Hunters Hill to Epping Road

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2 hrs 30 mins

5.5 km One way

154 m

Moderate track

An enjoyable walk through lower sections of the Lane Cove National Park, this walk features plenty of mangroves next to the Lane Cove River, particularly in the section between Boronia Av and Buffalo Creek Reserve. Sugarloaf Point is well worth going the 200m for as its a good spot for a rest (or lunch) with views of the river. The walk has a number of contrasts where you think you are a long way from the city, with the occasional stark reminder.

Track leading alongside the Lane Cove River

From the end of Princes St Looking to Burns Bay Rd Bridge

The GNW passing through a cleft in the rock in Gladesville

Track leading through a cleft in the rock

View of the Lane Cove River from the rock platform at the end of Meyers avenue track

Walking along the bank of the Lane Cove River

A good place to rest and enjoy the river

Winding along the boardwalk beside Buffalo Creek

The GNW between sandstone wall and mangroves

Between Pains Rd and Buffalo Creek Reserve

Stone steps on east side of Buffalo Creek

GNW track at Sugarloaf point just beside Pittwater Rd

Lane Cove River just north of Kitty Creek

Intersection under the hightension power line tower at Magdala Park

Footpath under Epping road Bridge and Lane Cove river

(0km) End of Boronia Ave → Int of Great North Walk and the Lane Cove River track

1.4 km

27 mins

39m

-50m Moderate track

From the end of Boronia Avenue[1], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[2] up along the rocky track. The track leads over a small rise then bends right (ignoring the track to your left), to head down a few stone steps[3], then a series of timber steps[4]. The track then continues along the bank of the Lane Cove River[5][6] (to your right) for about 100m to come to a T-intersection with Princes St[7]. Here the walk turns left and heads up the road[8] (away from the water view[9]) for about 50m, coming to an intersection with another track and a large green 'The Great North Walk' signpost[10] (on your right).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Buffalo Ck. Park' arrow[11] down along track. Veering right after about 50m, this wide track then leads through the casuarina forest[12] for a short time, coming to an intersection and a small clearing with a picnic table[13], the informally named Brickmakers Creek picnic area.
Turn right: From the picnic area, this walk follows the GNW arrow post across the rocky Brickmakers Creek[14] and up the steps[15]. The walk continues along the short timber boardwalk[16], then leads up the timber steps[17] for about 100m where the track flattens out, veering right at another GNW arrow post[18]. Here the track leads down between the rocks[19], with a filtered view to the water, and a short distance later, the track veers right again at another GNW arrow post[20], heading gently down between some more rocks. For another 150m , the mostly flat track leads over some rock platforms[21][22] then along a short section of timber boarding[23] to come to a three-way intersection marked with a GNW arrow, and a larger unfenced rock platform[24] (to the right).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the rock platform[25], keeping the river down to your right. The walk soon heads down some steps carved in the rock[26], then follows the rocky and sandy track gently downhill, passing some interesting rock formations[27][28] over about 140m then climbing over some rocks with a metal handrail[29]. The track leads up a series of steps[30] for about 200m, then goes up some carved steps (also with a handrail[31]). From here, the rocky track heads down the steps[32] then leads alongside the mangroves[33] for just shy of 100m, coming to a T-intersection marked with a GNW arrow[34].

(1km) Int of Great North Walk and the Lane Cove River track → End of Lane Cove River track

90 m

2 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk steps down off the main track[35] and leads along the raised mound through the tunnel of mangroves[36]. This track is covered by water at higher tides, but at lower tides it leads to the edge of the open Lane Cover River[37][38]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(1km) Int of Great North Walk and the Lane Cove River track → Mangrove viewing platform

510 m

10 mins

14m

-18m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow up the steps[39]. The track bends right and comes to an intersection with the signposted 'Access to Barons Cres'[40] track on your left, just below the large concrete building[41].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[42] along the clear track, leading gently uphill (initially keeping the concrete building and Barton Cres track on your left[43]). The fairly flat, rocky track leads through the forest, keeping the Lane Cove River[44] not far to your right. After about 300m, the track leads up some steps[45] to a boulder outcrop[46] with good views over the river. The track continues for another 100m to a small clearing and a timber viewing platform[47] (on your right).

