Crosslands to Brooklyn

Crosslands

Crosslands Reserve is lovely and long mixed use picnic area, spanning along the edge of Berowra Creek. There are picnic tables[1], electric barbecues[2], toilets[3], car parking[4], a children’s playground[5], garbage bins[6], camping area, toilets

[Toilet Accessible]

and town water[7]. 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.

(0km) Crosslands Carpark → Northern end of Crosslands carpark

250 m
4 mins
1m
0m

Very easy

From the car park, this walk follows the flat dirt path[11] between the road (on the right) and creek (on the left). The path leads through the casuarina trees for about 120m to pass the boat ramp[12]. After another 120m this walk comes to a locked gate[13] at the northern end of the car park[14]. There is also a wetland through the trees to the right worth noticing.

(0.25km) Northern end of Crosslands Carpark → Crosslands North

260 m
4 mins
1m
-2m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the northern end of Crosslands car park[15] (at the far northern end of Somerville Rd, Hornsby Heights), this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ arrow[16] on the large ‘Great North Walk’ sign around the locked gate

[Wheelchair Rough]

and along the sealed old road[17]. The walk continues along the old road for just over 150m passing 4 picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

to come to a y-intersection[18]. At the intersection this walk veers right, past the ‘Place of Winds’ sign[19] and wetland[20] (on your right). This walk continues along this old road for a little longer, coming to an intersection marked with a large ‘Crosslands’ information board[21] and ‘Great North walk’ sign[22]. This is just on the edge of the northern picnic area[23], not far from the toilet block[24]

[Toilet]

Crosslands North Picnic area

The northern section of Crosslands is in Berowra Valley NP and is a less formal picnic area compared with the southern area. There is a toilet block

[Toilet]

[25][26] and a few sandy beaches with direct access to the water[27]. Here you will find a few picnic tables

[Picnic Table]

and shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

[28], as well as garbage bins[29]. The eastern side is home to a boardwalk exploring the estuarine wetland[30]. A pleasant area to rest and enjoy the water. Fires are only permitted in formally established fire places[31] .

(0.51km) Crosslands North → Estuaries viewing platform int.

220 m
4 mins
7m
-5m

Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection at the northern picnic area[32], this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[33] along the timber boardwalk[34]

[Trip Hazard]

. The timber boardwalks winds through the mangroves for about 60m, coming to a firm dirt track[35] which leads for another 70m to a second timber boardwalk[36]. The second boardwalk leads for another 70m, past ‘Mangrove Food Cycle’ information signs[37] to come to an 3-way intersection[38] in the boardwalk with the estuaries viewing platform boardwalk[39] (on your left).

Berowra Creek (Estuarie) Lookout

The Estuarie lookout over Berowara Creek is found at the end of the wheelchair-accessible walk in Crosslands area. The timber lookout platform provides great views over Berowra Creek[40], the timber fence is 95cm high[41]. There are also information signs about the local flora and fauna[42] and the ‘Original Inhabitants’[43]. There are two timber bench seats

[Seat]

[44] encouraging you to take some time to soak up this view.

(0.73km) Estuaries viewing platform → Calna Creek Bridge intersection

780 m
20 mins
54m
-57m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection at the estuaries viewing platform, this walk follows the timber ramp down to the dirt track[45] and heads past the ‘..unsuitable for wheelchair access’ sign[46]. The track leads alongside the wide creek for about 200m to the ‘All creatures great and small’ information sign[47], then down a little way further to head along a short section of timber boardwalk[48]. About 100m further along the rocky track, this walk comes to a lookout and a ‘Catch the Threats’ information sign[49], where the track continues past the bench seat[50] and alongside the creek to the ‘The Rock Club’ information sign[51]. The track then leads among some grass tress[52] for just over 100m to the ‘Bush Supermarket’ information sign[53]. Just past this sign, the track begins to climb fairly steeply up the stone[54] and timber steps[55] to the ridge line, marked with a GNW arrow and a ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[56].
Continue straight: From the ridge line, this walk follows the GNW arrow east downhill, initially keeping the ‘Stop! Look! Listen! and Smell!’ information sign[57] on your right. The track bends left and follows the timber steps[58] as the track winds steeply down the side of the hill. Near the bottom of the hill, the track passes a ‘Rock n Roll’ information sign[59] then comes to a long, metal footbridge[60]. The walk crosses the bridge over Calna Creek and comes to a signposted intersection, with a ‘Fragile Marsh’ information sign[61]

