BushwalkBushwalk
4 h 30 min to 7 h
| Start | At the intersection of Clarinda Firetrail & Clarinda Street (-33.6881045,151.0918163) |
| Mode | Bus Car |
| Directions | From Pacific Highway, Wahroonga.
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| Finish | At the intersection of Somerville Road & Canoe entry point (-33.6278887,151.1098537) |
| Mode (end) | Car Shuttle Car |
| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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After another 620 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Clarinda Firetrail) turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track).
Then find the "Unnamed waterfall" (on your left).
 Unnamed waterfall
Unnamed waterfall
This waterfall is about 3 meters tall, with a square black face. The water cascades down to a rock platform and into the sandy creek. The waterfall is active after recent rain, and may offer a trickle at other times. At this section of the creek, the gully is quite steep, creating a wonderful environment for the green moss and ferns to grow. A great spot to rest and enjoy the cool on hot days.
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This waterfall is about 3 meters tall, with a square black face. The water cascades down to a rock platform and into the sandy creek. The waterfall is active after recent rain, and may offer a trickle at other times. At this section of the creek, the gully is quite steep, creating a wonderful environment for the green moss and ferns to grow. A great spot to rest and enjoy the cool on hot days.
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After another 380 m (at the intersection of Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail & Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Berowra Valley Quarry Firetrail.
After another 30 m find the "Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge" (6 m on your right).
 Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge
Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge
This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek's edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 'Steele' bridges still in use in NSW.
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This large steel and timber bridge spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds. The creek is fairly wide at this point and the bridge provides a great view of the sandstone overhangs along the creek's edge. The bridge was commissioned in 1965 to allow access for fire trucks. The bridge was designed by Major General Sir Clive Steele in 1942. Bridges of this type were critical during the WWII South West Pacific campaigns. The bridge is designed on the Warren truss style and is one of only 4 'Steele' bridges still in use in NSW.
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After another 130 m find the "Tunks Ridge Rest Area" (10 m on your left).
 Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Tunks Ridge Rest Area
Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite at the junction of three management trails. There is no water or other facilities (you will need to carry your own in). A sign at the top of the campsite reminds campers that there is a one night limit and that it is a fuel stove only area (no campfires). Please note that the composting toilet has been removed and no longer available.
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Tunks Ridge Rest Area is a large, shady and gently sloping campsite at the junction of three management trails. There is no water or other facilities (you will need to carry your own in). A sign at the top of the campsite reminds campers that there is a one night limit and that it is a fuel stove only area (no campfires). Please note that the composting toilet has been removed and no longer available.
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After another 235 m find the "Top of Galston Gorge Campsite" (20 m on your right).
 Top of Galston Gorge Campsite
Top of Galston Gorge Campsite
This campsite can be found on the Great North Walk, off the service trail just before it descends into Galston Gorge (when coming from the south). There is plenty of room for a group of tents, however there is no available water or facilities. Although this is an official campsite for the Great North Walk, there are some threatened species in the area, therefore Tunks Ridge Reserve (1.4km South) would make a better alternative, with better facilities.
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This campsite can be found on the Great North Walk, off the service trail just before it descends into Galston Gorge (when coming from the south). There is plenty of room for a group of tents, however there is no available water or facilities. Although this is an official campsite for the Great North Walk, there are some threatened species in the area, therefore Tunks Ridge Reserve (1.4km South) would make a better alternative, with better facilities.
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Then find the "Galston Gorge track head" (15 m on your right).
 Galston Gorge track head
Galston Gorge track head
Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park on the eastern side of Berowra Creek, near the bottom of the gorge on Galston Road. This track head is a good access point for those wanting to do sections of the Great North Walk and is well signposted. Keep an eye open for the local chickens.
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Galston Gorge track head is located at a small car park on the eastern side of Berowra Creek, near the bottom of the gorge on Galston Road. This track head is a good access point for those wanting to do sections of the Great North Walk and is well signposted. Keep an eye open for the local chickens.
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After another 185 m find the "Gulley Creek Falls" (15 m on your right).
 Gulley Creek Falls
Gulley Creek Falls
This is a nice little creek crossing on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls flow just upstream of the track, even after a small amount of rain. Enjoy the cool shade of the trees at the creek crossing from the track.
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This is a nice little creek crossing on the Great North Walk in Galston Gorge. The small falls flow just upstream of the track, even after a small amount of rain. Enjoy the cool shade of the trees at the creek crossing from the track.
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After another 820 m find the "Berowra Creek campsite" (15 m on your right).
 Berowra Creek campsite
Berowra Creek campsite
This shady campsite is located on the Benowie Track a short distance back from Berowra Creek, south of the Crosslands Reserve. Providing plenty of tree cover, flat ground and an established fire scar, this campsite is a great spot for those walkers who want a quiet night's sleep away from the more popular Crosslands Reserve. The creek water is brackish at this point, so it is not drinkable (except after heavy rain and lower tide, but then the water is more polluted) - best to bring your own water.
