Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

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Time 5 hrs 30 mins
One way 13.4 km One way
Climb 654 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Train Bus Car
no_pets
This Cowan to Brooklyn Station walk is a popular section of the Great North Walk, with scenery ranging from foreshore to ridge top lookouts. You will follow the Great North Walk from Cowan Station down to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay, then climb up over a series of ridges before descending into Brooklyn. This walk is a great one-way trip from station to station with numerous water views, including a circumnavigation of Brooklyn Dam whilst enjoying a wonderful diversity of flora along the way.
Crossing the tracks at Cowan Station Looking towards Cowan Station Walking alongside train lines near Cowan Station Signposted near swtiching box North of Cowan Station Pink spider flower (Grevillea sericea) Freeway Overpass Crossing the Freeway Wide track east of F3 crossing Grey Spider Flower (Grevillea Buxifolia) Seed pods getting ready to open Scribbly Gums east of the F3 Rocky track east of the F3 bridge Bottle Brush Minor creek crossing Mountain Devil (Lambertia formosa) Flowers in bloom Jerusalem Bay Track creek crossing Walking along the Jerusalem Bay Track just north of the main creek crossing A large angophera west of Jerusalem Bay A overhang west of Jerusalem Bay Wide track beside Cowan Creek Sign near water on Jerusalem Bay Track Yellow and red pea flower Cowan Creek south of Jerusalem Bay Steps up to the point at Jerusalem Bay View of Jerusalem Bay Rocky track north of Jerusalem Bay Rocky gully north of Jerusalem Bay Passing a small cave north of Jerusalem Bay Rocky steep track north of Jerusalem Bay Banksia An appealing tree north of Jerusalem Bay Near the top of the ridge north of Jerusalem Bay Signpost at the top of the ridge north of Jerusalem Bay Sandy flat track at the top of the ridge Track leading through the cleft in the rock Steep track south of Campbells Creek pink spider flower (Grevillea sericea) Patersonia Lily (Patersonia sericea) Crossing Campbells Creek Moss at Campbells Creek Small clearing north of Campbells Creek Rock formation north of Campbells Creek An orange fungus growing from a rotting log Small cave north of Campbells Creek Sandstone patterns in valley north of Campbells Creek Sandy track on ridge north of Campbells Creek Metal pegs near the Brooklyn Dam trail Intersection of trail north of Campbells Creek Freeway Lookout Trail along ridge top Trail leading over rock platform Valley view from power pole Gravelly trail winding down the ridge View over the Hawkesbury River and Peats Ferry Bridge Walking along trail on the ridge east of Brooklyn Dam Wide trail with power lines east of Brooklyn Dam Intersection of small east of Brooklyn Dam campsite The small Brooklyn dam campsite walking around Brooklyn Dam pink spider flower (Grevillea sericea) at Brooklyn Dam Sign near Brooklyn Dam Water Lilies on Brooklyn Dam Large camping area at Brooklyn Dam Brooklyn Dam Walking along trail east of Brooklyn Dam Powerlines on ridge trail east of Brooklyn Dam Int of Hawkesbury Track and Brooklyn Trail Walking along the ridge trail south of Brooklyn Upper concrete section south of Brooklyn Rock cutting and steep concrete trail south of Brooklyn Sign and gate at southern end of William St Brooklyn Walking along side Parsley Bay Brooklyn Baths Intersection of George and William Streets Brooklyn Walking along Bridge Street Brooklyn Anglers Rest Brooklyn Memorial commemorating the naming of the Hawkesbury River Brooklyn Trackhead sign Hawkesbury River station Fish and chips at Brooklyn

(0km) Cowan Station → Freeway Bridge

distance 300 m time 6 mins climb 8m descent -15m Easy track
From the front of Cowan station[1], this walk follows the GNW arrow[2] up the concrete ramp, turning right to cross the track at the controlled 'Pedestrian Railway Crossing'[3][4]. The walk follows the ramp onto platform 1 (Sydney-bound side) then around the shelter[5] to follow the GNW arrow post right, down the steps[6] and through the gate. Here the walk crosses the train lines (train storage area) and turns left, following the 'Brooklyn' sign[7] along the wide management trail[8]. After 130m, the trail leads past an electrical switching area[9] then turns right at the large 'Great North Walk' signposts[10]. Here, the narrower trail leads between the fences over a small rise[11] to cross the freeway on a large, fenced concrete bridge[12].

