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Great North Walk: Thornleigh - Hornsby

Great North Walk: Thornleigh - Hornsby

10.4 km oneway

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting at Thornleigh station you walk through suburban streets for a short while before diving into the bush at the southern end of Berowra Valley Regional Park. Soon after visiting the site of the historic Zig Zag railway you start wandering through the Berowra Creek valley, passing a few cascading creeks. The track undulates along the side of the valley visiting a range of environments from moist fern forest to the drier grass tree and eucalypt forests of the ridge. There is a short side trip to visit the Westleigh engravings. Walk through the volcanic Old Mans Valley, to a picnic area at the end of Rosemead Rd. Here you follow the Blue Gum walk through one of Sydney’s rare Blue Gum Forest stands to then cross Berowra Creek a few times at Fishponds waterhole before heading back to the streets of Hornsby. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Wentworth Falls Station Loop

Wentworth Falls Station Loop

10.4 km circuit

5 h to 5 h 30 min

The Wentworth Falls Station Loop takes in most of the upper tracks around Wentworth Falls. There are many scenic views near the cliffs, with a few highlights away from the cliffs such as Lillians Glen and the Conservation Hut. This walk takes some time, so be sure to bring a packed lunch or buy something delicious from the scenic Conservation Hut restaurant. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting near the Banksia Campground on Fortescue Bay Road, Fortescue, this walk leads to Bivouac Bay and back via the Tasman Coastal Trail. This walk begins traversing the full length of the stunning white sands of Fortescue Bay. Once at the other end of the beach, the trail gently climbs to a modest clifftop, then skirts the coastline from above through light bush and forest. About halfway along the track, you will come to Canoe Bay, where the remains of a shipwreck can be seen rusting upon the rocks. After some short and steep climbs, the trail descends through thick blue gum canopies and huge tree ferns to the rocky inlet of Bivouac Bay. There are toilets, and you can collect fresh water in Bivouac Creek. If you are lucky, you may also spot seals, dolphins, or whales in the bay. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bivouac Bay

10.4 km return

3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

Swim

Environment

Starting from the car park on Harrops Track, Glenisla, this return walk takes you to The Fortress and back, visiting Deep Creek Camping Area along the way. This is a fantastic walk for experienced walkers and offers panoramic views of Honeysuckle and Deep Creek that can be observed throughout the journey. The adventurers can climb the main peak of The Fortress and enjoy wider views. There are certain sections with a rocky texture along the path, and it can be slippery during the wet season, so you might want to check out the weather conditions around the area before a visit. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Fortress

10.4 km return

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Middle Kobble Creek Falls Circuit

Middle Kobble Creek Falls Circuit

10.4 km circuit

4 h, 6 h to 2 days

Starting from Mount Glorious Road, Mount Glorious, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodlands of D’aguilar National Park, visiting Middle Kobble Creek Falls and a couple of campsites along the way. Accessible with a side trip from the bush camp nearby, the gorgeous waterfall has a tranquil feel to it. It’s best viewed after some decent rainfall, and generally teeming with skinks and freshwater(keelback) snakes. Although they’re mostly harmless, keelbacks can bite if threatened. You may come across lots of other wild animals such as goannas and boars as you explore the diverse rainforest. The track also has campsites on each side where you can spend the night(permit required) and make this a multiday trip. Keep in mind that these sites are old school, meaning you have to bring everything with you(don’t forget the mozzie spray). Good trekking shoes and hiking poles will lessen the load on your body. Keep an eye out for sunbaking snakes of different sizes and species. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

On this walk you follow the historic Lady Carrington Drive from Willow tree picnic area to Calala before returning the same way. The walk passes two icons on the old road, Gibraltar Rock and Jersey Spring whilst crossing several small brooks. At Calala you will find a large clearing and natural shade from some large trees, there is also access down to a small beach on the side of the shallow Hacking River. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Willow Tree to Calala

10.5 km return

3 h 30 min to 4 h

Willow Tree to Calala

Caves

Environment

Minyon Falls Walking Track

Minyon Falls Walking Track

10.5 km return

4 h to 6 h

Starting from Minyon Grass picnic area this return walk takes you through a dense rainforest past 4 lookouts (incl. Minyon Falls Lookout and Longanarra Lookout with scenic views over the falls) to Minyon Falls picnic area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bundjalung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment

The Cream Track from Tallebudgera Valley

The Cream Track from Tallebudgera Valley

10.5 km return

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

10.5 km

Return

Starting from the car park on Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera Valley, this walk takes you to the car park of Goomoolahra(Bilbrough) Falls and back via The Cream Track. Crossing Tallebudgera Creek multiple times along the way, the track explores a dense rainforest and goes through some private property as well. Enjoy the refreshing scenery as you hike along the creek and look for some wildlife hiding in the dense vegetation. When you make it to the car park near Goomoolahra, you can take your time and go see the amazing views from atop the waterfall, have a picnic in the recreation area, or go to the cafe nearby to refuel. Keep in mind that you’ll be needing a permit to pass through the private property, but it’s easy to obtain(online) and free of charge. Grippy shoes and hiking poles are recommended. Don’t schedule the walk after/during heavy rainfall as the clay hills become extremely slippery when wet. You can make this a one-way trip to avoid going back down the steep hills, but you’ll be missing out on a cool dip in the creek after a challenging hike. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Artists Cascades from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

