Trail Fast Facts
Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park is a 27km, grade 5 hike in Berowra Valley National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 3-4 days to complete.
Hike Overview
Also known as Benowie walking track, this beautiful bushland walk through Berowra Valley National Park follows Berowra Creek for 25km of the iconic Great North walk between Sydney and Newcastle.
This section of the walk, from Pennant Hills to Berowra Waters, takes about two to three days to walk, with several places to camp along the way. If you'd prefer a shorter walk, you can always break the trail up into more manageable sections, particularly if you're taking the kids out for the day.
Join the walk from Pennant Hills, Westleigh, Hornsby, Galston Gorge picnic area or Berowra Waters, and head out into the bush for an adventure. For a longer walk extend your trip south along the Great North walk - Lane Cove National Park or link up with the Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and continue north towards Newcastle.
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Tips
Make sure you prepare well if you're planning to walk overnight. Bring weather-appropriate gear, sunscreen and let someone know where you are going.
Berowra creek is susceptible to pollution. Swimming should be avoided for three days after heavy rainfall or if the water is discoloured.
Check out the Department of Industry, Lands and Forestry website for more information about Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
To Berowra Waters. Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park is in Berowra Valley National Park. To get there:From the M2 Motorway, take the Pennant Hills Road exit and head north.Turn left at Observatory Park to stay on Pennant Hills RoadTurn left onto Boundary Road in Pennant HillsTurn right onto Bellamy Street and follow all the way to the end of the road, where the track beginsYou can also join the walk from:Quarter Sessions Road, Westleigh.Manor Road, Hornsby.Galston Gorge picnic area on Galston RoadNear Dusthole Bay in Berowra WatersAlternatively, if taking public transport:The track is about 1km from either Hornsby or Pennant Hills train stationsCheck out the Transport Info website for more information. Park entry points Berowra Waters See on map Manor Road, Hornsby See on map Quarter Sessions Road, Westleigh See on map Somerville Road access See on map Parking Parking is available at the end of Bellamy Street, Pennant Hills, and on other residential streets in Hornsby and Westleigh, with limited spaces at Galston Gorge picnic area.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Berowra Valley National Park is a protected national park that is in northern Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The 3,884-hectare national park is situated approximately 20 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district. Berowra Valley National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger Crosslands Reserve is open 8am to 7.30pm during daylight savings and 9am to 5pm the rest of the year Barnetts Road Reserve and the lookout is closed from sunset to sunrise.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.