(0km) Freeway Bridge → Jerusalem Bay

distance 2.2 km time 50 mins climb 61m descent -222m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the overpass, this walk heads away from the freeway and down the wide track[13]. The track leads down a series of timber steps[14][15], then over a small rise (among the scribbly gums[16]) where the track begins to narrow and lead more steeply down a rocky section[17]. The walk then heads down a series of timber steps[18] (passing a 'Great North Walk' sign[19]), and crosses a short section of timber boardwalk[20]. At the other end of the boardwalk, this track leads left over a rock platform[21] (with a small creek flowing after rain) and then turns right to step off the rock platform[22].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the rocky track[23][24]. The track leads past a few rock walls[25] over about 350m, then turns right onto, then steps down off, a long thin rock platform[26]. The track continues down along the side of the valley for another 200m, passing into a much more lush and dense forest[27], where the track then crosses the creek at a large rock platform[28]. On the other side of the creek, the track leads right down along the other side of the valley[29], passing a few small sandstone overhangs[30][31] then a particularly broad angophora tree[32] after about 500m. Soon after this angophora, the track leads down some rock steps[34] then begins to widen for about 300m, and passes a small track (on your right) marked with a 'No Camping or fires allowed' sign[35]. By this point, the broad waters (or mud flats, depending on the tide) of Cowan Creek are obvious[36], on your right. The walk now continues along the generally broad and flat track[37] for another 500m, then climbs up a set of concrete steps[38], marked with a GNW arrow post. At the top of these steps is a large, fairly flat clearing[39] with a 'No Camping' and a 'Great North Walk' sign[40] and a great view up the middle of Jerusalem Bay[41].

Jerusalem Bay

Jerusalem Bay
Jerusalem Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a nice bay east of Cowan Station. The bay is popular with bushwalkers as it is part of the Great North Walk. The bay is sometimes known for an iconic photo of the single palm in front of the water. The bay itself is also popular with boaters who can anchor in the bay. Jerusalem Bay can be accessed by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay or from Brooklyn or Cowan Railway Stations.

(2km) Jerusalem Bay → Ridge Top

distance 1.1 km time 37 mins climb 201m descent -24m Hard track
Continue straight: From the clearing at Jerusalem Bay, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[42], keeping the water to your right. The track bends left then leads down some sandstone steps[43] (with a handrail). The track soon becomes fairly rough and follows the shoreline[44] for about 200m before crossing a rocky and mossy gully[45]. On the other side of this gully, the track tends right, following the GNW arrow post[46] past a sandstone overhang[47], and over a small flat timber bridge[48]. Just past this bridge, the track bends left and starts to climb steeply[49] up the particularly rocky track[50]. After about 300m of climbing, the track passes a small clearing with a small seat[51] (on your right). Over the next 400m, the rocky track still heads up, but is generally less steep[52][53]. The walk then comes to a large rock outcrop[54], where the track turns right to head up through a rocky gully[55]. About 60m after this climb, the track leads up another short climb[56] to a rock platform[57], then a third consecutive climb[58] leads up through a crack in a rock[59] to find a much welcomed bench seat[60] and 'Great North Walk - Track Register' log book box[61][62]. From here, the walk follows the the track gently uphill for another 60m to a 'Jerusalem Bay' sign[63] pointing back along the track, at the top of the ridge.