Mangrove viewing platform

This timber viewing platform[48] is found on bank on south-west of the confluence of the Lane Cove River and Buffalo Creek. This area is affected by the tides so the view is constantly changing. The lookout platform provides an opportunity to view the mangroves community[49] and the eroded sandstone ruins[50]

(2km) Mangrove viewing platform → Int of Great North Walk and Pains Road (south)

540 m

10 mins

15m

-15m Easy track

Turn left: From the timber platform[51], this walk heads directly away from the Lane Cove River[52] and follows the track up the valley, keeping the Buffalo Creek mangroves to your right. The track soon leads under a fallen tree[53] and meanders along the flat[54] for about 120m, then follows a short section of timber boardwalk[55]. The track then leads up some steps to pass under a small sandstone overhang[56], then continues along the base of a sandstone wall[57], from where the track leads over another shorter section of timber boardwalk[58]. The track then comes to another section of boardwalk which leads through the wetlands[59], over a small creek[60] and past the information sign about the 'Friends of Buffalo Creek'[61]. The boardwalk then leads past some paperbark trees[62] and turns right onto the dirt track[63]. The walk follows this track for about 50m before heading up the timber ramp[64] and steps[65] to Pains Rd.

(2km) Int of Great North Walk and Pains Road (south) → Buffalo Creek track head

240 m

3 mins

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[66], this walk follows GNW arrow up along Pains Rd[67] for about 20m to the intersection with a wide track, marked with another GNW arrow post[68], just where the road bends left[69].
Continue straight: From the bend in Pains Rd (near house number 4), this walk follows GNW arrow[70] along the wide track, whilst keeping a few houses up to your left[71]. After about 120m, the track leads up a grassy hill[72] to find a large open parkland, Buffalo Creek Reserve[73][74]. Here, the walk turns right and follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[75] across the grass, passing a picnic table[76] and fireplace[77], and coming to the large 'Buffalo Creek Track Head' signpost[78][79] (on your right).

(3km) Buffalo creek track head → Int of Sugarloaf and Great North Walk tracks

180 m

4 mins

14m

-2m Moderate track

Turn right: From the 'Buffalo Creek Track Head', this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[80] down three sets of timber stairs[81]. Here the walk follows the timber boardwalk[82] as it winds through the mangroves to a hand-railed viewing area[83], just before a bridge. From here, the walk crosses Buffalo Creek[84] on the bridge[85] then climbs up the stone steps[86] to veer left at a faint intersection (at the top of the steep climb), marked with a GNW arrow post[87]. The rocky track leads more gently up past the 'Lane Cove River National Park - Sugarloaf Point' sign[88] to a signposted T-intersection, where another GNW arrow[89] points back down the track.

(3km) Int of Sugarloaf and Great North Walk tracks → Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks

360 m

9 mins

19m

-25m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sugarloaf Point' sign[90] along the flat rocky and sandy track, keeping the valley to your right. The track generally bends left around the side of the hill, passing a few interesting rock platforms[91] along the way. Soon after heading down some stone steps[92], this track comes to a signposted T-intersection with a wide sandy trail[93]. There is a 'Buffalo Ck Reserve' sign[94] pointing back up the steps.

(3km) Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks → Sugarloaf Point

280 m

5 mins

-9m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Sugarloaf Point' sign down the hill and along the service trail to the open waterfront clearing at Sugarloaf Point, which extends all the way along to the end of the grass clearing. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Sugarloaf Point

Sugarloaf Point is a large grassy clearing with a picnic area on the edge of the Lane Cove River, just north of the Buffalo Creek junction. The riverside picnic area has a couple of picnic benches and a small beach, making it possible to pull a boat up to the point.

(3km) Int of Great North Walk and Sugarloaf Point tracks → Int of Great North Walk and Pittwater Road carpark path

200 m

4 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pittwater Road 0.25km' sign[95] up along the wide management trail, which soon becomes sealed[96]. The trail winds up beside a large, fenced, high-tension power line concrete tower[97][98]. The trail soon leads around a locked gate[99] and comes to an intersection[100] just before Pittwater Rd, with a 'Great North Walk' track sign[101] (on the right).

(3km) Int of Great North Walk and Pittwater Road carpark path → Kittys Creek bridge int

580 m

10 mins

-13m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Great North Walk' sign[102] past the picnic table[103] and down the timber steps, whilst keeping Pittwater Rd through the trees to your left. The track soon passes a 'Lane Cove National Park' sign[104] then heads down some timber stairs[105]. The track continues just below the road (on your left) and beside the mangroves (on your right) for a little over 400m, crossing several timber platforms[106] and going up and down a few steps to come to a 'Coastal Wetlands' information sign[107]. Having moved away from the road, the track now heads along a timber boardwalk[108] that winds through the mangroves and wetlands to cross Kitty Creek[109] on a bridge[110]. Just on the other side of the bridge, this walk comes to a T-intersection with a sign pointing back to 'Sugarloaf Point'[111].

