Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

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2 hrs 30 mins

6.8 km One way

184 m

Hard track

This walk, to Cheltenham Station from Epping Station, visits Whale Rock and Lane Cove River. This is not the most direct route between the two stations, but it is a great way to explore Devlins Creek. With a train station at each end, this walk mostly follows well define management trails with a narrow section of track at the upper end of Devlins Creek.

Track towards Cheltenham and Pennant Hills Tracks

Track through some nice bushland towards Pennant Hills

(0km) Epping Station → Int of Derby street service trail

940 m

18 mins

-33m Very easy

The walk exits Epping Station on the Oxford St side. The walk then crosses Cambridge St and continues down Oxford St. The walk follows the footpath past the shops down Oxford St passing Chester St, Surrey St. Just after Surry St the walk turns left onto Derby St to the end. Nearing the end of Derby St the walk tends left around the yellow gate and onto the concrete driveway which veers left off the road. The walk continues towards the tunnel to come to an intersection just before the tunnel entrance.

(1km) Int of Derby street service trail → Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail

1.5 km

25 mins

-21m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow up the couple of steps then down along the footpath through the tunnel under the M2 (keeping the creek and wider management trail to your left). Out of the tunnel this walk follows the track as it winds up and around the fenced sewage vent and then continues through the dense bushland in the gully passing a sign marking the entrance to Lane Cove National Park. A little while later the track leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Belinda Crs' management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the Whale Rock sign down the service trail which narrows into a bushtrack and follows Devlin creek through the gully all the way along until it widens out into a rocky service trail again and comes to the intersection of the Cheltenham service trail.

(2km) Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail → Big Ducky Waterhole

190 m

3 mins

-1m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Lane Cove River arrow along the servicetrail for a while before it loops around the top of Big Ducky Waterhole.

Big Ducky Waterhole

The servicetrail loops around the top of the Big Ducky waterhole and there is a nice rock overhang in which to break. Is also a popular bird watching area. Unfortunately, recently there has been large quantities of rubbish in the area. (If going down to the waterhole please consider carrying out some of the rubbish if every walker carrys out a bit it will make a difference)

(3km) Big Ducky Waterhole → Whale Rock

480 m

8 mins

-9m Easy track

Continue straight: From the top of Big Ducky Waterhole the continues through the valley keeping Devlins Creek below on the left of the track all the way to Whale Rock.

Whale Rock

This is a large boulder that looks eerily like a whale, complete with eye socket. It is a good place to break and climb around the Rock.

(3km) Whale Rock → Int of Powerline and Develin creek bushtracks

2.5 km

54 mins

110m

-95m Hard track

Continue straight: From Whale Rock the track follows the Penant Hills Park arrow along the service trail as it winds through the valley, crossing several small concrete creek crossings until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Pennant Hills ovals service trail.
Turn left : From the intersection the track follows the Pennant Hills ovals sign up the steep rocky service trail winding all the way up the side of the valley, flattening out to a gentle climb as it approaches the top and passing the intersection of a powerline service trail, continuing along the top of the ridge all the way to the intersection of the second second powerline service trail. From here the track continues along the ridge, following the service trail through the thick bushland all the way to the intersection of the third powerline service trail.
Turn left : From the intersection the track heads south along the service trail all the way to the power lines where it turns right and continues to the end of the service trail following the powerlines.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the rocky bushtrack from the end of the service trail to the base of the large power tower, continuing all the way down the side of the ridge to the intersection of the develin creek bushtrack.

(6km) Int of Powerline and Develin creek bushtracks → Int of North Epping service trail

310 m

7 mins

11m

-16m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection the track heads north through the bush, winding down and across Develin creek, coming up the other side to the intersection of the Pennant Hills park entry bushtrack, at a telegraph pole.
Turn left: From the intersection the bushtrack follows the powerlines, down the gentle hill and down the long set of steps to the bottom where it crosses the creek to the signposted intersection of the Cheltenham bushtrack.
Turn right: From the intersection the track follows the Cheltenham sign up the bushtrack and up some steps to the intersection of the North Epping service trail

(6km) Int of North Epping service trail → End of Malton Rd

120 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection the track follows the service trail up the hill, winding through the bush until it flattens out and follows the powerlines through the metal gate to the end of Malton road.

(6km) End of Malton Rd → Cheltenham Train Station

770 m

15 mins

37m

-3m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows Malton Road away from the bush which soon turns into Day Rd the track then turn right onto Sutherland Road. Once on Sutherland Road, Cheltenham Train Station is only about 200m further.

Maps for the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock 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
Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

Altitude analysis for Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

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	6.8 km
		Time	2 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	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

3.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.7km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 1.3km is very steep and the remaining 430m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

2.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.7km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 3.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 790m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 3.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk.

Belinda Cres to Whale Rock

2.8 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk starts from Belinda Cres and provides a lovely walk to Whale Rock. The walk first passes some exotic plants and then into more native bushland with some interesting canopies and dense growth. Whale Rock, one of the features of this walk, is quite a sight and is well worth exploring. It is

Total climbing: 41m

Moderate track

Canoon Rd to Whale Rock

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk goes to Whale Rock, from the sporting complex at the end of Canoon Rd, Turramurra. The walk follows Devlin's Creek for the most part, winding through the valley. A great way to see the Lane Cove Valley, and explore the sandstone and fern filled scenery.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Epping to Pennant Hills Station

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk explores the bush between Epping and Pennant Hills stations. Sections of the walk pass through the Lane Cove National Park, although not down to the Lane Cove River. The walk explores a section of Devlins and Byles Creeks before passing near Pennant Hills park. The walk then takes the ro

Total climbing: 155m

Moderate track

Epping to Thornleigh Station

8 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk, between Epping and Thornleigh Stations, follows Devlins Creek then Lane Cove River as they wind through the valley. There are a number of interesting rock features to enjoy along the walk. The walk starts and ends near shops, so you can fill up with a coffee or a bite to eat at each end.