(4km) Ridge Top → Campbells Ck

distance 760 m time 18 mins climb 3m descent -120m Hard track
Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, this walk follows the 'Brooklyn Dam' sign[64], gently uphill, heading north through the tall heath. The mostly flat track leads through the forest[65], with an occasional glimpse[66][67] to the freeway and down to Brooklyn. after about 400m, the track bends left and leads through a long cleft in the rock[68]. Here the track start to head more and more steeply down[69] for the next 350m, until heading down some timber steps[70] which lead to Campbells Creek. The walk steps over the small (orange, polluted [71]) creek to find a flat sandy clearing [72] a few metres past the creek.

(4km) Campbells Ck → Int. Jerusalem Bay Trk and Brooklyn Dam Service Trail

distance 1.2 km time 34 mins climb 146m descent -39m Hard track
Continue straight: From the small clearing[73], this walk follows the clear track away from the creek, and soon bends left then begins to climb. The rocky track climbs steeply for about 200m, passing among the grass trees and eucalyptus[74]. The track flattens out and passes alongside a rock wall[75], then resumes the climb up the hill. At the top of this climb, the track passes a couple of small rock overhangs[76] then climbs about halfway up a section of rock[77] to follow the longer section of rock platform[78] to the right. The track then gently undulates along the side of the hill, passing a section of hand rail[79] after about 70m. The track then follows a series of small rock walls[80] (on your left) for about 250m before climbing up onto a flat, sandy track. This soon leads to a faint intersection[81] (with a track on your right, which goes to a large rock platform[82]). From here, the sandy track stays mostly flat[83] for about 300m before veering left at a GNW arrow post, leading up a more rocky section of track[84] and then climbing up some steel pegs[85] in the rock wall at the next GNW arrow post[86]. Here the track leads up the short hill and comes to a T-intersection with a wide management trail, where a 'Jerusalem Bay' sign[87] points back down the hill.

(5km) Int. Jerusalem Bay Trk and Brooklyn Dam Service Trail → freeway view point

distance 100 m time 2 mins climb 3m descent -11m Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads in the opposite direction to the 'Brooklyn' arrow[88], uphill along the wide management trail, keeping the power lines to your left. The trail leads through the tall heath and soon heads more steeply up[89] a short hill to a concrete section of old road[90]. The concrete section leads to the unfenced view point at the top of a large cutting, overlooking the freeway[91]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(5km) Int. Jerusalem Bay Trk and Brooklyn Dam Service Trail → Upper Int. of Brooklyn Dam Service Track and Brooklyn Dam Bushtrack

distance 2.8 km time 57 mins climb 86m descent -133m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Brooklyn' sign[92] down along the wide management trail, initially keeping the power lines to your right[93]. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 700m, passing a few short side tracks[94][95] (which lead to the power poles) and distant valley glimpses. The trail leads over a solid rock platform[96] and less than 100m later, the walk leads past a track[97] (on your right, which leads to a unfenced view over the valleys[98], from the power pole). The walk continues along the main trail for another 90m then follows a GNW arrow post[99] as the trail bends left[100], then right, to head downhill notably steeply for a short time[101]. The trail then continues to undulate along the top of the ridge for about 1.2km, passing more side tracks to power poles[102][103] (some with unfenced views). The walk then comes to a point where the trail bends sharply right[104], and there is a filtered view over the Hawkesbury River to Peats Ferry Bridge[105]. From here, the walk heads quiet steeply down[106] for about 400m to pass under some power lines[107], where the trail then bends sharply left[108] (enjoying some filtered views down to Brooklyn Dam[109] and the Hawkesbury[110], on your right), passing under then same power lines again. The trail soon flattens out, coming to a faint three-way intersection[111] (with a re-vegetating track on your right), marked with a 'Great North Walk' sign[112].

