Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

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3 hrs 45 mins

8.6 km One way

472 m

Hard track

This pleasant half day walk starts from Wareemba Avenue in Thornleigh and winds down into the valley along service trails and bush tracks. The walk then follows a section of the Blue Gum Walk to the Great North Walk. From here the walk follows the Great North Walk to Thornleigh train station. Along this walk you will see a dense and thriving forest filled with Blue Gums and Bracken Ferns, plenty of wild flowers and a wide variety of native animals.

(0km) Wareemba Ave (Near Vale Rd), Thornleigh → Int near Pipe bridge

470 m

10 mins

-25m Easy track

From the small bridge on Wareemba Ave, just down the hill from Vale Rd, this walk follows the management trail around the green gate, past the large fern tree, and crosses Larool Creek at the concrete causeway. On the other side of the creek, the track soon comes to an intersection with a less-used management trail, on the right.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the clear management trail up the hill, away from the houses. The trail passes through a pine and acacia forest before coming to an intersection with an indistinct track on the left - this is just after the end of the flat section of track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the fairly steep hill to an intersection at the causeway over the creek.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses Larool Creek using the concrete causeway and follows the management trail along the rock face. The track heads down the hill with the occasional view of the creek (below on the left) and soon passes a concrete column supporting the rock on the right. The tracks passes a few round concrete pipe covers and then comes to an indistinct intersection, where there are two round pipe covers, an electrical junction box and a pipe bridge crossing the creek on the left.

(0km) Int near Pipe bridge → Int of Blue Gum and Pipeline tracks

260 m

6 mins

-13m Hard track

Turn left : From the well-hidden intersection, this walk heads from the concrete lids down the rough track and under the pipe bridge, where it cross the creek and heads up the bank to a track at the other end of the bridge. From here, the walk follows the bush track through the open bracken and blue gum forest for a while, before the forest becomes more dense. The track soon joins onto the Blue Gum Walk, marked with a small post.

(1km) Int of Blue Gum and Pipeline tracks → Int of Blue Gum Walk at bottom of wooden steps

280 m

8 mins

42m

-3m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker along the management trail, winding up the hill. The trail soon turns sharply to the right, and then meanders up the spur to an intersection with a grassy management trail (on the right) marked with another Blue Gum Walk post.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker along the concrete management trail. The trail climbs steeply up the hill until it comes to the intersection with the Blue Gum Walk, at the base of a set of wooden steps on the right.

(1km) Int of Blue Gum Walk at bottom of wooden steps → Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)

820 m

21 mins

58m

-58m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk climbs up the wooden steps and follows the bush track. The track continues up the side of the valley through the tall blue bum forest and the bracken ferns, until reaching the unmarked intersection with the power line track (just below the power lines).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track north, keeping the valley down to the right. The track winds along the side of the ridge, through the lush blue gum forest with houses up to the left, to the intersection with the 'Great North Walk'.

(2km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) → Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track

690 m

18 mins

73m

-43m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Jungo' sign[1] south along the clear track, soon keeping the wide valley to your right. About 100m further, the walk comes to an intersection with the unsignposted Blackfellows Head track[2] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the main track, keeping the valley down to your right[3]. The track leads downhill for just over 100m and crosses a small, rocky gully[4] (below some houses[5]), where the rocky track then continues to meander fairly gently down along the side of the hill[6] for about 300m. The track then leads down much more steeply for a short time[7] before walking among the rock outcrop[8] and finding a three-way intersection with the signposted 'Quarter Sessions Rd' track[9] (on your left).

(3km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Quarter Sessions Road track → Elouera Lookout

2.2 km

54 mins

130m

-152m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track south, downhill, keeping the wide valley to your right. After about 100m, the track crosses a small (often dry) creek[10], then after another 110m, a rocky creek on a small flat timber bridge[11]. After leaving this gully, the track gently winds down along the side of the hill for about 800m, passing through a pleasant casuarina forest[12] then crossing another small (often dry) creek[13]. The track leads over a rise and down some timber steps[14] before passing among the pleasant grass trees for about 200m (crossing a couple of small creeks with timber plank spans[15] and coming to a flat timber bridge[16]. Crossing this bridge, the walk leads over a rise to come to the edge of Berowra Creek[17]. The track soon crosses another flat timber bridge[18], then starts to climb steeply for just over 250m. The walk then starts to flatten out, following the rocky track[19] for about 200m to find a fence[20]. Following this fence, the walk comes to Elouera Lookout[21], where there is an intersection with the 'Westleigh' track[22] (on your left).