(1.51km) Calna Creek Bridge intersection → Sams Creek Ridge Clearing

1.1 km
27 mins
67m
-58m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[62] along the timber boardwalk[63]. The boardwalk leads for about 80m across the large open flat saltmarsh[64] into the casuarina forest[65] on the other side. Here the track bends left and leads along the side of the saltmarsh[66] for almost 200m, where the rocky track leads a little further before coming alongside Berowra Creek’s mangroves[67]. The track continues to gently undulate along the side of Berowra Creek for about 650m among the casuarinas[68] and grass tress[69], before heading up a fairly short, steep climb. At the top of this climb, the walk comes to a small, flat, pleasant clearing surrounded by large boulders[70].

(2.66km) Sams Creek ridge clearing → Sams Creek Crossing

500 m
11 mins
20m
-23m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the clearing, this walk leads down the north eastern side of this ridge, keeping the main valley to your left. After about 100m this walk comes to another flat saltmarsh[71] , where the track bends right to soon come to a large flat clearing[72] beside Sams Creek[73] (subject to flooding). The track then leads alongside Sams Creek (on your left) for about 350m when, just after climbing over a rock, the track comes to a ‘Crosslands’ sign[74] pointing back along the track, beside the creek.

(3.16km) Sams Creek Crossing → Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks

670 m
30 mins
181m
-44m

Hard track

Turn left: From the south side of the creek, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[75] across the rocky Sams Creek. This creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. On the other side, the track veers left, crossing a rocky gully[76] and heads up the timber steps[77]. The track now starts to climb steeply, zigzagging up the timber steps [78] and a couple of staircases[79] for just over 300m to find a bench seat in a small sandstone cave[80]. After a rest, this walk continues up more steps (and staircases) for just over 150m, coming to a T-intersection with a wide service trail, where a ‘Crosslands’ sign[81] points back down the track.

(3.83km) Int of Great North Walk and Berowra Link tracks → Int of Naa Badu Lookout

260 m
7 mins
19m
-22m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[82] gently down along the management trail, keeping the valley to your left. The trail gently undulates along the side of the hill, enjoying some glimpses up to the cliff faces[83] (on the right). After about 180m, the trail crosses a concrete drain[84], then leads up the hill to find the signposted ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[85] and its great view[86].

Naa Badu Lookout

Naa Badu Lookout offers magnificent views south over Berowra Creek as well as over Sams and Calna Creeks. Naa Badu means ‘See water’[87] in the Aboriginal tribal language of the Dharug people. It is believed that Berowra Creek was the boundary between the Dharug and Guringai Aboriginal peoples. The lookout is fenced[88], has a bench seat[89], picnic table[90] and a fair amount of natural shade.

(4.09km) Int of Naa Badu Lookout → Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail

540 m
11 mins
16m
-26m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the ‘Naa Badu’ lookout[91], this walk follows the management trail over the small rise[92] and across the concrete ditch[93], keeping the valley to your left. The trail leads around the side of the hill for about 300m, gently undulating to come to an intersection with a narrow track and small clearing (on your left, as the trail bends right), just past the large scribbly gum. (This informal track leads down to an unfenced rock platform, with filtered views over Berowra Creek).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide trail gently downhill as it bends right[94], keeping the valley to your left. After about 140m, the trail narrows a bit, leading down a few short but steeper sections[95] to an intersection (with some steps[96] on your left), where a ‘The Great North Walk’ sign[97] points back up along the trail.