Total climbing: 209m

Hard track

Pennant Hills Park loop (via Lane Cove River)

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs

Setting out from Pennant Hills train station, this walk loops around Pennant Hills Park, exploring the surrounding bush and visiting Whale rock on the way. The walk turns back towards the park after passing the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails.

Total climbing: 233m

Hard track

Epping to Pennant Hills Station (via Lane Cove River)

8.4 km One way, 3 hrs 15 mins

This walk, from Epping to Pennant Hills Station, is a great way to see the upper Lane Cove River Valley. The walk does pass near major roads, but there are times along the track, near Browns Water Hole and along the Lane Cove River, where you forget how close you are to the city. Allow time to enjo

Total climbing: 249m

Hard track

Epping Station Lane Cove River Loop

8.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs

A great way to explore the Lane Cove Valley from Epping Station, this walk loops around North Epping, returning to the station. There are many sights to be seen along this walk, with Whale Rock and Brown's Waterhole being a couple of highlights. The walk explores Devlins Creek, upper Lane Cove River

Total climbing: 168m

Moderate track

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Lane Cove River)

10.2 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

Epping to Eastwood, via Lane Cove River, is the longer route through the bush between the stations. This walk visits Big Ducky Waterhole, Whale Rock, Browns Waterhole and the Lane Cove River. The water is a great feature of this walk as you explore the valleys between Epping and Eastwood Stations.

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate 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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk.

Epping to Eastwood Station (via Terrys Creek)

4.1 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk, via Terry's Creek, is the most direct bush route between the two stations. Terry's Creek waterfall features as a wonderful spot to unwind and enjoy the bush. The walk up to Eastwood Station visits the open grassy Forrester Park, another nice place to take a break along this walk.

Total climbing: 71m

Moderate track

Epping to Gordon Station

11.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This walk, from Epping Station to Gordon Station, passes below the homes which sit on the hills high above the Lane Cove River. The walk mostly follows management trails which weave above and across the rivers and creeks which fill the valley. The walk then leaves Lane Cove River National Park and e

Total climbing: 365m

Hard track

Eastwood to Thornleigh

10.3 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk explores Terrys Creek and the Lane Cove National Park. From Eastwood station the track follows Terrys creek past a small waterfall, under the M2, past Browns Water hole and along the Lane Cove river before climbing up to Thornleigh Oval and the train station. There are picnic tables at B

Total climbing: 285m

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

Vimeira Rd to De Burghs Bridge

5.1 km One way, 2 hrs

A well maintained and signposted track that follows the Lane Cove River, along a section of the Great North Walk. The section of bush track just west of De Burghs Bridge has great views of the river. Brown's Waterhole is a good spot to break, although early in the walk. Watch out for cyclists in th

Total climbing: 178m

Hard track

Whale Rock

516 m Return, 15 mins

This rock formation really does look like a Whale. The walk down from Boundary Rd is the shortest and easiest way to see Whale Rock. The walk follows a management trail the short distance to an intersection where you will find Whale Rock. This walk starts at the end of Boundary Rd in North Epping.

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge

6 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Following the Lane Cove River, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk and is well maintained and signposted. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf which is a very pleasant spot to sit and watch the ducks. The walk passes by Lane Cove National Park Headquarters, so pop by an

Total climbing: 200m

Hard track

De Burgs Bridge to Thornleigh station

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows a section of the Great North Walk, starting from De Burghs bridge. The walk winds north west, through the Lane Cove Valley, passing through Browns Waterhole and continuing alongside Lane Cove river as it zigzags along the valley floor. The walk then climbs up to the Thornleigh play

Total climbing: 363m

Hard track

Browns Waterhole Track

1.3 km One way, 30 mins

This is a short walk down into the Lane Cove Valley, crossing the Lane Cove River, and out the other side. The entire track is concrete, making it a favourite trail for bike riders taking the short cut from Turramurra to Maquarie University. There are picnic tables at Browns Water Hole.

Total climbing: 49m

Moderate track

Kissing Pt Rd to De Burghs Bridge

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Following a section of the Great North Walk, this popular walk is well signposted and maintained. There are good views of the Lane Cove River as the track passes along the side of the ridge to the north. In several sections the track goes down to smaller creeks (some of which are polluted). Watch th

Total climbing: 155m

Hard track

Mambara Track

717 m Circuit, 20 mins

The Mambara Track is a short walk, accessible to everyone, and a great walk for gaining some knowledge about the local bush. The walk follows a concrete footpath and has many signs with information about the surrounding bush. A great loop walk for the whole family and great introduction to the walki

Total climbing: 23m

Very easy

Riverside Walking Track

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs

This is a scenic walk which takes in views of the Lane Cove River and some heritage buildings. Porters Creek bridge is a fantastic example of extravagant stone work, cut locally from the creek itself. The walk generally follows the Lane Cove River, passing many favourite sun baking spots for the loc

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock walk starts at the Epping Station (gps: -33.772529, 151.08242)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Train. (get details)

The Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock ends at the Cheltenham Train Station (gps: -33.755809, 151.07879)

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

Lane Cove National Park

This small but picturesque city park is a haven of peaceful bushland along the winding Lane Cove River. Home to the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and 27 km of the Great North Walk, you can also hire a boat, take a stroll or enjoy a picnic by the weir.

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