Artists Cascades from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

10.5 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

10.5 km

Return

Starting from the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Artists Cascades and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, visiting the Strangler Cairn and potentially the abandoned gold mine along the way. Try to allow as many hours as possible to this walk as you won’t understand how much time has passed whilst enjoying the lovely swimming spot at the end. Besides the refreshing water, the track offers possible side trips to a unique cairn and a historic gold mine from the 1920s. Additionally, the wildlife in the area include goannas, skinks and wallabies as well as different species of snakes. Scan the treetops for a chance to spot yellow robins and black cockatoos. All in all, this adventure of a walk is rated amongst the best walks in eastern Queensland. Keep in mind that the track can be quite slippery when wet, along with an increased number of leeches. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek (twice) on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Environment

Nerang Ridgeline Circuit

10.5 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Nerang Ridgeline Circuit

10.5 km

Circuit

Starting from Wunburra Circuit, Pacific Pines, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodland of Nerang National Park, visiting the northwestern ridgeline along the way. Expect a scenic circular track that has great westerly views, going through some diverse vegetation throughout. It’s surely challenging (even if you take it slow), but the scenery and the wildlife is worth it for many. In fact, you’re almost guaranteed to run into some fellow eastern grey kangaroos whilst making your way through the rocky tracks. Mountain bikes are allowed on these tracks as well. Notice the change in vegetation as you listen to the lovely birdsong in the otherwise quiet park. Try to avoid this track in hot summer days and keep an eye out for snakes. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Mtb

Run

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Sunset and Dargon Track Loop

Sunset and Dargon Track Loop

10.5 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

This loop walk starts near the Birdsland Reserve Carpark, on Mt Morton Rd, Belgrave Heights, leading along Monbulk Creek and looping around Lysterfield Park via the Dargon and Sunset Tracks. Enjoy this walk into the hills, through gum forests and meadows interspersed with diverse bush, with plenty of kangaroos and birdlife to be seen along the way. At the start, the track goes around a lake and provides lovely views of the water and the ducks. Further uphill, visitors are rewarded with views of Melbourne city, the outer suburbs, and the rolling hills all around. Dogs are allowed on a lead. The track can be slightly challenging at the start, with Sunset Track being very steep with gravel in places that can move under foot. Some parts can also get quite muddy. Also, be aware that there might be mountain bikers on the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Sika, Munda Biddi and Jabitj Trails Loop

Sika, Munda Biddi and Jabitj Trails Loop

10.6 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from the car park on Wellington Dam Road, Worsley, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Sika, Munda Biddi and Jabitj trails. The loop starts with the Sika Trail, following the contours of the landscape through slopes of tall Jarrah trees and mature undergrowth with a very gentle gradient. A steep downhill section along the Munda Biddi Trail takes you down to the Collie River about halfway through the loop. Once you reach the junction at the foot of the hill, follow the Jabitj Trail as it winds uphill alongside the river. Approaching the Wellington Dam, the trail leaves the river banks and climbs steeply to rejoin the Sika Trail, which leads back to the car park. This is a relatively challenging walk, with a couple of steep sections and uneven surfaces. The descent to the Collie River along the Munda Biddi Trail is steep in places with some loose rocks. Mind where you place your feet. The first part of the Jabitj Trail is moderately overgrown and will require you to push past some bushes and spider webs. The loop can be walked or cycled in either direction. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Glenburn Heritage Circuit

Glenburn Heritage Circuit

10.6 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

10.6 km

Circuit

Starting just off Kings Highway, Kowen, this circuit walk explores the historic Glenburn Heritage Area leading via Charcoal Kiln Road first. After going through several historic landmarks and a creek, the track goes into a pine plantation and loops back. Take on this walk if you’re interested in the history of Canberra, as it explores historic homesteads, stockyards, orchards and a graveyard dating back to the 1800s. After you read the informative signpost and brochure, you’ll be ready to go back in time. You may also run into some timid kangaroos and not-so-timid(in a good way) bulls on the way, so keep your camera ready. There is a clay shooting club next to the starting point, be careful not to go in there. Also the fence next to the gate is electrified, so try to keep your hands to yourself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Emerald Pool Circuit from Ironbark Rd

Emerald Pool Circuit from Ironbark Rd

10.6 km circuit

3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min

10.6 km

Circuit

A great circuit walk in Popran National Park, to the beautiful Emerald Pool. This walk passes through a variety of vegetation and offers some great views along the way. Emerald Pool is a really beautiful spot and it is well worth spending some time exploring around the creek. The optional side trips along the 248 trail and to Mt Olive, add to the great views on the walk. If your car has reasonable ground clearance, you could drive to the Ironbark picnic area and start the walk from there. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

3 h 45 min to 4 h 15 min

Environment