(4.63km) Int of Great North Walk and Berkeley Close service trail → Berowra Waters trackhead

2.2 km
1 Hr
140m
-262m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[98] down the timber steps. The walk then crosses Banggarai Creek using a timber bridge[99], and leads up some timber steps[100]. The rocky track then leads up some more timbers steps, between two rocks[101] then over a few rocks, where the track then flattens out. The now flat, sandy track[102] winds through the forest for about 150m and passes a timber seat[103], then leads down across a small gully[104] before the track begins to climb again. The track leads up some more timber steps[105], then the walk climbs two metal pegs[106] in the rock and continues to climb steeply up the rock and timber steps[107]. After 60m, the track[108] flattens out again, leading gently up through the scribbly gum[109] and angophora forest[110] for just over 100m to a three-way intersection marked with a couple of GNW arrow posts[111].
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post north-west down the sandy track[112], directly towards the valley. The track soon becomes rocky[113] and leads fairly steeply down the hill for about 150m before mostly flattening out and coming close to the top of an unfenced cliff with good views over Berowra Creek[114]. Here the rocky track continues more gently down along the top of the ridge[115] for about 200m and comes to a large rock platform[116]. This walk veers right to lead down the gap in the rock[117][118], climbing down some steel pegs[119] to where the track flattens out again[120]. The track leads across the saddle[121] for about 60m then veers left and follows along the base of a long rock wall[122] (on your right). Here the track leads down around the side of the ridge for just over 400m, passing some unfenced views for rock platforms[123][124][125] then down some sandstone steps[126] to find a tall sandstone overhang[127] with a timber seat[128]. From this cave, this walk continues along the base of the rock wall[129], and soon bends left and winds fairly steeply down a series of rock[130] and timber steps[131] to come to the edge of Berowra Creek (where there is a ‘no wash’ sign[132][133] facing the water from the rock platform). The track leads along the shore line for a short time to head onto the rock platform[134][135] in Washtub Gully.
Continue straight: From Washtub Gully[136], this walk crosses the creek[137] and follows the track, keeping Berowra Creek not far to your left[138]. After about 50m, the track passes an old partially sunken boat[139], then about 100m further on, the track passes a view point that is an obviously popular (but not recommended) jumping spot[140]. The track then soon leads up some steps and over a rise[141] behind the ‘Berowra Waters Garden House’ restaurant[142], then heads down the steps[143] to come to the signposted ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[144][145] on ‘Berowra Waters Rd’[146].

Berowra Waters Garden House

#######CLOSED###### This picturesque little restaurant sits on the eastern side of Berowra Creek and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Garden House Restaurant is a great spot for those looking to tap into the Berowra Valley’s full potential. For information on bookings and opening hours phone (02)9456 2955.

(6.83km) Berowra Waters track head → End of Kirkpatrick Way

390 m
8 mins
10m
-15m

Very easy

Continue straight: From ‘Berowra Waters Trackhead’[147], this walk follows the ‘Newcastle’ sign along ‘Kirkpatrick Way’ and across the culverted Franks Gully creek. As the walk crosses the gully, there is a picnic area[148] and public toilet[149][150] (and tap water[151]) on your right. The walk continues along the road, keeping the water to your left[152] for about 180m, then passing under the yellow boom gate[153]. About 30m later, the walk stays left[154] to head alongside the fenced car park. At the far end of this car park, the walk comes to a turning area[155] at the end of Kirkpatrick Way.

(7.22km) End of Kirkpatrick Way → Deep Bay Creek crossing

1.2 km
35 mins
131m
-87m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the end of Kirkpatrick Way[156], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[157] along the track, keeping the water just to your left. This walk follows the rocky shoreline, enjoying the views of the water[158], the boats and houses on the other shore[159] and the large rocks[160] (up to your right). After about 450m, the track passes a large boulder[161] and then turns right and climbs up a staircase[162], finding a small seat and viewing platform[163].
Veer right: From the seat and view[164], this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[165] steeply uphill, following the series of timber[166] and rock steps[167]. After about 50m, the track leads up beside a rock wall[168], and at the top, turns right and mostly flattens out[169] for about 80m before starting to climb again[170]. At the top of this hill, this walk comes to a small clearing[171] (on the left, that has been used as a campsite[172]) and a large unfenced rock platform with great views[173] back over the valley (on your right).
Continue straight: From the view at the top of the ridge, this walk follows GNW arrow post[174] east, directly away from the Berowra Water views and over the small rise. The track soon leads down off a rock[175], where the track bends right and starts to lead fairly gently downhill[176]. The track then leads down a few short, steep, rocky sections[177] before crossing a lovely creek[178], flowing over the sandstone rock platform[179][180]. This creek may be slippery and can be particularly risky to cross after rain.