Elouera Lookout

This fenced lookout is on the Benowie Track close to Westleigh. There are uninterrupted views from the clifftop across the Berowra Creek valley, which is rare for the area[23]. As well as being on the Great North Walk, this lookout can be accessed by a short walk from Elouera Rd, Westleigh. This section of fenced rock platform is about 100m long[24], and there is some limited shade[25] from the casuarina near the lookout if you want to take a rest.

(5km) Elouera Lookout → Jungo campsite

1.1 km

29 mins

58m

-82m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Elouera Lookout[26], this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[27] along the track, keeping the fence and valley to your right. At the end of the fence, the walk passes through casuarina forest[28] for a short distance before passing alongside another (shorter) fenced cliff[29]. About 50m past this fence, the track bends right and leads steeply downhill[30] (tending further right to find some GNW arrows[31]) where the track then flattens out[32] for about 170m. The walk crosses a mossy gully on a large flat rock[33] then, just shy of 250m later, crosses a flat timber bridge[34]. The track then leads among grass trees beside Berowra Creek for a further 250m, and comes to a sandy beach[35] and intersection, beside a creek crossing[36]. Here, the walk turns right and crosses Berowra Creek[37] - this creek may become impassable after rain. The eroded track[38] leads (steeply at first) up the hill for about 70m, coming to an intersection with a wide management trail[39], marked a 'Great North Walk' sign[40].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[41][42] along the wide trail as it bends left and leads downhill along the concrete section[43]. The trail leads down across a usually small creek[44], then heads up to the well-signposted intersection[45] beside the Jungo campsite[46][47], where a 'Fishponds' sign[48] points back down along the trail.

The Jungo

The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection[49]. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities[50]. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.

(6km) The Jungo → Zig Zag Creek Bridge intersection

1.4 km

25 mins

37m

-16m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection at the Jungo, this walk follows the 'Bellamy Street' Great North Walk sign[51] through the campsite and along the pleasant track, leading into, then through, the ferny forest[52] for about 700m before crossing a side creek on a timber bridge[53]. The track then continues in a similar manner for another 700m, coming to a T-intersection with a concrete bike track, beside a large bridge (over Zigzag Creek, on your left) where a sign points back along the 'Great North Walk'[54].

Thornleigh zigzag railway

The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

(7km) Zig Zag Creek Bridge int. → Int of Bellamy trail and Morgan Rd tracks

130 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete trail uphill[55], directly away from 'Zig Zag Creek'[56]. The walk continues up out of the valley[57] along the concrete trail for 110m to cross over the culverted creek[58] (with a green rail[59] on one side)

[Trip Hazard]

. Just 25m past this culvert the walk comes to an intersection (with a dirt track on the left) marked with a few signs including a 'The Jungo' arrow[60] point back down along the trail.

(7km) Int of Bike Trail and Morgan Rd tracks → Morgan Rd

230 m

4 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sydney Cove' sign[61] along the narrow track away from the wide concrete trail. The track leads behind the house (on your right) following along the rocky side of Zig Zag Creek[62]. After the third house, in a small clearing, the track turns right[63], heading up between the houses[64] a short distance to come to the top of the turning circle[65] at the end of Morgan Road, Thornleigh.

(8km) Morgan Rd → Thornleigh Train Station

990 m

18 mins

47m

-7m Easy track

Turn left: From the end of Morgan Street, this walk heads up along the road[66] to left into 'Tillock Street'[67]. This street soon bends right[68] to become 'Eddy Street'[69] following the footpath[70] and GNW arrows[71] to the top of the hill where there is a set of traffic lights[72]. The walk cross 'The Esplanade' at the lights[73] to then turn right walking past the car park[74], and through a small park[75] to find a large 'Great North Walk' sign[76] at the (north bound) entrance to Thornleigh train station[77].

Maps for the Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station 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 Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

Altitude analysis for Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station

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	8.6 km
		Time	3 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.1km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 630m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 260m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 260m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.7km 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 Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station walk.

