Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a 11km, grade 4 One Way hike located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, NSW. The hike should take approximately 5hrs to complete.

Summary

Ever dreamt 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.

About the Region

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am at other times of the year. Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am at other times of the year. No vehicle access to The Basin campground or to Barrenjoey Headland
10am to 4pm daily. 9am to 4pm during summer school holidays, closed 12pm-12:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
9am to 5pm daily. 9am to 4pm daily in June and July. Closed Christmas Day.

Getting There

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.

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.