Crosslands to Berowra Waters return

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Time 6 hrs
Return 13.7 km Return
Climb 1005 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
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 restaurant, or catch the free car-ferry across the river to find the fish cafe.
start of Crosslands boardwalk Crosslands boardwalk following berowra creek Great North Walk boardwalk Grass trees along track near Berowra Creek steps up out of valley GNW sheltered chair Naa Badu Lookout Berowra Waters From Above following the Great North Walk Rock Overhang winding along the Great North Walk view of Berowra Waters from track steps down to Berowra Waters

Crosslands

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]Toilet Accessible

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.
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) Crosslands Carpark → Northern end of Crosslands carpark

distance 250 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent 0m Very easy
From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path[11] between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp[12]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[13] at the northern end of the car park[14]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.

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

distance 260 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent -2m Very easy
Continue straight: From the northern end of Crosslands car park[15] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the 'Newcastle' arrow[16] on the large 'Great North Walk' sign around the locked gate
[Wheelchair Rough]Wheelchair Rough

Link from carpark to path is across exposed ground (muddy after rain) and between timber bollards that are 80cm high and 1.5m apart.
and along the sealed old road[17]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
to come to a y-intersection[18]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the 'Place of Winds' sign[19] and wetland[20] (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[21] and 'Great North walk' sign[22]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[23], not far from the toilet block[24]
[Toilet]Toilet

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.
.

Crosslands North Picnic area

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]Toilet

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.
[25][26] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[27]. Here you will find a few picnic tables
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

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.
and shelters
[Picnic Shelter]Picnic Shelter

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.
[Picnic Shelter]Picnic Shelter

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.
[28], as well as garbage bins[29]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[30]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[31] .

(1km) Crosslands North → Estuaries viewing platform int.

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 7m descent -5m Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[32], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[33] along the timber boardwalk[34]
[Trip Hazard]Trip Hazard

There is a 4cm step from between the dirt path and the northern end of the timber boardwalk.
. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[35] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[36]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past 'Mangrove Food Cycle' information signs[37] to come to an 3-way intersection[38] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[39] (on your left).

Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout

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]Seat

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

(1km) Estuaries viewing platform → Calna Creek Bridge intersection

distance 780 m time 20 mins climb 54m descent -57m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection at the estuaries viewing platform, this walk follows the timber ramp down to the dirt track[45] and heads past the '..unsuitable for wheelchair access' sign[46]. The track leads alongside the wide creek for about 200m to the 'All creatures great and small' information sign[47], then down a little way further to head along a short section of timber boardwalk[48]. About 100m further along the rocky track, this walk comes to a lookout and a 'Catch the Threats' information sign[49], where the track continues past the bench seat[50] and alongside the creek to the 'The Rock Club' information sign[51]. The track then leads among some grass tress[52] for just over 100m to the 'Bush Supermarket' information sign[53]. Just past this sign, the track begins to climb fairly steeply up the stone[54] and timber steps[55] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a 'Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!' information sign[56].
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow east downhill, initially keeping the 'Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!' information sign[57] on your right. The track bends left and follows the timber steps[58] as the track winds steeply down the side of the hill. Near the bottom of the hill, the track passes a 'Rock n Roll' information sign[59] then comes to a long, metal footbridge[60]. The walk crosses the bridge over Calna Creek and comes to a signposted intersection, with a 'Fragile Marsh' information sign[61]

(2km) Calna Creek Bridge intersection → Sams Creek Ridge Clearing

distance 1.1 km time 27 mins climb 67m descent -58m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[62] along the timber boardwalk[63]. The boardwalk leads for about 80m across the large open flat saltmarsh[64] into the casuarina forest[65] on the other side. Here the track bends left and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[66] for almost 200m, where the rocky track leads a little further before coming alongside Berowra Creek's mangroves[67]. The track continues to gently undulate along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[68] and grass tress[69], before heading up a fairly short, steep climb. At the top of this climb, the walk comes to a small, flat, pleasant clearing surrounded by large boulders[70].

(3km) Sams Creek ridge clearing → Sams Creek Crossing

distance 500 m time 11 mins climb 20m descent -23m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk leads down the north eastern side of this ridge, keeping the main valley to your left. After about 100m this walk comes to another flat saltmarsh[71] , where the track bends right to soon come to a large flat clearing[72] beside Sams Creek[73] (subject to flooding). The track then leads alongside Sams Creek (on your left) for about 350m when, just after climbing over a rock, the track comes to a 'Crosslands' sign[74] pointing back along the track, beside the creek.

(3km) Sams Creek Crossing → Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks

distance 670 m time 30 mins climb 181m descent -44m Hard track
Turn left: From the south side of the creek, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[75] across the rocky Sams Creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side, the track veers left, crossing a rocky gully[76] and heads up the timber steps[77]. The track now starts to climb steeply, zigzagging up the timber steps [78] and a couple of staircases[79] for just over 300m to find a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[80]. After a rest, this walk continues up more steps (and staircases) for just over 150m, coming to a T-intersection with a wide service trail, where a 'Crosslands' sign[81] points back down the track.

(4km) Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks → Int of Naa Badu Lookout

distance 260 m time 7 mins climb 19m descent -22m Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[82] 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[83] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[84], then leads up the hill to find the signposted 'Naa Badu' lookout[85] and its great view[86].

Naa Badu Lookout

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'[87] 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[88], has a bench seat[89], picnic table[90] and a fair amount of natural shade.

(4km) Int of Naa Badu Lookout → Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track

distance 320 m time 7 mins climb 12m descent -14m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the 'Naa Badu' lookout[91], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[92] and across the concrete ditch[93], 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).