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This shady campsite is located on the Benowie Track a short distance back from Berowra Creek, south of the Crosslands Reserve. Providing plenty of tree cover, flat ground and an established fire scar, this campsite is a great spot for those walkers who want a quiet night's sleep away from the more popular Crosslands Reserve. The creek water is brackish at this point, so it is not drinkable (except after heavy rain and lower tide, but then the water is more polluted) - best to bring your own water.
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After another 9 m find the "Crosslands Campsite" (15 m on your right).
 Crosslands Campsite
Crosslands Campsite
On the far southern end of Crosslands Reserve is a toilet block and campsite. The campsite is well set up and managed by Hornsby Council. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, a children's playground, garbage bins and town water. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit. The campsite must be booked and fees apply - $9 per night for adults and $6 for children (infants under 4 are free). The gate at the top of the hill is locked at 5.30pm EST and 7.30pm (daylight savings time). A pleasant and well established campsite beside the river.
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On the far southern end of Crosslands Reserve is a toilet block and campsite. The campsite is well set up and managed by Hornsby Council. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, a children's playground, garbage bins and town water. There is a large flat grassy areas to camp and a single authorised fire pit. The campsite must be booked and fees apply - $9 per night for adults and $6 for children (infants under 4 are free). The gate at the top of the hill is locked at 5.30pm EST and 7.30pm (daylight savings time). A pleasant and well established campsite beside the river.
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After another 35 m come to the "Viewing Platform" (7 m on your left).This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible.
After another 55 m find the "Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre" (80 m on your left).
 Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre
Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre
Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre is a wonderful facility run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The centre provides a large tent-based campsite ($12 pp/pn), large group dorm-style and unit-style accommodation. The units have 5 beds (plus sofa bed) and cost $36 a night per person. The units are equipped with a kitchen, TV, blankets, supplies for hot drinks, pillows, blankets and a balcony with views over Berowra Creek. You will need your own sheets, pillow cases and towels. Meal packs range from $5-$10 per person per meal. Breakfast includes juice, fresh fruit, cereal, toast and optional hash browns, eggs and sausages. Dinner includes juice, dinner rolls, salad, pie or sausage (or optional steak) and desert. No cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs are allowed on site. For more information, call your hosts John & Margaret on (02) 9653 1041.
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Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre is a wonderful facility run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The centre provides a large tent-based campsite ($12 pp/pn), large group dorm-style and unit-style accommodation. The units have 5 beds (plus sofa bed) and cost $36 a night per person. The units are equipped with a kitchen, TV, blankets, supplies for hot drinks, pillows, blankets and a balcony with views over Berowra Creek. You will need your own sheets, pillow cases and towels. Meal packs range from $5-$10 per person per meal. Breakfast includes juice, fresh fruit, cereal, toast and optional hash browns, eggs and sausages. Dinner includes juice, dinner rolls, salad, pie or sausage (or optional steak) and desert. No cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs are allowed on site. For more information, call your hosts John & Margaret on (02) 9653 1041.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Follow the ‘Crosslands Convention Centre & Field Study’ sign down the rough track directly to the water’s edge. Here wait for your pre-booked boat ride across Berowra Creek to the Convention centre. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. 
After another 8 m find the "Crosslands" (on your right).
 Crosslands
Crosslands
Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, car parking, a children's playground, garbage bins, camping area, toilets and town water. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park.
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.
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Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues, toilets, car parking, a children's playground, garbage bins, camping area, toilets and town water. The southern part of Crosslands is managed by Hornsby Council and the northern half by the NPWS within the Berowra Valley National Park.
The first inhabitants of this area were a subgroup of the Dharug people who enjoyed the sandstone caves, fish and abundant plant life in the area. It is now managed by Hornsby Shire Council, but in 1856 Matthew Charlton asked Burton Crossland to be caretaker on this area. Burton built a house and made a living by harvesting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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| Length | 12.7 km |
| Time | 4 h 30 min to 7 h |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) |
| Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Signage | Directional signs along the way (3/6) |
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
| Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) |
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) |
Campsite: There are 6 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.5 km.
Toilet: There is one 12.2 km from the start.| Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Campsite
| 3.9 km | Tunks Ridge Rest Area |
Campsite
| 5.4 km | Top of Galston Gorge Campsite |
Campsite
| 10.9 km | Berowra Creek campsite |
Camp site
| 11.5 km | Crosslands Reserve |
Toilet
| 12.2 km | [toilet] |
Campsite
| 12.2 km | Crosslands Campsite |
Campsite
| 12.6 km | Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre |
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Find the gate at the start.
After another 105 m cross the ford.
After another 345 m head down the 9 stone steps (about 6 m long)
After another 80 m head up the 87 rock steps (about 50 m long)
Then cross the stepping stones (about 10 m long)
After another 10 m pass the water tap (15 m on your right).
Then pass the sign (9 m on your left).
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.