Bellamy St to De Saxe Cl dog walking trail

529 m One way, 15 mins

This short walk follows a concrete management trail between Bellamy St and De Saxe Close. This is one of a few dog friendly bushwalks in the Berowra Valley Regional Park. You walk through some beautiful bush with a good array of grass and eucalyptus trees. At the bottom of the valley a bridge spa

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Bellamy fire trail

619 m One way, 30 mins

This walk follows a wide concrete trail through Berowra Valley Regional Park, through lovely bushland and the site of the historic Zig Zag railway. The railway is long gone, but the quarry site is interesting to explore and crossing Zig Zag Creek on the bridge gives a lovely view down on the fern tr

Total climbing: 34m

Moderate track

Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)

4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This is an enjoyable circuit walk that allows you to explore this rare pocket of Sydney Blue Gum forest. You will follow a signposted track across a few creeks and alongside Waitara Creek, with a few cascades. There are many small sandstone caves and a great diversity in plant life along the way. S

Total climbing: 231m

Hard track

Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

4.2 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

A really nice loop walk in a corner of Berowra Valley Regional Park. The walk starts and finishes at the end of Schofield Pde, Pennant Hills. The scenery includes nice forest while going down Stringybark ridge and beautiful scenes along Zig Zag creek, as well as an optional side trip to see the remn

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Cherrybrook to Thornleigh

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is mostly within the Berowra Valley Regional Park. It has some beautiful sections with great scenery, including sandstone rock features, lots of ferns and great scenery along Zig Zag creek. There is an optional side trip to visit the remnants of the historic Thornleigh Quarry and Zig Zag r

Total climbing: 128m

Moderate track

Callicoma Loop

5.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This great circuit walk passes through some really nice forest around the fringe of Cherrybrook. Highlights of the walk include some beautiful rock overhangs at the 'Callicoma Caves', and the atmospheric 'Coachwood Grotto'. The walk starts and finishes at the pleasant Lakes of Cherrybrook park.

Total climbing: 153m

Hard track

Stringybark Ridge and Zig Zag Creek loop from Thornleigh Station

6.6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

A really nice loop walk in a corner of Berowra Valley Regional Park with good access by public transport. The walk starts and finishes at Thornleigh train station. The scenery includes beautiful scenes along Zig Zag creek and nice forest while going up Stringybark ridge, plus as an optional side tri

Total climbing: 187m

Hard track

Hornsby Blue Gum Walk

6.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This delightful loop is one of the prettiest and most popular walks in the Hornsby area. Going from an environment of ferns and clear bushland to dry sandstone bush near Berowra Creek, this walk has a good complement of environments. The side trip out to Joe's Mountain doesn't have the most fantasti

Total climbing: 374m

Hard track

Cherrybrook to Hornsby via Fishponds

9 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

A beautiful walk through the Berowra Valley Regional Park. The walk mostly follows the Great North Walk, between Cherrybrook and Hornsby. There are some fantastic lookouts along the way and some excellent scenery along Berowra creek, including the 'Fishponds'. The start and end of the walk are close

Total climbing: 536m

Hard track

Thornleigh to Hornsby

10.2 km One way, 4 hrs

Starting at Thornleigh station you walk through suburban streets for a short while before diving into the bush at the southern end of Berowra Valley Regional Park. Soon after visiting the site of the historic Zig Zag railway you start wandering through the Berowra Creek valley, passing a few cascadi

Total climbing: 525m

Hard track

Thornleigh to Galston Gorge

15.5 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk follows the Great North Walk above Berowra Creek from Thornleigh to Galston Gorge, on bush tracks and service trails. The Steele Bridge is quite an interesting landmark of the area. Fishponds is a wonderful highlight, it is a lovely water hole surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. The walk

Total climbing: 768m

Hard track

Epping to Hornsby Station

17.5 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

This long day walk follows the Lane Cove River and Berowra Creek. The walk mostly follows the iconic Great North Walk, keeping mostly to bushland. With a train station at each end and a chance to fill the tummy at Thornleigh, this is an enjoyable day out.