(8.43km) Deep Bay Creek crossing → Int of GNW and Coreen Close western trail

840 m
32 mins
187m
-25m

Hard track

Continue straight: From beside the creek, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[181] east, away from the creek, up the steep rocky hill[182]. The track soon passes between two rock slabs[183], then passes a handrail to climb up two metal pegs beside some more hand railing[184]. The track then continues to climb up for another 50m before mostly flattening[185] out for about 150m. the track then starts to climb again and soon steps up a rock with two more metal pegs[186]. Then after another 70m, the track climbs up past a sandstone cave[187] and heads up a crack in the rock with four metal pegs[188], then just past the next cave[189], goes up another rock with a single peg[190]. A short time later, this walk leads up another rock with two pegs[191], where the track then leads up the steps through a cleft of a rock[192]. Here the track mostly flattens out and leads gently uphill for almost 200m until crossing a small saddle, marked with a two GNW arrow post beside each other[193]. The track then leads steeply up[194] to a fair sized rock platform, with rewarding views[195] back over Berowra Creek (on your left). From this view point, the track leads fairly gently uphill for almost 150m, coming to a T-intersection[196] with a wide sandy management trail.

(9.26km) Int of GNW and Coreen Close service trail → Int of ridge top campsite and GNW

220 m
4 mins
2m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow along the sandy management trail[197], heading south. The trail immediately bends left[198] and passes a track[199] (on your right, that runs generally parallel to this trail). This trail leads down through the scribbly gum and heath forest[200], where the trail widens (after about 70m) and then comes to an intersection[201] beside the large ridge top campsite[202][203]. There is a ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[204] here, pointing back along the trail.

Ridge Top Campground

About 800m from Turners Rd, Berowra Heights lies this pleasant ridge top campsite. This is a fairly popular campsite on the Great North Walk, providing a flat area[205] with plenty of shade. There are no facilities (or water) at this large campsite. A faint track leads west from the campsite to an unfenced cliff with great views over the Berowra Waters Valley[206].

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(9.49km) Int of ridge top campsite and Great North Walk → Joe Crafts Creek crossing

1.7 km
37 mins
24m
-196m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan Station’ sign[207], directly away from the campsite along the clear track. The track leads over a small rise[208] and then heads down to a four-way intersection[209] with a management trail (and the GNW track continuing ahead).
Continue straight: From the intersection[210], this walk follows the GNW arrow post[211] east along the track as it leads very gently downhill along the top of the ridge. Over the next 300m, the track passes a rock platform[212] and comes to a second rock platform with more views[213] and a ‘Great North Walk’ log book box[214] on a post. After leaving your note (and reading through a few entries), this walk continues down along the top of the ridge for another 200m to step down off another rock platform[215] (ignoring the track to your left). Here the walk starts to head downhill for the next 1km – initially the track leads down a series of short rocky steep sections[216][217], and passes some interesting large rock boulders[218][219] along the way. As the track moves further into the valley, it becomes consistently steeper[220] until leading down leading into the ferns and beside Joe Crafts Creek[221][222].

(11.14km) Joe Crafts Creek crossing → Valley viewing area

660 m
26 mins
158m
-5m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the western bank, this walk crosses Joe Crafts Creek[223][224] and heads east up the clear track. This creek may be particularly dangerous to cross after heavy or prolonged rain. The track climbs up a series of stone steps[225], passing through a couple of cracks in the rock[226] before a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[227] about 60m from the creek. The rocky track continues to climb steeply up for about 300m, then climbs up a timber (and metal) staircase[228], followed by a few section of handrail[229]. Here the walk leads up around the base of rock wall[230] and then climbs up the side to the top of the large, unfenced rock platform with great valley views[231]. The walk continues up the ridge line for another 200m, very gently at first[232], then more steeply up the rocky sections[233]. The track heads along the base of another rock wall[234], then up the stone steps[235] and past the handrail to come to an intersection marked with a ‘Great North Walk – Viewing Area’ sign[236]. The short track (on your right) leads to a seat at the edge of an unfenced cliff with views[237] and a seat[238].