(4km) Kittys Creek bridge int → Magdala Park carpark

720 m

14 mins

19m

-16m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow[112] along the wide track, initially keeping Kittys Creek to your right. The track almost immediately bends left (ignoring the side track on the left[113]) and follows the bank of the Lane Cove River[114] (on your right) through the casuarina forest[115] for just shy of 200m. Here, the track starts edging away from the river and enters more dense vegetation[116] for just over 200m, before the track opens up and comes to a 'Lane Cove National Park - Sugarloaf Point' sign[117]. From the sign, the walk leads up along the grass[118], keeping the playing fields[119] to your right and coming to a GNW arrow post[120] in front of the toilet block[121] beside Magdala Park car park[122].

Magdala Park

Magdala Park, found at the end of Magdala Rd, North Ryde, is home to a large playing field with a baseball diamond in the corner and a smaller playing field to the north. There is a car park [123], public toilets[124], sheltered picnic tables [125], childrens playground[126], garbage bins[127], and town water on tap[128]. There are a few Great North Walk signs highlighting the direction of the walk as it winds across the open grassy area.

(5km) Magdala Park carpark → Int. opposite end of Mowbray Rd

420 m

8 mins

13m

-11m Easy track

Turn right: From the front of the toilet block[129], this walk follows the GNW arrow across the car park[130]. The walk then heads through the gap in the fence[131] and turns left, heading over the grass to the intersection with a concrete footpath at the base of the large transmissions tower[132], where a sign points back to 'Sydney Cove'[133].
Turn right: From the transmissions tower[134], this walk follows the 'Newcastle' sign[135] downhill along the concrete footpath away from Magdala Park. The path soon turns right[136] and leads over the 'Clifford Love' footbridge[138]. The 150m-long bridge leads over Lane Cove River[139][140] and then over the 'National Starch' factory[141], to find a footpath on the other side. The footpath leads around the edge of the fenced car park[142] and comes to the footpath beside Epping Rd, just beside the traffic lights[143] at Mowbray Rd.

(5km) Int. opposite end of Mowbray Rd → Mowbray car park (near oval)

420 m

7 mins

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the traffic lights, this walk heads downhill towards the bridge, crossing the factory driveway[144]. Just over 100m past the driveway, the shared footpath[145] leads to an intersection marked with a GNW arrow post, and a set of steps[146] (on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs away from the main road, to turn right under the bridge. The track heads under the bridge to come out the other side, continuing along the river bank for approximately 50m to the car park.

Maps for the Hunters Hill to Epping Road 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.

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 Hunters Hill to Epping Road bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hunters Hill to Epping Road

Altitude analysis for Hunters Hill to Epping Road

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	5.5 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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

3.9km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 990m has short steep hills. The remaining (680m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (160m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 3.1km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.5km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 480m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 970m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hunters Hill to Epping Road walk.

Fullers Bridge to Epping Rd

2.6 km One way, 1 Hr

For the most part, this walk follows a section of the Great North Walk through "Fairylands" and past a few waterfalls, then across Lane Cove River (via Epping rd) to Mowbray Park. Starting and ending on two busy roads, it is a pleasant surprise to visitors how nice the bushland can be. Allow some

Total climbing: 105m

Hard track

Fairylands Loop Track

5.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk loops around a section of the Lane Cove River. Starting at Fullers Bridge, the walk follows the Great North walk through the historic site of Fairylands to Epping road before crossing the Lane Cove river and heading up the other bank of the river, passing through a variety of environments

Total climbing: 175m

Hard track

Boronia Park to North Ryde

7.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk gives you the chance to explore the bush and wetlands alongside the Lane Cove River, from Boronia Park to the new underground train station at North Ryde. You will visit several mangrove wetlands, some dry eucalypt forests and have the opportunity to rest and fill up your water bottle at

Total climbing: 231m

Moderate track

Rail to River and Stringybark Creek Reserve Walk

11.2 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk begins in the busy city of Chatswood and soon enters the nearby bushland around the Lane Cove River. The walk uses the v-shaped valleys to escape from the houses. Due to pollution and rubbish in stormwater run-off there are some less then pleasant pockets, however, this walk does explore s

Total climbing: 302m

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 Hunters Hill to Epping Road walk.

