Epping to Thornleigh Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

8 km One way

209 m

Hard track

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. From Whale Rock, the track becomes wide and very easy to follow.

Track towards Cheltenham and Pennant Hills Tracks

Track through some nice bushland towards Pennant Hills

Great north walk in Northern end of Lane Cove Valley

On the Great North walk Near Baden Powell Scout camp

(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 → Conscript Pass

3.3 km

1 hr 3 mins climb

102m

-65m Moderate 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.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track follows the Thornleigh via Great North Walk arrow down the short but steep hill and across the river at the causeway. On the other side of the river the track comes up to the intersection of the Great North Walk service trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[1] past the 'Lane Cove Valley' map, initially keeping the other trail and river to your left. The trail follows the valley floor, keeping the river just to your left, for a bit over 500m, to then cross the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[2]. This crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side of the river, this walk continues along the trail[3] for about 400m (with the river now close by on your right) to come to an intersection with a faint track[4] (on your left, that leads up towards Pennant Hills Park).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail, keeping the river just to your right. After about 60m, the trail bends right and crosses the Lane Cove River at a rocky ford[5], then continues along the valley floor among the fern trees (and concrete pipe access points[6]) for about 900m to cross the Lane Cove River again at another rocky ford[7]. (These crossings may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The trail then continues along the valley floor[8] (with the river now on your left) for just over 150m to come to an intersection at the bottom of the sealed Morona Ave trail[9] (on your right), marked with a 'Lane Cove Valley' map/sign[10] and a GNW arrow post[11].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the valley floor, away from the two trails, keeping the river just to your left. The track soon narrows, leading past a water depth indicator[12], and becomes rocky for about 150m before coming to a faint intersection, where GNW arrow post points left[13]. Here, the walk turns left and crosses the Lane Cove River using the concrete stepping stones[14] (this crossing may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain) to follow the 'Thornleigh Station' sign[15] up the timber steps for about 40m and find a GNW registration box[16] (damaged at time of writing). The track bends sharply right[17] and zigzags up the rocky hill for another 30m, before bending sharply left to find the 'Conscript Pass' and 'B Stevens'[18][19] engravings (at the third metal hand rail).

Conscript Pass

Conscript Pass is a small sandstone pass between the Lane Cove River and Thornleigh, on the Great North Walk. During the 1930s, some stone steps were built through a cleft in the rock[20] as part of a public works program, in response to the depression. The pass has two main engravings. Firstly 'Conscript Pass' is followed with a downwards pointing arrow[21] and a series of initials and numbers. On another wall (that you face when walking up) is engraved 'B Stevens' followed a surprisingly good caricature[22][23] of the then Premier of NSW, Bertram Stevens. Stevens (later knighted) replaced Jack Lang in 1932 as Premier of NSW, when Lang was dismissed by the Governor (just two months Lang after opening the Sydney Harbour Bridge).

(6km) Conscript Pass → Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks

100 m

3 mins

19m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From 'Conscript Pass', this walk heads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[26] to follow the track and more stone steps uphill for about 100m, coming to a T-intersection with Lorna Pass track, marked with a GNW arrow post[27].

(6km) Int of the GNW and Lorna Pass tracks → Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues

580 m

14 mins

50m

0m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Thornleigh' sign[28] uphill along the rocky track, keeping the valley to your left. The track leads up a series of timber steps[29] for about 230m, becoming steeper as they go[30], to come to a clear T-intersection signposted with a large 'The Great North Walk' sign[31], and a stone 'Lorna Pass' arrow[32] pointing back down the track.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post and 'Thornleigh Station' sign[33] uphill along the wide rocky track[34]. After just over 150m, the track bends left (ignoring a faint track on your right[35]) and heads uphill for another 40m to come to the back (south-east corner) of Thornleigh Oval[36], marked with a 'Lane Cove National Park' signpost[37].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the fence line around the oval, keeping the oval to your left. After about 100m, this walk passes in front of the clubhouse[38] (there are toilets[39] and a water tap[40] on your right) to pass a 'Great North Walk' sign[41] and come to the corner of 'Handley' and 'Ferguson' Avenues[42] in front of the 'Thornleigh Oval' sign[43].

Thornleigh Oval

Thornleigh Oval is found at the intersection of Handley and Ferguson Avenues, Thornleigh. There is a large playing field[44], tap water[45], public toilets[46][47] and some shelter in the awning of the club house[48]. The oval has a car park, and a number io signs for the Great North walk[49] and other local tracks[50].

(7km) Int of Handley and Ferguson Avenues → Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps

810 m

14 mins

18m

-4m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' sign across the road to follow the footpath beside 'Handley Ave'. After about 130m, the walk crosses Clifford Ave[51] then after about 250m, crosses 'Orchard St' to follow 'Station St' almost directly ahead[52]. About 190m along 'Station St', this walk continues straight across 'Wood St'[53] (you can get to Parkway Plaza if you turn right here) and continues for just over 200m to find a footbridge[54] beside Pennant Hills Rd. Here the walk heads up the ramp and crosses over the busy road[55] then down the ramp (or steps) to find the intersection with Railway Parade[56].

(8km) Int of Railway Parade and Pennant Hills Road overpass steps → Thornleigh Train Station

110 m

2 mins

-1m Easy track

Veer left: From the base of the steps, this walk follows the GNW arrow across 'Railway Pde'[57], heading towards the train line. At the fence, this walk veers left and leads along the pedestrian alley[58] for about 60m before turning right and climbing up the railway bridge steps[59], coming to the 'Thornleigh' Train Station[60].

Maps for the Epping 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
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 Thornleigh Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Epping to Thornleigh Station

Altitude analysis for Epping 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 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	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

5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.9km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 630m has short steep hills and the remaining 230m is very steep.

Quality of track

4.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.9km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (1.5km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 4.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.2km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 4.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3.9km 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 Epping to Thornleigh Station 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Macquarie Park to Thornleigh

11.6 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

Starting from the Macquarie Park train station, you wander down Lane Cove Rd and over De Burghs Bridge to join the main spine of the Great North Walk in the Lane Cove Valley. Here the walk heads under De Burghs bridge then explores the dry grass tree and eucalypt forest along the side of the ridge.

Total climbing: 413m

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

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

33 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from the Obelisk in Macquarie Park, Sydney, at the official start of the Great North Walk. The walk soon boards the ferry from Circular Quay to Woolwich, and follows the Great North Walk through the streets of Hunters Hill and into the Lane Cove National Park. After stayi

Total climbing: 1110m

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 Epping to Thornleigh 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

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

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

STEP Track

2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

One of the most enjoyable walks in the Lane Cove valley, this relatively short trail ventures down into the valley and explores a variety of bushland. Spend a short while and go out to the scenic lookout and take your time around the waterfall. The track is pretty well signposted with a few inform

Total climbing: 95m

Moderate 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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Epping to Thornleigh 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 Thornleigh Station ends at the Thornleigh Train Station (gps: -33.731948, 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

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.

Bradley Reserve

Bradley Reserve is a large natural bushland area owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve extends from Lane Cove River to the end of Kissing Point Road north to George Christie playing fields. The reserve is home to the locally well know STEP track, and is cared for by the STEP inc, the "South Turramurra Environment Protection". The Great north walk also heads through this reserve, and is also home to Browns water hole.

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.

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