(11.8km) Valley viewing area → Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail

1.7 km
35 mins
58m
-73m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection near the ‘viewing point’[239], this walk heads gently uphill directly away from the viewing area, keeping the valley on your right[240]. The track leads up a few short, moderately steep sections[241] for about 100m, then the track heads much more gently up through the open scribbly gum forest[242] for about 400m before passing under the power lines[243]. Here, the walk turns left and follows the wide trail[244] for about 40m and turns right[245] (before the locked gate), following a GNW arrow post[246] under another set of power lines[247]. The walk follows the track through the pleasant forest[248] for just shy of 300m then crosses the dirt Glendale Rd[249] to find ‘Berowra Waters’ sign[250] pointing back across the intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cowan’ sign[251] away from the dirt road and down along the rocky and sandy track. The track winds through the forest (with some interesting twisted, thin scribbly gums[252][253]) for about 600m before bending left and following under a set of power lines[254]. Near the Pacific Hwy (up to your right), this walk continues for about 150m and crosses over a very short section of timber boardwalk[255] before climbing up a few steps to a T-intersection with a wide management trail[256].

(13.51km) Int of GNW and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan trackhead

500 m
11 mins
27m
-13m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post[257] gently downhill, keeping the valley views to your left[258]. The trail gently winds behind some houses (up to your right) for about 400m before bending right and heading up through a weedy section[259]. The walk then passes around a locked gate[260] to come to an intersection with a footpath, just before the Pacific Hwy[261] and across from Cowan station. There is a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[262] here, pointing back to ‘Sydney Cove’.

(14.01km) Int of Great North Walk and Pacific Highway service trail → Cowan Station

40 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Great North Walk arrow across the Pacific Highway (be careful of traffic) to the ramp at the front of Cowan Railway Station.

(14.05km) Cowan Station → Freeway Bridge

300 m
6 mins
8m
-15m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the front of Cowan station[263], this walk follows the GNW arrow[264] up the concrete ramp, turning right to cross the track at the controlled ‘Pedestrian Railway Crossing’[265][266]. The walk follows the ramp onto platform 1 (Sydney-bound side) then around the shelter[267] to follow the GNW arrow post right, down the steps[268] and through the gate. Here the walk crosses the train lines (train storage area) and turns left, following the ‘Brooklyn’ sign[269] along the wide management trail[270]. After 130m, the trail leads past an electrical switching area[271] then turns right at the large ‘Great North Walk’ signposts[272]. Here, the narrower trail leads between the fences over a small rise[273] to cross the freeway on a large, fenced concrete bridge[274].

(14.35km) Freeway Bridge → Jerusalem Bay

2.2 km
50 mins
61m
-222m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the overpass, this walk heads away from the freeway and down the wide track[275]. The track leads down a series of timber steps[276][277], then over a small rise (among the scribbly gums[278]) where the track begins to narrow and lead more steeply down a rocky section[279]. The walk then heads down a series of timber steps[280] (passing a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[281]), and crosses a short section of timber boardwalk[282]. At the other end of the boardwalk, this track leads left over a rock platform[283] (with a small creek flowing after rain) and then turns right to step off the rock platform[284].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the rocky track[285][286]. The track leads past a few rock walls[287] over about 350m, then turns right onto, then steps down off, a long thin rock platform[288]. The track continues down along the side of the valley for another 200m, passing into a much more lush and dense forest[289], where the track then crosses the creek at a large rock platform[290]. On the other side of the creek, the track leads right down along the other side of the valley[291], passing a few small sandstone overhangs[292][293] then a particularly broad angophora tree[294] after about 500m. Soon after this angophora, the track leads down some rock steps[296] then begins to widen for about 300m, and passes a small track (on your right) marked with a ‘No Camping or fires allowed’ sign[297]. By this point, the broad waters (or mud flats, depending on the tide) of Cowan Creek are obvious[298], on your right. The walk now continues along the generally broad and flat track[299] for another 500m, then climbs up a set of concrete steps[300], marked with a GNW arrow post. At the top of these steps is a large, fairly flat clearing[301] with a ‘No Camping’ and a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[302] and a great view up the middle of Jerusalem Bay[303].

