STEP Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.7 km Circuit

95 m

Moderate track

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 information signs explaining some features. This walk was established by STEP a community based environmental organisation, based in South Turramurra.

Int of Great North Walk and Canoon Rd Servicetrail

int of step track and cove street service trails

Canoon Tennis Courts

This is a series of tennis and netball courts in South Turramurra and is used regularly for training, competition and leisure.

(0km) Canoon Tennis Courts carpark → Int of Step Track and Canoon road service trail

380 m

7 mins

-30m Moderate track

From the tennis courts car park, the walk follows the service trail away from the courts. The trail passes through the metal gate and down the long hill, passing through another gate and arriving at the signposted intersection with the Step Track.

(0km) Int of STEP Track and Canoon Road service trail → Int of STEP and Scenic Lookout tracks

440 m

9 mins

21m

-11m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'STEP Track' sign down along the bush track, winding down some steps to the bottom of the hill and up the other side. The walk continues along to a rock platform, where it turns right and crosses a wooden boardwalk, following the STEP track markers up the long rocky hill to the intersection with the Ulm Street track.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the STEP track markers along the thin management trail, along to the intersection with the 'scenic views' lookout track.

(1km) Int of STEP and Scenic Lookout tracks → Scenic Lookout

90 m

2 mins

-10m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Scenic Views' sign down the hill along the rocky track for approximately 100 metres to the scenic lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Scenic Lookout

This lookout is a great side trip from the STEP Track in the Lane Cove National Park, as it provides you with a great view through the forest, looking down into the valley at a range of local flora.

(1km) Int of STEP and Scenic Lookout tracks → Int of STEP Track

300 m

5 mins

-15m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'STEP' sign up the short hill and along the thin management trail, then comes down to the intersection with the Cove Street management trail.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail down the long winding hill, to the intersection on the STEP Track.

(1km) Int of STEP Track → Int of Great North Walk and the STEP track (east)

290 m

6 mins

-30m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the STEP track marker off the management trail and down through the bush. The trail turns right at the STEP Track marker and continues up the rocky track and along the side of the hill, flattening out and continuing down past a bushfire regeneration plaque. The walk heads down the steep rocky track to the intersection with the Great North Walk trail.

(1km) Int of GNW and the STEP track (east) → Int of GNW and the STEP track (west)

580 m

10 mins

-9m Easy track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[1] and STEP Track markers[2] along the management trail, whilst keeping the river to your left. The trail undulates through the valley (weedy in places[3]) and tall forest[4] for just shy of 600m, to come to a clear intersection at the bottom of a sealed management trail[5] (on your right). This intersection is marked with another 'STEP Track' map/sign[6] and a 'The Great North Walk' sign[7].

(2km) Int of Great North Walk and the STEP track → Canoon Tennis Courts carpark

680 m

13 mins

63m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sealed management trail up the steep hill. The trail flattens out and turns around a left-hand bend, continuing steeply up the side of the valley to the signposted intersection with the STEP Track.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the service trail up the hill onto the gravel trail. The trail climbs steeply up through a metal gate, flattens out while then climbs up the long hill, passing through another metal gate to reach the Canoon road tennis courts car park.

Maps for the STEP Track 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 STEP Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the STEP Track

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	2.7 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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

Around 1.9km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 770m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 950m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 580m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.3km 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 STEP Track walk.

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

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 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

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 STEP Track walk.

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

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

Sheldon Cascades walk

360 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk explores a set of cascades, finishing at the top of a small waterfall. From the road, the walk follows the creek to a bridge just near the waterfall. You will often see rosellas feeding in the clearing near the first bridge.

Total climbing: 4m

Easy track

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

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

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

Sheldon Forest Walk

1.8 km One way, 50 mins

This is a pleasant walk exploring the Sheldon Forest from the 1st Turramurra Scout Hall to Troon place in Pymble. The forest is one of the few remaining pieces of the Blue Gum high forest in the Sydney Basin, and is supported by community bushcare programs. This walk meanders through rainforest for

Total climbing: 33m

Moderate 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

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

Thornleigh to Galston Gorge

15.5 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk follows the Great North Walk above Berowra Creek from Thornleigh to Galston Gorge, on bush tracks and service trails. The Steele Bridge is quite an interesting landmark of the area. Fishponds is a wonderful highlight, it is a lovely water hole surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. The walk

Total climbing: 768m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The STEP Track walk starts and ends at the Canoon Tennis Courts carpark (gps: -33.749542, 151.10222)

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

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.

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