Total climbing: 705m

Hard track

Eastwood to Hornsby

20.6 km One way, 8 hrs

Initially following Terry's Creek, and then the Lane Cove River, this walk goes through some of the prettier sections of the Lane Cove National Park before climbing up to Thornleigh and continuing into the Berowra Valley Regional Park. Following Berowra Creek and the side of the valley, the surround

Total climbing: 810m

Hard track

Gordon to Hornsby (overnight at Scout camp)

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from Gordon train station and winds through bush filled valleys to Hornsby station. From Gordon station, the walk winds down past the Gordon golf course to the Great North Walk, then continues north through the Lane Cove Valley before staying overnight at the Baden Powell

Total climbing: 1024m

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

Circular Quay to Hornsby

44.4 km One way, 3 Days

This fun walk covers a large section of the Great North Walk, starting from the official start in Circular Quay. After a short ferry trip the walk follows the Lane Cove River through the Lane Cove National Park, to Thornleigh. Here, the walk enters Berowra Valley National Park, continuing along the

Total climbing: 1690m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station walk.

Refuge Rock and Natural Arch

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

A very nice walk through a small part of the Berowra Valley Regional Park. The extensive rock platforms of Refuge Rock make a beautiful place to relax and explore. The optional side trip to see the natural rock arch is well worth it, adding some really beautiful scenery to the walk. Another great bu

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Elouera Lookout

828 m Return, 30 mins

A short walk to a beautiful lookout with views over the Berowra Creek valley, near Westleigh. This is a short and interesting walk to one on those really beautiful pockets of bush in the middle of the suburbs. The lookout is in the Berowra Valley Regional Park and also on the Great North Walk.

Total climbing: 44m

Moderate track

Hornsby station to Crosslands

16.1 km One way, 6 hrs 45 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Hornsby train station and winds down along the Blue Gum Walk into Fishponds. Enjoy the wonderful water hole at fishponds before continuing along Berowra Creek, passing through the Tunks Ridge Reserve and into Galston Gorge. From the Gorge the track

Total climbing: 938m

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

Hornsby to Fishponds

5.6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

A short walk from Hornsby to reach a great spot for admiring Berowra Creek. This walk explores several different environments in the Regional Park along the way. Allow some time to sit and enjoy the view at Fishponds. Expect to see other people along the track as this is one of the most popular walk

Total climbing: 296m

Hard track

Hornsby to Galston Gorge

9.7 km One way, 4 hrs

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

Total climbing: 473m

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

Daphne Place dog walking trail

515 m One way, 15 mins

This is a pleasant dog-friendly walk, passing through some nice bush on the fringe of Cherrybrook. Despite being within the Berowra Valley Regional Park, this is an 'Authorised On-Lead Dog Walking Track'. The walk starts at the end of Daphne Pl, Cherrybrook and can be done as a one-way walk, finishi

Total climbing: 35m

Moderate track

Thornleigh to Marsfield

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Following the Great North Walk, and the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River South, this walk explores dense bushland surrounding the river. You will experience a variety of trails along this walk, from steep bush tracks to wide biketrails. The common feature, however, is how well managed these trai

Total climbing: 106m

Hard track

Blackwattle Close loop

613 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a pleasant loop walk, close to Cherrybrook. The walk crosses Disturbed Creek (not officially named) a couple of times and includes some nice scenery along the creek with ferns, grasstrees and eucalypt forest.

Total climbing: 23m

Moderate track

Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai

14.7 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

Starting with a walk through the streets of Wahroonga, this walk then heads bush, following the Gibberagong Track to Bobbin Head. After a picnic or a bite to eat from the kiosk, the walk then heads up the Birrawanna track to lead to Apple Tree Bay. From here the track follows the picturesque Cowan

Total climbing: 607m

Hard track

Clarinda St dog walking trail

499 m One way, 15 mins

This short walk links Clarinda St and Simon Pl in Hornsby Heights. The walk follows a management trail and is one of three dog friendly walks in Berowra Valley Regional Park. Starting at the wetlands at the end of Clarinda St you follow the Great North Walk alternate route until the turn off to th

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station walk starts at the Wareemba Ave (Near Vale Rd), Thornleigh (gps: -33.709725, 151.08069)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Wareemba Ave to Thornleigh Station ends at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731949, 151.07815)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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.

Dog Pound Creek Reserve

Dog Pound Creek reserve is managed by Hornsby Council and is home to a spectatular native Blue Gum stand. The valley has a number of walks and creeks running through it and joins Westleigh, Thronleigh and Hornsby. The reserve is named after a creek that runs from the former dog pound that was on Warrigal Dr, Westleigh.

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