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 Great North Walk to before following the popular Blue Gum Walk up out of the valley to Hornsby train station. Camp overnight at Lane Cove tourist park and at the Scout camp in Thornleigh.
Download maps and tracknotes for Circular Quay to Hornsby hiking track from wildwalks.com.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Lane Cove National Park
Not far from Sydney's city centre, is the perfect place for a family day out or school excursion. Explore historic sites along the Heritage walk or enjoy a picnic, canoe or go birdwatching.
Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland that sits on either side of the peaceful Lane Cove River. It's in easy reach for Sydneysiders, extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood.
It's a great place for a day out with the family; there are lots of picnic areas to choose from, including those that offer picnic tables, barbecues, children's play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to walking tracks and places to ride your bike. Whatever activities you fancy, you're bound to find a perfect place to picnic for the day.
Berowra Valley National Park, just north of Sydney.
This large park occupies the beautiful bushland valley between the suburbs of Hornsby Heights, Thornleigh, Galston, Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook, reaching up to the quiet waters of Berowra Creek.
Covering a 25km stretch of the Great North walk, the park offers more than 70km of walking tracks and fire trails. If you'd rather enjoy nature at a slower pace, enjoy a picnic or barbecue at Crosslands Reserve, so close to the suburbs and yet so far from the speed of daily life. Berowra Creek is a great spot for some canoeing or kayaking, and there are some good places to dangle your line overboard - you might be lucky enough to catch some lunch.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Lane Cove National Park, Berowra Valley National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
