Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

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3 hrs 30 mins

8.2 km Return

561 m

Hard track

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 and along Berowra creek. There are picnic benches and seats making it a great place for lunch.

Grass trees along track near Berowra Creek

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) Crosslands Carpark → Northern end of Crosslands carpark

250 m

4 mins

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

260 m

4 mins

-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]

and along the sealed old road[17]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

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]

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]

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

[Picnic Table]

and shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

[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.

220 m

4 mins

-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]

. 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

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.

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

780 m

20 mins

54m

-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

1.1 km

27 mins

67m

-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

500 m

11 mins

20m

-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

670 m

30 mins

181m

-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

260 m

7 mins

19m

-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 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.

Maps for the Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout 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.

Hornsby	1:25 000 Map Series	91304S HORNSBY	NSW-91304S
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 Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return

Altitude analysis for Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout 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.

		Length	8.2 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		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

2.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 730m is flat with no steps. Whilst another 670m is very steep and the remaining 260m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

3.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 730m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (260m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 3.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 990m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

2.4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 990m requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 670m 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 Naa Badu Lookout return walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Naa Badu Lookout return 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 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 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

Birrawanna Track

4.4 km Return, 2 hrs

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

Moderate track

Kalkari Discovery trail

798 m Circuit, 30 mins

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

Very easy

Kalkari and Birrawanna Loop Tracks

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

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

Hard track

Bobbin Head Boardwalk

552 m Return, 15 mins

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

Very easy

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Crosslands to Naa Badu Lookout return walk starts and ends at the Crosslands Carpark (gps: -33.628707, 151.10905)

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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