(8km) Upper Int. of Brooklyn Dam Service Track and Brooklyn Dam Bushtrack → NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite

distance 1.3 km time 28 mins climb 31m descent -95m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[113] along the wide management trail as it initially leads over a small rise[114] then heads downhill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 300m, the trail turns sharp right at the T-intersection with another wide trail[115]. This flat wide trail[116] follows the power lines for about 250m to then veer left (at the Y-intersection[117]), heading downhill away from the power lines. The trail leads downhill for just shy of 300m, passing the speed hump signs[118] to then bend right at the large clearing[119] (ignoring the fenced trail[120] on your left). Then about 100m later, this walk ignores another fenced trail[121] (on your left) as this trail is still bending right. Here the trail heads around the side of the hill for 400m to come to an intersection with a track[122] (on your left, leading a few meters to the signposted campsite[123]) marked with a GNW arrow post[124].

Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam

Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam
The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.

(10km) NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite → NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite

distance 180 m time 4 mins climb 7m descent -7m Hard track
Turn left: From this intersection, this walk follows the track[125] east, away from the main trail and through the small 'Brooklyn Dam' campsite[126]. On the other side of the campsite, the narrow track bends right and leads down into the gully[127], down a few concrete steps[128] then heading alongside the small creek. Just before the dam wall, the track bends left, across the creek[129] and up the short rocky hill[130] to find a larger clearing[131]. There is a good view over the dam[132] (on your right). The track continues bending right through the clearing, and up a short hill to an intersection with the wide trail[133]. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

(10km) NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite intersection → NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite

distance 790 m time 15 mins climb 15m descent -15m Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrows post[134] south along the wide trail, soon passing alongside the dam[135] (on your left). About 40m after passing edge of the dam wall, this walk comes to an intersection with a re-vegetating track[136] (on your right) and a large 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Brooklyn Dam' sign[137] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the wide trail, keeping the dam to your left. (This section of trail leads around to the far side of the dam.) After just over 250m, the trail crosses a small creek (at the apex of the dam) then continues bending left. The track passes some old concrete pipes[138] (on your left) then after about 400m, the trail comes to an intersection with a clearing and dam wall (to your left).

Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam

Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam
The large campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a spacious and well-maintained campsite which has room for plenty of tents. The close proximity to the dam means accessible water (treat before drinking). The campsite has many tall, shady trees and is a fuel stove only site. The concrete dam wall was built in 1884 to provide water for the steam trains passing about 500m to the north. The dam was enlarged six times before 1924, then in in 1989 the dam was added to the expanded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

(10km) NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite → Int of Hawkesbury Track and Brooklyn Trail

distance 1.6 km time 34 mins climb 86m descent -38m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill along the management trail[139], directly away from the dam. After about 30m, the trail bends right and passes a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Brooklyn Dam' sign[140] and continues uphill for another 150m, to where the trail becomes less steep (enjoying some filter views over the Hawkesbury[141] on your left) for about 180m. Here a GNW arrow post[142] guides along a short track (on the left), that runs parallel[143] before re-joining the main trail again a short distance later. The walk then continues uphill to veer right at a three-way intersection[144], under the power lines, then about 120m later, this walk veers right[145] again at another three-way intersection. About 70m up from here, the walk veers left[146] at another three-way intersection, this time the trail generally follows the power lines[147] along the side of the ridge. After another 300m, the trail bends right and passes under a set of high tension power lines[148], then continues to gently undulate for another 600m to come to a three-way intersection (with a clearing and trail[149] on your left) and a 'Cowan' sign[150] pointing back along the trail.

(12km) Int of Hawkesbury Track and Brooklyn Trail → Int of George & William Sts

distance 1.1 km time 25 mins climb 14m descent -127m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Brooklyn Station' sign[151] gently downhill along the management trail, keeping the Hawkesbury River glimpses to your left. The trail gently undulates[152] for about 600m before bending left to find a large clearing[153] and water glimpses. From the clearing, the trail starts to lead downhill[154] towards the water, and after nearly 100m, the trail leads steeply down a short section of concreted trail[155]. Just after this, the trail leads steeply again over a longer section of concrete[156], where the trail then leads through a rock cutting[157] to find an even longer and steeper section of concrete trail[158]. This section of concrete leads down for about 220m, sweeping left to head around a locked gate[159], past a large 'Great North Walk' sign[160] to find the southern end of William St. Here the walk turns right to head down William St[161] then across George St[162] to find a few 'Great North Walk' signs on the corner[163].