Jerusalem Bay

Jerusalem Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a nice bay east of Cowan Station. The bay is popular with bushwalkers as it is part of the Great North Walk. The bay is sometimes known for an iconic photo of the single palm in front of the water. The bay itself is also popular with boaters who can anchor in the bay. Jerusalem Bay can be accessed by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay or from Brooklyn or Cowan Railway Stations.

(16.5km) Jerusalem Bay → Ridge Top

1.1 km
37 mins
201m
-24m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the clearing at Jerusalem Bay, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[304], keeping the water to your right. The track bends left then leads down some sandstone steps[305] (with a handrail). The track soon becomes fairly rough and follows the shoreline[306] for about 200m before crossing a rocky and mossy gully[307]. On the other side of this gully, the track tends right, following the GNW arrow post[308] past a sandstone overhang[309], and over a small flat timber bridge[310]. Just past this bridge, the track bends left and starts to climb steeply[311] up the particularly rocky track[312]. After about 300m of climbing, the track passes a small clearing with a small seat[313] (on your right). Over the next 400m, the rocky track still heads up, but is generally less steep[314][315]. The walk then comes to a large rock outcrop[316], where the track turns right to head up through a rocky gully[317]. About 60m after this climb, the track leads up another short climb[318] to a rock platform[319], then a third consecutive climb[320] leads up through a crack in a rock[321] to find a much welcomed bench seat[322] and ‘Great North Walk – Track Register’ log book box[323][324]. From here, the walk follows the the track gently uphill for another 60m to a ‘Jerusalem Bay’ sign[325] pointing back along the track, at the top of the ridge.

(17.58km) Ridge Top → Campbells Ck

760 m
18 mins
3m
-120m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the top of the ridge, this walk follows the ‘Brooklyn Dam’ sign[326], gently uphill, heading north through the tall heath. The mostly flat track leads through the forest[327], with an occasional glimpse[328][329] to the freeway and down to Brooklyn. after about 400m, the track bends left and leads through a long cleft in the rock[330]. Here the track start to head more and more steeply down[331] for the next 350m, until heading down some timber steps[332] which lead to Campbells Creek. The walk steps over the small (orange, polluted [333]) creek to find a flat sandy clearing [334] a few metres past the creek.

(18.35km) Campbells Ck → Int. Jerusalem Bay Trk and Brooklyn Dam Service Trail

1.2 km
34 mins
146m
-39m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the small clearing[335], this walk follows the clear track away from the creek, and soon bends left then begins to climb. The rocky track climbs steeply for about 200m, passing among the grass trees and eucalyptus[336]. The track flattens out and passes alongside a rock wall[337], then resumes the climb up the hill. At the top of this climb, the track passes a couple of small rock overhangs[338] then climbs about halfway up a section of rock[339] to follow the longer section of rock platform[340] to the right. The track then gently undulates along the side of the hill, passing a section of hand rail[341] after about 70m. The track then follows a series of small rock walls[342] (on your left) for about 250m before climbing up onto a flat, sandy track. This soon leads to a faint intersection[343] (with a track on your right, which goes to a large rock platform[344]). From here, the sandy track stays mostly flat[345] for about 300m before veering left at a GNW arrow post, leading up a more rocky section of track[346] and then climbing up some steel pegs[347] in the rock wall at the next GNW arrow post[348]. Here the track leads up the short hill and comes to a T-intersection with a wide management trail, where a ‘Jerusalem Bay’ sign[349] points back down the hill.

