Hornsby to Galston Gorge
Download & Print Map and Notes
4 hrs
9.7 km One way
473 m
Hard track
Starting at Hornsby station, you soon head into the bush and down the steep depression era stone steps through the volcanic Old Mans Valley, to a picnic area at the end of Rosemead Rd. Here you follow the Blue Gum walk through one of Sydney’s rare Blue Gum Forest stands to then cross Berowra Creek a few times at Fishponds waterhole. After exploring the edge of the valley you will cross the Steele Military Bridge before climbing to Tunks Ridge rest area. Not far from here the walk starts to lead steeply down enjoying more sandstone caves to cross under Galston Road to find the Galston trackhead.
Note this walk was re-routed in early 2016 to go via the streets of Hornsby Heights. This re-route is due to the multi-agency decision to close the Fishponds to Steele Bridge section of the Benowie Track. This decision has upset many people and the protest continues.
(0km) Hornsby Train Station → Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk
720 m
14 mins
8m
-34m
Easy trackFrom the western side of Hornsby Railway Station[1], this walk first crosses the bus lane, then follows the large 'To the Great North Walk' sign[2] across the Station St pedestrian crossing[3], and then across the Pacific Highway at the traffic lights[4]. Here the walk turns right and follows the footpath (across 'Dural Lane'[5]) past some shops to cross 'Dural St'[6]. The walk then turns left and follows the footpath down along 'Dural St'[7], past a few more shops. Continuing past the units, this walk then turns right onto 'Quarry Rd'[8][9] and follows the road down the gently hill for about 180m to an intersection with 'Old Mans Valley' management trail[10] and locked gate (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road down the gentle hill, leaving the houses[11][12] behind to come to an intersection with a track, signposted with a 'Great North Walk' sign[13] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Quarry Road down the gentle hill, leaving the houses[11][12] behind to come to an intersection with a track, signposted with a 'Great North Walk' sign[13] (on your left).
(1km) Int of Quarry Road and Great North Walk → Berowra Valley Bushland Park
540 m
14 mins
12m
-89m
Hard trackTurn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[14] up the hill. The track leads up over the rise, then continues down to the intersection with the Quarry Rd Management trail[15].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[16] down the steep rock steps[17]. The walk winds steeply down a number of sets of stone steps, passing some large rock walls for a bit over 100m, to find a welcome flat section of track[18] midway the hill. As the track leads past some houses (through the trees on your left), this walk heads down more steps[19] before coming to the open area of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[20][21], at the end of Rosemead Road[22].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[16] down the steep rock steps[17]. The walk winds steeply down a number of sets of stone steps, passing some large rock walls for a bit over 100m, to find a welcome flat section of track[18] midway the hill. As the track leads past some houses (through the trees on your left), this walk heads down more steps[19] before coming to the open area of 'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[20][21], at the end of Rosemead Road[22].
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[23] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[24], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[25], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[26], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[27]. There is a water tap[28] in the park, near the road. There is also a 'Welcome to Old Mans Valley' information sign with information about the traditional country of the Darug and Guringai peoples[29].
(1km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park → Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack
910 m
21 mins
45m
-42m
Moderate trackVeer right: From the lower side of Berowra Valley Bushland Park[30] (at the end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby[31]), this walk follows the 'Fishponds 1.2km' arrow on the large sign[32], down the track[33] for approximately 30m, to the intersection with the Rosemead management trail[34], marked with a Great North Walk arrow.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide rocky management trail[35] as it bends left (and passing some houses off to the left). The trail then bends right[36] and leads across Old Mans Creek using some concrete stepping stones[37]. The walk then continues by heading up the moderately steep hill and then through a thick blue gum and bracken fern forest[38]. The wide trail leads to the top of the hill then bends left, (ignoring the track on the right[39]) to pass over a saddle[40]. Here the trail leads down the gentle hill[41], through the turpentine forest for just over 300m to find an intersection with narrower track on the right, marked with arrow posts[42].
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow[43] down the narrower track a short distance to find a three-way intersection marked with a large 'Great North walk' signpost[44].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide rocky management trail[35] as it bends left (and passing some houses off to the left). The trail then bends right[36] and leads across Old Mans Creek using some concrete stepping stones[37]. The walk then continues by heading up the moderately steep hill and then through a thick blue gum and bracken fern forest[38]. The wide trail leads to the top of the hill then bends left, (ignoring the track on the right[39]) to pass over a saddle[40]. Here the trail leads down the gentle hill[41], through the turpentine forest for just over 300m to find an intersection with narrower track on the right, marked with arrow posts[42].
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow[43] down the narrower track a short distance to find a three-way intersection marked with a large 'Great North walk' signpost[44].
(2km) Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Fishponds crossing
340 m
8 mins
3m
-40m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[45] along the flat narrow track past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[46]. The track soon bends left (passing along the top of an unfenced cliff) then winds down some steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[47]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[48]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[49] and signposted intersection[50].