(13km) Int of George AND William Sts → Hawkesbury River Railway Station

distance 1.3 km time 24 mins climb 23m descent -25m Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Alternate Scenic Route' sign[164], crossing 'William St' and heading down alongside 'George Street'[165]. After about 100m, this walk follows the 'Boat Launching Ramp' sign[166], veering left into the 'Parsley Bay' car park[167]. This walk heads through the car park to follow the GNW arrow post up over the grassy verge[168] and come to the Parsley Bay Boat Ramp[169].
Turn left: From the boat ramp, this walk follows the GNW arrow post through the gate[170] and along the dirt 'Parsley Bay' management trail[171], keeping the water to your right. The trail leads along the foreshore for about 250m then passes the 'Public Loading Dock'[172] (just past a bench seat[173]), and soon bends left[174] around Flat Rock Point. The trail then leads past a square log seat[175], coming to an intersection[176] (where there is a set of stairs on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[177] (at the base of the stairs), this walk follows the GNW arrow post[178] along the wide flat trail, keeping the shoreline to your right. Enjoying the view over the water to Dangar Island[179], this dirt trail continues for just over 150m, passing a few seats to come to a concrete footpath[180] beside a Brooklyn Baths[181]. The footpath leads past the toilet block[182], then past several picnic shelters[183] and comes to an intersection just before the fenced children's playground[184].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the flat concrete footpath[185], keeping the water to your right. The path leads around the edge of the metal and glass 'Federation' interpretive signs[186][187] and playground[188]. Here the walk veers right to follow the gravel path[189] between the car park (on your left) and the water[190] (on your right) for about 130m before coming to the end of the car park[191].
Turn left: From near the end of the car park[192], this walk follows the GNW arrow post across Dangar Rd[193] to then turn right and follow the footpath[194]. The footpath leads past the 'Hawkesbury River Marina'[195][196], to cross a side street[197] then pass some public toilets[198] and a few cafes[199]. The walk then leads past a small park to come to the sandstone 'Obelisk' commemorating the naming of the Hawkesbury River[200]. This is just on the other side of the road, opposite some large 'Great North Walk' signs and the Hawkesbury River Railway Station[201]. Now Turn sharp right to rejoin the main walk .

(13km) Int of George & William Sts → Int of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds

distance 200 m time 4 mins climb 2m descent -5m Very easy
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk - Direct Route' sign[202] gently uphill along the footpath beside George St. At the top of this hill, the walk turns right onto 'Bridge St'[203] and heads down past a cafe, post office[204] and 'The Anglers Rest'[205] (on the other side of the road) and crosses 'Brooklyn Rd' to find a phone box[206] on the other side.

Brooklyn Accomodation

Brooklyn Accomodation
Brooklyn is a lovely little village with plenty of holiday style accommodation. There are several small cafe/restaurants in the area, good choice for cooked meals. There are two options for overnight visits, both need to be booked in advance. Brooklyn Motel: Newly renovated accommodation on Bridge St,nearly opposite The Anglers Rest. This studio style accommodation starts from $120 per night with a spa, television and free wifi. Ph: 99858540 or 0410454530. Breakfast can be organised for an extra fee. The Anglers Rest: Pub style accommodation on the intersection of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds. There are shared bathroom facilities. From $60 single and $90 a double. Breakfast not included (but you can grab breakfast from a cafe) PH:(02)9985-7257

(13km) Int of Brooklyn AND Dangar Rds → Hawkesbury River Railway Station

distance 90 m time 1 mins climb 1m descent 0m Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath down along Dangar Road past the phone box[207], keeping the train line and road to your left. The path soon leads past the community centre[208] then the blue painted 'JJs Brooklyn' fish and chip store[209] to come to the sandstone 'Obelisk' commemorating the naming of the Hawkesbury River[210]. This is just on the other side of the road, opposite some large 'Great North Walk' signs and the Hawkesbury River Railway Station[211].