(19.53km) Int. Jerusalem Bay Trk and Brooklyn Dam Service Trail → NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite

4.1 km
1 hr 25 mins
117m
-228m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Brooklyn’ sign[350] down along the wide management trail, initially keeping the power lines to your right[351]. The trail gently undulates along the top of the ridge for about 700m, passing a few short side tracks[352][353] (which lead to the power poles) and distant valley glimpses. The trail leads over a solid rock platform[354] and less than 100m later, the walk leads past a track[355] (on your right, which leads to a unfenced view over the valleys[356], from the power pole). The walk continues along the main trail for another 90m then follows a GNW arrow post[357] as the trail bends left[358], then right, to head downhill notably steeply for a short time[359]. The trail then continues to undulate along the top of the ridge for about 1.2km, passing more side tracks to power poles[360][361] (some with unfenced views). The walk then comes to a point where the trail bends sharply right[362], and there is a filtered view over the Hawkesbury River to Peats Ferry Bridge[363]. From here, the walk heads quiet steeply down[364] for about 400m to pass under some power lines[365], where the trail then bends sharply left[366] (enjoying some filtered views down to Brooklyn Dam[367] and the Hawkesbury[368], on your right), passing under then same power lines again. The trail soon flattens out, coming to a faint three-way intersection[369] (with a re-vegetating track on your right), marked with a ‘Great North Walk’ sign[370].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk’ sign[371] along the wide management trail as it initially leads over a small rise[372] then heads downhill, keeping the valley to your right. After about 300m, the trail turns sharp right at the T-intersection with another wide trail[373]. This flat wide trail[374] follows the power lines for about 250m to then veer left (at the Y-intersection[375]), heading downhill away from the power lines. The trail leads downhill for just shy of 300m, passing the speed hump signs[376] to then bend right at the large clearing[377] (ignoring the fenced trail[378] on your left). Then about 100m later, this walk ignores another fenced trail[379] (on your left) as this trail is still bending right. Here the trail heads around the side of the hill for 400m to come to an intersection with a track[380] (on your left, leading a few meters to the signposted campsite[381]) marked with a GNW arrow post[382].

Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam

The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site.

(23.67km) NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite → NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite

180 m
4 mins
7m
-7m

Hard track

Turn left: From this intersection, this walk follows the track[383] east, away from the main trail and through the small ‘Brooklyn Dam’ campsite[384]. On the other side of the campsite, the narrow track bends right and leads down into the gully[385], down a few concrete steps[386] then heading alongside the small creek. Just before the dam wall, the track bends left, across the creek[387] and up the short rocky hill[388] to find a larger clearing[389]. There is a good view over the dam[390] (on your right). The track continues bending right through the clearing, and up a short hill to an intersection with the wide trail[391]. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

(23.67km) NW Brooklyn Dam Campsite intersection → NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite

790 m
15 mins
15m
-15m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrows post[392] south along the wide trail, soon passing alongside the dam[393] (on your left). About 40m after passing edge of the dam wall, this walk comes to an intersection with a re-vegetating track[394] (on your right) and a large ‘Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Brooklyn Dam’ sign[395] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post along the wide trail, keeping the dam to your left. (This section of trail leads around to the far side of the dam.) After just over 250m, the trail crosses a small creek (at the apex of the dam) then continues bending left. The track passes some old concrete pipes[396] (on your left) then after about 400m, the trail comes to an intersection with a clearing and dam wall (to your left).

Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam

The large campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a spacious and well-maintained campsite which has room for plenty of tents. The close proximity to the dam means accessible water (treat before drinking). The campsite has many tall, shady trees and is a fuel stove only site. The concrete dam wall was built in 1884 to provide water for the steam trains passing about 500m to the north. The dam was enlarged six times before 1924, then in in 1989 the dam was added to the expanded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

(24.46km) NE Brooklyn Dam Campsite → Int of Hawkesbury Track and Brooklyn Trail

1.6 km
34 mins
86m
-38m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow post uphill along the management trail[397], directly away from the dam. After about 30m, the trail bends right and passes a ‘Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Brooklyn Dam’ sign[398] and continues uphill for another 150m, to where the trail becomes less steep (enjoying some filter views over the Hawkesbury[399] on your left) for about 180m. Here a GNW arrow post[400] guides along a short track (on the left), that runs parallel[401] before re-joining the main trail again a short distance later. The walk then continues uphill to veer right at a three-way intersection[402], under the power lines, then about 120m later, this walk veers right[403] again at another three-way intersection. About 70m up from here, the walk veers left[404] at another three-way intersection, this time the trail generally follows the power lines[405] along the side of the ridge. After another 300m, the trail bends right and passes under a set of high tension power lines[406], then continues to gently undulate for another 600m to come to a three-way intersection (with a clearing and trail[407] on your left) and a ‘Cowan’ sign[408] pointing back along the trail.

