Epping to Pennant Hills Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.3 km One way

155 m

Moderate track

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 road for a short distance to finish at Pennant Hills Station.

Track towards Cheltenham and Pennant Hills Tracks

Track through some nice bushland towards Pennant Hills

Sign interpreting the bush on the Mambara Track

(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 → Whale Rock

670 m

11 mins

-10m 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.
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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

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.

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)

(2km) Int of Epping Trk and Malton Rd Trail → Int of North Epping service trail

380 m

6 mins

11m

-1m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection the track follows the day road sign down across the creek and up the gentle hill, following the service trail to the intersection of the Pennant Hills bushtrack.
Veer left: From the intersection the track follows the service trail up the gentle hill for a short distance until it comes to the intersection of the Day road access track

(3km) Int of North Epping service trail → Int of Pennant Hills park and Mambara Tracks(south)

920 m

22 mins

83m

-8m Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection the track follows the Pennant Hills arrow down the steps and through the bush to the signposted intersection of the Pennant Hills park entry bushtrack
Turn left: From the intersection the track heads down and across the creek, continuing up the other side, winding up the steps all the way to the top and meandering up the gentle hill to the intersection of the bushtrack at the first telegraph pole.
Veer left: From the intersection the track follows the bushtrack heading up the rocky hill to the top of the wooden steps and along the side of the valley, steadily winding all the way up past the signpost and up the hill to the intersection of the Kurrajong Street and Pennant Hills park tracks at the thin rock platform at the top of the hill.
Veer right: From the intersection the track follows the thin rock keeping the the down hill to the right and along a defined bushtrack, continuing through thick scrub all the way to the intersection of the unnamed bushtrack.
Turn left: From the intersection, the track heads up hill following the bushtrack past the large ash covered gum tree and along to the intersection of the Pennant Hills park nature trail.

(4km) Mambara east int. → Pennant Hills station

1.6 km

27 mins

51m

-15m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill (keeping the main valley to the left) along the concrete path as it bends to the right[1]. This walk follows the path for about 35m as it comes to a turning and rest bay[2] (on the right) marked with a 'You scratch my back' sign[3] (on the left). Immediately after this point the path bends sharply right[4]. Half way through the bend there is a 3-way intersection with a dirt track[5] (on the left).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up a concrete path as it bends right[6] and meanders gently uphill through the forest[7]. This walk continues along the path for the next 35m which soon bends left[8], passing a potential trip hazard

[Trip Hazard]

on the path. After 20m this path bends to the right[9] to come to a 4-way intersection[10] (with two dirt tracks on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads distinctly but gently uphill[11] along the concrete path for about 45m to come to a 'Bush Recycling' sign[12] (on the right). After another 45m this walk bends right[13] to come to a 3-way intersection with a dirt track[14] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the concrete path very gently downhill, keeping the road (a short distance) to your left. This walk continues for about 140m over a series of rough concrete sections[16] to come to a 'The Ultimate Jigsaw' sign[17] (on your right). After 5m this walk comes to a distinct T-intersection[18], marked with an arrow post[19].
Turn left : From the intersection[20], this walk follows the arrow post[21] along the concrete path gently uphill towards the road[22]. The path soon bends right and continues gently uphill for about 60m to a log seat

[Seat]

(on the left), and 'Mambara Access Track'[23], 'Mambara Track'[24] and 'Wildlife Protection Area'[25] signs (on the right). After about 10m this walk comes to the Britannia St roundabout[26] (near the car park

[Parking]

[27]).
Continue straight: From the roundabout the track follows Britannia street up past the two large ovals and continuing all the way along, winding around the left and right hand bends in the road which becomes the Cresant, and heads up the hill to the intersection of Pennant Hills road. From the intersection the track turns left at the main road and follows it along the footpath for a short distance to the bottom of the overpass, turning left up the ramp that winds all the way up and over the road coming back down to the intersection of Railway street. From the intersection the track follows Railway street down the hill and past the bus stops to the entrance to the train station.

Maps for the Epping to Pennant Hills 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
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 Pennant Hills Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Pennant Hills Station

Altitude analysis for Epping to Pennant Hills 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	5.3 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		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

Around 2.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 2.6km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.5km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.5km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1.3km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 3.5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.8km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.4km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.2km 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 Pennant Hills Station walk.

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

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

Epping to Cheltenham Station via Whale Rock

6.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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 n

Total climbing: 184m

Hard 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 Pennant Hills Station 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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Epping to Pennant Hills Station 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)

The Epping to Pennant Hills Station ends at the Pennant Hills station (gps: -33.738042, 151.07288)

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

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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