Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the thrill of the legendary Great North Walk with an exhilarating 11km bushwalk through the dense bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This Grade 4 (Hard) track, best suited for experienced bushwalkers, starts from Cowan Train Station, leading you through stunning wilderness views, past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed, and ending at the spectacular Jerusalem Bay. Only an hour from Sydney, this trail offers a challenging climb and rewarding views over Cowan Water, making it a must for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

11km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: 1149 B83

End: 1149 B83

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Cowan

From state capital: 41.5km

Latitude: -33.59327108

Longitude: 151.1718274

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Hike overview

Ever dreaMount of completing the legendary Great North walk? Why not try a taster, without wearing out your walking boots? Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a challenging section that winds through dense bushland within the park. Starting from Cowan Train Station, it's not just the scenic wilderness views that will take your breath away. It's definitely a track for the experienced bushwalker.
Descending steeply, you'll hardly believe you're only an hour from the centre of Sydney. The track leads past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed and on to Jerusalem Bay. Stop here for a break and take in the spectacular views over Cowan Water before tacking the hard climb to Brooklyn. You might be in need of a beverage or two at the pub before catching the train at Hawkesbury River Train Station.
Continue your Great North walk exploration by linking with Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park towards Sydney or continue north along Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park.

Tips

Check the weather before you set out as Jerusalem Bay track can become boggy when it rains
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch

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.

Track grade

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Great North Walk: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Hike (11km)

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Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

To Brooklyn, William Street. Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is in the northern precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:From Sydney or NewcastleFollow the Pacific Highway to Cowan Train StationThe walk begins just north of the station heading east across the F3 Sydney to Newcastle FreewayAlternatively, if beginning from Brooklyn:From Sydney or NewcastleFollow the F3 Sydney to Newcastle FreewayTake the Mooney Mooney/Brooklyn exitFollow the Pacific Highway south across the Hawkesbury RiverTurn left into Brooklyn Road and continue to Hawkesbury River Train StationThe walk begins a short walk away at the end of William StreetAlternatively, if taking public transport:The track is a short walk from either Cowan Train Station or Hawkesbury River Train StationCheck out the Transport Info website for more information. Park entry points Brooklyn, William Street See on map Cowan Railway Station See on map Parking Parking is available at Cowan Train Station, Hawkesbury River Train Station, Brooklyn or William Street, Brooklyn.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Located in Sydney's north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for school excursions. Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.

Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a recreational favourite for locals and visitors alike. This large park, in Sydney's north, lets you feel at one with nature without leaving the Sydney metropolitan area. A heritage-listed park, it combines important history with scenic beauty.

Winding creeks and stretches of ocean meet rainforest and eucalypts, rocky cliffs and mangroves. Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts and significant Aboriginal sites. You'll still have plenty of time to discover its marinas, cafes, kiosks and well-equipped picnic areas."

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Akuna Bay, Bayview, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Bobbin Head, Church Point, Davidson, Elanora Heights, Frenchs Forest, Gordon, Hornsby, Ingleside, Manly, Mona Vale, Mosman, Mount Colah, Newport, North Narrabeen, North Sydney, North Turramurra, Pittwater, Pymble, St Ives, Terrey Hills, Wahroonga, Warrimoo, Warringah

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Great North Walk: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Hike (11km)

8 Reviews on “Great North Walk: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Hike (11km)”

Overall rating

Kristi Ayerst

Vincent Ayerst

24/03/2022, 05:15

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Mark Little

There are camping grounds for this out and back hike?

24/03/2022, 05:15

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Tricia Sharkey

Michael Sharkey

24/03/2022, 05:15

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Sara Dodds

This photo is at Brooklyn, I believe. You’d walk up this hill towards the Brooklyn Dam campsite, heading south towards Jerusalem Bay – Cowan..

24/03/2022, 05:15

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Acknowledgement of Country

Great north walk: ku-ring-gai chase hike (11km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Great North Walk: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Hike (11km)