Woolwich Wharf to Boronia Park

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs

Going through the streets of Hunters Hill, this walk is on the first segment of the Great North Walk. The majority of the walk is on roads and footpaths so you may not really consider it a bush walk. The track does pop into some pockets of nice bushland, but these are short, relative to the walking

Total climbing: 175m

Moderate track

Garadi Track

1.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk, also know as the Black Cockatoo track, starts from Mowbray Park and explores the area where the Camaraigal Clan of the Guringai Tribe once lived. The walk leads across the top of a small escarpment and winds down and back along the Lane Cove river bank. The change in vegetation is quite

Total climbing: 66m

Moderate track

North Ryde Fairyland circuit

6.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Starting at North Ryde train station this walk explores a stretch of the Lane Cove River, visiting the historic Fairlylands Pleasure Grounds along the way. The walk starts by wandering through the Riverside Corporate Park and soon comes alongside the Lane Cove River to join the Great North Walk. Her

Total climbing: 191m

Hard track

Fairylands track

978 m Return, 30 mins

This short walks follows a section the Great North Walk along the Lane Cove River to an old picnic ground know as Fairylands Pleasure Grounds or "the Rest". The walk gives great views of the river and of some sandstone formations. Fairylands has mostly grown over now, but still has some bits of hi

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Lane Cove Tourist Park River Circuit

11.9 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This walk follows a large section of Lane Cove River. The walk follows the Riverside Walking track up the Lane Cove River to De Burghs Bridge. From the bridge the track winds back along the hillside on the other side of the river. The track then passes a few historic buildings, and the Visitor Centr

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Lane Cove Tourist Park to Boat Shed

3.4 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk, from the Lane Cove Tourist Park to the Lane Cove River Boat Shed, meanders along the placid Lane Cove River, passing many picnic areas along the way. The Boat Shed itself is surrounded by a large picnic area with plenty of space for the kids to run around and play. You can even hire a bo

Total climbing: 98m

Moderate track

Lane Cove Tourist Park to Baker's Cottage

5.9 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

From the Tourist Park, this walk heads down to the other side of the Lane Cove River, to Baker's Cottage. The walk passes the Lane Cove River Boat Shed and a play ground for the kids with plenty of open areas to run and play. Baker's Cottage, perched up a slight hill, is worth the short distance wit

Total climbing: 159m

Moderate track

Fiddens Wharf walking track

4.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 27 mins

This walk explores some of the hills and river banks of the Lane Cove National Park. Leaving the weir precinct on Max Allen Drive, the walk follows the Great North Walk over the hill and down to Fiddens Wharf (just near the oval). The return journey, past Schwartz Homestead, provides a great chance

Total climbing: 159m

Moderate track

Baker's Cottage

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

The Baker's Cottage Heritage Track is a quick and interesting walk. The track itself is mainly drivable road, and turns to bush track before going up the hill to the cottage itself. At 140 years of age, Baker's Cottage is the oldest unmodified structure, still standing, in the Ku-ring-gai area. All

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Lane Cove Weir to Boat Shed

1.3 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great way to explore the picnic areas and banks of the Lane Cove River. There are picnic areas and plenty of seats to enjoy along the way. On the weekend you can hire a boat and go for a paddle before heading back to the start. You could spend a whole day enjoying the river, bus and parkla

Total climbing: 17m

Moderate track

Riverside Walk

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk is a lovely stroll along one side of the Lane Cove River. The walk passes through many picnic areas, providing plenty of options for rests and food breaks (some having BBQ's). This walk is also good for taking a Frisbee or a ball along for the kids.

Total climbing: 114m

Hard track

Lane Cove National Park Heritage Walk

2.6 km One way, 1 Hr

The Heritage Walk visits many of the historically significant buildings within the Lane Cove National Park. The walk follows the Lane Cove River from Fiddens Wharf and finishes at the Weir Precinct on Fullers Rd. The buildings are surprisingly intact, considering their age and history. A great walk

Total climbing: 89m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Hunters Hill to Epping Road walk starts at the End of Boronia Ave (gps: -33.826899, 151.14099)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Hunters Hill to Epping Road ends at the Mowbray car park (near oval) (gps: -33.800466, 151.14654)

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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