Turn right: From the lookout[51], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[52] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[53]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[54] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[55]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
Turn right: From the lookout[51], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[52] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[53]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[54] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[55]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
Fishponds
Fishponds is a long waterhole[56] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[57] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[58], and a small timber bridge[59] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[60]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities - please heed the signs and Cora's parents' plea and enjoy the water from the edge.
(2km) Int of GNW and Manor Rd Bushtrack → Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd
230 m
13 mins
95m
0m
Moderate trackTurn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Alternative Route' arrow on the GNW sign[62]. The track dips before heading steeply uphill, zigzagging in several sections. The walk leads you up a large metal staircase to the top of the cliffs, coming to the intersection of Manor Rd and Dilkera Cl.
(2km) Corner of Dilkera and Manor Rd → End of Clarinda St
1.7 km
31 mins
36m
-49m
Easy trackContinue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows Manor Rd as it initially heads up a gentle hill. After about 600m, Manor Road turns to skirt about Mount Wilga Hospital, and the road changes name to Rosamond St. The walk continues along to the intersection with Stewart Ave on the left (this is a four-way intersection, with Carrington Rd on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along Rosamond St following the Great North Walk arrow. The walk then turns left into Clarinda St and follows it to the end of the road, to find the 'Clarinda Wetlands' sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north along Rosamond St following the Great North Walk arrow. The walk then turns left into Clarinda St and follows it to the end of the road, to find the 'Clarinda Wetlands' sign.
(4km) End of Clarinda St → Int of Clarinda St trail and waterfall track
1.1 km
24 mins
51m
-66m
Easy trackTurn right: From the end of Clarinda St Hornsby, this walk heads around the green gate with the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign on it, keeping the 'Clarinda wetlands' to the left. The walk follows the management trail, which soon bends left and gently winds through the bushland. There are some interesting rock formations on the right and the occasional valley view on the left. The track is fairly flat most of the way, until a left-hand bend that leads down to cross a small creek, and then up the other side of the valley. Once the track flattens out again, it comes to an intersection with the Simon Pl management trail on the right, at a fairly large clearing.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat management trail, heading away from Simon Place past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park', 'Dogs Prohibited' sign[63]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a 'Great North Walk' sign[64] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat management trail, heading away from Simon Place past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park', 'Dogs Prohibited' sign[63]. The walk gently meanders along the trail, enjoying the ferns and sandstone rocks for a while until coming to a 'Great North Walk' sign[64] highlighting the intersection with small track on the left.
(5km) Int of Clarinda St and waterfall track → Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track
470 m
13 mins
9m
-98m
Moderate trackTurn left : From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the narrow track, following the 'Great North Walk' sign[65]. The track is rocky and steep in a few places. Take care as the track turns at the top of some smaller cliffs while winding down the hill. Steps have been made from rocks and logs, making this track a bit more gentle, and there are some carved steps in the steeper sections. At the bottom of a small flight stone stairs, the walk crosses the creek on the rocks just in front of the waterfall.
Veer right: From the waterfall, this walk climbs the stone stairs (keeping the waterfall initially on the left) and then turns right, heading up out of the gully. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk heads through the bush until soon coming to a 'T' intersection with the Stewart St management trail, signposted with a large 'Great North Walk' sign[66].
Veer right: From the waterfall, this walk climbs the stone stairs (keeping the waterfall initially on the left) and then turns right, heading up out of the gully. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk heads through the bush until soon coming to a 'T' intersection with the Stewart St management trail, signposted with a large 'Great North Walk' sign[66].
(6km) Int of Stewart Ave service trail and waterfall track → Steele Bridge
400 m
8 mins
5m
-29m
Easy trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge 4km' arrow[67] down the hill along the wide management trail. For the most part, the trail gently heads downhill then bends around to the left, leading to an intersection just before Steele Bridge.
Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge
This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek's edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 'Steele' bridges still in use in NSW. More info.
(6km) Steele Bridge → Tunks Ridge Rest Area
1.8 km
44 mins
160m
-33m
Hard trackVeer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses the 'Historic Military Steele Bridge'[68] and turns right to follow the 'Crosslands' sign [69] uphill along the wide management trail. After about 200m, the trail becomes steeper (and is concreted) for around 150m, then flattens out just before the left bend. The trail continues to climb (enjoying the valley views to the right) for another 400m, after which the trail becomes quite steep again for for about 600m (here the trail is sealed[70] then concreted[71] in two sections). From the top of the second concreted section, the trail leads gently uphill for just shy of 300m to the well-signposted 'Tunks Ridge Rest Area', where a sign points back down the trail to 'Stewart St Hornsby Trackhead'[72].
Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite[73] at the junction of three management trails. There is no water or other facilities (you will need to carry your own in). A sign at the top of the campsite reminds campers that there is a one night limit and that it is a fuel stove only area (no campfires)[74]. Please note that the composting toilet[75] has been removed and no longer available.
(8km) Tunks Ridge Rest Area → Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track
1.4 km
28 mins
38m
-68m
Moderate trackTurn right: From the top of the rest area, this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' AND 'Crosslands Reserve' signs[76] along the wide management trail, keeping the valley to your right. The trail winds along the side of the ridge[77] (passing along the base of a long rock wall[78], up to your left) for about 700m, until the trail comes to the top of the ridge. From here, the trail leads for another 500m, down across a saddle[79] then up to a clear Y-intersection[80]. The walk takes the left branch and passes a few 'Regeneration Area' signs[81][82] over about 250m, coming to a well-signposted[83] intersection with narrower track (on your left), partway around the right-hand bend.
(9km) Int of Great North Walk and Galston Gorge track → Galston Gorge track head
550 m
16 mins
14m
-119m
Hard trackTurn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[84] down the steep rocky track[85] as it zigzags down towards the valley. About 40m down the hill, the track comes to a 'Great North Walk - Walkers Registration' box[86]. After leaving your comments, this walk continues downhill, passing through a crack in the rock[87] where the walk bends right and follows along the particularly rocky section for about 150m and comes to a fence[88]. The fence guides down a steep section, passing a cave[89], and comes to the top of a metal peg ladder[90]. This walk climbs down the ladder, then follows the rock wall (keeping the road to your left), heading down through a crack[91] and along another fence, then coming to a flat area beside the road[92]. Here the walk follows the GNW arrow[93] to the right and down under the bridge[94]. The walk crosses the creek, usually a bit more than ankle deep[95]. This creek maybe impassable after rain - the road bridge above offers an alternate way across[96], but watch and listen for traffic. On the other bank, the walk turns left to follow the track uphill[97]. The track well-formed track climbs to the well-signposted and paved Galston Gorge trackhead[98], where a 'Fishponds' sign[99] points back down the track.
Galston Gorge track head
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park[100] on the eastern side of Berowra Creek, near the bottom of the gorge on Galston Road. This track head is a good access point for those wanting to do sections of the Great North Walk and is well signposted[101]. Keep an eye open for the local chickens[102].
Maps for the Hornsby to Galston Gorge 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 Hornsby to Galston Gorge bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hornsby to Galston Gorge
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 | 9.7 km | ||
| Time | 4 hrs | ||
| . | |||
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 | 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
4.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.7km is very steep. Whilst another 1.5km has short steep hills and the remaining 1.3km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.8km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (1.8km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.5km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.6km requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hornsby to Galston Gorge walk.
Clarinda St dog walking trail
499 m One way, 15 mins
Easy track
Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)
4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs
Hard track
Hornsby to Fishponds
5.6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Hornsby Blue Gum Walk
6.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs
Hard track
Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds
9 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Thornleigh to Hornsby
10.2 km One way, 4 hrs
Hard track
Thornleigh to Galston Gorge
15.5 km One way, 6 hrs
Hard track
Hornsby station to Crosslands
16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Epping to Hornsby Station
17.5 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Eastwood to Hornsby
20.6 km One way, 8 hrs
Hard track
Hornsby to Mt Kuring-gai
22.3 km One way, 9 hrs
Hard track
Berowra to Hornsby
22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 18 mins
Hard track
Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)
25.8 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Thornleigh to Mt Kuring-Gai
28.1 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Thornleigh to Cowan
35.9 km One way, 2 Days
Hard track
Hornsby to Brooklyn three day walk
43.1 km One way, 3 Days
Hard track
Circular Quay to Hornsby
44.4 km One way, 3 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Hornsby to Galston Gorge walk.
Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station
8.6 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Gibberagong Track
6.5 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai
14.7 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Refuge Rock and Natural Arch
1.4 km Return, 30 mins
Moderate track
Elouera Lookout
828 m Return, 30 mins
Moderate track
Daphne Place dog walking trail
515 m One way, 15 mins
Moderate track
Warrimoo Track to Bobbin Head
6.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins
Moderate track
Warrimoo Track to the Sphinx
3.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
Thornleigh to Marsfield
6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station
6.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Bellamy fire trail
619 m One way, 30 mins
Moderate track
Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail
529 m One way, 15 mins
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Hornsby to Galston Gorge walk starts at the Hornsby Train Station (gps: -33.703509, 151.09801)
The Hornsby to Galston Gorge ends at the Galston Gorge track head (gps: -33.664580, 151.08031)
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.
Manor Road Bushland
Manor Road Bushland is a small parcel of natural bushland between Manor road and the Hornsby quarry. The blue Gum walk and the Great North walk Hornsby track head pass through the section of land where there are some wonderful tall Blue gums and Black Buts. There is also a lovely array of ferns and Turpentine trees.
Comments
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