(26.02km) Int of Hawkesbury Track and Brooklyn Trail → Int of George & William Sts

1.1 km
25 mins
14m
-127m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Brooklyn Station’ sign[409] gently downhill along the management trail, keeping the Hawkesbury River glimpses to your left. The trail gently undulates[410] for about 600m before bending left to find a large clearing[411] and water glimpses. From the clearing, the trail starts to lead downhill[412] towards the water, and after nearly 100m, the trail leads steeply down a short section of concreted trail[413]. Just after this, the trail leads steeply again over a longer section of concrete[414], where the trail then leads through a rock cutting[415] to find an even longer and steeper section of concrete trail[416]. This section of concrete leads down for about 220m, sweeping left to head around a locked gate[417], past a large ‘Great North Walk’ sign[418] to find the southern end of William St. Here the walk turns right to head down William St[419] then across George St[420] to find a few ‘Great North Walk’ signs on the corner[421].

(27.14km) Int of George & William Sts → Int of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds

200 m
4 mins
2m
-5m

Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Great North Walk – Direct Route’ sign[422] gently uphill along the footpath beside George St. At the top of this hill, the walk turns right onto ‘Bridge St’[423] and heads down past a cafe, post office[424] and ‘The Anglers Rest’[425] (on the other side of the road) and crosses ‘Brooklyn Rd’ to find a phone box[426] on the other side.

Brooklyn Accomodation

Brooklyn is a lovely little village with plenty of holiday style accommodation. There are several small cafe/restaurants in the area, good choice for cooked meals. There are two options for overnight visits, both need to be booked in advance. Brooklyn Motel: Newly renovated accommodation on Bridge St,nearly opposite The Anglers Rest. This studio style accommodation starts from $120 per night with a spa, television and free wifi. Ph: 99858540 or 0410454530. Breakfast can be organised for an extra fee. The Anglers Rest: Pub style accommodation on the intersection of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds. There are shared bathroom facilities. From $60 single and $90 a double. Breakfast not included (but you can grab breakfast from a cafe) PH:(02)9985-7257

(27.35km) Int of Brooklyn AND Dangar Rds → Hawkesbury River Railway Station

90 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath down along Dangar Road past the phone box[427], keeping the train line and road to your left. The path soon leads past the community centre[428] then the blue painted ‘JJs Brooklyn’ fish and chip store[429] to come to the sandstone ‘Obelisk’ commemorating the naming of the Hawkesbury River[430]. This is just on the other side of the road, opposite some large ‘Great North Walk’ signs and the Hawkesbury River Railway Station[431].

Maps for the Crosslands to Brooklyn 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
Cowan	1:25 000 Map Series	91304N COWAN	NSW-91304N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Crosslands to Brooklyn bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Crosslands to Brooklyn

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	4 hrs 17 mins	9.5 km
2	7 hrs 3 mins	18.1 km

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	27.4 km
		Time	2 Days
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 9km is very steep. Whilst another 8km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.6km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

13km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 6km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

24km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 2.8km is clearly signposted. The remaining (1.1km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

17km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 10km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (670m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

25km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 2.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (660m) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

17km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 10km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (760m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Crosslands to Brooklyn walk starts at the Crosslands Carpark (gps: -33.628707, 151.10905)
Your main transport option to Crosslands Carpark is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Crosslands to Brooklyn ends at the Hawkesbury River Railway Station (gps: -33.547222, 151.22659)
Your transport options to Hawkesbury River Railway Station are by;

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/cttrtc

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