Maps for the Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) 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.

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 Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

Altitude analysis for Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

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.

Length13.4 km
Time5 hrs 30 mins
.




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)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

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 4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3km is very steep and the remaining 290m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4.9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 290m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.4km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.1km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.9km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 4.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (760m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) walk.

McKell Park Loop

931 m Circuit, 30 mins

McKell Park Loop

This is a great walk to take the kids on, with a fenced playground, a swimming area and pelicans. For mum and dad, there is parking, a Federation interpretive display, picnic and toilet facilities and views over the Hawkesbury River from Flat Rock Point above. This short walk complements a fresh sea

Total climbing: 24m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Moderate track

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

McKell Park to Flat Rock Point

This short track is excellent walk for those with young children. The track passes the fantastic McKell Park playground facilities, which stand next to the Federation Interpretive Display. For the warmer months, enclosed beach pool is right next to the track. The views of the Hawkesbury River are qu

Total climbing: 29m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Very easy

Jerusalem Bay Track (to Jerusalem Bay and back)

4.9 km Return, 2 hrs

Jerusalem Bay Track (to Jerusalem Bay and back)

This track takes you to one of the most iconic views along the the Great North Walk. From Cowan Station, the walk passes through a variety of environments, with dryer vegetation near the freeway and moister rainforest-like plants near the water. Jerusalem Bay is a pretty area, shared by walkers and

Total climbing: 306m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Moderate 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

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

33.4 km One way, 2 Days

Cowan to Wondabyne station via Patonga rest area

This section of the Great North Walk starts from Cowan train station and wanders past the majestic Jerusalem Bay then through to Brooklyn. After a ferry ride to Patonga, this walk climbs to the top of the ridge, reaching even more great views. Day 2, the track heads over the scenic Mt Wondabyne and

Total climbing: 1523m

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 Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) walk.

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

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 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

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

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

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

Challenger Track

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Challenger Track

The Challenger Track is a simple track which heads through the heath and some forest to arrive at a pleasant lookout. Starting at West Head Rd, the track follows a ridge out to a rocky outcrop where views over the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay reveal Patonga and Brooklyn.

Total climbing: 59m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

America Bay Track (to beach)

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

America Bay Track (to beach)

This short walk has a great range of scenery, making it a great choice if you have only a short time in this National Park. This track one of two ways to access America Bay - the other is by boat. The track cuts straight through the bush from West Head Rd to pass historic Aboriginal engravings and a

Total climbing: 130m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

America Bay Waterfall

1.9 km Return, 45 mins

America Bay Waterfall

This short walk is a great way to see a slice of what Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has on offer. The track visits some historic Aboriginal engravings, and enjoys water views, heath and forest environments. The America Bay track also throws in a waterfall for your enjoyment - from the top of the f

Total climbing: 76m

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Mackerel Beach

8.2 km Return, 3 hrs

Mackerel Beach

This walk takes one of two main tracks down to Mackerel Beach. The track leaves West Head Rd, passing some historic Aboriginal engravings before descending to the beach. The track loops around the small community of Mackerel Beach to come back down the beach and return to West Head Rd. A nice An opt

Total climbing: 299m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

The Basin Track and Mackerel Track

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs

The Basin Track and Mackerel Track

This walk is a great way to see some popular areas in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The walk from West Head Rd travels to The Basin campsite, and the ferry takes you over to Mackerel Beach. Before returning to West Head Rd, the walk also gives the option to head down to Currawong Beach. There is

Total climbing: 226m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) walk starts at the Cowan Station (gps: -33.593766, 151.17169)

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

The Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn) ends at the Hawkesbury River Railway Station (gps: -33.547222, 151.22659)

train Train. (get details) bus Bus. (get details) 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

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,

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