → Crosslands North

260 m

4 mins

-2m Very easy

From the northern end of Crosslands car park[11] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the 'Newcastle' arrow[12] on the large 'Great North Walk' sign around the locked gate

[Wheelchair Rough]

and along the sealed old road[13]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

to come to a y-intersection[14]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the 'Place of Winds' sign[15] and wetland[16] (on your right). This walk continues along this old road for a little longer, coming to an intersection marked with a large 'Crosslands' information board[17] and 'Great North walk' sign[18]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[19], not far from the toilet block[20]

[Toilet]

Crosslands North Picnic area

The northern section of Crosslands is in Berowra Valley NP and is a less formal picnic area compared with the southern area. There is a toilet block

[Toilet]

[21][22] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[23]. Here you will find a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

and shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

[24], as well as garbage bins[25]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[26]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[27] .

(0km) Crosslands North → Estuaries viewing platform int.

220 m

4 mins

-5m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[28], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[29] along the timber boardwalk[30]

[Trip Hazard]

. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[31] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[32]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past 'Mangrove Food Cycle' information signs[33] to come to an 3-way intersection[34] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[35] (on your left).

(0km) Estuaries viewing platform int. → Estuaries viewing platform

10 m

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection[36], this walk follows the timber boardwalk between the handrails[37] towards the waterview[38] for about 10m to find the fenced timber lookout[39] with two seats

[Seat]

Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout

The Estuarie lookout over Berowara Creek is found at the end of the wheelchair-accessible walk in Crosslands area. The timber lookout platform provides great views over Berowra Creek[40], the timber fence is 95cm high[41]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[42] and the 'Original Inhabitants'[43]. There are two timber bench seats

[Seat]

[44] encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.

Maps for the Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout 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.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

Altitude analysis for Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: Mostly flat or gentle slopes. No section steeper than 1:12.

Surface: This walk follows a closed asphalt road for 250m, leads across 20m of grass, 2 sections of 70m section of timber boardwalk and a 60m section of bumpy dirt track (then returns the same way). Track may become boggy at very high tides or after rain.

Toilets: There are 2 toilets on this walk. They are 250m apart.

Seats: There are 9 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are on average 60m apart, with a maximum gap of 240m.

Access hazards: There are 2 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Wheelchair Rough (0m)

Link from carpark to path is across exposed ground (muddy after rain) and between timber bollards that are 80cm high and 1.5m apart.

2 Toilet Accessible (0m)

Seperate male/female wheelchair accessible toilets. Entrance is 83cm wide (with no step), hand basin 80cm high, toilet seat 47cm high with a handrail. Toilet is located at the far southern end of the reserve, just over 300m along concrete and compressed dirt path. Potable water and other toilets also available.

3 Picnic Table (20m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (3x5.5m) and about 7m (across grass) from the path.

4 Picnic Table (55m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (2.8x4.1m) and about 4m (across grass) from the path.

5 Picnic Table (110m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (2.8x4.1m) and about 11m (across grass) from the path.

6 Picnic Table (160m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (2.7x4m) and about 16m (across grass) from the path.

7 Picnic Table (205m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (3x5.5m) and about 25m (across grass) from the nearest path.

8 Picnic Shelter (225m)

A roofed timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 81cm high, 84cm deep and 2.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 1.7m wide. On a paved area (5.6x5.6m) and about 25m (across grass) from the nearest path.

9 Picnic Table (230m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 77cm high, 73cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 2.4m wide. On a conrete slab (3.8x5.5m) and about 25m (across grass) from the nearest path.

10 Picnic Shelter (245m)

Two roofed timber slat picnic tables and bench seats. The table is 81cm high, 84cm deep and 2.8m wide. The seats are 47cm high, 29cm deep and 1.7m wide. On two joined paved area (~5.6x5.6m) and about 30m (across grass) from the nearest path.

11 Toilet (250m)

Male and female toilet block. Entrance is 90cm wide, hand basins 90cm high, cubical doors 80cm wide, toilet seat 42cm high. Male toilet has a urinal with 20cm step. No handrails. Toilet entrance is about 35m across grass from nearest path.

12 Trip Hazard (263m)

There is a 4cm step from between the dirt path and the northern end of the timber boardwalk.

13 Seat (487m)

Two timber slat bench seats built into timber viewing platform. Each seat are 41cm high, 28cm deep and 2.5m wide with a 54cm high backrest.

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	980 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

This whole walk, 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 490m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 490m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 490m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 490m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 490m 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 Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout 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

Galston Gorge to Mt Kuring-gai

12.6 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk follows the eastern side of the steep Berowra Creek valley from Galston Gorge to Crosslands and then heads over the ridge to follow Lyrbird Gully up to the train station at Mt Kuring-gai. This enjoyable section of The Great North Walk spends most of the time enjoying the wide tidal creeks

Total climbing: 846m

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

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

22.3 km One way, 9 hrs

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Hornsby train station and winds down along the Blue Gum Walk into Fishponds and along Berowra Creek. The walk passes through the Tunks Ridge Reserve and then into Galston Gorge. From here the walk keeps following the Berowra Creek through the Crossl

Total climbing: 1319m

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 Mt Kuring-Gai

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from Thornleigh train station and follows the Great North Walk down through the Berowra Valley Regional Park and along Berowra creek. The walk passes through Fishponds and up to the top of Galston Gorge to the campsite. From there, the walk continues along the Great North

Total climbing: 1614m

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 Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout walk.

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

Berowra to Berowra Waters

5.7 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 287m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout walk starts and ends at the Northern end of Crosslands Carpark (gps: -33.627109, 151.11052)

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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