(4km) Int of Great North Walk and Banggarai Creek access track → Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 4m descent -12m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[94], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[95] to an intersection (with some steps[96] on your left), where a 'The Great North Walk' sign[97] points back up along the trail.

(5km) Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail → Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track

distance 570 m time 18 mins climb 78m descent -31m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Berowra Waters' sign[98] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[99], and leads up some timber steps[100]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[101] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[102] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[103], then leads down across a small gully[104] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[105], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[106] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[107]. After 60m, the track[108] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[109] and angophora forest[110] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[111].

(5km) Int of Great North Walk and Currawong Road track → Washtub Gully Creek

distance 1.3 km time 33 mins climb 31m descent -201m Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[112], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[113] 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[114]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[115] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[116]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[117][118], climbing down some steel pegs[119] to where the track flattens out again[120]. The track leads across the saddle[121] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[122] (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[123][124][125] then down some sandstone steps[126] to find a tall sandstone overhang[127] with a timber seat[128]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[129], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[130] and timber steps[131] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a 'no wash' sign[132][133] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[134][135] in Washtub Gully.

(7km) Washtub Gully Creek → Berowra Waters trackhead

distance 320 m time 9 mins climb 31m descent -30m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[136], this walk crosses the creek[137] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[138]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[139], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[140]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[141] behind the 'Berowra Waters Garden House' restaurant[142], then heads down the steps[143] to come to the signposted 'Berowra Waters Trackhead'[144][145] on 'Berowra Waters Rd'[146].

Berowra Waters Garden House

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.

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.

Waterview Restaurant

On the western side of Berowra Waters Ferry (free trip), just a short walk up the road, is the Waterview Restaurant, upstairs at the marina. The restaurant specialises in seafood, but also caters for other tastes in restaurant style dinning. Some sittings offers A la Carte meals from $25, and other sittings offer a fresh and cooked seafood buffet. Please call ahead, as the restaurant is also a popular venue for weddings. Open Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Phone (02) 9456 2633 199 Bay Rd Berowra Waters, NSW 2082

Maps for the Crosslands to Berowra Waters return 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.

Hornsby1:25 000 Map Series91304S HORNSBYNSW-91304S
Cowan1:25 000 Map Series91304N COWANNSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map1:40 000 Map SeriesCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist MapCMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Crosslands to Berowra Waters return bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Crosslands to Berowra Waters return

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

Altitude analysis for Crosslands to Berowra Waters return

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.

Length13.7 km
Time6 hrs
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

2.6km of this walk is very steep and another 2.4km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 730m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 810m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 730m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 990m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

4.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 1.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

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

Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

980 m Return, 30 mins

Crosslands to Berowra Creek Lookout

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Berowra to Berowra Waters

5.7 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

Berowra to Berowra Waters

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

Mt Kuring-gai Track to Berowra station

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Galston Gorge to Mt Kuring-gai

12.6 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Galston Gorge to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

12.9 km One way, 6 hrs

Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Galston Gorge to Berowra Station

12.9 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Galston Gorge to Berowra Station

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Crosslands to Cowan

14 km One way, 7 hrs 30 mins

Crosslands to Cowan

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

17.2 km One way, 8 hrs

Mt Kuring-gai to Cowan (via Berowra Waters)

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

22.3 km One way, 9 hrs

Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Berowra to Hornsby

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 18 mins

Berowra to Hornsby

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Crosslands to Brooklyn

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Crosslands to Brooklyn

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai

28.1 km One way, 2 Days

Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Thornleigh to Cowan

35.9 km One way, 2 Days

Thornleigh to Cowan

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Hornsby to Brooklyn three day walk

43.1 km One way, 3 Days

Hornsby to Brooklyn three day walk

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

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

Barnetts Lookout

420 m Return, 15 mins

Barnetts Lookout

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus

Very easy

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

9.4 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Berowra to Mt Kuring-gai

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Train

Hard track

Berowra to Bobbin Head

8.7 km One way, 4 hrs

Berowra to Bobbin Head

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Train

Hard track

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

7.2 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Berowra Waters to Cowan Station

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

9.4 km Return, 4 hrs

Mt Kuring-gai to Calna Creek

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Apple Tree Bay Birrawanna Loop

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Bobbin Head to Mt Kuring-gai via Apple Tree Bay

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

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Train

Hard track

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

Cockle Creek Lookout Return

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

Birrawanna Track

This pleasant walk starts near the kiosk at Bobbin Head, climbing the sandstone stairs and then follows a defined track to the Kalkari Discovery Centre. Kalkari is well worth spending some time exploring, with opportunities to learn about and mix with the local flora and fauna.

Total climbing: 262m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Kalkari Discovery trail

798 m Circuit, 30 mins

Kalkari Discovery trail

This pleasant walk starts with a wander through the interesting Kalkari Discovery Center. Enjoy the displays and chat with the volunteers before heading out the back door to find the rest of the walk. The walk follows the concrete path past more information signs and a lovely pond. As you wander t

Total climbing: 25m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

This great circuit walk enjoys some views of Cowan Creek and explores the many ferns through the open forest. The walk starts at the Kalkari Discovery Centre and follows the Birrawanna Loop Track down to Bobbin Head, a large picnic area with kiosk, toilets, BBQ's and more. The walk then continues u

Total climbing: 298m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

552 m Return, 15 mins

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

This is a short and pretty walk that can be enjoyed by everyone. It makes a nice addition to a picnic or paddle at Bobbin Head. Starting from the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, you will enjoy great views of Cockle Creek from the bridge, then meander along the boardwalk through the mang

Total climbing: 17m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Crosslands to Berowra Waters return walk starts and ends at the Crosslands Carpark (gps: -33.628707, 151.10905)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

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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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